The Team
Aimee
Practice Manager
Aimee
Practice Manager
A welsh girl through and through, Aimee is a fluent welsh speaker with over 24 years experience as a practice manager in the optical field. She’ll often tell you “she needs to get out more” as her zest for knowledge of not only lenses and frames but all things optical is something she prides herself on.
Outside of the world of optics Aimee loves rugby – she played for Cardiff and even managed the wales international team, but is now found doing more watching than playing. She also enjoys cooking and entertaining.
Jane
Principal Optometrist
Jane
Principal Optometrist
Jane came to Cardiff to study for her degree in Ophthalmic Optics back in 1987, fell in love with the Welsh way, and never returned to Oxford. She is a fluent Welsh speaker having started to learn the language whilst completing her Preregistration year in 1991, consolidated by a fond time living and working in North Wales in her early career.
Jane has always had a great interest in technology advances in the optical field, and how they can be used enhance the quality of her work as an Optometrist. This interest now influences all aspects of our work – with advanced examination, imaging and analysis technologies throughout the practice.
Outside of optics Jane has run 14 full marathons after retiring from playing rugby. Nowadays she is more likely to be found in her amazing garden, but or building something with her new found lover of carpentry.
Emily
Deputy Manager
Emily
Deputy Manager
Our longest serving employee – emily began her career in the optical field in 2013 starting as an optical assistant, she is now our deputy manager and “runs the show” in Aimee’s absence.
Outside of work Emily is now a mum to Marlee who keeps her and fiancé Marc very busy. When she has time she also enjoys a good horror film, spending time with her extended family and a proper pamper – always check out her nails they are a work of art.
Katy
Optometrist
Katy
Optometrist
Describing herself as a true Yorkshire lass, Katy studied Optometry at Bradford University, gaining her degree and immediately her professional qualification as an Optometrist. We were lucky to welcome Katy Wales after the family made the move down to Crickhowell more than 20 years ago, following work and the rural way of life.
As a mother of 3 boys life is busy, but Katy’s calm and organised approach we see with her work is sure to originate from keeping her husband and boys in check! Katy’s other talent beyond Optometry is music, she is an accomplished guitarist and gifted singer, and not shy at delivering some pretty impressive musical theatre numbers on the karaoke!
Rachel
Optical Advisor
Rachel
Optical Advisor
The newest member of our team. From Blackwood, Rachel has 3 years experience in optics. Rachel has developed a thorough and extensive knowledge of spectacle lens options, alongside imparting valuable advice regarding frame & prescription suitability. In a fashion perspective, she is also a very helpful and honest ‘talking mirror’ when it comes to frame choice!
Small in stature but big in character, with an even larger sense of humour. If you’ve not yet experienced it – Rachel’s laugh is infectious!! Outside of work Rachel enjoys going to gigs, concerts and festivals. She also enjoys cooking and baking.
Adam
Optical Technician
Adam
Optical Technician
Though most will say that Adam does not look old enough, he has 21 years experience as a technician in the optical field. He is a highly skilled technician, with excellent product knowledge across all lens areas. His highly organised glazing lab is a credit to his working methods, and demonstrates his attention to detail approach to all glazing undertaken.
Adam joined us here at The Optic Shop in May 2019, as we moved to our new premises in John Street.
From Abertillery, he is a family man, who enjoys nothing better than a settling down to watch a movie with the kids – Marvel and Superhero being firm favourites. He has advanced to become a green belt in the martial art of Korean Tang-soo-do, and also enjoys weightlifting and bodybuilding outside of work and family life.
Nicola
Optometrist
Nicola
Optometrist
Originally from Carmarthen, Nicola gained the first of her BSc degrees in Genetics at Aberdeen University, moving on to work within the pharmaceutical field for the following years. She had her calling for Optometry about 10 years ago – going as a mature student to Cardiff University to study Optometry, and gather her second degree and onto professional qualification as an Optometrist. Her hunger for study continues, as she is currently en route to gaining her Independent Prescriber qualification, quite an achievement. Along with her knowledge Nicola brings energy and enthusiasm to her work.
When not looking after eyes Nicola enjoys creating masterpieces in the kitchen for friends and family, and has a keen creative side immersing herself in an array of arts and crafts.
Kim
Optometrist
Kim
Optometrist
Kim decided to become an optometrist when she was 14 years old, following work experience at her local optometry practice, where she enjoyed meeting different people and became fascinated by eyes. After graduating from Aston University in 2004, her career began with a family-run, independent practice in the North-East of England, where she is from. Five years later, Kim and her future husband moved to Jersey where they enjoyed the beautiful beaches and sunny climes. A further five years on, after getting married and going on a six month-long honeymoon around the world, they decided to leave island life behind and move to Wales to be closer to family. Kim has been testing eyes at The Optic Shop in Abergavenny since 2016 and thoroughly enjoys working with the latest optical equipment and professional, yet fun-loving staff. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her two energetic and entertaining boys, cooking and walking in the beautiful local countryside.
B.B. – Crosby – LwLw
Canine Team
B.B. – Crosby – LwLw
Canine Team
LwLw (Hylabaloo) – the young lady of the pack. She simply loves water, and being fussed by humans – that’s why they were placed on earth in her opinion! She’s the Beauty.
Crosby – our middle boy, our courageous one, He’s in charge. Has an addiction to tennis balls, in fact any ball! He’s the Brawn.
B.B. – the oldest, and wisest of our gang. Has a particular skill in scent finding, and loves food, all food! The Brains.
Our canines are in most days, and have their own dedicated area in the practice.
