Onlookers Opticians: Expert Eyecare for everyone.

Onlookers is a family run opticians supplying top quality prescription eyewear, the majority of which are manufactured on site in our own laboratory in Driffield.

Our lab is equipped with the latest in optical manufacturing technology, enabling us to produce spectacles to the very highest standards. Our skilled technicians have years of experience manufacturing spectacles for the optical industry. When it comes to your eyewear, we really are the experts.

Our practice includes 3 Optometrists, and 3 qualified Dispensing Opticians to help you find the perfect eyewear solution.

Our Optometrists

We currently have 3 Optometrists at Onlookers: Gemma McDermott, Liz El Jassar, and Nigel Hackett.

All are accredited MECS providers. This means they are registered to provide care for minor eye conditions such as red eyes, foreign bodies, sudden onset visual problems and more. The MECS scheme is NHS funded to help relieve pressure on GP practices.

If you require any of our services please call 01377 200040 and book an appointment.

What Our Customers Say

Have recently bought a pair of Oakley golf prescription glasses, as my old pair of adidas were showing signs of wear. Andy had suggested looking at the Oakleys and I have to say they have made a significant difference to my golf game. I play off a 4 handicap and everything is so sharp and detailed. It doesn't matter what the light levels are, you can determine every shot or putt with confidence. The service and professionalism are second to none and I would without hesitation recommend Andy and his team for a consultation. Thanks again- Andrew Greetham
I have been an incredibly satisfied customer of Onlookers for more than 10 years and simply would not go anywhere else for either a sight test or new frames or lenses. The staff are always professional, extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and go out of their way to ensure the customer experience is top notch every time. The range of frames is impressive. Thank you all - I will no doubt see you again soon!- Julie Lidster
The fact that I am prepared to travel over 30 miles to Onlookers says it all. The professionalism experienced here is second to none. I have very specific spectacle requirements which High Street opticians simply cannot meet. Gemma recently identified a problem in my right eye and referred me to the eye clinic. The consultant confirmed Gemma's diagnosis. She commented upon Gemma's thoroughness and advised me that on no account should I change my optician. I shall follow her advice to the letter.- Roger Beck

Our Dispensing Opticians

Picture of Andy

Andy Hodgson - F.B.D.O.

Director & Dispensing Optician

I have worked in the optical industry for the past 18 years have been a qualified dispensing optician since 2008. I consider myself to be a people person therefore I enjoy meeting a number of different people on a daily basis and helping them with a wide variety of optical needs ranging from a person with dry eye to some one who needs a new pair of sports glasses for cycling or golf.

I particularly enjoy demonstrating the  Rudy Project range of sports glasses we supply as I have always been interested in sport.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and my 3 young children. In addition to this I enjoy keeping fit, going to the gym and am a very keen mountain biker getting up to Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire moors and the surrounding areas at least once a week.

Hannah Hodgson - F.B.D.O.

Dispensing Optician

I have been a qualified dispensing optician since 2008 and have worked in the optical industry for the past 16 years. Originally from Wiltshire I moved to this area in 2009, and now cannot imagine living anywhere else.

What I enjoy the most about my profession is meeting new people and to help them by giving the best advice I can to make sure their glasses are a joy to wear.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my young family and have recently taken up yoga. We spend many weekends walking in and around Dalby Forest.

Nicola Clements - F.B.D.O.

Dispensing Optician

I have worked in optics for over 20 years and have been a qualified dispensing optician since 2005. I am passionate about helping people choose the right eyewear solution for their individual needs. I also love helping children choose new specs as we have so many exciting styles available nowadays.

I have two children and when I am not spending time outdoors with them I enjoy CrossFit and running. I have completed 21 marathons in the last 6 years and in April 2017 I ran the London Marathon, which was an incredible experience. I raised over £3000 for VICTA, a charity supporting visually impaired children. I love exploring the Yorkshire Wolds and North York Moors at the weekends, either through running or walking.

Our Optometrists

Gemma McDermott - B.Sc MCOptom

Optometrist

After graduating from Cardiff university and qualifying as an optometrist in 2003, I have worked in a number of optical practices in Yorkshire building up a wide range of experience in optometry. In the last few years, I have honed my knowledge further by achieving additional qualifications in glaucoma from Bradford University and medical retina from Moorfields Eye Hospital. I also work at York Hospital one day a week as a specialist optometrist managing treatment for patients with wet macular degeneration. 

One of my main interests in practice is dry eye disease.  This is a common but often mis-managed condition that optometrists are well placed to offer advice and treatment solutions for. I love working for Onlookers as they allow me to look after all aspects of my patients’ eyecare without compromising on quality. I have access to the latest technology, time to really understand my patients’ needs and an expert, friendly team who always get it right.

Outside of work, I enjoy singing in an a cappella quintet whom I recently went on tour with to the Orkney islands. As well as spending time with my family in the great outdoors, I also like to dabble in a range of artistic endeavours like painting, crochet and ballet and am a supporter of environmental causes.

Liz El-Jassar - B.Sc, B.Sc (optom), MPA

Optometrist

My first degree was in Pharmacology and after a career in the pharmaceutical industry I returned to University to study Optometry. 

Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis, horse riding, running, the gym and walking my gorgeous dog Luna around the Wolds.  I have been learning the piano for many years with limited success. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to have visited many far-flung places over the years.

I love my job as I enjoy meeting and helping our wonderful patients, and at Onlookers I have access to the latest technology such as the OCT 3D scanner and Optomap wide field imaging system to provide the highest standard of care.

Nigel Hackett - B.Sc (Hons)

Optometrist

After many years in optics I am now semi-retired but still work on an ad hoc basis

I initially qualified as a dispensing optician working for 10 years in various roles across the country as far apart as Penzance and Hartlepool. I then attended Manchester university to train as an optometrist, working at numerous practices before finding my home at Onlookers where I have been for 10 years or so (that went quickly!)

My wife and I enjoy travelling, some of my favourite places being Easter Island, Burma, Ethiopia and Mexico. Last year we arrived home on the last flight from Sri Lanka before lockdown!

I have always enjoyed sport and fitness so have more time for this now, especially tennis and five-a-side (when allowed)

I have seen many technological advances in optics over the years and Onlookers have always embraced these, including installing the latest 3D macular scanning and retinal photography equipment. The time and attention to detail Onlookers show their patients is the reason I feel lucky to still be part of their team.

Our Support Staff

Kayleigh

Optical Advisor

I have been in the optical industry for the past 9 years, and joined Onlookers 6 years ago. I look after all our contact lens patients, from teaching them how to insert, remove and care for their contact lenses, to arranging their regular lens supply. I enjoy getting to know people and helping advise them on their new eyewear. In addition to this I assist the dispensing opticians in many ways including the dispensing and fitting of glasses.

Two years ago I studied for 18 months sitting and passed my exams for a Level 2 diploma in Optical Support, which I really enjoyed as it gives me a better understanding of all aspects of my role.

Outside of work most of my time is spent with my young family and our dog, Charlie. I also enjoy going to the gym.

Elaine

Receptionist/administrator

I have worked at Onlookers since 2014. I have lived around Driffield all my life so I like working for a local family business. I have a large family and lots of friends here, so I know a lot of our patients and I think it’s nice for people to see a familiar face when they come for their eye test. I enjoy the variety my job brings because as well as meeting and greeting the patients I liaise with other health care providers on a daily basis to ensure we provide the best care possible for all our patients.

In my free time I like to spend time on our family farm, or out walking with the dogs and my grown up children, I go the gym and have recently returned to open water swimming which I loved when I was younger.

Lynne

Optical Advisor

I have been in optics for 14 years and at Onlookers for nearly 2 years.

I thoroughly enjoy my job and enjoy helping patients choose frames that compliment both their personality and lifestyle whilst being suitable for their optical needs.

In my spare time, I adore spending time with my partner, family, friends and walking my two labradors, Jack and Buddy around the nearby beaches and countryside. At home I like to spend time experimenting in the kitchen and love partaking in yoga classes.