Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Opticians in Kent Since 1926
Cargills Opticians have been dedicated to professional eyecare since 1926, serving communities across Kent with expertise and personalised service. Our team of qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians utilise modern equipment to deliver comprehensive eye examinations, advanced diagnostic imaging, and tailored vision solutions. We specialise in children's eye care, contact lenses, spectacles, and specialist services such as OCT scanning and visual stress assessment.With a commitment to accessibility and innovation, we ensure patients receive impartial advice and the latest eyecare products. Our practices in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Hythe combine heritage with cutting-edge technology to maintain the highest standards of ocular health and customer satisfaction.
Services
Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
Spectacle Frames
OCT Scanning
Children's Eye Care
Visual Stress Assessment
Myopia Management
Low Vision Aids
Contact Lens Care
Sunglasses
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We offer over 95 years of experience in independent optician services.
- Our team provides personalised eyecare tailored to individual visual needs.
- We utilise advanced diagnostic technology including OCT scanning.
- We deliver specialist children's eye examinations and myopia management.
- Our practices offer extended NHS-funded services for eye health monitoring.
Services
Eye Examinations
Our comprehensive eye examinations assess visual acuity, ocular health, and muscle coordination using advanced diagnostic equipment. Qualified optometrists evaluate prescriptions, detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, and provide detailed explanations of results. Private and NHS-funded options available for adults and children, with additional MECS appointments for urgent eye conditions.
Contact Lenses
We offer tailored contact lens solutions including daily disposables, monthly lenses, and specialist options for astigmatism or presbyopia. Our opticians provide fitting assessments, insertion/removal training, and ongoing care guidance. Myopia control lenses like MiSight 1 day and overnight vision correction with EyeDream are available for suitable candidates.
Spectacle Frames
Our dispensing experts assist with selecting frames suited to facial structure, prescription requirements, and lifestyle needs. We stock designer, budget, and specialist frames including hypoallergenic and durable options. Children's and adolescent ranges feature themed designs, with NHS voucher compatibility and 50% discounts on second pairs available.
OCT Scanning
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) creates 3D retinal scans to detect early signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This non-invasive test provides cross-sectional views of retinal layers, enabling precise monitoring of ocular health. Ideal for patients with family histories of eye disease or those requiring pre-surgical cataract assessments.
Children's Eye Care
Specialised examinations for children from age 4 identify visual development issues, including myopia progression and binocular vision problems. We offer coloured overlays for visual stress, myopia control lenses, and durable frames for active lifestyles. NHS-funded tests and spectacle vouchers ensure accessible care for young patients.
Questions
Are eye examinations available on the NHS?
Yes, NHS-funded eye tests are available for eligible patients including children under 16, adults over 60, and those with specific medical conditions. Contact your local practice for eligibility details.
What is OCT scanning used for?
OCT scanning detects early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy by creating detailed 3D retinal images. It's recommended for patients with family histories of eye disease.
Can coloured overlays help with reading difficulties?
Yes, our visual stress assessment identifies if coloured overlays or tinted lenses improve reading fluency for conditions like Meares-Irlen syndrome. This service is available at all practices.
Do you provide emergency eye care?
Yes, our MECS service addresses urgent issues like red eyes, sudden vision changes, or foreign objects. Contact us directly or visit our website for after-hours options.
Are there discounts on second pairs of glasses?
Yes, we offer a 50% discount on a second pair of spectacles when purchasing a complete first pair. This includes single vision, bifocal, and varifocal lenses.
