Who we are
North is an independent practice owned and run by ophthalmic optometrist Iain Thompson and his wife, Helen.
Outstanding eye care and great hospitality lie at the heart of this Chichester-based practice and underpins every customer experience. Iain and Helen are passionate about all things eye care: from advice on the best ways to look after your eyes over the course of a long life, to helping you choose a stunning new pair of spectacles, frames or lenses for razor-sharp vision.
NHS check ups and private appointments typically take forty minutes, with our advanced eye tests lasting an hour. All appointments are carried out in a relaxed, comfortable environment and feature the very best in clinical equipment and latest techniques.
Importantly, Iain allows sufficient time with each individual to discuss in full the results of their eye test, clarify and questions and give his best recommendations.
Featuring some of the most stunning independent eyewear design from around the world, our spectacles have a timeless, beautiful, artisan feel and are as individual as every face they adorn. The range of frames is regularly refreshed and are paired with premium lenses as standard
Your Optometrist
Iain Thompson MCOptom
Meet Iain
Iain Thompson is an ophthalmic optician and has been practicing for over 12 years, mainly in and around East and West Sussex.
For the past 10 years, Iain has enjoyed living in the sunny South Downs with his wife Helen and 3 young sons. When the westerly wind allows it, he’s quick to dust off his collection of kitesurfing boards and embrace the waves!
It was during his first degree in Psychology that Iain developed his interest in vision and perception. After graduating, he spent a few years teaching windsurfing and sailing, before returning to study and graduating with a 1st class honours degree in Optometry. At his graduation, he was also awarded the prize for best contact lens optician of the year.
Iain has worked for both high street multiple chain opticians and independent private practices, as well as also providing domiciliary eye care home visits. While working for Dollond and Aitchison, he was honoured with the title of ‘most trusted optician in the UK’, thanks to his patient reviews.
Practice Manager
Helen Thompson
Meet Helen
Helen Thompson started out as a Nanny before refocusing her career path and developing into a retail manager and gaining many years’ experience. She’s a mother to three amazing boys and Charlie the Cockerpoo. When she’s not working, she loves to play and build dens in the woods with her sons and dog.
Working alongside both Iain and the lovely North staff, Helen works tirelessly to deliver outstanding customer service and hospitality to everyone that visits North.
Our Ethos
We believe in good eye care
Our ethos is simple: to provide exceptional eye care, top quality, artisan-feel eyewear, competitive high-street prices and a welcoming, friendly environment.
We’re proud of the relationships we have with our customers and are driven by the ongoing support of our local community to keep our standards as high as they have become accustomed to.
Time for your eyes
Quality eye care takes time, that’s why we give you plenty.
Transparent costs
No hidden costs or surprises, just transparent, honest pricing.
Passionate about design
Independent and designer eyewear that’s as individual as you are.
Here for the community
Committed to delivering the highest standard of eye care to our local community.