meet the team

Welcome to Beswethericks

Beswetherick Opticians is a well established independent practice in Chard, delivering community eyecare for over 3 decades. With years of experience and our friendly approach you have come to the right place for all of your optical needs.

Practice owner and resident optometrist Duncan Stevens had his first ever eye exam and spectacles from Stephen Beswetherick himself many years ago, so ownership of the practice has been kept in the local community.

Duncan Stevens

Optometrist/owner

Duncan qualified as an Optometrist in 2008 from Cardiff University. His interest in optics was defined at a young age with his uncle also an optometrist , enlisting Duncan to help out in his practices since his teens! Duncan spread his wings in 2011 and went to work and live in Barbados, running a small practice under the guidance of a corneal ophthalmologist who encouraged his interest in clinical optometry. When Duncan returned to the U.K he worked with Kate for a number of years at her independent practice in Minehead before settling in East Devon and taking up practice ownership 5 years ago at The Honiton Eye Clinic. He is also working at Yeovil Hospital as part of the medical retina team and as a clinical trials optometrist. He also holds a sports vision diploma and is an independent prescriber. As well as a husband and dad his extended family include Daphne his dog, 6 chickens and a growing flock of sheep! Duncan has also given time to work for an aid charity in Africa.

Kate Webb

Practice Manager/owner

Kate started her career in optics in 1995 working for David Clulow, a fashion focused optical group based in London. After 12 years in company management Kate had a strong desire to progress to practice ownership. In 2008 the dream became a reality with the purchase of Cranmers Optometrists, one of the oldest optical practices in the U.K Alongside her optometrist buisness partner they developed a forward thinking clinical practice with patient care at its heart. In 2020 an opportunity arose for Kate to return home to East Devon to the town in which she was born to work in partnership with Duncan at The Honiton Eye Clinic. Kate is also a trustee for a local dementia charity and has worked alongside Somerset Sight for a number of years and is a recipient of The Queens Award for services to the charity. Kate loves walking with her 2 rescue dogs and Dave the dachshund and enjoys playing the drums.

Wendy King

Dispensing Optician

Wendy started out in optics in 1991. She qualified in 1994 after studying at City & East college London. In the early days of her career she worked for a multiple covering practices in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. After 10 years Wendy wanted to work in an Independent practice to offer a more personalised service and build longer lasting relationships with patients. The move was made in 2001 to Earlham & Christopher who owned a small group of 4 practices, one of them being Stephen Beswetherwicks in Chard which became independent from the others in 2005. Wendy has seen many changes in optics during the last 32 years but patient care has always been her focus. Wendy is a member of The Association Of British Dispensing Opticians and enjoys gardening, reading, walking and running which are all supervised by her 16yr old cat Tipsy!

Jo Truscott

Optometrist

Jo graduated from Aston University in 1999. She has worked across the optical sector including working as a specialist laser consultant for a number of years before taking a step back to start her family.

On return independent practice is where Jo decided to settle and has further enhanced her clinical skills with accreditation as an emergency eyecare practitioner and undertaking the independent prescribing qualification.
Jo enjoys the more complex eye conditions and has an excellent way of communicating her findings in words that can be easily understood.
Jo made her home in Chard in 2007. She is highly involved with community sports clubs. She has also been involved both in teaching and coaching for Ilminster swimming club and coaching ladies and girls rugby for both Chard and Yeovil rugby clubs. She also enjoys walking her dog Luna.

Naomi Hooper

Optical Assistant

Naomi started working in a local Independent opticians 10 years ago. She decided to spread her wings and explore a career in the housing sector. After a few years and missing being part of a practice Naomi has returned to optics at Beswetherwicks and even reunited will her previous colleague Jo Truscott. Naomi has a natural flair for frame styling and has a keen interest in spectacle fashion. She is also a great administrator and ensures the smooth day to day running of the practice. Naomi is passionate about fitness, she enjoys running, the gym and long walks in the countryside.

LET’S NOT FORGET THE REST OF THE TEAM

testimonial

Exceptional Eye Care Experience

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Stephen Beswetherick Opticians in Chard for my eye care needs, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who made me feel comfortable and welcomed.

The optician, Jo, meticulously conducted a comprehensive examination of my eyes, elucidating each procedure with precision and addressing all my inquiries with consummate professionalism. Jo’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence were palpable throughout the entire consultation.

Not only did Jo and her team provide me with an accurate prescription for my glasses, but they also took the time to help me select frames that suited my style and preferences. Their knowledge of the latest eyewear trends and technologies was impressive, and I felt confident in their recommendations.

Thanks to Jo and the team at Stephen Beswetherick Opticians I now have a pair of glasses that not only improve my vision but also complement my look. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of quality eye care. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!”

meet the team

Welcome to Beswethericks

Duncan Stevens

Optometrist/owner

Kate Webb

Practice Manager/owner

Wendy King

Dispensing Optician

Jo Truscott

Optometrist

Naomi Hooper

Optical Assistant

LET’S NOT FORGET THE REST OF THE TEAM

testimonial

Exceptional Eye Care Experience

Mark from Chard

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