Robson Opticians  Believe That Great Eyes Are Worth It

Our Story

Our history dates back to Victorian Era Newcastle, where a young Frederick Robson established F. Robson & Co. on Dean Street in 1867.
Originally, the work mainly involved the manufacture of measuring equipment such as slide rules and barometers. However, the introduction of the NHS in the 1940s, and NHS-funded sight care along with it, changed the primary focus of the business towards the more familiar supply of spectacles that is seen today.
Robson’s has had a rich history – it was one of the first practices to install a slit lamp (found in all opticians practices today) and was often the location of local Contact Lens Society meetings as a result.
Since 1919, the practice has been located in a Grade II listed building, 16 Pilgrim Street, and it is still there to this day.

Practice Opened

Robson Opticians (then F. Robson & Co) first opened on Dean Street in 1867.

New Premises

In February 1919, Robson’s acquired the current premises at 16 Pilgrim Street

Team Grows

In 2012 Elaine Davis and Andrew Brent join Jonathan Leech as the core clinical team

A New Era

2019 marks 100 years at Pilgrim Street, and the start of a new era at Robson Opticians

Meet The Team

Our clinical team are here to look after you throughout your experience with us.

Elaine Davis FBDO
Elaine Davis FBDODirector / Dispensing Optician
Elaine has worked in optics for over 30 years. Her career began in 1980, working for an independent practice in London. She moved to Newcastle in 1991 and has been managing our practice since 2012. She is a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and holds a MA in Business Management.
Andrew Brent BSc (hons) MCOptom
Andrew Brent BSc (hons) MCOptomDirector / Optometrist
Andrew graduated from the University of Manchester in 2010. He has worked for two independent groups in the North East and has worked at Robson’s from 2012-2016 and from 2019 to today. He is a member of the College of Optometrists and the North East Optical Society.
Jonathan Leech BSc (hons) MCOptom
Jonathan Leech BSc (hons) MCOptomOptometrist
Jonathan has worked at the practice since 1994, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger Leech. He is a member of the College of Optometrists
Holly Proud FdSc MSHAA RHAD
Holly Proud FdSc MSHAA RHADAudiologist
The newest member of our team, Holly runs our Audiology clinic. A graduate of De Montfort University, Holly joined us in 2021 and combines a passion for hearing care with an intricate knowledge of all the latest technology in her field.

Thank you for the advice you gave me regarding my eye sight…
…Also many thanks for the speedy provision of my new glasses.

Mrs M.
Newcastle