Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Kent Opticians Since 1926
Cargills Optometrists Opticians have been providing professional eyecare services since 1926, establishing ourselves as a trusted independent optician across Kent. Our dedicated team combines decades of expertise with advanced technology to deliver personalized eye health solutions, including comprehensive eye examinations, specialist diagnostic services, and tailored eyewear. We pride ourselves on offering impartial advice, a wide selection of high-quality spectacles and contact lenses, and innovative treatments such as OCT scanning and myopia management. With a commitment to community care, we support NHS services, children's vision development, and accessibility initiatives while maintaining a legacy of excellence in optical care. 
Services
Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
Spectacle Frames
OCT Scans
Children's Eye Care
Myopia Management
Visual Stress Assessment
Low Vision Aids
Emergency Eye Care
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We offer 95+ years of combined optical expertise across our Kent practices
- We provide advanced diagnostic technology including OCT scanning
- Our team delivers personalized children's vision development assessments
- We maintain a comprehensive NHS eye care service portfolio
- We offer specialist solutions for visual stress and myopia management
Services
Eye Examinations
Our comprehensive eye examinations use modern equipment to assess eye health, prescription accuracy, and muscle comfort. Qualified optometrists explain test results clearly and provide personalized recommendations. We offer both private and NHS-funded examinations, with additional diagnostic options like retinal photography and OCT scanning available for enhanced eye health monitoring.
OCT Scanning
Optical Coherence Tomography provides detailed 3D imaging of retinal layers at 1/1000mm precision. This technology enables early detection of conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The non-invasive scan takes seconds with immediate results, helping establish baseline measurements for long-term eye health monitoring and timely intervention when required.
Children's Eye Care
Specialised eye examinations for children from age 4, with engaging tests assessing visual development, eye coordination, and colour perception. We provide NHS-funded spectacles, myopia management solutions, and visual stress assessments using coloured overlays. Our child-friendly approach includes themed frames and durable lens options to ensure comfortable vision development through critical growth years.
Contact Lenses
We offer comprehensive contact lens fitting services for all prescriptions, including daily disposables, toric lenses, and orthokeratology. Our myopia control options include MiSight 1-day lenses for children and EyeDream overnight vision correction. The Contact Lens Care Scheme provides cost-effective solutions for regular wearers while maintaining strict hygiene and eye health monitoring protocols.
Spectacle Frames
Extensive frame collection featuring designer brands, budget options, and specialist ranges including Sea2See eco-frames made from recycled fishing nets. Our qualified dispensing opticians ensure perfect fit and style while considering prescription requirements. We offer NHS voucher assistance, 50% second pair discounts, and durable Flexon frames specifically designed for active lifestyles and children.
People
Albert C. Cargill
Founder
Established the practice in 1926 after relocating from Northern Ireland. Pioneered optical services in Folkestone during the interwar period, laying foundations for the family-run business that continues to serve Kent communities today.
Jack Pembroke
First Partner
Apprenticed under Albert Cargill, qualifying in 1930. Maintained practice continuity during WWII while serving in Birmingham, later returning to Folkestone where he worked until retirement in 1970, establishing professional standards for future generations.
Jack Neal
Hythe Branch Founder
Opened Hythe practice in 1948 after wartime service in North Africa. Built the branch into a community staple, working until 1979 and establishing the practice's commitment to coastal town eyecare needs.
Robin Mitchell
Senior Partner
Qualified in 1964, served Folkestone and Hythe practices before establishing Canterbury branch in 1989. His 44-year career shaped modern service delivery across multiple locations until retirement in 2008.
Naomi Stringer
Current Partner
Joined as partner in 2021 after previous tenure. Brings contemporary expertise to the practice while upholding traditional values of personalized care and community engagement established over nine decades.
Questions
Does Cargills Optometrists offer NHS eye examinations?
Yes, we provide NHS-funded eye examinations for eligible patients. Children under 16, seniors over 60, and those with specific medical conditions qualify. Contact your local branch for eligibility details.
What specialist diagnostic services are available?
We offer OCT scanning, retinal photography, visual stress assessment with colourimetry, and myopia management. These advanced diagnostics help detect and monitor eye conditions at early stages for better treatment outcomes.
Do you provide emergency eye care?
Yes, our MECS service addresses urgent eye conditions. If we're closed, follow our website link for East Kent emergency providers. We also handle ocular trauma during regular hours.
Are home visits available for patients?
While not explicitly stated, our website mentions serving infants with hospital prescriptions and accommodating patients with accessibility needs. Contact us directly to discuss home visit possibilities.
How does the 50% second pair discount work?
When purchasing a complete pair of spectacles, receive 50% off a second pair (same prescription). Applies to single vision, bifocals, and varifocals. Excludes reglazes and non-prescription sunglasses.
