About
Get to know about the story of CATS Optometrists
Our Story
CATS Optometrist is an independent family run opticians practice in Middlewich, Cheshire that has been established since 1988. In 2007, we moved to larger premises to extend our services and offer a more comfortable experience for our patients.
The practice, co-owned by Cathryn and Anthony Tripp, has thrived on patient recommendations and prides itself on excellent customer care. Established over 30 years ago, it has grown steadily, with Cathryn, an optometrist, continuing to run the practice after Anthony's retirement. Whilst Tony is now retired from the shop floor, he is still very much involved behind the scenes.
Cathryn realised early on in her career that she had strong views on the type of service she wished to offer patients and along with Anthony wanted to work together and create a family run practice that offered high quality service where the patients experience was paramount. Over the years they have succeeded in having an excellent reputation where nothing is ever too much trouble. Cathryn loves a challenge and says
Everyday is different. It’s the challenges that I face each day that makes it so interesting and even after 30 years in the profession I still love my job.
We have a passion for providing excellent eye care and taking the time to really listen to your needs and concerns. We like nothing more than having a difficult challenge and we pride ourselves on doing our utmost to sort out any problems or concerns you may have and will go the extra mile to do so.
All our staff are trained, experienced and their aim is to ensure the patient receives a first class personal service in every way and one that they would recommend to their friends and family.
Being independent we are not restricted to the type of frames lenses or contact lenses we can supply which means that we can tailor all advice and recommendations to your individual needs.
Meet the Team
Cathy
BSc Hons, MCOptom, Dip Clin Optom- Practice Director/Optometrist
Cathryn, originally from Bolton, qualified from Manchester University in 1984 and worked in several independent practices in Lancashire and Northamptonshire before opening her own in 1988. Whilst working at CATS she also gained further experience from working as a sessional hospital optometrist at Halton Hospital. Keen to keep up to date and further develop her skills she continued her studies at City University in London, achieving distinction with a Post graduate Clinical Optometry diploma.
She has a particular interest in children’s eyecare, contact lenses, diabetes and Glaucoma, being accredited for the diabetic retinopathy screening service in Cheshire and the Glaucoma & Ocular hypertension monitoring service. She is also an accredited dry eye specialist and a CUES Community Urgent Eyecare practitioner, providing urgent assessment/treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems, such as red or painful eyes, flashes and floaters, vision loss or minor injuries to help alleviate hospital and GP appointment wait times.
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Ben
Dispensing Optician (FBDO Dip )
Ben, our Dispensing Optician has been in optics for over a decade. His optical journey started in a restaurant, where his customer service skills were noticed by a local optician. He was asked along for an interview and has never looked back. After working initially as an Optical Assistant, Ben went on to study and qualified as a Dispensing Optician.
Ben has all the patience in the world and will make sure you look and feel great in your new spectacles, providing excellent advise on frame styling and lens design.
Outside of work Ben has a passion for film, which he has a degree in. He loves football and travelling. Ben likes to think he is a decent cook but that’s somewhat up for debate. He also loves to tell a joke at work when you’re least expecting it!
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Richard
Optical Assistant
Richard has worked for the practice since 2010. He has proved to be a valuable asset to the practice. He is a great team member, quiet and calm, totally reliable, always giving 100% and is our go to man when we need a tech guy. He is well liked by patients, many asking specifically to see him and always goes the extra mile to make sure patients are completely satisfied with the service they receive at CATS.
Helen
Optical Assistant
Meet Helen,
Helen, a local resident with years of experience within optics, is here to make your visit comfortable and informed. She excels in pre-examination care, ensuring you’re at ease and ready for your appointment. Helen is also, your go-to for selecting the perfect frames and lenses, combining style and functionality effortlessly. With her friendly approach and expertise, your eye care journey is not just smooth but also enjoyable.
Mel
Mel is our latest member of the team and is new to optics. She has taken it all in her stride at break neck speed and is already making her mark on organising the practice.
Mel is originally from Sandbach but currently lives in Middlewich. She loves spending her time with Santi her very mischievous kitten or getting fit with a Body Combat class. She also loves socialising and enjoys the theatre, live music and travelling.
