About Us

Tim Bowden FADO (Hons) C.L., FFDO, FBCLA. Tim is a contact lens optician who has specialised in contact lens fitting and aftercare for over 30 years, having started in optics over 40 years ago. Until recently he was a visiting lecturer in the contact lens department of City and Islington College in London and is still a contact lens examiner for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. He has been involved in various research projects, mainly in the areas of the habits and opinions of contact lens wearers, and also the history of contact lenses. He has presented posters and lectures, both in the UK and abroad, and published a book in 2009 describing the development of contact lenses from the early artificial eye makes to the modern silicone hydrogel lenses of today. (See Links/ publications) He serves on the GOC Fitness to Practise Panel, is editor of Ophthalmic Antiques, the journal of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors Club and is founding chairman of the Watling Street Business Association. He was awarded Fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association and associate membership of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists in 2006. He was elected a full member in 2008 and Honorary Treasurer in September 2009. In 2010 he was a finalist in the Optician Awards as Contact lens Optician of the Year

Elisabeth Lowe BSc FBCO. Elisabeth is an optometrist with over 30 years' experience graduating from London's City University in 1973. Her optical interests include colour vision, ocular muscle balance, children’s vision and dry eyes.

The partners opened their first practice in Gravesend in 1982 followed by another in Herne Bay in 1985. The practices were sold in 2000 and 2004 respectively and still continue to flourish under different names. The partners very much believe in what are now considered the old fashioned values of care and quality of service. All spectacles will be properly measured and fitted by a qualified professional as this is just as important as the accuracy of the eye examination. Both regularly attend conferences both here and abroad to ensure that they keep abreast of the latest developments in contact lenses and eye care.

Dawn and Glynis, our optical assistants, complete the team and together we look forward to seeing you soon. We are always happy to answer your optical queries or concerns.