Our Story
Our story began in 1926 with a small practice on Stanhope Road and a simple promise: to look after every patient like family.
Here’s how that promise has evolved through the years.
Sidney Walton Opticians opens its doors in South Shields.
A local name quickly becomes a trusted part of the community, built on personal service, clinical excellence and genuine care.
Kaye Winship takes over the practice, joined by Steve Doolan.
Together, they continue the same family-focused values while bringing a renewed vision for modern, independent eyecare.
To support growing demand, the practice expands with:
- A second consulting room
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New technology, training and clinical equipment are added as S Walton Eyecare launches its dedicated Dry Eye Clinics — part of the practice’s ongoing investment in advanced eye health services.
A full digital refresh, including a redesigned website, prepares the practice for its centenary year.
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A major milestone: One hundred years of trusted care in South Shields.
A century of serving families, supporting local communities, and evolving with modern clinical innovation.
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Our Services: Expert Care for Every Aspect of Your Vision
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough eye examinations to assess vision and detect any underlying eye conditions.
Frames
A wide selection of stylish glasses and designer frames for all styles and budgets.
Myopia Management
Helping to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children with tailored treatment options and expert care.
Children’s Eye Care
Specialised eye care services tailored to the unique needs of children.
Contact Lens Fittings
Personalised contact lens fittings to ensure comfort and optimal vision.
Hearing Care
Comprehensive hearing tests and assessments to ensure optimal hearing health, with solutions for all ages.
Our Values
At S Walton Eyecare, independence is at the heart of what we do. It gives us the freedom to take the time you deserve, to listen carefully, and to tailor every recommendation to your individual needs — not to sales targets.
We’re proud to offer the latest frames and lenses from trusted brands including Gucci, Tom Ford, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, Gant, Wolf Eyewear, Stepper, Cocoa Mint, Land Rover, and Jensen, alongside free NHS options and affordable styles for every budget.
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Meet Our Team
With more than 150 years of combined experience, our close-knit team is dedicated to your eye health and comfort. Each member plays a part in delivering the high-quality, personalised service that has kept local families coming back for generations.
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Kaye Winship
MCOptom Principal Optometrist
With 30 years in practice, Kaye Winship is our Principal Optometrist.
After qualifying from Bradford University in 1993 she moved to Cambridge and has worked all around the country for a number of optical practices in a number of different roles before returning to South Tyneside and establishing S Walton Eyecare in 2007.
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Steve Doolan
MCOptom Optometrist
Steve has been a practising optometrist for more than two decades.
He heads up S Walton Eyecare’s home visiting service which is offered to elderly and housebound clients in the comfort of their own home.
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Emma Wilson
Practice Manager
Emma has worked for S Walton Eyecare since 2011 and came to us with a wealth of optical management experience from another multiple optical company.
Having now worked in the industry for 25 years, her skills lie in complex dispensing, technology, sports protective eyewear, frame selection, home eye visits and contact lenses.
Emma is responsible for training and development of other members of the team and maintaining continuity to ensure exemplary customer service.
She says she gains most job satisfaction when customers are delighted with the services we deliver and then often recommend us to others.
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Robert Hampson
Locum Optometrist
Rob has worked in Optics for the past 35 years. He started as aUniversity student in Manchester and has risen to doing every job in theindustry but his passion is spending time with patients one to one to helpsolve their eye problems
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Chloe Ford
Optical Assistant
Chloe is the latest addition to the S Walton Eyecare team in a newly created post of Trainee Optical Assistant.
At just 18 she is embarking on a Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship.
Chloe has something special in common with Principal Optometrist Kaye Winship - they are both former pupils of Boldon School!
She is already demonstrating her creative talent with her eye-catching window displays.
Emma Saville
Optical Assistant
Emma has a history of working inoptics for nearly 20 years now and has a wealth of dispensing and customerservice experience. Her favourite thing about her job is helping patientsselect the perfect frame.
Book Your Appointment Today
You can book online through MySight for routine eye exams and glasses appointments, or contact us directly for home visits or specialised services.