Ashley's Back Story

Hi there!
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Hello and a warm welcome from all of us at Orrell Opticians, especially from me, Ashley Jardine, the practice director.
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My introduction to the world of optometry wasn't just through textbooks or lectures at UMIST in rainy Manchester; it began at home, in rural Northern Ireland, in a small town called Omagh.

One day, my dad mentioned some flashing lights & floaters in his right eye.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t checked on quick enough, as we lived in the sticks, and he quickly lost his sight in his eye thereafter, due to a detached retina. It was awake-up call about how precious our vision is and how vital easy access,caring, attentive eyecare can be.

This experience taught me something crucial: While having the right tools and knowledge is important, eyecare also needs to be easily accessible and patients also need to know where to turn in an eye emergency.

Years later, having worked at many different types of high street opticians, I began to feel burnt out and disillusioned. The pressure to see more patients (20+ per day),in less time compromised the level of care I wanted to provide.  

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Seeking a change, I took a career break and founded Rock Solid Race, a mud racing events company that combined my passions for fitness and making a positive impact. Over the next 3 years, I successfully organised events with over 12,000 participants, raising more than £100,000 for charities.

It was a tough few years, but I was proud of what I achieved - click the link below to have a taste of what I got up to!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn9zCiTIza4
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This experience reinvigorated me and taught me valuable business lessons. When the mud racing events sector faced a big downturn, I knew it was time to return to optometry with a fresh perspective and renewed commitment to providing exceptional care.
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Not long after I was back in optometry, an opportunity came to become a director of Orrell Opticians, alongside John & Christine Harm in 2020.

I couldn’t believe my luck, and realised that I actually very much enjoyed a slower pace of seeing patients, about 10 / day. I could spend time with patients, really getting into their problems & providing solutions.

Sadly, I didn’t get to work with Christine for long, as she passed away in January 2021.

Following Christine’s legacy, we've built a practice that's all about combining top-notch clinical expertise with a warm, personal touch.

We invest in the best technology like OCT scans and Optomap to ensure we're not just meeting, but exceeding the standards of eyecare.

We are now launching a Dry Eye Clinic to help serve our patients even better.

Our team, experienced and passionate, is committed to providing service that's second to none. 

But what we're most proud of is how we connect with you. Whether it's helping you understand your eye health, choosing the perfect glasses that make you feel great, or simply offering a comforting word when you need it, we're here for you.

We see our practice as more than just a place to get your eyes checked. It's like a family where every patient is treated with the care and respect they deserve. It's about ensuring your vision, and with it your quality of life, is always at its best.

If you're already part of our practice, we can't wait to catch up at your next visit. And if you're thinking about joining us, we're excited to welcome you. Let's embark on a journey to keeping your vision clear and your eyes healthy, together.

Here's to seeing the wonders of the world with clarity and confidence,

Ashley Jardine