About us

Established since 1990 in both Knutsford & Wilmslow, the Clare & Illingworth optical practices have been at the heart of both Cheshire market towns for 31 years.

Clare & Illingworth was founded by Derek Clare & Alyson Illingworth with the view to create a professional yet approachable optical experience for the entire family. Derek’s son, Richard, joined the business in 2004 and became a Director in 2017.

“We pride ourselves for being very friendly and approachable yet still retaining a professional approach to our work. We have access to the best the optical industry has to offer and we enjoy very close relationships with fantastic local consultants and health care practitioners, both via the NHS and private healthcare . This has proved invaluable to our patients during times that they may need quick access to the right healthcare and for making an informed choice along the way

Both practices are supported by a truly amazing team of Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians, Optical Assistants and Receptionists who have a wealth of qualifications and experience to help ensure you get the most professional advice and service at all times.

We can’t thank them enough or their dedication to C&I, our patients and the local Knutsford and Wilmslow communities. Their work within our practices and the local area has made our business what it is today.

We would love the opportunity to carry out a full and comprehensive eye examination for you and if spectacles or contact lenses are required our team of qualified Dispensing Opticians are on hand to help guide you through frame and lens choice.”

Facing a number of challenges during the start of the pandemic in 2020 was not what we had planned for our 30th birthday but we are proud of all that we have achieved whilst adapting our practices to keep everyone safe and well during this uncertain time.

We adapted quickly to a remote triage system in the original lockdown keeping team members on site to handle calls, emails and to help when people needed advice.

In June/July we began welcoming patients back after we invested in numerous ways to keep our teams, patients and visitors safe.

The future is always an unknown, but you can be sure that through it all, we have your best interests at the forefront of every decision we make.

Its all in the detail…
Derek, Alyson & Richard

Image result for river lily clare and illingworth

Alyson, Derek and Richard fording the ‘River Lily’ in Knutsford during the 2016 celebration of the 1000th year anniversary of King Canute fording the river originally. Clare & Illingworth sponsored the event.