About us

The BIG Optician provides first-class eyecare and excellent value for money.  We are a family-owned and run business providing fully comprehensive eye examinations, private and free NHS eye tests. We are a family-friendly optical practice and welcome people from across the generations.

We use state-of-the-art eye testing equipment and include digital retinal photography at no extra charge as part of our comprehensive eye examinations. We only employ fully qualified, experienced optometrists who will give you the highest level of clinical care. We have an extensive range of glasses and contact lenses with spectacles inclusive of lenses starting at £49. We stock frames from top designers such as Lindberg, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Persol, Bottega Veneta and Tag Heuer. Designer glasses start from £99. We strongly believe that good quality spectacles should be affordable for everyone.We are proud to say that we are never knowingly undersold on our designer glasses and  designer sunglasses.

The BIG Optician Staff Profiles

Keith Little : BSc Hons, McOptom - Director of Optometry

Keith is the owner optometrist of The BIG Optician.  He has almost 35 years optometric experience and was originally Clinical Director of the Newcastle Eye Clinic. Keith set up The BIG Optician over 11 years ago to provide the same standards of award-winning eyecare. It is testimony to Keith's professionalism and high clinical standards that many of his patients have been coming to Keith for their eyecare for almost 35 years and Keith has become optician to their children and even their grandchildren. 'I am delighted that most of our business comes from our existing clients recommending The BIG Optician to their friends and family. This is because we continue to provide exceptional value for money and excellent eye care'

Gillian Urwin : BSc Hons, McOptom

Gillian has over 18 years experience as an optometrist and has worked at The Big Optician for over 10 of these years. Gillian is a graduate of Cardiff University here she obtained her Optometry degree with Honours. Prior to joining us at The Big Optician Gillian worked with Keith as an optometrist at Newcastle Eye Clinic.

Karen Little : MSc, RGN

Karen is practice manager of this family owned business. She has over 30 years experience of working within the NHS, mainly within nursing, quality assurance and general management roles. Karen is responsible for client services and ensuring the smooth running of the business. A key role is to ensure that the range of frames on offer is comprehensive, fresh and exciting. Karen regularly travels to Milan and Paris in order to keep abreast of eyewear fashion and styles to ensure that The BIG Optician is the leading edge supplier of eyewear in Newcastle.