Our History

Welcome to Potters Bar Eyecare! I’m Vishal Thanki, proud owner of this esteemed practice with a legacy of over 40 years. Established in 1965 by Mr. Howard Peters and his brother, and guided by Julie Gazey from 1990, we’ve provided professional, comprehensive eye tests and a wide range of glasses frames and contact lenses, serving the local community with dedication.

A Visionary Transition: In 2019, the practice was transferred to Mr. Vishal Thanki upon Julie’s retirement. He leverages his extensive training and experience to lead our practice into the future. Inspired by his transformative experience with glasses as a strong myope, Vishal has curated a diverse selection ranging from sophisticated to quirky styles. Potters Bar Eyecare combines decades of optical expertise with a passion for unique eyewear. Vishal and his team regularly travel to international trade shows in Paris and Munich to handpick the most captivating eyewear pieces, ensuring frames that not only look exceptional but also fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Commitment to Excellence: With nearly 25 years in optics, starting as a dispensing optician and specialising in contact lenses and optometry, I have a particular passion for fitting contact lenses and addressing conditions like dry eyes. In recent years, my focus has been on correcting childhood myopia, ensuring comprehensive care for young patients. Under Vishal’s leadership, we’ve invested in cutting-edge equipment to enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment options, ensuring our practice evolves while maintaining our commitment to exceptional care. We blend innovation with tradition, staying true to our roots while embracing the latest in eyecare technology to provide personalised, top-tier service to every patient who walks through our doors.

Why Choosing Us

Personalised Eye Exams

At Potters Bar Eyecare, we prioritise your comfort and care with personalised eye exams tailored to your individual needs and concerns.

Unique Eyewear Selection

Discover a distinctive range of eyewear styles curated by Vishal Thanki and his team, who travel to international trade shows to handpick captivating pieces that blend fashion with functionality.

Expertise and Innovation

With decades of optical expertise and a commitment to staying at the forefront of eyecare technology, our team ensures you receive expert advice and the latest in diagnostic capabilities for comprehensive eye health management.

Our Team

Vishal Thanki

Bsc (Hons) McOptom
FBDO CL

Optometrist and Owner

With over 25 years in the optical industry, Vishal is our highly experienced Resident Optometrist, trained in both community and hospital settings. He specialises in myopia management for children, contact lens fittings, and dry eye treatments, with advanced expertise in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and acute eye conditions.

Vishal adopts a patient-centred, thorough approach to care, ensuring he understands your concerns and answers all your questions during each consultation. Whether you require routine eye care or specialised treatment, Vishal is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, leaving you confident in your vision health.

Vishal also has a keen interest in individual frame styles and is actively involved in selecting the perfect eyewear for our practice, ensuring every frame is thoughtfully chosen to meet the unique needs of our patients.

Bhavik Acharya

Bsc (Hons) McOptom
MASv.P

Optomestrist

Bhavik Acharya completed his university training at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital and has been dedicated to community care for over 15 years. Bhavik has a strong passion for children’s eye care and is now a Regional School Vision Practitioner.

Focusing on addressing reading and behavioural difficulties, Bhavik offers specialised treatments designed to improve visual performance, such as muscle control therapy, colour overlays, and colorimetry. His expertise plays a crucial role in helping children overcome visual challenges that affect their learning and development, providing personalised care tailored to their specific needs.

Outside of his professional work, Bhavik is an enthusiastic musician and artist, adding a creative flair to everything he does.

Karen Cicale

Senior Optical Advisor and Frame Stylist

Karen has been an essential part of our team since 2003, making her the friendly face you’ll meet when you first arrive at Potters Bar Eye Care Centre. As a qualified optical assistant, she expertly runs our front desk and is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns.

Known as the “queen of repairs,” Karen is the go-to person if your glasses need fixing—no matter how big or small the issue. When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of glasses, Karen’s uncanny ability to pick the ideal style for you on the first try is second to none. You’re in great hands with her, as she ensures you leave feeling confident and stylish with the perfect fit.

Rishi Mehta

FBDO – Dispensing Optician

Dispensing Optician Focused on Comfort, Style and Vision

Rishi Mehta is a qualified Dispensing Optician with over 15 years of experience in the optical industry. Having worked across both optical chains and independent practices, he brings a wealth of expertise in eyewear dispensing, lens technology, and patient care.

Known for his calm, honest and approachable manner, Rishi takes the time to understand each patient’s individual needs, offering tailored solutions that blend comfort, functionality, and personal style. With a keen eye for frame styling and a strong knowledge of premium eyewear brands, he helps patients feel confident in both their vision and appearance.

Rishi’s professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional service make him a valued member of the team.

Outside of his professional work, Rishi enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring new travel destinations, and following football. He proudly supports Tottenham Hotspur FC.

What our clients say about us

I recently visited for a new pair of glasses, and I couldn't be more impressed! From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me with warm smiles and professionalism. The optician took the time to thoroughly explain the eye examination process, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout. Would certainly recommend! See you again in 2 years!

Such a wonderful place with lovely staff! Always very attentive and helpful. Have been coming to Potters Bar Eye Care Centre for the last few years and their range of frames is amazing, very happy with my glasses. I would definitely recommend.

Excellent I took a pair of glasses in for repair as which were from another eye center, they gladly sent them away for me to repair. 4 days later they were back as good as new, at a very reasonable price. Very good service and no hassle, and their polite team were amazing each step of the way. *****Highly recommend *****

I went this morning and was seen by the optician Vishel who was excellent. He gave me a thorough check up and he explained everything clearly and was very polite and friendly. I highly recommend these opticians.

I've been using this optician for over 20 years for both glasses and contacts. I live far away in Essex and at times I have tried to find more local options. But I always come back to Potters bar because eye care is important and these people do it very very well.

Excellent customer service. My frames were repaired quickly and at a very high standard of care. Much appreciated.

Great service. Very welcoming and helpful when picking a pair of glasses. Getting contact lenses was also super easy and efficient.

My wife, I and family members have been clients of Potters Bar Eye Care centre for as long as I can remember, certainly over 40 years and the service has always been of the highest quality. Great care is taken during eyetests, everything is explained fully in terms that are understandable and the follow-up is always professional while being friendly and reassuring. We would not consider going anywhere else.

I've been a patient at PB eyecare for over 20 years...The new owners are as professional and knowledgeable as the previous. I always receive the highest level of care at every appointment.

I always have the highest-quality care when I go to PB Eye Care Centre. Everyone is incredibly kind and good at what they do! They have been so helpful getting me switched over to daily contacts from two-week lenses. They also helped me find a pair of frames I love, and took the time to make sure they fit appropriately on my face when I picked them up. Thank you for all of your compassion and hard work, PB Eye Care!