- Eye Deal Optical is an independent, family run Optician based within the One Life Centre on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough. We focus on providing high quality eyecare and outstanding customer service for all of the family. Our team keep up to date with all the latest fashion trends and lens designs and are always on hand to help you choose your new prescription glasses. Our Optician can cater for all your eyecare needs including the fitting and provision of all types of contact lenses.
Eye Deal Optical can provide free parking for all of our clients and cater for both Private and NHS patients. We offer a 30 minute eye test to all our customers and use the latest technology. We can even see you at home if you struggle to get out. We have a huge variety of frames to choose from and can provide any type of spectacle lens. We specialise in Nikon lenses for those wanting the very best in lens quality and the latest lens technology.
- Eye Deal Optical was formed in 2007 by our Optician Ben Duffill. We started as a Domiciliary (Home Visiting) Optician before opening our first store in Captain Cooks Square, Middlesbrough in 2008. This store began as a dispensing only outlet, providing eyewear to anybody bringing us an existing spectacle prescription and was run by our manager Selina Pye. Shortly after Jenny Wilkinson joined us as our first apprentice in 2009.
As the business started to grow we opted to relocate to larger premises at the One Life centre in 2010. The unit we occupy was originally a café so we carried out a full refurbishment to create a modern and spacious shop tailored to the specific needs of any Opticians. We also began testing in store as well as continuing to offer our services at home. We are still based at the One Life today and since then we have added another 2 members to our team. Jay Collier joined us as our second apprentice in 2014 and most recently Abbie Porritt in 2016.
Ben Duffill BSc (Hons) MCOptom
Ben is our Optician and company director. Born and raised in Middlesbrough, Ben went to the University of Bradford to study Optometry in 1999 at the age of 18. He graduated in 2003, gaining a Batchelor of Science with Honours degree before moving to Bromborough on the Wirral to start his Pre-Registration year as an Optometrist. Here Ben joined The Eyeworks, an independent Opticians under the supervision of Optometrist Dylan Barton and qualified as an Optometrist in October 2004. Ben remained with The Eyeworks until 2005, gaining invaluable experience in Domiciliary and practice based Optometry.Ben moved back to his home town of Middlesbrough in 2005 to be closer to his friends and family and worked as a locum for many local Multiple Opticians. Ben felt unhappy in this environment as he often felt that he was being rushed when performing eye tests and pressured to sell glasses. This inspired him to form Eye Deal Optical in 2007 and it was Ben’s ambition to provide quality, thorough eyecare in a relaxed, pressure free environment. This has become a strong company ethic.
Outside of work Ben enjoys riding motorbikes and is very passionate about Speedway. Ben has raced Speedway from the age of 16 and has represented Edinburgh, Glasgow, Mildenhall and Redcar Speedway teams. Ben is currently the Team Manager for the Redcar Bears and has been since 2010.
Selina Pye
Selina is our Practice Manager and is also Ben Duffill’s sister. Selina qualified as a Dental Nurse at the age of 18 before moving into Optics a couple of years later. Selina has always had a passion for customer service and working with the public. Her friendly personality and bubbly nature meant that she was perfectly suited to a role in Optics
Selina first started working with Specsavers as an Optical Assistant and she learned the trade exceptionally quickly. Selina joined Eye Deal Optical in 2008 as our Practice Manager. Selina is very skilled and experienced in the dispensing of spectacle lenses and has extensive knowledge of the different types of spectacle lenses and frames available. Her keen eye and ability to help people to choose the perfect frame has even been acknowledged by the local press. Selina was featured in an article published by the Evening Gazette in 2011 which gave advice on choosing the perfect glasses.Outside of work Selina enjoys spending time with her husband Dave and twin daughters Naiomi and Leoni. Selina also enjoys watching Speedway and Trials.
Jenny Wilkinson
Born in Middlesbrough, Jenny joined Eye Deal Optical in 2009 and was our very first apprentice at the age of just 16. Jenny was a fast learner and has become very competent in all areas of dispensing and customer service.
Jenny is now in her eighth year as an Optical Assistant with Eye Deal Optical and is an invaluable member of our team.Always friendly and smiling, Jenny has become very popular and is well known amongst our existing customers.
Outside of work Jenny enjoys playing Darts and spending time with her partner Andrew and 3 year daughter Monroe.
Jay Collier
Jay joined Eye Deal Optical in 2014 and was our 2nd apprentice.
Jay left college before joining us and was very keen to find a job role where customer service was important.Her enthusiasm for the role and friendly personality were apparent from day 1 and we feel very lucky to have her as part of our team.
Jay took to Optics naturally and quickly she became competent in all aspects of dispensing and customer service.
Outside of work Jay enjoys socialising with her friends.
