The Practice
Hello and welcome
We’ve been part of Cotham community for over 19 years, during that time we have got to know many of our patients on a first name basis. New or longstanding, we offer a warm welcome to all patients so if you’re new to the practice there’s no need to worry.
We’re really proud of our range of frames and have created an environment which is relaxed and informal to give you space and time to try on the unique styles that we carry. We’re always here to offer advice if you would like us to but if you’d prefer to browse at your own pace, we’re happy if you are. And another thing, the whole team at Amar Shah Optometrist are qualified Opticians or Optometrists so you can rest assured that your vision is in safe hands.
Our consulting room is where you will go to get your eyes examined and vision tested. Our passion for offering the most comprehensive and professional eye care service possible includes investment in the most up to date instrumentation including an Ocular Coherence Tomographer (OCT).
This 3D scanner examines the different layers that make up your retina and can help to diagnose potentially serious conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration sometimes years earlier that conventional instruments and checks. It also allows us to take a digital image of the back of your eyes, providing a permanent and accurate record of their health. This record is then stored and used to monitor any changes that can occur over time.
That’s not all, we also have the very latest biometric analysis available in the form of the Topcon Myah. This powerful instrument enables our clinicians to map and examine the cornea in great detail helping them to find the perfect contact lens for you needs. It also measures the axial length of the eye which is essential for accurate management of myopia progression. Myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming more prevalent and we can now prescribe spectacle and contact lenses to try and slow down the rate at which the prescription progresses.
See and be seen at Amar Shah Optometrist
The Team
The first person you see when you visit the practice will probably be James! Not only is James a qualified Dispensing Optician, he has a true passion for helping people look amazing in unique, well-fitting spectacles.
Struggling to choose from a cool and contemporary frame or something out-and-out edgy? James and the team can advise you and point you in the right direction. They’re great at understanding what will work for you and what won’t and are refreshingly honest. So if you need help you only need to ask.
Amar retired in the summer of 2024 after gradually winding down his hours over the previous two years. He remains the founder the practice and we are indebted to his eye for detail and vision to create a unique practice.
As current custodians of Amar Shah Optometrists, the whole team are committed to preserving that vision and are dedicated to developing it further to meet the optical needs of generations to come.
Claire
Claire is our fully qualified resident Optometrist, Claire brings a fresh perspective to the consulting room and is abreast of the latest developments in the fast paced world of optometry. Claire lives locally to the practice with her young family and is passionate about community optometry and myopia management
Beth
Beth is our regular visiting optometrist and joined us in 2023, benefiting from Amar’s expert instruction and guidance before he retired. Beth has a passion for travel but is a regular at the practice when she’s not globetrotting. She is currently studying for a Masters in optometry and has a keen interest in complex contact lens fitting and ortho K contact lenses.
James
James qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 1998. He has a keen interest in sports and occupational glasses. His 30 years in the profession give him experience in manufacturing as well as dispensing roles. A former competitive triathlete and now coach, his hobbies include keeping up with his son on a mountain bike, spending time with his family and setting fire to things with the scout troop