STOTTS OPTICIANS GROUP

What STOTTS OPTICIANS GROUP does

STOTTS Opticians Group, trading as STOTTS. and legally John F. Stott Ltd., is a privately owned independent optical and audiology group headquartered in Swinton, Manchester, operating six practices across Greater Manchester and Lancashire under the brands STOTTS., Sutcliffes Opticians (Chorley, 80+ years of operation), Brown Opticians and Audiologists (Burnley, part of the group since 2008), and Mr Jinkinsons Opticians (Padiham, acquired 2021). The group employs approximately 26 staff including optometrists, dispensing opticians, audiologists, eyewear stylists, optical assistants, concierge staff, and apprentices, and was founded in 1946 with Company Registration No. 817224.

The business delivers integrated vision, hearing, and lifestyle services through in-person clinical consultations supported by advanced diagnostic equipment: OCT 3D eye scanning, digital retinal photography, slit-lamp examination with digital imaging, visual field screening, video otoscopy, and AI-driven hearing aid fitting (Starkey devices with adaptive environmental technology). Core clinical offerings span comprehensive eye examinations, advanced eye health assessments, specialist clinics (dry eye, glaucoma, macular screening, cataract referral, low vision), emergency eyecare, children's eyecare with myopia management, Ortho-K overnight lenses, specialist contact lens fitting (scleral, RGP, keratoconus), and hearing assessments with speech-in-noise testing, microsuction ear wax removal, and hearing aids from £985 inclusive of aftercare and 5-year warranty.

Revenue is generated through fee-for-service clinical examinations (NHS-funded and private), hardware sales of prescription lenses, designer and bespoke eyewear (STOTTS. Atelier), contact lens subscriptions, hearing devices, hearing care plans, and a forthcoming STOTTS. Membership subscription launching Summer 2026. Distribution is exclusively through owned physical practices plus online appointment booking via the Eye Clarity platform, with NHS contracts held across five Integrated Care Boards (Bury, Salford, Trafford, East Lancs, Chorley & Ribble). Strategic partnerships include Burnley Football Club (official eyecare provider), BBC (JoJo & Gran Gran children's programming feature), Optometry Today (industry press coverage), and Starkey (hearing aid technology).

Name

STOTTS OPTICIANS GROUP

Legal name

John F. Stott Ltd.

Website

https://stottsopticians.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

STOTTS Opticians Group is a privately owned independent optical and audiology group operating six practices across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, delivering integrated eye examinations, specialist clinical services, premium eyewear, hearing care, and myopia management to consumer and NHS-funded patients in the North West of England.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Opticians and Hearing Care Services

NAICS

Offices of Optometrists (62132), Optical Goods Retailers (45613), Offices of Optometrists (621320)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL), Vision & Ophthalmic Diagnostic Centers (Optometry/OCT/Retinal Imaging) (HLAFAKAI), Contact Lenses & Care Systems (Soft/RGP/Scleral Lenses; Cleaning/Disinfection Solutions) (HLAHAJAE)

Keywords

• Eye examinations
• Hearing care services
• Prescription eyewear
• Contact lens fitting
• NHS optical services

Headquarters

HQ city

Swinton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Eye Examinations and Clinical Services: Revenue from comprehensive eye examinations, advanced eye health assessments, specialist clinics, and emergency eyecare. NHS-funded examinations available for eligible patients with additional private examination options.
2. Eyewear Sales: Revenue from prescription spectacles, designer frames, lenses (varifocals, multifocal), prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. Includes proprietary STOTTS. Atelier bespoke eyewear collection.
3. Hearing Care Services and Devices: Revenue from hearing assessments, hearing aids (starting from £985 inclusive of aftercare and 5-year warranty), wax removal, and ongoing hearing care plans.
4. Contact Lens Services: Revenue from specialist contact lens fitting, Ortho-K overnight lenses, scleral lenses, RGP lenses, and myopia management lenses for children.
5. Studio Membership: Membership program launching Summer 2026 offering included examinations, priority access, and member-only savings across eyewear and advanced hearing care.
6. Lifestyle Products: Revenue from branded lifestyle collection including scented candles (Peony & Blush Suede, Sage & Sea Salt), hessian and linen totes, eyewear cases, and lens care products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

STOTTS Opticians Group delivers integrated optometry, audiology, and eyewear services through six physical practices across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The offering includes NHS and private eye examinations, advanced eye health imaging (OCT 3D scanning, digital retinal photography), specialist clinics (dry eye, glaucoma, macular screening, low vision, cataract referral, myopia management, Ortho-K), specialist contact lens fitting, hearing assessments, AI-driven hearing aid fitting, microsuction wax removal, and curated designer and bespoke eyewear.

Product overview

STOTTS OPTICIANS GROUP is a healthcare group offering integrated vision care, eyewear, and hearing services across six practices in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The core offering centers on comprehensive eye examinations and advanced eye health assessments using OCT scanning and retinal imaging, complemented by specialist services including dry eye clinic, glaucoma screening, macular screening, myopia management for children, and specialist contact lens fitting including Ortho-K overnight lenses. Eyewear services encompass prescription lenses, varifocals, designer frames, and the premium STOTTS. Atelier collection, alongside professional eyewear styling consultations. Hearing services include hearing assessments, hearing aids (starting from £985 with 5-year warranty), microsuction wax removal, and hearing care plans. The group operates multiple branded practices including Stotts Opticians, Sutcliffes Opticians (serving Chorley for over 80 years), Brown Opticians and Audiologists (since 2008), and Mr Jinkinsons Opticians (since 2021). Upcoming offerings include STOTTS. Membership (launching Summer 2026) and STOTTS. Aesthetics for skin rejuvenation services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Eye Examinations (NHS & Private) Comprehensive sight tests for adults and children, available as NHS-funded examinations for eligible patients or as private examinations; includes vision testing, eye health assessment, and prescription determination for glasses or contact lenses.
• Advanced Eye Health Assessment In-depth eye health evaluation using advanced imaging technology including OCT 3D scanning, digital retinal photography, slit-lamp examination with digital imaging, and visual field screening for early detection of conditions.
• Dry Eye Clinic Specialist assessment and treatment of dry eye conditions, examining tear film stability and eyelid gland health.
• Glaucoma Screening Detailed screening to detect and monitor glaucoma early, protecting long-term sight, with visual field assessment and clinical evaluation.
• Macular Screening Advanced retinal imaging using Optomap and OCT to monitor and protect macular health and detect early signs of macular disease.
• Low Vision Centre Specialist support, aids, and advice to help patients maximise their remaining vision following sight loss.
• Cataract Referral Assessment and onward referral for cataract care, guiding patients through every step including pre and post-cataract examinations.
• Children's Eyecare NHS-funded and private eye examinations and specialist care for children, including myopia management and shared care services.
• Myopia Management (Myopia Control) Evidence-based program to slow short-sightedness progression in children using specialist spectacle lenses, myopia control contact lenses, Ortho-K overnight lenses, and lifestyle guidance on screen use and outdoor time.
• Emergency Eyecare Urgent eye care services for sudden eye problems, injuries, or acute vision changes, including NHS CUES (Community Urgent Eyecare Service).
• Contact Lenses (Daily, Reusable, Multifocal, Toric) Full contact lens service including daily disposables, reusable, multifocal, and toric lenses, with fitting and ongoing aftercare.
• Ortho-K (Overnight Lenses) Specialist overnight contact lens treatment that gently reshapes the cornea during sleep for clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• Specialist Contact Lenses Custom-fitted lenses for complex prescriptions, keratoconus, irregular corneas, post-surgical eyes, scleral lenses, and RGP lenses for difficult-to-fit patients.
• Eyewear Styling Consultation Expert frame selection consultation with accredited eyewear stylists to help patients find frames that flatter their face, style, and lifestyle, delivered in a pressure-free environment.
• Designer and Independent Frames Curated selection of designer and premium eyewear frames from luxury and independent brands.
• STOTTS. Atelier Bespoke Eyewear Exclusive, premium eyewear collection and bespoke styling service for discerning customers, with personalised design and styling consultation.
• Prescription Lenses and Varifocals Prescription lenses including single vision, bifocals, varifocals (multifocal), and specialist lens designs with various coatings and materials.
• Prescription Sunglasses Sunglasses with prescription lenses, combining UV protection with corrective vision across various frame styles.
• Eyewear Wardrobe Curated collection of multiple eyewear options to suit different occasions, activities, and styles, allowing customers to own several pairs.
• Hearing Assessments Comprehensive complimentary hearing tests including ear examination with video otoscopy, diagnostic audiometry, speech testing, and speech-in-noise evaluation.
• Online Hearing Test Free digital hearing screening tool for initial hearing assessment from home, providing an early indication before a full clinical assessment.
• Hearing Aids Private hearing aids starting from £985, inclusive of aftercare and a 5-year warranty, featuring modern technology including AI-driven devices from Starkey that adapt automatically between environments, with Bluetooth and rechargeable options.
• Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Professional ear wax removal using the microsuction technique under magnification, considered the gold standard method, performed by trained professionals with video otoscopy examination.
• Hearing Care Plans Ongoing hearing care membership providing continuous support, maintenance, and adjustments for hearing aid users.
• STOTTS. Membership Studio Membership launching Summer 2026 offering included examinations, priority access, styling services, member-only savings, and aftercare across eyewear and advanced hearing care.
• STOTTS. Lifestyle Collection Curated lifestyle items including scented candles (Peony & Blush Suede, Sage & Sea Salt), hessian and linen totes, eyewear cases, and lens cleaning sprays.

Quantifiable outcome

• Rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 1,000 Google reviews
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNHS contractor providing General Optical Services and enhanced NHS services including CUES, pre and post cataract examinations, low vision assessments, children's shared care, and glaucoma referral refinement services.
• Bury, Salford, Trafford, East Lancs and Chorley & Ribble Integrated Care BoardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracts held with ICBs for NHS-funded optical services across the North West region.
• Burnley Football ClubflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Eyecare Provider to Burnley Football Club. Two years of specialist, football-specific vision screening for players across the club's age groups.
• BBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured on BBC's JoJo & Gran Gran children's programme, helping make eye care feel familiar and approachable for families.
• Optometry TodayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecognised and featured repeatedly by Optometry Today publication, including coverage of the Sutcliffes team and STOTTS hearing partnership.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Scrivens Opticians: UK family-owned regional optician and hearing care group with multiple practices offering NHS sight tests, eyewear, and hearing services; closely comparable to STOTTS as an independent multi-practice group with similar NHS-funded model and hearing care offering.
• Bayfields Opticians: Independent UK opticians group operating multiple practices with focus on clinical eye care and designer eyewear; comparable to STOTTS in independent multi-practice structure, premium positioning, and NHS service delivery.
• Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care: Independent regional UK opticians and hearing care group with multiple practices emphasising clinical expertise and premium eyewear; closely comparable to STOTTS in independent positioning, specialist services, and integrated audiology model.

Broad incumbents

• Specsavers: UK and global market-leading optical and audiology retail chain with thousands of stores; competes directly with STOTTS in North West England for NHS-funded sight tests, eyewear, and hearing services, but at vastly greater scale and lower price positioning.
• Vision Express: National optical retailer with stores across the UK offering eye examinations, eyewear, and contact lenses; comparable to STOTTS in core offering but operates a high-street chain model with broader geographic reach and standardised appointments.
• David Clulow Opticians: Premium UK optical retailer offering designer eyewear and eye examinations across multiple locations; comparable to STOTTS in premium eyewear positioning and styling consultation emphasis, though operating as a specialty chain rather than independent group.
• Boots Hearingcare: Nationwide UK hearing care provider operating within the Boots retail platform offering hearing assessments, hearing aids, and aftercare; comparable to STOTTS' audiology service line as a scaled incumbent in the UK hearing market.
• Boots Opticians: Opticians division of Boots, the UK pharmacy retailer, providing eye tests, eyewear, and contact lenses within a broader health and beauty retail platform; comparable to STOTTS as a national optical provider but operates at significantly larger scale within a multi-category retailer.
• Hiddلen Hearing: One of the UK's largest private hearing care providers with nationwide clinic network; comparable to STOTTS' audiology offering in hearing assessments, hearing aids, and wax removal but at significantly larger scale and as a hearing-only specialist.

Emerging players

• OutsideClinic: UK provider of home-visit opticians and hearing services targeting elderly and housebound patients; comparable to STOTTS as an alternative optometry/audiology provider but differentiated by home-visit model rather than physical practice network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stotts-opticians

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about STOTTS OPTICIANS GROUP