With a background in accountancy alongside my optical experience, I joined forces with Dominic, Giles and Diane Tunnell in 1997 at our new premises on Mealcheapen Street. Since then, both the business and our family have grown, with Dominic and I raising two wonderful boys.
Fun fact: had optics not captured my vision, I would have loved to pursue an acting career. Having trodden the boards and even appeared as Chrissie Hynde on Stars in Their Eyes, my dreams of stardom eventually gave way to a different kind of vision — one now accompanied mainly by
enthusiastic singing in the shower!
.svg)
I qualified in 1996 and took over the family business in 2004, I love taking customers out of their comfort zone, and trying on frames they normally wouldn’t have chosen. I really enjoy dispensing complex prescriptions and any specialised wraparound prescription sunglasses for all types of use. I’m really competitive,, I cycle, play Tennis,Squash,Padel Tennis and Racqetball with Stuart. I Love spending time with Kaz & my boys, Louis and Felix who aspire to beat me at any sport!!! :)
Hi, I’m Fran, Dispensing Optician & Practice manager. I gained my degree from Canterbury University and began working at DTO 9 years ago! You’ll find me here 5 days a week enjoying all things dry eye, contact lenses & spectacles! I pride myself in working hard to understand patients optical needs.
I have been a qualified Dispensing Optician with over 10 years of experience, and have worked in optics since leaving college at 18. When not in practice I am usually out adventuring with my dog, Ren - fair warning, get me talking about dogs and you might be here all day.
I started in optics in 2008 as a weekend assistant as I planned to do Optometry at Uni. However, I soon realised that being on the shop floor suited me far better than being in a test room, so I trained to be a Dispensing Optician. I’m passionate about finding the perfect frame for every patient, making sure you feel fantastic in them and your lenses are giving you perfect vision. I’m a Zeiss lens specialist after working for them for 5 years and still love their lenses, but I’m also a huge fan of Essilor lenses as well.
I am a qualified Contact Lens Optician with 16 years’ experience in the optical industry. I began my career as an optical advisor and progressed into contact lenses through dedication and a strong passion for patient care. This has given me a solid understanding of all aspects of eyecare, with a particular focus on contact lenses and eye health. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping patients find contact lens solutions that suit their lifestyle. As a contact lens wearer myself, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact they can have on confidence, comfort, and everyday life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, especially mountain biking and walking.
After 39 years in optics, I still love to help patients see better. After many years of working a long way from work, I now enjoy walking to work with a spring in my step! Outside of work, I like to keep fit, a game of racquetball with Dom, music, movies and gardening and when time allows, I get my sax out.
I’m Trudi, an optometrist who still finds the role as rewarding today as when I first qualified. I enjoy the challenge of achieving the best possible vision for my patients, while supporting their wider eye health. Outside of work, I love playing golf and spending time outdoors on country walks with friends and family.
I qualified as an Optometrist in 2011 and joined Dominic Tunnell Opticians in mid 2024. I enjoy providing thorough eye examinations and helping patients find practical and suitable solutions for their vision and eye health needs, with a particular interest in ocular health and preventative eye care. Outside of work, I enjoy football, cricket and going to the gym, & generally keeping fit and active.
I’m new to the world of optics am loving it so far. You’ll find me on reception booking appointments and welcoming patients to the practice. I love working in a small but bustling Opticians with a great team - no day is the same. I’m creative and enjoy walking and spending time in nature.
I am very proud of the job that I do as I feel I make a significant difference.I am a bubbly character with a naturally positive outlook. You will find me on reception ready to welcome you with a massive smile on my face. Acting as the first point of contact I will greet visitors, answer and direct calls, and schedule appointments, whilst also giving advice on eye drops, contacts and solutions. Outside of work I am all about family & am a proud wife and mother to my husband, daughter and dog Bugner.
2025 was the beginning of my optic journey and am thoroughly enjoying it! When i’m not greeting our lovely patients, capturing retinal images or checking out all the stock, you’ll find me with my head in a book or out and about exploring with my camera
I joined the practice in 2024 as part of the reception team as an optical assistant. One year later I took over the role as practice administrator, but you’ll still find me on the shop floor on a Monday continuing to carry out the preliminary health checks for patients. Every year you’ll find me at a music festival, it’s my happy place.
I started my optic journey in 2025. You can find me in the workshop, glazing, repairing, polishing and fixing a wide range of specs. I find rimless the most rewarding as well as the challenge. I enjoy the team I work with and the variety my job role has to offer. Outside of work you can find me on the football pitch with my son!
