Meet The Team
Every appointment is tailored to your individual needs — whether you’re coming in for a routine eye examination, advice about contact lenses, or help choosing new glasses.
As an independent opticians, we value lasting relationships over quick transactions. Many of our team members have been with us for years, meaning patients are often welcomed by familiar faces who genuinely understand their history and preferences.
This continuity of care allows us to provide a more personal, attentive experience — the kind that keeps generations of families returning to us.
The friendly atmosphere we’re known for starts with our people. Our team’s experience and long-standing commitment to the practice mean patients are greeted by professionals who truly know them.
Click on each team member’s photo to discover more about the individuals who make Leemings Opticians such a welcoming place.
Michael has been an optometrist for over 40 years and founded Leemings in the early 1990s, building the practice into the trusted, community-focused clinic it is today. Widely regarded as one of the best opticians around, he is highly respected for his clinical excellence and is regularly recommended by hospitals and local GPs.
In the testing room, Michael is focused, meticulous and deeply committed to patient care. His knowledge is second to none, and generations of families trust him with their eyes.
Outside of work, Michael is full of surprises. A dad to four grown-up sons and a proud grandad to two granddaughters, he has a huge love of music and an unexpectedly wide taste in genres. He is heavily involved in local events, including the St Catherine’s Pantomime and the Beer Festival, where he is often found DJing and delivering some seriously good tunes.
With over 18 years at Leemings, Joanne is known for her warm, friendly approach paired with honest, sometimes almost brutally honest, advice that patients genuinely appreciate. She has a knack for choosing the perfect frame first time, and countless patients trust her judgement so completely that spouses rarely feel the need to come back and “double-check”.
Outside of work, Joanne is a devoted mum to her 19-year-old son, who keeps her more than busy. When she is not at the practice, she is most likely at the gym, her favourite place to reset, recharge and stay focused.
Janet is the heartbeat of Leemings. With nearly 30 years at the practice, she has greeted generations of families and somehow remembers everyone, often before they have even stepped through the door. Known for her bright purple hair, quick wit and refusal to ever take life too seriously, Janet brings laughter and light to the front desk every single day.
Outside of work, she embraces her mystical side as a witch and tarot reader. When she is not predicting the future, she can be found wandering around Didsbury Park with her much-loved dog, Kevin. A true bookworm with a love of a good glass of wine, Janet’s warmth, humour and stories make patients feel instantly at home.
Suzy is one of the friendly faces keeping the practice running day to day, whether she’s helping patients choose frames, finding the perfect fit, or having a chat at the front desk that somehow turns into a full life update. She’s brilliant at making people feel relaxed and welcome, and there’s usually laughter nearby when Suzy’s around.
Outside of work, she’s a busy mum of five who somehow still finds time for the gym, running, and live music. She brings lots of energy to the practice and loves getting to know all of our patients.
Theresa has been part of the Leemings family for over five years and is known as the thorough one on reception. With her almost OCD-level attention to detail, nothing slips through the cracks. Paperwork is immaculate, appointments run smoothly, and patient records are always spot on when Theresa is around.
Despite her perfectionist streak, Theresa is warm, friendly and loved by patients for her calm and reassuring manner. A proud mum of three grown-up children, she enjoys planning her next holiday and soaking up the sunshine whenever she can.
Gill is the much-loved house mum of Leemings. Always one step ahead, she is forever cleaning, tidying, making endless brews and chatting with patients while they wait. Her calm nature and natural ability to make everyone feel cared for have made her an irreplaceable part of the practice.
With six grown-up children and nine grandchildren, Gill’s nurturing side comes naturally. Alongside her busy family life, she is incredibly driven and is currently working towards her PhD in Counselling, soon to be Leemings’ very own Dr Gill.
Young at heart and full of energy, she never misses her gym classes and brings that same enthusiasm into the practice every day. Patients adore her, and so do we.
Amelia has been part of the Leemings team for five years, bringing a calm, reassuring presence and a wealth of experience to every clinic.
She graduated from Cardiff University in 2014, qualified in Bristol in 2015, and later returned north to further her career and be closer to family.
Her background includes university clinics, hospital settings and community practice, giving her a confident and well-rounded clinical approach. Amelia has a particular passion for paediatric optometry, and her gentle manner and patience make her especially popular with children and parents alike.
Outside of work, Amelia is happily busy with her one-year-old son, Dylan, who ensures life is always full of energy and fun.
