Founded in 1958 by Osmond I. Drake, grandfather of current owner and lead optometrist Marc Drake, we’re a third-generation family business located in the heart of Penarth. Much has changed since we first opened our doors more than 60 years ago. Today, the practice is equipped with the most up to date diagnostic and medical equipment enabling new treatments and better vision. But, whilst the technology we use has changed beyond all recognition, our core values remain the same. Ossie established the business to offer outstanding eye care to a community he was part of and cared about, and his founding principles still guide our work today. That means taking the time to get to know you and your family personally, understanding your needs, and being mindful of your budget to offer a professional, friendly service with genuine warmth and care.
Acccessibility
Our practice is fully wheelchair accessible.
All of our staff are proud to have undertaken Dementia Friend training.
We have Autism Friendly Appointments available on request.
Osmond Drake Opticians is dedicated to providing the best eye care possible to every patient. Please let us know when booking if you have any extra requirements and we will do our best to meet them.
BSc MCOptom PDipTp (IP) Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret
Director / Lead Independent Prescribing Optometrist
Marc has been providing eyecare to patients in Penarth since 1994, since taking over the running of the practice from his father. Marc now runs the practice with his wife, Alison.
Interests
Contact Lenses: Marc has been specialising in contact lenses for many years and has extensive experience fitting specialist contact lenses, including cornea and semi-scleral lensesfor irregular corneas (for example in patients with keratoconus) and Night lenses to correct myopia during the day and myopia management. Marc was awarded UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year Award in 2023.
Independent Prescribing: Marc has always enjoyed the medical aspects of Optometry and began treating minor eye conditions and removing foreign bodies from patients’ eyes in the mid -1990s. He qualified as an Independent Prescriber (IP) in 2019 and gained experience treating a wide range of eye disease while working during COVID. Marc was 1 of 4 IPs who set up the IPOS service in Cardiff & Vale Health Board during this time. This service has now been rolled out over the rest of Wales and we continue to treat urgent eye conditions.
Training: Marc spends time training our team and Osmond Drake is now an “Advanced Training Practice” as we help future IPs gain the experience they need to qualify as IPs themselves.
BSc (Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert LV Prof Cert Med Ret Dip Tp (IP)
Optometrist
Hannah provides eye examinations, contact lens fittings, contact lens aftercares, and emergency eye care appointments at the practice.
Hannah is a qualified Low Vision Practitioner, which involves advising people with visual impairment on how to make the most of their remaining sight, through a combination of practical advice and optical aids. She has Medical Retina and Glaucoma qualifications which aid with the detection of eye problems in daily practice.
Hannah is also an Independent Prescriber, allowing her to see some patients in practice rather than them having to go to the hospital.
HANNAH JONES
BSc MCOptom DipTp (IP) Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Low Vision
Optometrist
Hannah qualified as an Independent Prescriber (IP) in March 2023 and enjoys treating a wide range of conditions in the IPOS service in the Cardiff and Vale Health Board. She also has interests in Myopia Management and fits night lenses, day lenses and glasses to correct this.
Hannah is a qualified Low Vision Practitioner. This involves advising people with visual impairment on how to make the most of their remaining sight, through a combination of practical advice and optical aids. She also has Medical Retina and Glaucoma qualifications which aid the detection of eye diseases in daily practice.
Training: Hannah is currently specialising in glaucoma and working towards a Higher Glaucoma certification. This involves working in Glaucoma clinics in the hospital.
Claire has been working as an Optometrist for 20+ years in South Wales. She has been in independent practice locally for the past few years and joined the practice in early 2024.
Interests
General Eyecare: Claire enjoys looking after the general eyecare needs of our local community. Whether you need a new pair of glasses, want to try contact lenses, feel like you have a problem with your vision or just want a routine checkup, Claire is happy to help.
Myopia Management: Claire is passionate about making sure the next generation are given the opportunity to avoid becoming as short-sighted as the last generation. Claire is certified to offer various new technologies designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness.
Independent Prescribing: Claire is part of our team of Independent Prescribers and enjoys the extended care this offers her patients exactly where they need it, close to home.
Training: Having been involved in pre-registration training in the past Claire looks forward to mentoring the next generation of Optometrists and Independent Prescribers as well as ensuring the other members of our team are comfortable working at their highest level, for your benefit. Claire is committed to keeping her own knowledge up to date and is currently studying to gain her professional certificate in medical retina.
Alison has been providing eye care to our patients since 1996.
Full of great advice, Ali will take the time to help you find the right frames and lenses based on your prescription and lifestyle. A great listener with an instinctive eye for style, you’re sure to end up with a pair of specs you’ll love to wear.
Once you’ve chosen your new pair of spectacles, Ali will ensure they fit comfortably and provide the best vision possible.
Andrew joined Osmond Drake in January 2024, after having worked in optics for 8 years. He is patient and always ready to listen to your needs, he’ll work to find the best frame and lenses for you while delivering excellent customer service.
Andrew is passionate about myopia management, low vision, and providing the best experience for our neurodivergent patients in practice.
Meet the Optical Advisor Team
From left (Gwen Hicks, Helen Gunter and Ashleigh Pearce).
Our Optical Advisors combine excellent customer care with clinical and technical knowledge to provide you with the best service possible. Experienced and friendly, they’ll book appointments and answer any queries. In addition to providing first class customer service, they carry out OCT scans and Visual Fields, and if you’re new contact lens wearer they’ll teach you how to handle and care for them.
