14 October 2026
Specialist optometrist, Sarah Lowry, is preparing to take the reins of North Wales domicilary eye care service, Trusted Home Eyecare.
Lowry takes over from optometrist Christopher Gould, who has provided domicilary eye care for more than 20 decades, as he prepares to retire.
Through Trusted Home Eyecare, Lowry will continue to deliver domicilary eye care to people at home and in care homes across North Wales for those covered by the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board.
As an independent domicilary provider, Lowry will see each patient herself, from the first visit through to aftercare.
Gould will remain with the company for up to two years, providing cover for Lowry on her days off and annual leave.
Reflecting on his career as he prepares to step back from leading Trusted Home Eyecare, Gould said he has enjoyed the 20 years he has spent providing domicilary eye care.
“I have found it hugely satisfying,” he said.
Gould explained that one reason he is still practising in his early 70s is due to his passion for the profession. However, not finding anyone suitable to take over the domicilary service has been another.
“I am now very happy indeed to hand over to Sarah. She is very experienced, and her higher qualifications, including independent prescribing, will allow an enhanced level of service. She is absolutely dedicated to the profession,” he said.
Lowry, who is an AOP Councillor, qualified over 25 years ago. She trained at St Paul’s Eye Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and has been a senior clinical screener for the Cheshire Diabetic Eye Screening Service.
She has run her own independent practice in south Manchester and has advanced qualifications in independent prescribing, glaucoma and low vision.
Lowry said: “Chris has built something really special here, and his patients clearly think the world of him. I’m very aware that I’m being trusted with people he has looked after for years. Many of them can’t easily get out, and a home visit may be the only eye test they get. I want them to feel they’re in safe hands.”
The optometrist said she finds low vision work with housebound patients “especially rewarding.”
“Helping someone read their post again, see the faces of their grandchildren or stay independent at home makes a real difference. It takes me back to my hospital training, and it’s the part of the job I love most,” she added.
As a keen mountain climber, Gould hopes to spend his retirement working in his woodland and hiking in Wales and the Alps.
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