The optometry practice where friendliness and clinical expertise are at the heart of everything we do

Professional eyecare, using the most advanced equipment

Welcome to Coates and Grute

We are independent Eyecare specialists, based in Petersfield, Hampshire and our passion is to help you make the most of your sight. We achieve this by using the best equipment which, when combined with our wealth of experience, ensures you will receive expert, personalised care.

Graham Coates

Abi Grute

The Eye Examination

Thorough, accurate and using the best equipment

Find out more

Unique Eyewear

Express your style with individual eyewear

Our brands

Additional Specialities

Dry eye, coloured overlays, eye tracking…

More details

Meet The Team

In addition to our broad array of brands and services, we pride ourselves on our patient experience. Our friendly, welcoming team is here to ensure you get the best of care.

”Everyone is so friendly and cannot do enough to help, from booking appointments to explaining my eye examination and helping me choose my wonderful glasses, thank you!
Judith Ellis

Optometrist, Partner

Graham Coates

I have not always been an Optometrist. Following a first degree at Exeter University in Biological Sciences I spent an extremely fulfilling and fun 10 years as a sensory analyst for the world’s largest drinks company. If you like the taste of Malibu, Baileys or Smirnoff Black, it may have been down to me! However good it was, I desired a career where I could use my skills to enhance the lives of individual people. Back to studying for 4 years – this time at City University – with my wife Helen supporting me.

Optometry has allowed me the immense satisfaction of helping people, of all ages, maximize their visual ability. Each day brings a wonderful balance of clinical challenges, and fascinating patients, be they young or old.

It has also opened up the chance to help those who cannot help themselves through the charity Vision Aid Overseas. I derive enormous joy from my annual trips to Africa (see my African eye care page), and enjoy giving educational talks.

Having started life as an Essex boy I have long since been won over by the beauty (and hills!) of Hampshire. With two grown up children, life is full and energetic and I still find time to pursue my love of hiking and photography.

Optometrist, Dispensing Optician and Partner

Abi Grute

Abi Grute is one of the two owners of Coates & Grute The Optometrists.

Abi Grute BSc(Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Paeds Bsc(Hons) FBDO (Hons) SLD (Hons) LVA Cert Ed

As you can see from the longlist of qualifications I believe passionately in life-long learning. Always developing new skills to enhance patient care really inspires me. As a registered Optometrist and Dispensing Optician of over 35 years’ experience I have worked in in almost every aspect of Optics profession.

First qualifying as a Dispensing Optician in 1991 I became very involved in the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), writing course materials and examinations for student Dispensing Opticians. Whilst serving the board of ABDO I was overjoyed when we managed to create the conditions for the creation of the now world renowned ABDO College of Education for Dispensing Opticians. I was equally thrilled to be recruited as a founding member of the teaching staff of the ABDO College and I have lectured and examined internationally on behalf of the profession. I still continue to serve as a Practical and Theoretical Examiner and Low Vision Specialist Examiner for Dispensing Opticians.

My long career in Optics has seen me serve the General Optical Council as a ‘Fitness to Practise’ panel member and to receive one of only two particular medals struck by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in recognition for services to education.

In 2010 I undertook a new challenge of a degree in Optometry. Qualifying as an Optometrist in 2013 I am one of life’s lucky people who really enjoy their work. I realise that I have only really scratched the surface of Optometry and I am continuing to study to gain a Masters in Clinical Optometry. Whether I make it or not is immaterial as I am really loving the journey.

Living in Petersfield I really value the community of people that we care for and I hope to become more involved with the independent businesses of Lavant Street. I am also part of the Sheet and Tilmore Allotment Association team.

When not working in the practice, you can find me ‘playing in the dirt’ at one of my two local allotments or scything in Petersfield’s Millenium Orchard. If rain stops outdoor activities, you will find me in the kitchen, pickling and preserving all that the allotment and orchard has provided, or perspiring heavily at the gym.

Receptionist

Elaine

Receptionist

Kerry

Receptionist

Charlie

“

As a professional artist I need to take my eye care seriously and since moving to the practice 12 years ago I have received superb service and advice. My check–ups are always extremely thorough and conducted in a friendly relaxed manner with no effort made to sell me anything I don’t actually need. Thanks for all your help."
Gordon RushmerArtist

“

"We are a family of five, they have cared for us through school, university, professional life, and now two of us are OAPs. Throughout all this time, we have been served with professionalism, efficiency, courtesy, kindness and good humour by everyone involved. We have frequently recommended them to friends, and continue to do so without hesitation."
Jan Grey

“

Thanks - my new coloured overlay has made a big difference to my reading. I used to struggle when reading out loud at school but now I am much more confident, I can read quicker and my reading age has risen by a couple of years.
Rebecca, aged 15Visual Stress assessment

“

I wanted to express my gratitude for helping to manage my ‘runny watery eyes’… Since my consultation and diligently sticking to my day-to-day management of the condition my eyes have felt hugely more comfortable, almost to the point that I am not ‘conscious’ of them. I would recommend anyone travel a distance to visit if it meant getting relief for this tiring and annoying eye condition.
Sue SheppardDry eye consultation

      
   Coates & Grute
   12 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Julia Turpin 
 
 
 
  I have used this practice for almost 20 years and know my eyes are in safe hands.  Graham and Abi are both extremely professional, dedicated to their work, and provide a wonderful service.

Prior to 2001 I used other opticians in the town but was never really satisfied, but when I discovered this practice I knew they were The Optometrists for me, and I have purchased well over 10 pairs of spectacles from them.

I thoroughly recommend this practice.
  
 
       
   A K 
 
 
 
  Outstanding Optometrists. Abi Grute is a highly skilled, knowledgable and friendly optometrist, and the care and attention given to each patient is exceptional. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Phoebe Johnson 
 
 
 
  I’ve never had to go to an opticians before yesterday, found myself with a very nasty injury to my eye, with no luck getting into my GP I got offered an appointment to be looked at here straight away. The receptionist was very sympathetic to my situation and promised she would call me back - so she did and got me seen within the hour. The lady who carried out my appt made me feel at ease even though I was in a lot of pain and very nervous, she referred me to the hospital which meant I got seen and sorted straight away. Thank you so much I think if it hadn’t of been for this place fitting me in to see me I think my injury right now would be a lot worse!

Amazing team!
  
 
       
   Mark Paris 
 
 
 
  Always professional and friendly service from Graham and the team - and the new tech they have installed recently is impressive!
  
 
       
   James Pritchard 
 
 
 
  I really appreciate the way Graham always offers a thorough explanation of what he is doing and why things are the way they are. I find it really reassuring and value his calm and methodical approach. Everyone in the Practice is always very welcoming.
  
 
       
   Jane Williams 
 
 
 
  Very very happy with the detailed examination of my eyes and the glasses prescribed. This is a serious opticians practice which cares about your eye health and delivering the best glasses.
  
 
       
   Jo Goman 
 
 
 
  I cannot recommend M-OC enough.... not only are their opticians affiliated to optical departments in hospitals (and therefore highly skilled and knowledgeable) but they are kind, generous and cannot do enough to help you.
I would recommend them without reservation..... you will feel safe, cared for and valued.
  
 
       
   lou set 
 
 
 
  This was my eight year old daughters first appointment at an optometrists following her being signed off from the children's eye dept at the hospital. Mrs Morgan-Owen was extremely patient, reassuring and knowledgeable about the additional aspects of my daughters eyes. She put us both at ease and I am very happy to have found this practice. Many thanks.
  
 
       
   Peter Kjellin 
 
 
 
  Lovely people and competitively priced. Thank you.