01730 264258
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
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
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.
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
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GDogRuss
Highest quality diagnosis and care I have ever experienced at any Opticians. Super choice of the latest frame designs and lens technolgies. All sorted within an hour. Highly recommended. Nice people too!
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Walker Kiel
Changed after a well known big brand messed up my prescription fairly impressively. I am told these guys are ex Arnold’s (a traditional family optician in town that were very good) and was recommended by my better half. Very kind, conscientious and patient and they seem to have nailed my prescription, which is certainly not straightforward
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Al Exaudio
Awesome eye test - can highly recommend!!!!
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David Foster
We have recently moved to the area and wanted to be seen to seen by independent optometrists. Having done our research we decided on Coates and Grute and what a great decision we made! Graham and Abi are brilliant. They took the time to explain every thing to us and conducted very thorough eye examinations. They are extremely professional as well as being two lovely and friendly people. Add in the equally fantastic reception staff and it adds up to one hell of a team and practice.
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Emma Button
Coates and Grute is a wonderful opticians that offers a friendly, professional service. They really get to know their customers, and help with pretty much any concern you go to them with. Their patience for the time it takes me to pick new specs is always impressive, and they give useful guidance on which frames or lenses suit you and your needs. They’ve looked after my eyesight for 25+ years, I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else!
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Suzanne Knights
I have been delighted with my glasses and contact lenses (which have a very complicated prescription). Disasterously after three years of wear, a small screw fell out of the glasses frame. I nipped in to the shop (parking place outside) and the screw was replaced for free there and then (taking about five minutes). Thank you to the team. 👏 🤓
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Paul
I visited Coates and Grute recently for the first time, to be assessed for potential new spectacles and to have my eyes fully scanned. I was attended to very thoroughly by Graham Coates and he was first class at explaining the things he observed and in answering my questions. Likewise the receptionist and dispensing optician (Kerry) were very helpful and pleasant to deal with throughout. Overall a brilliant and reassuring experience.
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Alistair Knox-Crawford
As l grow older l have begun to appreciate my eye sight. My neighbour recommended Coates and Grute so l make an appointment. The first thing l liked was the professionalism of the entire team. Everything was done at my pace. It never oncr felt l was being rushed. Graham took me through all the tests and then offered two more with equipment that can image inside the eye to see what was going on.. There was a great range of frames and lens coating to choose from and my prescription glasses arrived really quickly. At the fitting there was couple of adjustments made as l don't need these to fall off!! It was such a painless experiencen and one which has put my mind at rest about my vision.
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Sheila Price
My husband recently visited for a routine eye examination. He was incredibly impressed by the care and professionalism of Graham and Jo. He said that it was a very pleasant experience and that he would be using Coates and Grute for all his eye care needs from now on
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Nicola Warn
A lovely independent practice. Graham was extremely thorough and experienced. It's so nice to find an Optician you can really trust!
Virtual Practice Tour
Explore our practice with an interactive virtual tour. Take a look around our reception, consulting rooms and frame displays, so that you can see what to expect before your appointment.
We are always happy to help. Looking for a new pair of glasses or arranging an eye examination? Call us on
01730 264258