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
We are always happy to help. Looking for a new pair of glasses or arranging an eye examination? Call us on
01730 264258