Our Team
We are fiercely independent and not part of any chain. The true goal of our practices is to offer exceptional customer service and the best possible eyecare we can. We have an extremely qualified and dedicated team who have spent years developing their skills to be able to offer this personalised service.
Our team works seamlessly from start to finish to deliver an exceptional experience — from the moment you arrive, through your eye examination, to the final stages of choosing and dispensing your eyewear. Every member of our practice plays a vital role in this journey, combining their individual expertise with a shared commitment to outstanding care. Together, we ensure you receive precise clinical attention, thoughtful guidance, and eyewear that looks and feels extraordinary.
We believe in honest, family values and our team are like an extended family.
Rebecca Rietdyke
BSc(Hons)MCOptom DipTP(IP) Optometrist Director
About Rebecca - Practice Director & Principal Optometrist
Rebecca brings over 20 years of qualified experience as Practice Director and Principal Optometrist, combining exceptional clinical expertise with compassionate patient care.
Education & Training
Rebecca completed her undergraduate training at The University of Manchester and her Pre-registration training at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of the UK's leading optometric institutions.
Professional Experience
With over 20 years of qualified practice, Rebecca has extensive experience across hospital and private practice settings. She spent five years specialising in contact lens dispensing and fitting, followed by five years as an optometrist with the hospital eye service at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and several private practices across the North West.
Areas of Specialisation
Following her comprehensive training at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Rebecca now specialises in:
Contact Lens Services: Expert fitting and management of specialist contact lenses, including complex and therapeutic applications
Medical Eye Care: Management of ophthalmic disorders including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Independent Prescribing: Fully qualified to prescribe medications for treating eye conditions, ensuring immediate and comprehensive patient care
Rebecca's extensive qualifications and dual role as Practice Director ensure patients receive cutting-edge eye care delivered with expertise and compassion.
Iain Johnson
MSCi BSc(Hons) FBDO CL MBCLA MCOptom Optometrist Director
About Iain - Director & Specialist Optometrist
Iain is a highly accomplished Director and Optometrist with over 17 years of experience, specialising in advanced contact lens fitting, dry eye management, and optical dispensing. His expertise is enhanced by extended qualifications in dry eye management and myopia control.
Areas of Specialisation
Advanced Contact Lens Fitting: Expert in complex contact lens solutions and specialist fittings
Dry Eye Management: Extended qualifications in comprehensive assessment and treatment of dry eye conditions
Myopia Control: Specialist expertise in managing and controlling myopia progression
Optical Dispensing: Professional dispensing services with focus on optimal visual outcomes
Professional Recognition
Iain's exceptional expertise has been recognised through multiple prestigious industry awards. He has been a finalist and winner for Optician, AOP and BCLA awards between 2018-2023, including:
Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year
Myopia Management Practitioner of the Year
Dry Eye Practitioner of the Year
Education & Advocacy
Beyond his clinical practice, Iain is passionate about advancing eye health knowledge. He regularly lectures on nutrition and eye health, sharing his expertise with both professionals and patients to promote better understanding of how lifestyle factors impact vision.
Iain's combination of extensive experience, specialist qualifications, and industry recognition ensures patients receive cutting-edge care in his areas of expertise.
Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year 2019 + 2021
Myopia management finalist 2023
One of the first to receive the BCLA dry eye certification.
Brian Leatherbarrow
BSC MBCHB DO FRCS FRCOPHTH Consultant Ophthalmologist Director
Mr Leatherbarrow was a Consultant Ophthalmic, Oculoplastic and Orbital surgeon at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, from 1992 until October 2014. He was then in full time private practice until March 2023 when he retired from clinical practice. He now undertakes medicolegal expert witness work at the practice.
He has over 35 years of experience in ophthalmology and was a specialist Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for over 30 years. His major areas of expertise are oculoplastic, orbital, and lacrimal surgery for which he has had a national and international reputation.
He graduated from Manchester Medical School in 1982, training in general ophthalmology at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital before undertaking subspecialty training fellowships in oculoplastic and orbital surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
He is the single author of a major textbook “Oculoplastic Surgery”. The third edition was published by Thieme in October 2019. https://www.thieme.co.uk/opthalmology/oculoplastic-surgery
Nicolette Marsden
BSc(Hons) MCOptom
Nicolette is an Optometrist with extended qualifications in diabetes. She obtained her degree at Manchester University and has since worked in private practice.
Alongside work Nicolette is involved with the scouts as a scout leader. She has done multiple charity events such as the 3 peaks challenge and triathlons to help raise money for the less fortunate. She travelled to Uganda as part of a team to build water filtration systems for the local communities, providing sustainable drinking water for them.
At Johnson & Leatherbarrow, Nicolette provides eye examinations, diabetic screenings, contact lens appointments, enhanced services and orthokeratology services.
Jacqueline Choudhury
BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP)
Jacqueline is an extremely experienced Optometrist who trained at Manchester University before working in private practice. She has extended qualifications in independent prescribing and works at both practices.
At Johnson & Leatherbarrow, Jacqueline provides eye examinations, contact lens appointments and specialist emergency appointments.
Kelly Rose
Senior Optical AdvisorKelly has been a valued member of our practice for over ten years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to every patient she supports. Her expertise in all aspects of dispensing means she offers clear, confident guidance on the best lenses and solutions for each individual. Working closely with our Optometrists, she helps create truly exceptional optical correction tailored to every prescription. Kelly also has a keen eye for style, thoughtfully recommending frames that complement each customer’s look so they leave with eyewear that feels incredible and stands out for all the right reasons.
Nick Lymperopoulos
Trainee Dispensing Optician
Michelle Rawlinson
Reception Team
Lauren Gibbons
Dispensing Optician
Lauren is a qualified Dispensing Optician with a specialist focus on advanced visual correction, including myopia control. Her deep technical knowledge allows her to confidently handle even the most complex prescriptions, ensuring every patient receives lenses tailored with exceptional precision. With her calm, considered approach and commitment to clinical excellence, Lauren plays a key role in delivering outstanding visual outcomes for our patients.
Nick brings a wealth of experience to the practice, having spent years working within the frame industry and sourcing some of the finest eyewear from around the world. This gives him an exceptional understanding of craftsmanship, materials, and what truly defines great design. In practice, he draws on this expertise alongside his optical knowledge to guide customers toward frames and lenses that deliver outstanding visual results. His insight and attention to detail ensure every customer leaves with eyewear that looks remarkable and performs beautifully.
Gill Cordingley
Reception Team
Gill is the newest member of our team, bringing a fresh burst of enthusiasm and a genuine passion for all things eyewear. She loves exploring the latest trends just as much as she appreciates the craftsmanship behind our handmade frames. Her excitement and curiosity make her a fantastic guide for anyone looking to discover eyewear that feels both stylish and thoughtfully made.
Michelle brings over 16 years of experience to the team and is a warm, welcoming presence on our Sale reception. She ensures every patient’s visit begins smoothly, offering friendly support, efficient organisation, and a reassuring point of contact from the moment they arrive. Her professionalism and calm approach help keep the practice running seamlessly, making her an invaluable part of our front‑of‑house team.