Cargills Optometrists

Whether you have concerns about your eyesight, want to explore the benefit of coloured overlays for your child’s reading, tempted by contact lenses, thinking about varifocals or simply just want a great frame to wear Cargills are here to help. 2016 was the 90th Anniversary of Cargills, click here to see our celebrations. Albert C. Cargill was born near the Scottish borders and spent some time in Northern Ireland where he had a small business in the early 1900s. He moved to Folkestone after the First World War and opened a small optical practice in Cheriton Place, and in 1926 moved around the corner to the present premises in Sandgate Road. His first partner, Jack Pembroke, joined soon after, having left school to become his apprentice, he qualified in 1930. When war broke out in 1939 Albert Cargill continued practicing in Folkestone but Jack Pembroke was posted to Birmingham where he provided optical services for the many factory workers. After the war Jack Pembroke returned to Folkestone and remained with Cargills until his retirement at the age of 70.