About Cantor + Barnard

Cantor barnard

About us

We are an MDR certified, world-class contact lens manufacturer, combining decades of expertise with advanced manufacturing to deliver high-quality contact lenses trusted by partners around the world.

Our Company

Cantor Barnard is the largest independent contact lens manufacturing company in Europe, with distributors across most European countries and products prescribed by eye care professionals in over 60 countries worldwide.

For more than 60 years, we have specialised in the design and manufacture of bespoke contact lenses, combining world-class manufacturing with exceptional technical expertise. Our extensive manufacturing capabilities enable us to produce one of the industry’s most comprehensive ranges of custom contact lenses, providing solutions for everything from routine prescriptions to highly complex clinical cases.

Our Mission

Cantor Barnard’s mission is to manufacture high-quality, bespoke contact lenses that meet the unique needs of people around the world. As an independent manufacturer, we are committed to offering a personalised approach that enables eye care professionals to deliver the best outcome for their patients.

Our history

Where it all began

David Cantor founded the original company in 1964, and the Cantor & Silver partnership was created in 1973 when he incorporated his business with that of Leslie Silver. A limited company was formed in 1975 and relocated in Brackley, Northamptonshire. 

During the 80s and 90s Cantor & Silver Limited acquired several companies: Focus Contact Lenses Limited, CLM (Contact Lenses) Limited, Speciality Contact Lenses Limited and Cambridge Precision Limited. 

In August 2000, Cantor & Silver Limited acquired Nissel Limited and changed its name to Cantor & Nissel Limited, and then to further reflect the advances and change of management, its name was changed to Cantor Barnard Ltd in 2024.

Garth Barnard has been with the company for 37+ years and will be taking the business forward with steady expansion planned and some exciting new products to be announced.

David Cantor

Meet David

David Cantor

Company Owner

“I founded the company in 1964. Since then we’ve grown from strength to strength and are now one of the largest privately owned European custom contact lens manufacturers, and still developing new products!
This year marks our 60th anniversary in the industry.”

Garth Barnard

Meet Garth

Garth Barnard

Managing Director

“I began working here in 1987 as an Apprentice Engineer. I have since worked my way up to become Cantor Barnard Managing Director.

Outside of work I enjoy playing football… even if I end up in A&E!”

Meet Ash

Ash Barnard

Production Director

“I oversee a wonderful Production team just shy of thirty, including our Research & Development, Purchasing, Engineering & Technical Project departments respectively.

Outside of working hours, I’ll be found attempting to improve my bench press and golf score – both currently at three figures!”

Ian Sexton

Meet Ian

Ian Sexton

Head of Professional Education

As the new Head of Professional Education, I am looking forward to working with the amazing team here at Cantor Barnard, helping practitioners to improve their patients lives with the extensive range of products we manufacture. I have learnt so much from everyone and I have been touched by their support and kindness during my first few days.

When I am not working I enjoy scuba diving in warmer waters than the UK”.

Jason

Meet Jason

Jason Allen

Account Manager

“While I am new to the world of contact lenses, I do have over 25 years experience in sales and account management.

I’m very much looking forward to working with Garth and the team and building relationships with all our customers.

When not at work you’ll find me supporting the mighty Arsenal Football Club.”

Meet Henry

Henry Davies

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Manager

“I started working at Cantor Barnard during my work experience and have since worked my way up to overseeing quality and regulatory affairs matters within the company.

When not at work, you can usually find me playing or watching football!”

Meet Vicky

Vicky French

Financial Director

“I bring a wealth of experience to Cantor Barnard, spanning over four decades.

Outside of work, I love being with my family and friends, except when the Formula One season starts and then it’s all about fast cars and pit stops!”

Michaela Jones

Meet Michaela

Michaela Jones

Production Manager

“I manage our Production & Engineering departments, and oversee all of our Goods Inwards and Testing processes.

Working alongside Ash is hard, but someone had to take the hit!”

Meet Teresa

Teresa Cataldo

Office Manager

“Having joined in the late 1990’s, after a couple of absences travelling and growing my family, I have been privileged to see the company continue to progress and grow into who we are today. I work with an amazing admin team, who help to make mine and our customers day all that bit brighter. And I am extremely proud to be a part of the Cantor Barnard growing team.”

Jordan Holt

Meet Jordan

Jordan Holt

Technical Projects Manager

“From being part of the production team to supporting and improving the production team in technical aspects.

When I’m not doing this, you can catch me on the golf course.”

Meet AMi

Ami Barnard

Content Manager

“Cantor Barnard allow me to do what I love and get paid for it, can’t ask for much more than that!”

Eye conditions

Suitable lenses

Below are types of lenses offered by Cantor Barnard and the clinical indications in which they can be used for:

Sterile soft contact lenses

  • Myopia
  • Hyperopia
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia
  • Symptoms that can co-occur with Academic Skills Disorders
  • Symptoms that can co-occur with Colour Deficiency
  • Masking of Cosmetic Defects of the Eye

Rigid gas permeable lenses

  • Myopia
  • Hyperopia
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia
  • Keratoconus