MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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I think the time has come for me to get some glasses as I'm struggling to read small type at close distances (books, labels etc). Long distance sight is fine.
In your experience are independent opticians better than the big chains like Specsavers?
Also - how much am going to have to spend for a decent looking pair of specs (not bothered about designer names)!?
Ta!
I have used independents, and the chains - vision express/ specsavers.
The service is similar in all IMO but eye tests are generally free at the chains (sometimes you have to buy frames to get the deal).
I would say the independents and vision express have more designer frames that will cost you more.
I quite like specsavers as the frames are not branded, so I'm not advertising, but I can still pick out a suitable style. Current promotion means you can get two pairs for about 150 quid depending on spec. I quite like Ti frames as they are nice and light.
Specsavers are ok, but the selection of frames is so dull.If you want anything remotely sports orientated or more funky, you'll struggle. I sourced frames elsewhere and had the local independent put my prescription in. (sounds like you just need reading glasses though, so you might be ok)
When I had issues with an eye last year, Boots were fantastic! All the top kit (better than the local hospital) and the skill and patient care to go with it. When I needed an excellent service, they really delivered. It may be branch dependent, but I suspect the high quality kit is across all their locations.
Specsavers are a franchise so you could argue that they are not a big firm. They do have a designer range.
Big chain: anonymous and sometimes incompetent, depending on how lucky you get with staff.
Small trader: glad to have your support so more generous with discounts, repairs; knows you and appreciates you.
No contest.
If you happen to be in the area of Blackburn I strongly recommend Zunaid at Idea Eye Care in Wilpshire - excellent bloke.
If you're near Telford, The Hustler has a shop in Wellington and he did me a pair that were excellent on all counts.
Boots were fantastic! [...] It may be branch dependent, but I suspect the high quality kit is across all their location
Unfortunately I'd have to say it's branch dependent. The Boots opticians near me is dreadful.
In any walk of consumer life I'd recommend small independents in the same way I'd recommend an LBS over Halfords or Evans, but I'm always surprised by how unpopular a thing this is to say, both here on this forum and also generally in life around the UK.
Independent always for me.
But that's because my optician is a milf.
Always used spec savers Wolverhampton.
No complaints from me and all the staff seem very proffesional.
2 sets of designer glasses less than £ 160 and also a letter sent to my GP to arrange a more in depth Glaucoma test at hospital. ( failed the same test last time, 🙁 )
I use Vision Express for eye tests and buy my glasses online.
Oxford Boots dreadful.
Independent.
I've worn glasses since about 10, since having to pay for my own glasses and tests I've always used the cheapest; Specsavers etc, until recently.
In the past couple of years I've been going to Ideal Eyes, which is an independent with a couple of shops in Oxford, I use the one in Summertown. Last time I was there I met the owner, who gave me the test during the normal chit chat I mentioned having an issue wearing my full face lid and goggles with glasses (my eyes are knackered so contacts afrent an option). He had me come back into the store with all my kit to try variations of frames (even ordering some in for me to try out.
Whilst you do pay a bit more, you just wouldn't get this type of service with a chain.
Go independent!
(Kevin)