Independent opticians versus chains like specsavers -comments

[QueenoftheNights]

I've never needed opticians much but have recently had new reading glasses. I went to Specsavers as before but found it all a bit stressful, (I've had to return the glasses as they aren't quite right - prescription is 'right' but they don't feel right for one eye.)

My issue with specsavers is it feels like Piccadilly Circus. The 'bays' for consultations are spread across the floor, the waiting area is bang in the middle, it always feels chaotic and busy. I was passed between 4 people - one was an optician but I'm not sure how qualified or not the other assistants are. It feels very conveyer - belt like and not very personal.

So the question is, do you get better service at a small independent optician, how do you choose one if you do this, do they offer free NHS eye tests (I qualify for that), and are all their frames expensive? (I know you can buy the specs anywhere, but.....)

I go to my local optician to have my eyes tested as their service is better and I have a complicated prescription (-9.50 both eyes, astigmatism etc). But then I take the prescription to Specsavers to get my glasses as they are so much cheaper - I am with a monthly contact lens scheme with Specsavers which includes a free pair of complete glasses every 2 years, I just pay to have the lenses thinner.

Thanks Both my eyes are very different and I also have bad astigmatism in one.

Does the small optician feel a bit miffed if you take elsewhere?

I don't mind paying for glasses- the frames were £89 at specsavers plus lenses and thinned down.

I was a bit depressed at how my eyes had changed (but it had been 5 years) and I'd have liked a chat about eye health, prognosis, possible laser treatment (not with them) etc. It all seemed very rushed and impersonal.

In both cases they are a rip-off. A standard pair of frames cost less than £10 to make, they are just a bit of plastic and metal after all, yet will retail for £100s.

www.mirror.co.uk/money/options-rip-off-11255251

I prefer small independent opticians to Specsavers for the reasons you mention. I live in a relatively small town with several independent opticians and I chose the one that is most convenient for me. They know us, we have regular eye tests with the same optician and we don't feel rushed.

They do offer free NHS eye tests (I also qualify), are very patient with my DC (who has had glasses since age 3), they offer a wide range of frames (not all of them expensive!) and are happy to order suitable frames that we might like in.

I wear my glasses all the time, so am prepared to spend money on them but my optician is certainly more expensive than Specsavers (no 2 for 1 deals!).
They don't always get stuff right. For example, I was recommended a frame that didn't suit my somewhat complex prescription and simply couldn't see properly because the new member of staff hadn't been trained yet and went for what suited the shape of my face and not the varifocal lenses I need. However, the owner stepped in immediately, accepted full responsibility and offered me a new pair of glasses for free.

oh I know - I'm happy to spend as little as possible. My last frames were very cheap - about £25 and 2 pairs for price of 1. I'm not into designer frames for the sake of a name on the side.

OP I agree with you about Specsavers re the conveyor belt thing feeling - my local branch is small and bursting at the seams. However it is so much cheaper with the 2 for 1 etc. I’m not too bothered about customer service as long as they’re not actively rude, and the test and prescription were correct which is the important thing (and I have quite strange eyes). I did feel a bit rushed in choosing though (although managed to shake off the advisor so I could potter about & try more frames) and that face shape app they have is just nonsensical - why not just let you try the frames?

My friend has just had a pair of fairly standard prescription frames which cost £500 from an independent optician so I don’t think I’ll be tempted to swap any time soon.

Specsaver fan here! Not only much cheaper (eye test for people not covered by NHS £10, Boots £25 don't know about small private). But mainly the thorough eye health check up, they were one of the first to introduce the retinal photography which is invaluable in a lot of conditions. Then the excellent aftercare, they even let you swap frames if within 3 months you decide they weren't for you!

Just go to Opticians like Specsavers

I got my glasses from an independent one for the first time. But only because they were the only place that had glasses I liked and that fit me and looked good on me. But that brand is only stocked at independent ones it turns out.

They were way more expensive than the known opticians but when they're the only place that have suitable glasses what can you actually do?

But I do wear them every day so I guess I get the money's worth in the end

Both will vary. Specsavers are all franchises, some are industry leading and some are very conveyor belt like.

Some independents are cheap and cheerful, others are very expensive.

If you have somewhere local you like the look of, go in a "browse at the frames" look at the costs and see how friendly they are. You can always call and make an appointment later.

You will get a copy of your prescription so you can take it elsewhere, but it does make it slightly more difficult if there is a problem.