Specsavers Opticians

Specsavers is owned by Doug and Mary Perkins, who originally owned a small chain of opticians in the West Country, before moving to Guernsey. In the early 1980's the optical industry was de-regulated, allowing opticians to advertise their business and products for the first time, thus Specsavers was born in the back bedroom of their home. The first branches, in Guernsey and Bristol, were shortly followed by many others, and by 1988 they had 100 stores. This figure has now grown to in excess of 700 stores and has become an international chain. It is estimated that Specsavers has 40% of the UK market, supplying both visual aids, and now their own hearing aids ...

When I was at university, I found the slides projected on the screen at the front blurry so I sat closer to the front at every opportunity but it wasn't always possible and even when nearer the front, it wasn't always clear. I thought it was all the projectors being out of focus but eventually deducted that I needed glasses so off I went to look for an optician. Wandered into Vision Express but being a student, saw their prices and walked straight back out again! However, I remembered the "You should've gone to Spec Savers" TV adverts and their Buy One Get One Free offer so off I went to Spec Savers. I first visited one of their branches in Croydon ...

I've been going to Specsavers for years and have always been really impressed by the service I have received there. I have an eye condition called keratakonus and the opticians have been happy to spend a lot of time explaining the condition to me (as opposed to the hospital eye clinic who couldnt wait to usher me out of the door!). The consultations have always been unhurried, they have been happy to spend ages getting the exact prescription for my needs. I have only once had a problem with them. A couple of years ago I got new glasses and felt they were straining my eyes a bit. I phoned up and was offered a retest. I was seen by a different optician for a ...