'Should Have Gone'... You Know The Rest! (Specsavers Opticians)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Specsavers Opticians
Date:	29/07/09 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality glasses, lenses & customer service, established company, nice range of styles & prices

Disadvantages: Tc&Cs of discounts for students/OAPs, & the range of cheaper glaases is slightly limited

I've been quite lucky in the sense that my eyesight has always been pretty good, but after getting lots of headaches and blurry vision when reading or using my laptop I went to the opticians. I only needed a minimal prescription for when watching TV or using a computer to prevent eyestrain and headaches, but the first place that came to mind when getting a test and buying glasses was SpecSavers.

... Who are they? ...

SpecSavers has become one of the leading opticians and is a very popular choice both for their range of value glasses and their fashionable brand name frames. The fact they're so well known and have grown incredibly is partially due to their successful advertising, and, of course, their recognisable slogan: 'should have gone to SpecSavers'!

Since being founded in 1984, SpecSavers have expanded hugely, with over 1390 stores that span not only across the UK but Ireland, Spain, New Zealand and Spain. I wasn't aware of this until I went on their website, but it only adds to my sense of confidence in them. Their range has also expanded to include over 2,000 different styles of frames, ranging from £25 to £169.

... What do they offer? ...

Their website is a good place to start if you want to browse their products or find your nearest SpecSavers, but they're so popular that you're likely to find one in most cities and larger towns. In addition to eye tests, glasses and frames, they're the market leader in contact lenses. Plus, I recently discovered, they also offer free hearing tests at their hearing centres.

SpecSavers offer discounts on their products, including 30% off for students and over 60s on glasses and hearing aids. The terms and conditions are something to bear in mind though as I think this only applies to glasses over a certain price, which is above what I would pay normally anyway.

In terms of their frames, the range is vast and there's something to suit everyone in terms of personal preference, face shape and budget. Their designer range, for those who want to splash out a little, includes brands like Bench, Tommy Hilfiger, Fcuk, Roxy, Missoni and Red or Dead.

... The stores ...

I find that SpecSavers can get quite busy, but they seem prepared for this. This is based on the branch I usually visit, but the store is well laid out with the customer service desk straight ahead of you. At the front of the store you'll find their range of glasses, all clearly labelled and priced, along with mirrors so you can try them on. Some stores also have an interactive computer, allowing you to use a computer to help you pick something to suit your looks.

Half way down the store is a waiting area with seating and magazine, so you can wait comfortably. The other half of the store towards the back is divided into small areas where you can see your optician. There's usually two seats divided by a small table, and a few technical bits and pieces so they can assess your needs accordingly.

At the back are the testing rooms, so you can have a bit of privacy for your eye test.

Generally speaking, the stores are neat, tidy and clean, and well laid out which gives them a professional yet relaxed feel.

... The Service ...

Judging by my experiences, I would say the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, and I've never had an issue or negative experience to raise with SpecSavers. Although it can get quite busy, I've never had to wait for longer than 10 minutes or so, and then the optician gave me their full attention so I didn't feel rushed or pressured into making a purchase.

If you purchase glasses from here and have any problems, such as you need the arms tightened every now and again, this is done for free. My mother's been back to get this done and the staff took her glasses, sorted them out, checked they fitted her okay and gave them a quick clean. After paying nothing for this she was obviously very pleased as it shows they value their customers and they do what they can to help.

... My Overall Experiences ...

Having an eye test was pleasant and relatively quick. The opticians in store assessed my needs and gave me the time and attention that it took to ensure I had the right lenses and I then picked which frames I wanted. I went for the cheaper range and paid about £30 or so for the lenses and glasses together.

Although their value range isn't quite as varied as I had hoped, I came away with the style I wanted so I was very pleased. I can honestly say they're good quality too, and have had no problems with them whatsoever.

I presumed I would have to wait a few days between choosing my glasses and having them ready to take away. But the optician called the stock room upstairs and confirmed they had them in stock. She asked me to return in about an hour and a half to pick them up; when I got back they were ready to take away, I was given a nice solid black case for free with a cloth inside, paid my money and left. Very straightforward, no hassle, and lovely, friendly service.

The only minor negatives would be the slight lack of range in the budgeted section of glasses. Also, advertisements can be slightly misleading, making you think the deal promoted is excellent until you realise it's for frames only, or that students/OAPs have to spend over £75 to receive a discount etc.

Overall, I would definitely recommend SpecSavers for several reasons: a great range to suit different styles and budgets, friendly & knowledgeable staff, a quick & straightforward process, and from a service that in general is trustworthy and reliable.

Summary: Top choice for your optical needs, oh, and hearing aids too!