Vision Express

Wow, yes I really am about to write a review of an opticians. That I’m even writing one should suggest to you that my experience here was pretty good.
I’ve been wonky eyed and short sighted since my early teens. I’ve had the joy of experiencing a few opticians, which are usually absolutely fine. You come, you get an eye test, you buy some glasses.
Motivated by a coupon for free eye test, I chose to use Vision Express for the first time. I walked in and was immediately greeted and pointed to the waiting area… and encouraged to take advantage of free tea and coffee. The optician put me at ease and eye examination was thorough and when I explained I also wore contacts, they gave me a sample pair, adding it would make it easier for me when choosing frames.
Armed with a new prescription (fortunately no increase in my blindness), I returned to the retail section. The optician accompanied me back, and explained to the staff I was looking for new frames. The member of staff who served me was impressively obsessive about frames, lenses and glasses. Usually choosing frames is a long protracted and confusing process of trying to find frames I can wear with my prescription, but which don’t make me look like a doofus. Instead I had a virtual personal shopper, handing me frames to try on and ruling out those which won’t work for me/​my prescription. My suspicions were confirmed when the staff member confirmed he has been known to watch TV and think ‘oo those glasses don’t have an anti-​reflective coating’. Brilliant. I never knew you could obsess about glasses but I’m glad he did!
They measured me up, offered to reserve the glasses for me and they even offer an interest free loan. Which helps, because I won’t lie, they are more expensive than their competitors *cough specsavers cough*. However for the hassle saved, on a relatively big purchase like glasses, I totally recommend this branch!