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perspective-opticians

9 Things You Must Know Before You Choose Your Optician

Daniel Sanders   |   November 18, 2024

1: How Long Is The Eye Examination?

Did you know that the average eye exam in the UK is just 20 minutes long? While that might be enough time for a quick check-up, it really doesn’t leave much room for discussion or tailoring the experience to your needs. Plus, if there are any complex issues to explore, good luck getting into those in detail with such a short appointment!

At Perspective, we do things a bit differently. We offer a full 60-minute eye exam, which means our optometrists can really take their time to get to know you and your eyes. This extra time helps us spot any early health concerns and make sure your vision is as sharp as can be.

But it’s not just about the exam itself! We’ll also dive into your preferences, how you use your vision day-to-day, and what kind of work you do. This way, you get personalized advice and practical solutions that fit right into your life.

So, there’s a big difference between a quick 20-minute appointment where you’re rushed out the door and having a whole hour to chat with an expert about everything that really matters. We think you’ll love the extra time and care!

2: What Type Of Eyewear Do They Specialise In?

So, what kind of eyewear do they really specialise in? Well, here’s the dirty secret: most designer frames you see out there are churned out for the mass market by big global companies. They just slap a different designer logo on each pair and hike up the price. These jelly mould frames are everywhere, filling the shelves of mainstream opticians and stores all over the world.

But here’s where it gets exciting! A few independent opticians stand out from the crowd by specializing in niche eyewear. They work with small, passionate eyewear design companies that truly care about creating pieces you’ll adore wearing. We’re talking about handmade frames crafted with the highest quality materials—perfect for those who want something a little more special and unique.

If you’re on the hunt for eyewear that sets you apart from the usual styles, niche eyewear is definitely the way to go! Don’t be shy—ask your opticians where they source their frames. The best ones will light up as they share their journey of discovering fabulous eyewear from around the globe, handpicking each style just for you to enjoy.

3: Do They Offer You A Free Styling Consultation, Without Any Obligation Or Pressure To Buy?

Let’s be honest: a lot of people really dread shopping for glasses. The whole process can feel painful, confusing, and way too time-consuming. But don’t worry—at Perspective, we’ve got a much better way to find your perfect pair!

Forget about randomly trying on frames and getting frustrated. With our eyewear styling consultation, you’ll receive personalized advice and one-on-one service that makes the whole experience enjoyable. No more scratching your head while fumbling through a sea of frames that don’t fit or flatter you!

During your consultation, our styling optician will start by asking about your preferences and sharing tips on what frame styles suit your face shape. Then, they’ll show you a fantastic selection from our collection, that you might not have even considered.

Think of the eyewear styling consultation as a fun opportunity to explore the right frames for you in a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. You’ll have the support of an eyewear professional who’s there to help you make the best choice, without any obligation to buy straight away.

Choosing the right eyewear should be a thoughtful and enjoyable experience, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So, come on in and let’s find the perfect pair together!

4: Are They Truly Experts?

While optometrists must be professionally qualified and undergo ongoing training every year to perform eye examinations, the situation can be quite different when it comes to the person helping you choose your eyewear.

Dispensing Opticians are also qualified professionals who can help you pick out your frames, recommend the right lenses based on your prescription, and adjust your eyewear for the best fit and comfort. However, the regulations here are much less strict, which means you’ll often find unqualified sales assistants in many optician practices.

In fact, in a typical practice, you might encounter one qualified dispensing optician surrounded by several unqualified staff members. This can leave you feeling a bit unsure about the advice you’re getting!

But here at Perspective, we do things differently. We ONLY employ qualified dispensing opticians who are highly trained to provide you with the best eyewear solutions tailored to your needs. When you visit us, you can rest assured that you’ll always be seen by an expert who will take the time with to get it just right.

5: Do They Understand Style?

If you need to wear glasses, let’s face it—you want to look good, feel confident, and make the right impression! Unfortunately, many opticians treat glasses as just a functional necessity and seem to overlook the style factor entirely.

If you want to rock your eyewear, it’s essential to get advice from someone who truly understands style. Take a look around the practice: how have they set up their space? What do they wear themselves? Do they show a genuine passion for design when they’re helping you choose frame styles?

At Perspective, we believe you deserve far more than just the basics. We’re all about helping you find the perfect pair of glasses that not only meet your vision needs but also match your personal style. You’ll leave feeling fabulous and confident

6: Do They Offer Flexible Payment Options?

When it comes to choosing your eyewear, your optician should offer you a range of options and guidance on what will work best for you. And let’s not forget about payment! We think it’s important to have flexible payment options that suit your budget.

You’ll be wearing those new glasses for a few years, so the best opticians will allow you to spread the cost over 10 months without any extra charges, interest, or credit checks.

At Perspective, we make things simple with our Easy Eyewear Plan, letting you spread the cost of your eyewear at no additional charge. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth as possible—whether it’s finding the right frames, how you like your coffee, or how you prefer to pay. We’ve got you covered!

7: What Do Their Reviews Say? Do They Have a Great Reputation?

When it comes to choosing an optician, reviews are like gold! Are there lots of glowing testimonials and five-star ratings from happy customers? A handful of reviews can be comforting, but there’s a world of difference between a few generic comments and a treasure trove of enthusiastic feedback.

So, do a little detective work! Check out their reviews, and don’t forget to peek at their website for testimonials from real clients. For instance, at Perspective, we’re proud to boast over 200 five-star reviews across Google, Facebook, and Yell! That’s right—five stars all around! If you want to see what our clients are saying in their own words, hop on over to www.perspectiveopticians.co.uk and take a look for yourself!

8: Are They Highly Successful?

Now, you might wonder, why does success matter? Why choose a busy practice that isn’t the cheapest option? Well, when you find a place like Perspective, which has been caring for clients’ eyes for over 20 years without splurging millions on ads, you know you’ve hit the jackpot! Our success has come from word-of-mouth referrals, which means our clients are thrilled and eager to spread the word.

People don’t rave about a business unless they’ve had a fabulous experience. Trust is key, and we work hard to earn it. With us, you’ll never find shortcuts; our dispensing opticians and optometrists are highly trained to deliver top-notch results. After all, when it comes to your eyewear and eyecare, we believe in nothing less than excellence!

9: What Do They Stand For?

Okay, let’s talk about values. Specsavers might tempt you with glasses starting at £25, and you can find even cheaper options online. But here’s the million-dollar question: do you want the lowest price or the best quality and expertise? Knowing what your optician stands for is crucial.

At Perspective, our mission is simple: we want to make your life look better! We stand by 6 promises to ensure you get the best care possible:

1. We will treat your eyes like our own. Our experienced optometrists are dedicated to helping you achieve the best vision throughout every stage of your life.

2. Quality is absolute. We only supply the highest quality frames and lenses, so your glasses last and perform beautifully.

3. Exclusive eyewear. Our selection features the finest independent eyewear designs from around the globe, giving you access to styles that are simply stunning. We offer niche eyewear in limited quantities, ensuring your glasses are as unique as you are.

4. Cutting-edge lenses. We’re constantly investing in state-of-the-art lens technology that will offer you the sharpest vision possible.

5. Expert advice. Our team is committed to ongoing training and industry research, so you always receive the best recommendations.

6. Exceptional customer service. We promised to deliver an experience that is personal, friendly, and helpful. We hope it also makes your day.

So, when you choose Perspective, you’re not just getting an optician—you’re joining a community that genuinely cares about your eye health and style!

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Client Testimonials

See what our clients really think about us.
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Claire Redfern profile picture
Claire Redfern
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Friendly, helpful & professional. Would definitely recommend.
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Bookings Moody profile picture
Bookings Moody
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We have been with Perspective for many years. It was 5 stars service on that first day and, has been the same since. I would give even more 😊. Since then they have been looking after our family too. Years ago, we did go to one of the many chains who have limited time. I was always tripping and falling before Perspective. In honesty, I had got to the stage where I thought the vision could not be improved. In some ways, I was lead to believe this. Thank giodbess for Perspective 😀!!! Dan and all the team are excellent and always go out of their way to help. Dan has such a nice way of building a rapport. It puts you at ease. Even more important when you need a confidence boost. I will always appreciate the way Sarah was with Dad when he was alive. It was getting difficult as dementia was progressing. Kindness given goes a long way. Over the years Karen has become our frame style guru 😃. I just leave it to her to choose a frame for me. I am never disappointed. They are always different and allowed me to think outside the box. Thank you everyone, from the heart. Always grateful
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sara horton profile picture
sara horton
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very friendly and professional staff, nothing is too much trouble. Love my new glasses . Thank you
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Andrew Kendall profile picture
Andrew Kendall
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Been to many high street opticians and struggled to find a quality frame style that suites. Thankfully Dan and his team at Perspective Opticians were able to show me an array of designer frames in all shapes and styles from brands not seen elsewhere. They helped me choose the right frame (Tom Ford) for me and recommended quality varifocal lenses for sunglasses which have given me the best vision I’ve ever had out of varifocals. The attention to detail from frame selection, measurements (some serious tech with the Seiko machine) etc went above and beyond experiences elsewhere. The decor and furnishings give it a boutique feel, much more welcoming than the more clinical high street offerings. Overall, highly recommend a visit here, I’ll be going back.
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Julie Coleman profile picture
Julie Coleman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Outstanding opticians - I am so glad I came across them when moving to Solihull. They are extremely knowledgeable on specialist subjects and are kind and patient with answering my very specific questions and also doing eye tests for my young children. All staff I have met here are great, in particular Sarah and Sital, who go above and beyond what is expected. I would give them more than 5 stars if I could!
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Richard Morris profile picture
Richard Morris
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent service. First class sight test and excellent advice in choosing new spectacles.
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Tony Whyatt profile picture
Tony Whyatt
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic range of stylish frames & great customer service. Recommended!
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Tony S profile picture
Tony S
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I guess it comes down to trust. With something as precious as your sight it's essential to know you are in the best hands. Dan and the team make me feel safe and cared for.
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Laura Cooke profile picture
Laura Cooke
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My husband and I visited Perspective Opticians recently, having been recommended by a close friend. The service we received was excellent, from the expert knowledge of Dan, our optometrist, to the front of house team who guided us through frames that would suit us. It was very personal, friendly and we left feeling like we'd really been taken care of. We will definitely be returning. Thank you, Dan and the team!

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