Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Opticians in Colchester Since 1920
Established in 1920, Bethell and Clark have served as Colchester's independent opticians for over a century. As a family-run practice, we combine traditional personal service with cutting-edge optometric technology to deliver premium eye care solutions. Our team of fully qualified optometrists utilises state-of-the-art equipment including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optomap Wide Field Imaging systems, enabling early detection of eye conditions up to four years earlier than standard examinations. We offer comprehensive services ranging from precision eye examinations and designer eyewear to advanced contact lens fittings and myopia control treatments.Our independent status allows us to source lenses from leading manufacturers like Essilor, Zeiss, and Hoya, providing access to innovative products such as Varilux X Series varifocals and Eyezen Anti-Fatigue lenses. With our on-site laboratory, we ensure prompt adjustments and repairs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and customer care.
Services
Eye Examinations
Designer Frames
Contact Lenses
Myopia Control
Spectacle Repairs
Optical Coherence Tomography
Prescription Sunglasses
Varifocal Lenses
Contact Lens Fittings
Eye Health Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We have been providing expert optician services in Colchester since 1920
- Our practice utilises state-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment
- We are an Essilor Specialist offering premium lens technology
- Our qualified dispensing opticians provide expert frame fitting advice
- We offer same-day repairs in our on-site laboratory
Associations and certifications
- Essilor Specialist
What people say
Highly professional staff
Modern equipment
Excellent value
Thorough examinations
Friendly service
Services
Eye Examinations
Our comprehensive eye examinations combine traditional expertise with advanced technology like Optical Coherence Tomography. These tests detect early signs of eye conditions and general health issues while ensuring optimal vision correction. The service includes detailed explanations of results and personalised recommendations.
Designer Frames
We offer an extensive selection of premium designer frames from brands including Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Prada. Our qualified dispensing opticians provide expert fitting advice to ensure optimal comfort and visual performance with every prescription.
Contact Lenses
Our complete contact lens service includes specialist fittings for astigmatism, myopia control, and multifocal requirements. We offer trial periods with leading brands like ACUVUE and Bausch + Lomb, along with ongoing aftercare support.
Myopia Control
This specialised service utilises advanced contact lenses and spectacle lenses to slow myopia progression. Designed for children and young adults, it helps prevent high short-sightedness development while maintaining clear vision and eye health.
Spectacle Repairs
Our on-site laboratory provides prompt spectacle repairs including frame adjustments, screw replacements, and lens refitting. Qualified dispensing opticians ensure proper alignment for comfort and optimal visual performance during daily use.
People
Mr Bridgford
Owner Optician
Experienced optician with extensive expertise in comprehensive eye examinations and vision correction solutions. Provides thorough assessments while maintaining a patient-centred approach to eye care.
Questions
What eye examination technologies do you use?
We utilise Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optomap Wide Field Imaging for detailed retinal analysis, enabling early detection of eye conditions up to four years earlier than standard tests.
Can I get designer eyewear?
We stock premium designer frames from Ray-Ban, Gucci, Prada, and other leading brands, with expert fitting advice from our qualified dispensing opticians.
Do you have payment plans for eyewear?
Yes, our Eye Care Plan offers monthly instalments with discounts on glasses and contact lenses, plus access to premium eye examinations and aftercare services.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book online through our website or contact us directly by phone during our operating hours for urgent or routine eye care needs.
Do you provide emergency eye care?
Yes, we offer urgent appointments within 24 hours for red eye, vision loss, or other acute eye conditions through our Minor Eye Conditions Service.
Reviews (6)
Hugo B.
Jun 21, 2022
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Amazingly helpful and friendly. Went out of their way to fix my glasses with smiles and patience. Highly recommend and will be first choice for any future optician concerns.
Chloe McDermott
Jun 09, 2022
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I had an amazing experience with Tracey who helped sort out my 6 month old little girl with glasses that actually fit her (another opticians had horrifically let us down). She went above an beyond. She called us to update us about step of the way as she knew I was keen to get things sorted asap. She also went out of her way to look into eligibility for funding for a 2nd specialist pair of glasses as a spare and gave us the info we needed to try and get that sorted. I'm so thankful for the experience I had here and I am looking forward to go back each and every time my little girl needs a new pair!
David Townsend
May 27, 2022
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Absolutely world class service, had the eye test and received the complete glasses with new lens by post in London in just over a week. Perfect service, guidance and advice l never thought that this would be possible within such a tight time schedule during our time in England. Thank you Bethell & Clark for pulling off the impossible.
Mandy Orrin
May 15, 2022
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Great service as always - they go the extra mile with customer service & today mended my glasses until my next pair are due. Thank you again
Jo Blyth
Apr 07, 2022
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Following a routine eye examination my optician informed me I have narrow chambers in both eyes. He made a referral immediately to the hospital. I have seen an ophthalmologist who will be operating on both eyes in the coming weeks as my condition is so severe. This condition presents no symptoms and my eye examination has potentially saved my sight. I am so extremely grateful to optician, Pratik Patel. Sincere thanks.
Michael Elvis
Feb 10, 2022
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First time visit to this opticians to see about repairing my spectacles. The team could not have been more helpful and courteous. My glasses were repaired within a week. Most impressive service.
