Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Optometrists in Newcastle | The Big Optician
Established in 2004, The Big Optician is a family-owned and managed optometry practice based in Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne. With over two decades of dedicated service, we combine clinical expertise with a patient-centric approach, offering comprehensive eye care and an extensive selection of designer eyewear. Our team of fully qualified optometrists and dispensing specialists brings decades of collective experience, ensuring precise diagnostics and tailored vision solutions. We utilise cutting-edge technology, including OCT scans and digital retinal imaging, to deliver advanced eye health assessments. Recognised for our commitment to community engagement through charitable partnerships, we prioritise accessibility with free parking and a welcoming environment. Our reputation for exceptional customer service, built on over 18 years of continuity with many staff members, underscores our position as a trusted local eyecare provider.
Services
Comprehensive Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
Corporate Eyecare
Eyewear Styling
Specialist Eyewear
Audiology Services
Hearing Aids
Ear Wax Removal
Tinnitus Consultations
OCT & Retinal Imaging
Served areas
- Newcastle upon Tyne & North East England
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Family-owned and operated for over 20 years
- Experienced, qualified optometrists and dispensing staff
- One of the largest ranges of designer eyewear in the region
- Advanced diagnostic technology including OCT scans
- Convenient free parking at the door
What people say
Superb experience
Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful
Great range of frames
Excellent service
Highly recommended
People
Karen Little
Co-Founder
Co-founded The Big Optician in 2004 with Keith Little. Prioritises patient care and family values in business operations. Committed to maintaining high clinical standards and community engagement through charitable initiatives.
Gillian
Optometrist
Qualified optometrist with 18+ years' experience. Specialises in advanced diagnostics and patient education. Ensures thorough, unhurried eye examinations using the latest clinical techniques for accurate vision assessments.
Jennie
Dispensing Assistant
20-year veteran dispensing assistant with expertise in frame styling and prescription compatibility. Guides patients through eyewear selection while ensuring functional and aesthetic satisfaction with their spectacles.
Joanne
Dispensing Assistant
Experienced dispensing assistant with 18+ years' service. Provides expert advice on lens options and frame durability. Focuses on delivering practical eyewear solutions tailored to individual lifestyles and prescriptions.
Debbie
Dispensing Assistant
Long-serving dispensing assistant with comprehensive knowledge of premium eyewear brands. Specialises in helping patients find cost-effective yet stylish vision solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
Questions
What eyecare services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, OCT scans, hearing care, and corporate eyecare packages. Premium eyewear styling and specialist lenses are also available.
How can I book an appointment?
Call us on 0191 224 4555 or use our online booking system for eye exams. Hearing care appointments can be scheduled through The Hearing Care Partnership's website.
Do you accept NHS prescriptions?
Yes, we accept all opticians' prescriptions for eyewear. NHS eye examinations are available with enhanced diagnostic options like retinal imaging included.
What payment options exist for hearing aids?
We offer a 10-month payment plan for hearing devices through The Hearing Care Partnership. This allows affordable access to premium hearing technology from leading brands.
Are your staff qualified professionals?
Our practice employs only fully qualified optometrists with extensive experience. Dispensing staff have 16-20 years' average tenure, ensuring expert eyewear guidance and clinical care.
What makes you different from other opticians?
We combine family-owned service with cutting-edge technology. Our 20-year local presence, extensive designer eyewear range, and integrated hearing care services create unique patient value.
Videos
Reviews (24)
Chris Bostock
Sep 12, 2025
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Thanks for all your expertise, friendly welcome and caring service - as it always has been. Nobody does it better...
Barry Davisom
Apr 04, 2025
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Service is always good, very patient and helpful. As I'm elderly and disabled, this means a lot to me. Thank you.
Jane Beasley
Sep 08, 2024
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I have been a customer at the Big Optician since they opened: following Keith Little over from the eye clinic, where I attended from a very young age. The service is amazing. I am always welcomed with a big smile and excellent customer service. The eye examinations are thorough and the staff are always at hand if you have any questions. The atmosphere is calm and the environment clean but not clinical.
My children and husband also use The BIG optician and they rate it highly too. The patience and understanding that Joanne and Gillian (amongst other staff) show towards my daughter who has ASD is outstanding. Thank you for your service.
My children and husband also use The BIG optician and they rate it highly too. The patience and understanding that Joanne and Gillian (amongst other staff) show towards my daughter who has ASD is outstanding. Thank you for your service.
Lesli Gee
Jan 24, 2024
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Great personal service, thorough eye examinations and a range of glasses to choose from. Ive been using the Big Optician for a long time and couldnt fault them.
Anthony Ainsley
May 21, 2022
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My first visit here ever and I was simply blown away by the first class level of customer service. Truly outstanding A very special and warm thank you to JACQ, This lady is truly amazing. I am adding to this review as I am not allowed by google to add a second review. after having my first pair of glasses for almost 6 weeks I returned to buy a 2nd pair. if the service was not 1st class then I would have shopped elsewhere, since returning I have got to know more of the staff and they are ALL AMAZING just JAQ is still my number 1 word of mouth is the best form of advertising for any company and trust me on this. if you are having problems with your current eye care specialist, then pay this place a visit. you won't be sorry there is free parking and you can even get a free cuppa go on give it a go thank you Team: xxx and of course the lovely JAQ xx
Benthedog
Apr 08, 2022
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Fantastic service and staff, very quick only waited couple of days to get new glasses. The price is very good and high quality glasses Highly recommend The Big Optician. Stephen Clark
Jacqueline McDonald
Mar 25, 2022
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I have been going regularly to the Big Optician in Byker. Have always been treated respectfully and the staff are always happy to see you. There is always a smile to greet you. My regular eye test is done professionally and you are given an update and advised what's going on and advised if your prescription needs an alteration. Lots of glasses on view and the girls are there to advise. My new glasses were ready for pick up within 2 days. Thank you all again and will see you all next year.
Anthony Oliver
Jan 06, 2022
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I have been a customer of the Big Optician since it opened and would not consider going anywhere else. First class friendly service and a fantastic range of frames. Highly recommended!
Munch
Dec 21, 2021
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Had my eyes tested here recently. The optician Gillian and all the staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and the attention to detail was second to none. A very professional establishment and I was made very welcome, even offered an espresso while I waited.
Tracey Thompson
Dec 20, 2021
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Can't fault the big optician and wouldn't go anywhere else. The service was excellent, the eye exam very professional and very thorough. The girls were really helpful in choosing glasses that suited me too. All in all a fab experience, will definitely be back.
Ian Hughes
Dec 18, 2021
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I have been a customer for many years now and recently visited for the first time post covid. On my return I was within minutes reminded why I would not consider anywhere else other than the Big Optician. You are valued as more than just a customer. The staff are professional, knowledgeable and truly care about providing you with the best customer experience. I must compliment Karen and her team
Michael Potts
Dec 05, 2021
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Excellent service with a smile and at competitive prices. I have had accurate and professional optometry there for years. I can highly recommend the Big Optician.
Dean Hawk
Sep 17, 2021
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I highly recommend the "The Big Optician" I found the staff and the optician very professional and highly skilled, and the service they provided was second to none. Everyone was very friendly and was even offered a cup of coffee while I waited in a business class type of lounge. My glasses were ready for picking up the next day, and able to see extremely good out of them! Thank You "The Big Optician"! God Bless, from Dean H.
Irate Customer
Oct 03, 2020
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I took a pair of glasses in to have new lenses put in ..it was supposed to take 3 days. After two weeks I rang up to enquire what was happening and was told they were ready. I went to collect them and the glasses they tried to give me weren't mine they were a totally different pair. When I pointed this out I was told they were, they would not believe me or my friend. I now have no glasses.
Mark Burns Cassell
Jan 11, 2019
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Great selection of specs, friendly and attentive staff and thorough eye testing. Will definitely be back, thank you! Love my new glasses.
Sarah Davidson
May 19, 2018
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Cant even remember when I first started going here but it is now a family affair. Husband and son both on board. Debbie was soooo patient getting Alex able to wear contact lenses many years ago. Much more patient with him than me Always a warm welcome. Excellent customer service. Genuine care for your eyes not just looking to make money.
Keith L.
Jan 13, 2017
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Called in today after one of my lenses became detached from the frame. I was not even a customer and they repaired my glasses within 10 mins. When I asked for the bill "no charge*
I will be considering this company for my next pair of glasses. Brilliant service many thanks Keith.
I will be considering this company for my next pair of glasses. Brilliant service many thanks Keith.
Andrew Ferguson
Mar 09, 2016
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I have nothing but praise for the ship that Keith and Karen Little run at the practice in Stephen Street, Byker. Welcomed by all staff from the moment you walk through the door, comprehensive eye examinations that put you at your ease and confident in the outcome they offer and a comprehensive range of frames and contact lens options. GO THERE!
George Gray
Mar 09, 2016
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I have received fantastic service from the Big Optician from the moment I walked through the door greeted by very friendly staff who provided a very personal service, to having a fantastic eye examination by Keith to then choosing my new glasses from the vast selection of glasses on display. Well done Keith and Karen keep up the good work!
James Cormack
Keith has looked after my wife's and my eyes for many years now and we would not consider going anywhere else. He is very thorough, friendly and attentive, as are all his staff, and in keeping up with the latest technology you know you are getting the very best care for your eyes. There is a wide variety of frames to choose from with help in making your choice in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Tracey Thompson
Fabulous optician, been to a few and this is by far the best. Great service, support and really friendly. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
Karen Toker
Just purchased a new pair of reading glasses and as usual excellent service from Keith Karen and all the staff. Open 7 days a week and free parking - an absolute bonus. Keep up the good work
Mick Allman
Went their today with my wife for her to look at new glasses, very warm welcome, left to browse without pressure and my wife was given very good advice towards her eye condition! Very reasonable priced! Thank you we will definitely go back!
Susan Dolman
Been using the Big Optician for 12 years now the service is always excellent and Keith is fantastic as are all the other other staff there. Everyone is so helpful and nothing is a problem. Would highly recommend the Big Optician every time.