Business Details
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services
Your Trusted Local Opticians in Suffolk and Essex
We are a locally owned, independent optician providing quality eye care and hearing care to Suffolk, Essex, and North London. Our services include comprehensive eye examinations, designer glasses, contact lenses, and advanced OCT scans. With a commitment to excellence, we offer both private and NHS eye tests, supported by expert, friendly staff dedicated to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. Our practices have been recognised with multiple awards, including Best Independent Optician in the UK. We prioritise your safety with continued adherence to hygiene and social distancing measures. Established over several decades, our team combines extensive experience with a personal touch, ensuring tailored care for every client. Our accolades reflect our dedication to community involvement and exceptional service. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of eyewear, from vibrant frames to prescription safety glasses, catering to diverse needs and styles. Our hearing care services include the latest hearing aid technology and tinnitus management, delivered with the same professionalism and care as our optical services. This integrated approach ensures holistic health solutions for our clients.
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Optical Coherence Tomography
Free Hearing Test
Contact Lenses
Children's Eyecare
Sunglasses
Glasses
Hearing Aids
Eye Health Check
Frame Styling
Served areas
- London N10, London N6, London N8, London N2, London N3, London N12, London NW3, north London
Highlights and features
- Locally owned independent opticians serving Suffolk and Essex
- Expert staff providing personalised eye and hearing care
- Award-winning service with multiple industry recognitions
- Comprehensive range of designer glasses and contact lenses
- Advanced OCT scan technology for detailed eye health assessments
Associations and certifications
- General Optical Council
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians
- Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians
- Association of Optometrists
- British Contact Lens Association
- The College of Optometrists
- NHS
Payment methods
- Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
What people say
Exceptional service
Friendly staff
Thorough eye exams
Wide selection
Prompt emergency appointments
Offices
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Our comprehensive eye exams ensure accurate vision assessment and early detection of eye health issues. Using advanced technology, we provide detailed analysis tailored to individual needs. The test includes OCT scans for enhanced diagnostic precision, suitable for all ages.
Optical Coherence Tomography
This high-tech eye test uses OCT to create detailed retinal images, aiding early disease detection. It's non-invasive and ideal for monitoring conditions like glaucoma. The scan complements standard eye exams, offering deeper insights into ocular health.
Free Hearing Test
Our free hearing tests utilise the latest technology to assess hearing loss and ear health. Services include ear syringing and tinnitus care, conducted by experienced professionals. Results are discussed in detail, with tailored recommendations for further treatment or aids.
Children's Eyecare
Specialised eye tests for children, ensuring early detection of vision problems. We offer a wide range of durable, stylish glasses designed for young wearers. Our staff are trained to make the experience comfortable and engaging for children of all ages.
Contact Lenses
We provide all major brands of contact lenses, including options for astigmatism and multifocal needs. Expert fitting ensures comfort and clarity, with ongoing support for proper lens care. Our staff guide you to the best lenses for your lifestyle and vision requirements.
Questions
How do I book an eye test?
You can book an eye test online via our website or by calling your local practice directly for urgent appointments.
What services are available under NHS coverage?
We offer free NHS eye tests to eligible patients, including comprehensive exams and OCT scans as required.
Do you provide emergency eye care?
Yes, we offer emergency appointments with next-day availability for urgent eye issues.
What eyewear brands do you stock?
We offer a wide range of designer glasses and sunglasses, including Kirk & Kirk eyewear, with options for all budgets.
Are there hearing care services available?
Yes, we provide free hearing tests, hearing aids, and tinnitus management with the latest technology.
Which locations do you operate in?
We have practices in Beccles, Halstead, Haverhill, Ipswich, London Muswell Hill, Southwold, and Sudbury.
Videos
Reviews (61)
Taylor
Aug 23, 2024
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The opticians offer a wide selection of frames. Greg provided exceptional assistance and was very friendly. Highly recommended!
Nicole Jurjew
Feb 12, 2024
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My glasses were too tight and Observatory helped me out even though I didn't buy them there. I was informed about the risks involved in bending the temples and they gave the greatest care at adjusting the frame. I was really happy about the outstandingly friendly and forthcoming service!
Mia Davey
Dec 14, 2023
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I had to go in to repair my Ray Ban glasses. All the other opticians in Muswell Hill didnt stock Ray Ban parts and were unable to help me, but Observatory was able to fix my glasses within 30 min! I was helped by Eren, who was very helpful and let me know all the options for my repair so I could make the best choice for myself! Very informed, patient, and kind, even during a busy rush! Many thanks!
Suzanne Russell
Jun 07, 2022
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Lovely, personal & friendly service. Nothing too much for any of the staff. Very professional. Would definitely recommend.
Elaine Mills
Jun 06, 2022
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Excellent service from Darren as usual. So much care taken to ensure correct outcome. Saran was really helpful when collecting my glasses. They were not fitting with my prescription initially, but instead of sending them back, she persisted with how the glasses sat until it worked for me. Would highly recommend.
Chris Green
May 01, 2022
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Staff were friendly, very helpful and explained everything I needed to know in an easy-to-understand way - highly recommend
Francesca Miles Chapman
Apr 08, 2022
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We as a family have used SWF branch Observatory for many years. Excellent service, always helpful. Staff friendly. Strongly recommend this Opticians.
Denise Edwards
Jan 19, 2022
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I get contact lenses and glasses here and nothing is too much trouble for the lovely team. Always professional and very friendly giving me confidence in their advice. Don't hesitate to go here.
Mike S
Nov 30, 2021
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A thoroughly professional, helpful and efficient service from start to finish. Along with nice people to deal with makes this the 'go to' opticians in the town.
Juliet Clark
Jul 15, 2021
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Wonderful staff & since receiving a complimentary Anti-Fog wipe - they have changed my life!!!! Such a blessing to be able to see!!!! I shall return to buy a shed load! Thank you!
Jayne Blackwood
Jul 08, 2021
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Always friendly, helpful and completely professional. An enjoyable experience and most times you can park outside!
Nicky Joyce
Jul 01, 2021
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Love this opticians and the team who work in the Halstead Branch, nothing is ever too much trouble. They go above and beyond to provide brilliant service, whether it's fixing glasses that have been trapped in the car door, sourcing frames, or fitting new glasses, they always do it with a smile and a great deal of patience. Our whole family have been using Wardale Williams for many years and would highly recommend them.
Dawn Everrett
Jun 30, 2021
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Thank you to the wonderful team at Halstead for looking after me and seeing me so quickly for an emergency eye appt. I couldn't hav been looked after more efficiently professionally and kindly. A thorough review of my eyes was carried out by the very talented optician Luxoni. I can honestly say she is a credit to your team. Carol the very kind receptionist seems to know all the patients needs and makes any visit a pleasure and the dispensing optician Keely is very good at helping you to choose the correct frames too.
I have always used Wardale Williams and been a patient there for many years. I would highly recommend them. Thank you Wardale Williams - you do Halstead proud we are blessed to have you on our High Street. Big thanks once again.
I have always used Wardale Williams and been a patient there for many years. I would highly recommend them. Thank you Wardale Williams - you do Halstead proud we are blessed to have you on our High Street. Big thanks once again.
Bill Philip
Jun 24, 2021
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Last week I was staying in Warbleswick and had an unfortunate accident where I had fallen asleep on top of my glasses. Both arms threatened to become unhinged at any moment. The young manager at the Observatory could not have been more helpful. She spent a long time mending my glasses and would accept no money for this emergency first aid. So I did purchase yet another pair of reading glasses to add to my collection. But anyway a first class service, cheerful and totally professional. Thank you.
Tim
Jun 17, 2021
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My wife Kirstin had great, friendly, calm, customer service, got her prescrition spot on and she is very happy with her new frames.
Debbie Ettillam
May 19, 2021
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My elderly mother had the most wonderful experience today. She was put at ease as soon as she arrived, ( anxious due to covid and bad past experience with eye tests), The staff were exceptional and really looked after her whilst testing her eyes and choosing new specs. Shes not on FB but asked me to write a review as she was so impressed. Well done Beccles team.
Alan Braithwaite
May 12, 2021
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I cannot fault their attitude and service. Diagnosed pre-glaucoma and most recently fixed a prescription that was not right with no quibbles. Thanks
Maddy Kogel
May 10, 2021
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Would totally recommend optician Darren. He explained everything regarding eye examination and was very helpful with advice. Optical Assistant Debbie really friendly and helpful picking glasses and getting best deal. I felt very relaxed unrushed and comforrtable.
Matthew Killgallon
Apr 12, 2021
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I have a high glasses prescription and I need to have a trusted relationship with my opticians. I've moved my opticians from Boots to The Observatory as I kept seeing different people everytime at Boots. The service at the Observatory is great and I get to see the same optometrist every time. The choices of glasses frames are more European so the styles are nicer than the same boring frames in Boots and the larger opticians. During Covid, the opticians was the only one that I could get an appointment with and they dealt with Covid rules and safety very seriously and well. I cannot fault them.
Elle Fara
Mar 25, 2021
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Fantastic professional and attentive service. It's was wonderful to be treated with care from start to finish by the whole team. There are also a great selection of frames to choose from!
Tom Justin Skipper
Mar 17, 2021
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Went for an eye check today for the first time at observatory. All staff and OMP were very friendly and professional and I will be back for future eye tests. Really good experience!
Laura McShane
Mar 15, 2021
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Great experience from start to finish. Finally an opticians not just trying to scan you out of money. Happy to have us altogether and put up with my younger ones playing games on my phone while the rest of us were examined. Didnt insist my son needed new frames or that I should change my lenses even though my eyesight has changed. Were happy that I could continue for a further 18 months on ones I have. Didnt feel pressured into anything. What a change from other opticians in town!
Andy Wilson
Mar 06, 2021
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Collected my new glasses and can't recommend enough. From start to finish everything was just so easy and all done under full covid guidelines. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who are very friendly, helpful,efficient and just awesome. Thank you and can't recommended enough
Mel Griffiths
Feb 19, 2021
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Thank you Observatory the Opticians Ipswich for such a lovely experience. Matilda's first eye test elsewhere was a bit of a disaster, but Helen was great, she knew exactly how to speak to a 5 year old and made it fun for her, the 3D glasses were her favourite! We will certainly be back and I think we'll move the whole family to your care instead
Stacey Cole
Feb 10, 2021
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Amazing staff that were extremely polite and amazingly helpful from the eye sight tests to the glasses fitting. Thank you Wardale Wliams Sudbury for a pleasant experience.
Hasina Ruby Hussain
Dec 06, 2020
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Great customer services, love them great service, they are so understanding to your needs, will highly recommend them
Richard Dye
Oct 28, 2020
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What an excellent experience from having my eyes tested to receiving my new glasses Can't praise the staff at the observatory enough well done and thank you
Charli Foster Watson
Oct 17, 2020
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Fabulous, professional and friendly opticians with a wide range and variety of fashionable frames and sunglasses
Brian White
Oct 08, 2020
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Excellent service. The staff are really friendly and very helpful. would recommend them to anyone as they are very professional
Tilly Grace
Oct 08, 2020
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I was shopping in Ipswich when I dropped my glasses and one of the lenses fell out. I popped in and saw Emily who was so helpful and professional. She managed to pop the lens back in and gave them a good clean for me. Its so nice to be able to pop in a receive a warm welcome and be looked after so well.
Kirsten March
Sep 11, 2020
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Cannot say enough positive things about this great place!! Very friendly, helpful & knowledgeable staff, great selection of glasses & sunglasses, my three pairs were all ready in two weeks as promised. Very Covid secure as well. Would highly recommend!
Joanne Lawlor
Jul 24, 2020
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Thank you so much to Wardale Williams who fixed my glasses yesterday when I took them in, in three totally separate parts! Im not even a customer.., I wasnt anyhow, that will change. My normal optician is in the City where I work but due to COVID, Im working from home at the moment so was totally stuck. Very helpful, great service!
Julie Price
Jul 11, 2020
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Absolutely wonderful experience in Observatory this afternoon. To start with the new shop is absolutely beautiful, very spacious with decor to die for. The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. The service I received was 2nd to none from a thorough eye test with Rene to both Jacqui and Molly helping me to decide on frames. The customer service and attention detail is amazing! Thank you! Cant wait to pick up my new glasses! X
Ps the things they have put in place re covid is brilliant too!
Ps the things they have put in place re covid is brilliant too!
Elaine Smith
Jul 06, 2020
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Fantastic service today ar WW, Halstead. Thank you very much for mending my husband's glasses, even more so as he's a somewhat lapsed customer. Thank you also for the spare glasses case to enable me to take them home safely. Very friendly, kind and efficient staff. Just great!
Connor Mainland
Apr 01, 2020
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Couldnt recommend the observatory enough! I developed a bad case of eye floaters which increased in number and caused me no end of panic. Joanna examined my eyes in great detail, confirmed there was nothing wrong and no tears to my retina or any lasting damage. My floaters continued to worsen so I contacted Joanna who explained again I do not need to worry as these are harmless and have no impact on long term vision.
As I suffer with anxiety Joanna explained its likely that I am making the symptoms worse by worrying about them and constantly overusing my eyes due to being on edge along with lack of sleep causing strain making the floaters more visible. Joanna has reassured me no end that my eye health is perfectly fine and even provided anxiety support and explained my symptoms will improve given time. A week has passed since our last contact and I am already noticing an improvement!
Massive thank you to Joanna for the reassurance/advice and to the guys at the Observatory for fitting me in at such short notice due to how panicked I was. Will now be using these guys for all eye related issues.
As I suffer with anxiety Joanna explained its likely that I am making the symptoms worse by worrying about them and constantly overusing my eyes due to being on edge along with lack of sleep causing strain making the floaters more visible. Joanna has reassured me no end that my eye health is perfectly fine and even provided anxiety support and explained my symptoms will improve given time. A week has passed since our last contact and I am already noticing an improvement!
Massive thank you to Joanna for the reassurance/advice and to the guys at the Observatory for fitting me in at such short notice due to how panicked I was. Will now be using these guys for all eye related issues.
Anne Walker
Jan 26, 2020
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I have been a customer of Wardale Williams since 1978. Their service is consistently excellent and I trust them to look after my eye health as well as prescribe glasses. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
Kazia Smale
Nov 15, 2019
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As always the best eye care ever. My daughter Enola absolutely loves going to the opticians because of the care and attention they give to her each and every time. It's like Christmas to her each time she gets a new pair of glasses and always gets treated like a little princess . Extremely good opticians and wouldn't recommend anywhere else!
Louise Green
Nov 10, 2019
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The team are great... they all go the extra mile to make sure I have a positive experience for getting new specs or new contact lenses. The personalised, thorough service is great and I appreciate that I am in good hands with an experienced optometrist.
Sarah Wood
Oct 17, 2019
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After my daughter suffered vision problems yesterday and a day where other healthcare providers didnt take my concerns seriously Sarah couldnt have been more helpful. She talked us through all the tests explained the results and even contacted the hospital for further tests. You have been so helpful we will definitely be back again.
Sarah Jones
Jul 23, 2019
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Popped in this morning as on holiday and the arms of my glasses needed adjustment. They very kindly sorted me out, and I could see lots of attentive service happening with the other clients in the shop while I waited. Their range of frames was far more interesting than the usual high street opticians!
Ralph McMurray
Jul 17, 2019
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Professional, thorough and extremely customer/ patient friendly. Examinations are expertly carried out and clear concise advice given about any and all issues identified.
Naomi Bedwell
Jun 14, 2019
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My children came here through recommendation because one of them can get very anxious. They were superb. So I booked in myself after getting bad headaches and thought I may need a stronger lense. The eye test was very thorough, they explained things clearly and customer service was excellent. I would certainly recommend
Mark Edward Freeman
Mar 08, 2019
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My first visit to Wardale Williams and what a revelation, the service and eye test were excellent, professional and friendly. Such a great choice of frames too. I could not recommend them more highly ...
Vicki Hakes
Jan 17, 2019
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Called in a bit of a panic today with an eye problem, another local optician had been particularly unhelpful but Carol took my call and was an absolute pleasure to deal with, she was incredibly helpful, called back when she said she would and when Halstead couldnt help sorted me a same day appointment in Sudbury, where I also experienced fabulous service, thanks to you all you now have a new customer who will definitely be back!
Laura Twineham
Jun 28, 2018
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I couldn't recommend Observatory Opticians enough! Such a lovely atmosphere and the customer service is superb. I was very nervous about having an eye test after going several years without one, and the optician, Rene, was really lovely and made me feel completely at ease! I absolutely love my new glasses! Thank you!!
Andrew Tucker
Jan 24, 2018
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Excellent service from start to finish. The annual sight test was very thorough and revealed that I had a developing cataract.The implications of this were explained in some detail. The headline costs are higher than those charged by the high street chains but: a) the test is very thorough
b) discounts are applied to the spectacles so that, in the long term, the costs are much the same.
c) the whole experience, from start to finish is of care and attention to detail.
b) discounts are applied to the spectacles so that, in the long term, the costs are much the same.
c) the whole experience, from start to finish is of care and attention to detail.
Holly Banns
Nov 06, 2017
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My daughter who's 13 and I attended beccles branch and after a very bad experience from spec savers ! This was amazing the lovely optician made our visit easy... and Molly who helped us choose the frames was such a lovely girl helped us made us laugh and was highly professional! I would recommend this place !! Thank you so much!
Sally Ann Mayes
Oct 15, 2017
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What wonderful people! I was very worried I was losing the sight in one eye. They reassured me, fitted me in immediately, had all the latest scanners and were all just lovely people. Thank you!
Peter Betts
Sep 20, 2017
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A big thank you to Wardale Williams/Observatory for all the support shown to youth football at Haverhill Rovers and the local community. The sponsorship for the U7 team has made a real difference to everyone and is greatly appreciated by all the kids and parents
Kim Sherree Corani
Sep 14, 2017
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I visted and was made very welcome by Oxana, Will was also very good, being patient with me and answering all my questions.
Oxana also assisted me to select my frames which took forever lol cause I'm fussy ! I will definitely be returning as I need an annual check to monitor my eyes owing to health issues.
Oxana also assisted me to select my frames which took forever lol cause I'm fussy ! I will definitely be returning as I need an annual check to monitor my eyes owing to health issues.
Roger Conway
Sep 13, 2017
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I have known The Observatory Opticians through The Lions Club of Ipswich for about 4years. I have found them friendly and very Professional. Hence I switched opticians a year ago and have never looked back. They really make you feel welcome and give you the best attention and service.
Margaret Conway
Sep 13, 2017
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Wonderful opticians great staff, very friendly and helpful, Will Norman and staff are the best wouldn't go anywhere else
Jennifer Bonner
Aug 30, 2017
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I took my 8 year old daughter for an eye test today and she was very anxious due to two previous bad experiences at another opticians but I could not be happier with the service we received today. Will certainly recommend you and continue to use you. Thanks to all the staff at the observatory for giving my daughter a pleasant experience and taking the time to acknowledge her as a little person and letting her choose her glasses and give her opinion, also for during the eye test itself for making her feel comfortable and being patient with her. I only wish I had supported my local opticians instead of a chain in the first place. Thank you for getting her enthusiastic about wearing glasses again she can't wait to collect her new frames
Bryony Mason
Aug 12, 2016
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My mum bought some new varifocal glasses and sunglasses and they are great! Such good quality and such great customer service. Julie helped us and she was really helpful finding frames that would suit my mum's face, be work appropriate and look stylish and the results are fantastic! We'd used another local opticians before but they were poor quality and bad customer service, whereas the Observatory were great and so much more friendly and helpful! Thank you!
Genine White
Feb 09, 2016
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I visited for the first time with 2 of my sons (9 and 11) in January and was really impressed. Both my sons had to have new glasses which was a first for the 9 year old. He decided on a very funky pair that were not only different but really suited his face and character. He loves them so much I didn't have any problems getting him to wear them and to top it all he can now see!!! I went back today for myself and again was impressed with the service from all members of staff.
It took me nearly an hour to find a pair of glasses that suited my face, the gentleman that was helping me was very patient and full of advice. I am taking my 5 year old on Friday to have his first ever eye test which he is excited about. Will up date on his experience.
It took me nearly an hour to find a pair of glasses that suited my face, the gentleman that was helping me was very patient and full of advice. I am taking my 5 year old on Friday to have his first ever eye test which he is excited about. Will up date on his experience.
Susan Cole
Jan 26, 2016
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Brilliant - a professional set up with friendly, informed and helpful staff. I had vitreous detachment last year, there were no opticians there when I phoned, I was told phone my doctor - they'll fit you in (they did) - if they can't I could have an appointment first thing next morning - they were very reassuring and it worked. All my other appointments have been reassuring with loads of help and no hard sell on frames - just friendly helpful advice. Keep up the good work!!!
Linda Davies
Jan 23, 2016
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Observatory opticians Southwold are amazing. They are kind, professional and efficient. When I had a problem with my eye they fitted me in immediately, checked me out and reassured me. In an era of big brands their professional but also very human approach is wonderful. They also happen to stock a great range of frames.
Avril Nuttman
Unlike some of the chain stores, you are always made to feel like an individual and the attention to detail and your personalised care is second to none.
Sandra Archer
I find all of the staff, friendly, helpful and very patient. Nothing is too much trouble and they certainly do go the extra mile for their clients. Give them a try.
Edward L.
Always found Observatory Opticians to give first class service. Have used them for many years. Staff friendly but more importantly explain options in a non pressurised manner. Fantastic range of frames and lenses. Most recently bought Zeiss Drive Safe Varifocals in Lindberg frames - very pleased. Highly recommended opticians.
Susanna S.
This is the best opticians in the area in my opinion. Have been going there for many years. High tech equipment, coupled with old fashioned consistency. Many staff have been there for years! Always will give you the best deal and best sincere advice. Not just about the "money" but more about the "people"! (rare). Highly recommended by me and all my friends in the area.