Vision Express (UK)

The eye test which you get at Vision Express is very thorough and professional, and they take the time to explain to you what each stage involves. Digital retinal photography is included as standard now, and having been using this service for a while this is a great record as you can easily track any changes over time. I’ve never had any problems with Vision Express and have been buying glasses for them for years (and also you can buy prescription swimming goggles– a lifesaver for me as I enjoy swimming and occasional aqua aerobics).
For me, glasses buying is a very time consuming thing as I umm and err over my purchase visiting several places and carefully pricing these all up before I decide and weigh up the cost for each of my preferred frames. I really want to love my glasses as they are with me for 2 years so its one of the most important investments I make! I do find, however, that for my prescription Vision Express is quite expensive (3 stars for price, 5 stars for service, so 4 overall).
The staff are all friendly and very knowledgeable, and will help you select frames or let you browse alone, and then help you price your frame and lens options. They never push you into choosing a particular brand or point you towards the dearest frames, I find they are good at helping find frames which suit your face shape (and give an objective opinion, especially when you choose a more ‘out there’ style to try on for the fun of it). Discounts are available for certain employers, and for students. Some corporate and medical insurance schemes give discounts as well, it is worth checking.
Once you have chosen frames, they will keep them aside for you for up to a week, so if you’re super indecisive like me that really helps!