Eye care guide
Independent opticians vs the big chains: what is actually different?
Both do the same NHS eye test with qualified optometrists. The differences are in time, continuity, lens choice and who fits your glasses. We are an independent practice on Park Road, Liverpool, since 1998, so here is an honest comparison, including when a chain may suit you better.
- ★★★★★213 five-star Google reviews
- Independent since 1998
- Free parking outside
Side by side
At a typical chain
- Standard eye test; you may see a different optometrist each time
- Own-brand lenses and set packages are common
- Long opening hours, weekends, branches everywhere
- Strong low-price offers on simple glasses
At Winstanley & Son
- About 30 minutes, the same two opticians every visit, explained in plain English
- Lenses from Essilor, Nikon, Zeiss and Hoya, chosen for your eyes and your frame
- Every varifocal measured on the Essilor Visioffice X and fitted by Gavin himself, refitted free until right
- Handmade bespoke frames from our own Park Road workshop
- Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Where the difference shows most
Varifocals. A varifocal only works if the measurements match your eyes in the frame you picked. We see people every week who struggle with varifocals bought elsewhere; usually the measurements were off, the reading area intrudes on distance vision, the screen area is too narrow, or the frame was the wrong shape. See varifocal problems.
Fit. Off-the-shelf frames come in a limited range of sizes. We make bespoke frames by hand for faces that standard sizes do not suit.
Advice. We advise, you choose. If a simpler lens will do the job, we say so.
Questions to ask any optician
- Which lens exactly is in this quote: maker, design and coatings?
- How will you measure me for varifocals, and who fits them?
- If I cannot get on with them, what happens, and does it cost anything?
- Will I see the same optometrist next time?
Good answers matter more than the name over the door.
Common questions
Independent opticians, answered
What is the difference between an independent optician and a chain?
An independent practice is owned and run by the people who work in it, often for many years, and chooses its own lens makers and frames. A chain is a national company with standard ranges, prices and processes across all its branches. Both employ qualified optometrists and do the same NHS eye test.
Is an eye test at an independent optician better?
The legal content of an eye test is the same everywhere. What differs is time and continuity: how long you get, whether you see the same person each visit, and how much is explained. With us it is about 30 minutes, with the same two opticians every visit, explained in plain English.
Are independent opticians more expensive?
Not necessarily. Chains are good at low-cost packages. Independents usually cost more at the top end because they fit premium lenses, and can be similar or cheaper once you compare like for like. Ask for the lens name and type on any quote so you can compare properly.
Why do people go to an independent for varifocals?
Varifocals depend on precise measurements and a careful fit in the frame you chose. At an independent the person who measures you is often the person who fits and adjusts them. Here every varifocal is measured on the Essilor Visioffice X and fitted by Gavin himself, and we refit them free until they are right.
Can I use my NHS voucher at an independent optician?
Yes. NHS eye tests and optical vouchers work the same at any practice that offers them, including ours.
When is a chain the better choice?
If you need an appointment on a Saturday or Sunday, want a branch in another town, or just want the cheapest simple pair, a chain can suit you well. We are open Monday to Friday only.
See the difference for yourself
252 Park Road, Dingle, opposite Tesco Extra, free parking. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. NHS and private.
Or call 0151 726 0622
Written by Gavin Winstanley, who has been making eyewear on Park Road since 1998 and fits the varifocals himself. Last updated .