Specsavers

I can see clearly now the… oh, ok, so the rain hasn’t gone, this is Wales, but I can see clearly. I have new shiny glasses. They are aces.
I use computers for a big chunk of most days so my eyesight has become worse as the years have gone by. Glasses are my friend. Not contacts, I don’t like poking myself in the eye, and I certainly don’t like anyone else having a pop either! I do like being able to read words and bus timetables though.
One of the things I miss most about working for other people is the contributions you get towards eye tests and glasses. Working for myself, I don’t go to fancy central London private opticians any more. I revert to school and uni days and go to Specsavers. Mostly because I find the staff to be nice, appointments to be fairly easy to get and the glasses to be both cheap and sturdy. Try these deals out for size…
# 2 for 1 from £69
# 2 for 1 designer glasses from £99
# Free varifocal lenses
# 25% off glasses and lenses for over 60s
# Kids go free
# Students — 25% off glasses

During the great glasses tragedy of 2010, I spent more time on the phone to specsavers in Holton Road than I care to remember. It took over 4 weeks for them to get my glasses together and considering I was left without a pair of specs, this was definitely a tragedy.
In the interim waiting period, I visited Penarth to have a look at their frame selection. They seemed to have a good variety of styles but again, there isn’t a large selection of more top end designer frames. The staff were polite and friendly and when I explained the situation with their sister branch, they nodded sympathetically but did nothing.
It’s a good shop, some of the frames are gorgeous, but the staff really don’t seem to be on the ball.

This Specsavers is conveniently situated in Penarth town centre. They have a good selection of frames, though like Tiffany I felt that there is not enough high end brands available (though I imagine this is probably only a gripe of a small minority).
I must say that the staff are incredibly friendly, and I was very impressed by their turn around service. I found it very easy to get an appointment, often even on the same day (which can’t be said for their store in Cardiff city centre) .
As for the décor (always important in my book). There is a lot of green (to be expected of course), but I found it pleasant, and also light and airy. It should also be noted that this branch like most Specsavers is well staffed, which thankfully keeps waiting times to a minimum.