New survey says independent opticians are best

New Which? research has revealed the best and worst places to buy glasses, with independents coming top of the poll. Independent optician shops topped the survey with a customer satisfaction score of 88%, with wholesale co-operative Costco not far behind in second place on 86%.

The Which? survey revealed big differences between independent opticians and the major high street brands and supermarkets. Specsavers came near the middle of the table with a customer score of 72%. But Tesco Opticians, Scrivens and Optical Express got the worst customer scores with the lowest at 59%.

The survey is based on the views of over 5,409 Which? members in March 2014.

The top scoring stores are all about convenient appointments, punctuality, great products and value for money. And if budget is your main concern, there were two stores getting five-star ratings for price. But value can mean more to customers than price and special offers. One optician store was rated only average for price, but good value for money overall as customers praised it for staff skill, communication and customer service.

So it seems that is still pays to use and support your local independent opticians for your eye care needs.