Not what one exSPECts in the area at all.
Headaches led to my discovery that I needed my prescription updating pronto. However, I was travelling imminently and didn't have time to go to my usual place in Central London. I didn't want new glasses as I have some vintage frames which are actually as old as St Georges walk, but I love them dearly and wanted to take them on my long trip.
However, what was an even bigger headache, was trying to get them glazed at the usual suspects; Boots and Specsavers and a couple of other small high street chains who refused to even try glazing my frames even though I fully understood the risk of damage and was prepared to accept that fate. Where I began to glaze over at the 'computer says no' responses from staff at chain framers; I suddenly remembered T. Young Opticians at The Croydon Eye Centre and not only did they have my records from almost 20 years ago when I used to live in the area, they remembered me, what work I did and even asked after my mum and dad. So very sweet.
It's that personal touch that keeps businesses like this going when it seems that all around, everything is going to pot. Croydon is in Transition but I certainly hope this little business keeps going despite the changes.
It was also cheaper to get my glasses glazed here than the chains, so I got all of my old glasses glazed by them (The SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS of the high street stores with their silly T&C's meant they lost out on a lot business from me) and they have a beautiful selection of vintage frames at a fraction of the cost of what you'd pay in a boutique in town. There might not be many left as I've bought lots of them, but do go and have a LOOK.
Of course, if you're eyeing up the latest modern super lux, high-end frames, then they're what you'd expect to pay: the likes of Zeiss, Persol, Silhouette, Ray Ban and Dior, etc etc.
They're a very small family business, so even if you want to go and try on, I'd recommend booking a short session with them, (020 8686 0676). Reason being; the front door's locked and there's an alarm system on the front door (It's Croydon!!!) and if they're in the back eye testing, you may not think they're open. So you just have to ring the bell.
Go and check them out, they're a real EYE OPENER. read more
