Despite my dislike of large chain stores, it is hard to beat the value of Specsavers. They seem to be wildly less expensive than the other chains and individual opticians within Chester. They will take prescriptions from other opticians and they always have some kind of deal on, usually 2 for 1 on their £75 range. You can also have the second pair tinted as sunglasses which is a good way to get a pair if you are like me and can't wear normal sunglasses without being as blind as a bat!
I had my eyes tested in there and I did have to wait a long time, despite having an appointment. This was the first opticians where I have felt confident that they were really checking my eyes thoroughly, including the air puff test. The robotic thing that swaps the lenses out is far more efficient than other opticians where they use the removable lenses by hand, and they have a lot of technical gear that is reassuring even if it is just for show!
There is no pressure to buy anything as I don't think the staff work on commission so you can go away and think about it before you buy. The staff are also good at advising you on what shaped glasses would suit you and there are a range of tints and anti-scratch coatings that you can get. read more