Not what one exSPECts in the area at all. Headaches led to…read moremy 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.

Sold me faulty frames that broke shortly after buying them, then persuaded me to buy a new frame…read morefor the existing lensens and then THEY damaged the lenses when mounting them onto the new frame and refused to take any responsibility. I complained about this and was verbally assaulted by the owner (despite being 9 months pregnant). AVOID

Came here as a referral to get a more in depth eye examination following having my eyes tested…read more Small clean store, was shown to the back of the shop promptly for my appointment. Person I saw covering, in detail my referral and clearly when through what was to happen. Was very thorough and informative in his consultation and very personable.

Polite staff upon arrival. I think I was the first appointment as the shop was empty. I have been…read morepast the shop on the weekend and it has been packed with people so be warned. Opticians late as the weather is bad this morning and the shop staff were good enough to offer me a hot drink whilst I waited for my eye test, I never got to drink it though as the optician showed up before it was made. The optician was knowledgeable and efficient at what she had to do. The eye check did not take long. I can't comment on prices as my eye test was only a fiver and I do not need any glasses so I can't really comment on those prices either. My experience on the whole was very positive...and I'll be back there in two years for the next check up...possibly.

Overall - Give it a miss!…read more It may be SpecSAVERS, but you pay for what you get. My experience with this branch is disgraceful! My prescription is complicated, with one eye being considerably weaker than the other. The check up wasn't very thorough and it left me feeling like I'd been ripped off. Their selection of frames is good and the prices on them actually show the true price of the frames with basic lenses, which in total is pretty cheap. However, their customer service is lousy! I had an anti-reflective coating on my lenses, which had numerous bubbles in them. I managed to scratch one lens within the first week, despite me being ultra-careful with them. I took them back and was accused of man-handling them. They eventually sent them away and after a week I got them back, only to find that they had changed the wrong lens. When I called them, they assured me that they changed the correct lens. After a long-winded process of talking to the manager, she sent me (out of hours and the use of a cab) a new frame with the correct lenses in and some complementary bits and bobs. Ok, the problem was resolved - but had their standards been higher, it would never have to be resolved.