The Best Opticians in Durham

Whether you are due a routine eye test, need new glasses or want a second opinion on your prescription, Durham has a good spread of opticians within a short walk of the Market Place. The city mixes independent optometrists, who tend to offer longer, more personal appointments, with the familiar high-street chains and their wider ranges and later slots. Here is our guide to the best opticians in Durham.

Concept Eye Clinic

On historic Saddler Street, Concept Eye Clinic is an independent practice offering thorough eye examinations and a carefully chosen range of frames in a personal, unhurried setting. Independents like this often spend more time on each appointment and stock frames you will not find on every high street, which appeals to anyone wanting something a little different.

Best for: Best for a personal, independent eyecare experience.

Simon Berry Optometrist

Over in Gilesgate on Marshall Terrace, Simon Berry Optometrist is a respected independent optometrist known for detailed, clinically focused eye examinations. It is a good choice for anyone who values continuity of care and a practice that takes the time to explain your eye health properly, a little away from the busiest streets.

Best for: Best for careful, clinically thorough eye examinations.

Specsavers Durham

On North Road, Specsavers offers the reassurance of the national chain: NHS and private eye tests, a large range of glasses across all budgets, contact lenses and an in-store hearing centre. Its scale means good appointment availability and regular offers on frames and lenses, and it is easy to reach on foot or by bus in the heart of the city.

Best for: Best for value, choice and quick availability.

Vision Express Durham

Inside the Prince Bishops Place shopping centre just off the Market Place, Vision Express combines modern eye-testing equipment with a wide selection of designer and everyday frames, plus contact-lens fitting and NHS eyecare. Its indoor setting is comfortable whatever the weather and easy to combine with other errands in town.

Best for: Best for a central, all-weather branch with a big frame range.

Booking an eye test

Most opticians recommend an eye test every two years, or more often if advised, and many people are entitled to NHS-funded examinations. Whichever you choose, it is worth booking ahead, especially for the independents, whose appointments can fill up. If you are new to the city, registering is straightforward, and any of these practices can transfer your records and prescription.

---

Run an opticians in Durham we should include? Get in touch.