FAQs
If you’re still unsure, our team at Bainbridge Bespoke Opticians is here to help.
Why should I choose Bainbridge?
Not all opticians are the same, and neither should they be!
Some opticians are remarkably busy places with thousands of glasses on display made to suit as many people as possible, making them, by definition, average. These extremely busy shops see people quickly so that they can move on to the next customer. Eye tests in some of these high street stores will average 20 minutes. If you are looking for a quick check and cheap specs, then this is the right place for you.
This is not what we’re about.
We set aside 45 minutes for your eye exam, and 60 minutes for your styling consultation to help you choose your glasses. We won’t leave you browsing through hundreds of frames that may not fit or suit you. Our eyewear experts will spend time helping you choose glasses that look and feel great. The time we take with you means you’ll never feel like you have picked the wrong eyewear. We are so confident in this that if you don’t love your glasses we will change them for something more suitable with our 60 day love your glasses guarantee.
How long are your eye exams and what does it include?
On average, our eye exams take 45 minutes. We allow plenty of time to carry out our clinical tests, which include field of vision testing and measuring the pressure in your eyes where necessary.
Most of our clients choose our advanced eye examination, which includes OCT. This is a scan of the ten layers of your retina to check the health of your eyes in fine detail. Your optometrist will explain the scan and their findings to you during your consultation. Having OCT repeated at every eye exam is extremely useful, as we can see very subtle changes year on year. Using technology like this leads to early detection of eye problems. Catching and treating eye problems early is vital in preventing sight loss.
Our clients value our eye examinations because we spend time getting to know you, addressing your concerns, and explaining everything to you. It’s this human connection and two way communication that makes a real difference to delivering the best results.
What services do you offer?
We will turn our hand to almost anything, but our specialities lie in premium services. This includes:
- Advanced, unrushed eye examinations
- A bespoke styling experience to help you discover the best frames for your face shape, personality, and individual style
- Colour analysis to demonstrate how different tones of colour work for and against you
- A portfolio of contact lens options
- Myopia management, including Ortho-K lenses and myopia control spectacles
- Referrals to NHS and private clinicians where necessary
What is a styling consultation?
Choosing the right glasses isn’t easy. Many high street opticians will point you towards racks of similar looking frames and let you suffer in silence while choosing your glasses. Which colour looks good on you? What frame will suit your face? What will your lenses look like in each frame?
That’s where we do things differently. We sit down with you and discuss your needs, your wants and what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. An eyewear expert will then present a selection of frames to best suit your specifications, to make sure you leave with the best glasses for you.
The choice will ultimately always be yours, but we will take out the guess work. Think personal shopping experience with a friend!
How long will it take me to get my glasses?
Most pairs of spectacles should be ready in around 2 weeks. If your chosen glasses are a special or bespoke order, then we will quote you individually for these. We will pre-book your collection appointment at dispense so we can check the fitting and the vision in your new glasses before you take them away.
How much is your eyewear?
If you are looking for something a bit different then we will have lots of options for you. We work with exciting niche, bespoke and independent brands from all over the world.
Most of our clients choose frames around £250. We can supply stylish frames from £150, custom frames from £545, and beautiful eyewear at many price points in between.
Our lenses are of the highest quality and are dependent on your needs. We specialise in varifocals, and guarantee satisfaction with your frames and lenses. If you cannot get on with your glasses in 60 days, we will change them for you. The average cost of single vision lenses is around £165 and this includes the very best coatings to optimise your vision, protect your lenses and enhance cosmetic appearance. We can also supply basic single vision lenses for as little as £105.
What frame brands do you use?
We have a large range of frames covering all types of face shape, colour and style preferences. If you want your glasses to stand out, we can do that, if you want them to be light and discrete, we have that, and everything in between, covered too.
Most of the collections that we stock are from independent frame companies, so that you are getting glasses that are designed and manufactured by people that only work with spectacles. We can show you handmade frames from all around the world in incredible materials and finishes.
This means that you may not have heard of all the brands that we supply, but that’s where you find the really good stuff!
Can I spread the cost of my glasses?
Yes! Our Easy Eyewear Payments allows a simple, low hassle option to spread the cost of your glasses.
How does your Easy Eyewear Payment plan work?
Our interest free payment plan works through an in-house Direct Debit scheme that requires no forms or checks. We ask for a minimum of a 30% deposit and the remaining cost can be spread over 3-11 months.
Schedule an appointment today!
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule.