Vision Express is one of the most popular eye clinics and stores in the UK and around the world as part of the leading optical retail group GrandVision. Vision Express has over 550 stores, with two of its branches situated in Aberdeen.

Vision Express commissioned independent market research of over 300 customers to determine the service they’d expect from a high street optician and worked to deliver exactly that.

They’re definitely on the less expensive side with glasses for £25 and above, which we love. They also have useful offers for customers, such as giving a second pair at half the price and providing a free contact lens trial.

We also appreciate their lifetime servicing, 100-day return guarantee, and delivery service. Vision Express opticians are also well qualified and have connections to other hospital eye clinics should you need a referral.

One downside would be their strict booking system and schedules – they only allow a 5-minute buffer time for lateness, as their stores are often very busy. Moreover, the equipment is also a bit worn and dated due to use.

Nonetheless, Vision Express has a great selection of services while still being one of the most affordable options. We recommend this clinic to those who are working with a tight budget.

Another top choice when it comes to quality service is Specsavers Aberdeen Opticians and Hearing Centre. It’s also quite accessible as it is located on Union Street and near the Main Bus Station and Aberdeen Railway Station.

Although they also offer adult hearing tests, their main focus is on eye health services. This includes eye tests, prescription glasses, goggles, safety specs, and minor eye condition care.

They also offer more advanced services such as cataract pre and post-op care, 3D scanning technology, glaucoma monitoring, eye pressure monitoring, and even a same-day glasses service and delivery – for an added fee, of course.

In terms of products, they have a wide collection of in-house looks, as well as top designer picks. This means their product prices often range from just £19 to over £160, depending on the brand.

Although Specsavers have maintained good reviews on average, we found that their in-house brand doesn’t stand the test of time. Their clinic is also on the smaller side, so it can get easily crowded on busier days.

Of course, the latter con could be because Specsavers employs some of the most trusted opticians in Aberdeen and has amassed many regulars. All in all, Specsavers is a versatile clinic that’s also very accessible to many.

Duncan and Todd Opticians and Hearing Care was founded in 1972. Located in the heart of the City Centre, they’re committed to providing the local community with their professional services.

Their product selection and their store design are more contemporary and modern in terms of design. We think this is a great clinic for younger clients who are looking for stylish frames and approachable staff.

Similar to Specsavers, they offer specialist optical and hearing care. You can avail of their free eye tests and an extensive range of frames from their own designs to exclusive designers including Oliver Peoples, Lindberg, Chanel, and Tom Ford.

They also have a virtual try-on available on their website, which we think is a very innovative and useful feature. Additionally, they offer a two-for-one option for quite a reasonable price.

However, their products are more on the pricier side, especially if you’re just planning on purchasing one pair. We’ve also noticed that their customer service can be a bit hit-or-miss, as they’re slow to reply to enquiries and messages.

Still, Duncan and Todd Opticians remain to be one of the best clinics in Aberdeen. We also think this store holds the potential to become one of the most innovative clinics that will gain a significant presence even online.

Optical Express is one of the UK’s top providers of eye services, having treated thousands of patients for over 30 years. Optical Express Aberdeen is located on Union Street at the Castlegate end and has many other branches across the country.

They have an extensive range of services including eye examinations, contact lens care and fitting, as well as assistance with laser eye surgery, dry eye assessment, and cataract consultation, among others.

Their staff seems very attentive and professional and very willing to answer any questions posed by clients. Should you be interested in learning more about laser eye surgery, they also offer an initial free consultation.

Although they don’t sell glasses online, you can head to their store and choose between global brands at the best prices. They do, however, sell contact lenses and offer free delivery.

Do note that they are very strict when it comes to seeing other opticians, especially if you’re getting some form of treatment. They will sometimes refuse to set an appointment if you have been to a clinic other than theirs.

We understand that this helps keep clients safe and maintains customer loyalty, but it could also be a deterrent, especially for new customers. Nonetheless, Optical Express is a great option if you’re planning to look into more advanced eye treatments as well.

Finally, we have McPherson Optometry, which is a family-run clinic founded in 1960. They are an independent practice, boasting two generations of opticians and over 60 years of experience in the field.

Despite being family-run, we’re glad to report that they have many optometrists and dispensing opticians that are registered with the General Optical Council and are members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. 

McPherson Optometry offers standard eye services and comprehensive eye examinations such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Like Vision Express, they have a direct link with the Eye Department and can refer you to other doctors.

We were impressed by their extensive selection of over 850 frames that range from classic designs to edgier ones. They also carry different protective lens types, as well as contact lenses sourced from different labs worldwide.

Because they aren’t as large-scale as other clinics on our list, we’ve noticed that they have trouble catering to appointment requests. They are also closed on weekends, making it would be harder for those with work on weekdays to be able to see a doctor.

Still, we’re very impressed by the service, product, and equipment quality of McPherson Optometry. They truly treat their customers like their own family, which is why they have a lot of local returning customers.