When it comes to your eye care, what do you look for? 

Price?… Quality?… Expertise?

High street chains like Specsavers, Boots, and Vision Express dominate the market. With millions to spend on advertising budgets and mass market appeal, as an independent, we can’t compete.

So we have to be different. We have to do things different.

Patients who’ve switched to us tell us the high-street chains now feel like retail environments, focused on selling glasses first before eye care. That’s why price is a big factor in deciding where to go.

But first and foremost, you visit the opticians to get an eye test. You want the best vision. You want to trust your optician. And you want to make sure you’re getting the best advice. It’s a health care profession.

New patients tell us independent opticians (like Edwards & Walker) offer them a level of care and service that’s miles ahead of what you find in larger chains. It’s why 96% of patients stay with us once they book their first appointment.

With that in mind, here’s the 7 reasons they gave for choosing Edwards & Walker Opticians in Doncaster over the typical high street chain.

1 – “I’m treated like a person, not a number”

In larger chain opticians, it’s easy to feel like just another appointment in a long day of back-to-back bookings. The sheer volume of clients means that interactions can sometimes feel rushed and impersonal.

On the other hand, independent opticians like us, take the time to get to know each patient personally. Think smiles when you walk in, being referred to by your name and asking where you’re off on holiday this summer.

At Edwards & Walker, you’ll feel the love instantly. The team pride themselves on building long-lasting relationships with our patients, ensuring each visit feels welcoming and personalised.

This means you get:

  •  Bespoke eye care that meets your specific needs.
  •  A deeper understanding of your medical history and preferences.
  •  A relaxing environment that gives you a sense of comfort and familiarity.

This level of personal engagement ensures you receive care that’s not only thorough, but also compassionate and considerate of your unique circumstances.

2 – “I get personal service, not basic engagement”

Similar to the above, when visiting a high street chain, the service you receive is often standardised, following a one-size-fits-all approach. While this might be efficient, it often lacks the personal touch that makes your visit memorable.

At Edwards & Walker, you’ll feel different. Our patents get a bespoke service that caters to their unique requirements. Dr Basra and the team spend time getting to know you, so you get:

  •  Advice and solutions specifically suited to your needs.
  •  As much clarity as you need before making any decisions.
  •  Time to make sure what you’re getting is right for you.

Whether it’s addressing specific concerns about your eye health or selecting the perfect pair of frames, our approach is always tailored to ensure your satisfaction and comfort.

No.3 – “I feel calm and relaxed, not rushed and pressured”

You’ll often find high street chains bustling with activity which can make your experience feel hurried and pressured. Patients have told us this fast-paced environment can be overwhelming, particularly when you need to discuss important aspects of your eye health.

In contrast, independent practices can provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

For instance, imagine stepping into an oasis of calm, where gentle, soothing music plays in the background. You’re greeted by a cosy waiting area designed to help you relax, whilst our friendly staff help you settle in, answering any question you have, making you feel completely at ease.

And that’s before your eye test!

It’s like a spa experience for your eyes.

An throughout you time with us, we make sure that:

  •  You have ample time to ask questions.
  •  You can discuss your options without feeling rushed.
  •  Your decisions about eye care are informed and thoughtful.

A relaxed environment is conducive to making the best choices for your eye health, not the stressful and pressurised environment of a high-volume chain store.

That’s why so many patients make the switch.

4 – “I get continuity of care, not inconsistent advice”

One of the biggest reasons our patients choose Edwards & Walker Optician is the continuity of care. At large chains, you might see a different optometrist each visit, leading to inconsistent advice and a lack of familiarity with your personal health history.

At Edwards & Walker, you can expect to see the same trusted optometrist at each visit. Dr Basra is not only trusted, she’s pretty special, having 3x been voted as one of the top 5 optometrists in UK, achieving a PhD in children’s vision screening and consistently gaining the latest qualifications in eye care.

But it’s the continuity with Dr Basra that allows us to:

  •  Monitor your eye health over time.
  •  Notice and respond to changes in a more informed environment
  •  Develop a long-term understanding of your needs and preferences

Our patients know that seeing familiar faces who’re already aware of their history and specific concerns provides peace of mind and ensures a higher quality of care.

5 – “I get to see unique styles, not the usual generic stuff”

Our patient’s tell us that high street chains tend to stock a limited range of frames, often focusing on mass-market appeal. This can make it challenging to find eyewear that truly reflects their personal style.

For Edwards & Walker, we see that as an opportunity to offer something different to the Doncaster community. That’s why we’ve got a range of unique and high-quality frames for both males and females. Our selection is:

  •  Diverse and stylish.
  •  Carefully chosen to meet various tastes and preferences.
  •  Regularly updated to include the latest trends and designs.

If you wear glasses regularly, it should be part of your dress. So many of our patients want frames that reflect their personality and lifestyle – because they wear them daily. We feel the same way.

That’s why we never sell based on price. We want you to tell us what you want to feel in your glasses – then we grab you a drink, help you relax and get to work finding you the perfect pair.

6 – “I prefer to support local businesses, not faceless corporations”

When you choose an independent optician like Edwards & Walker, you’re not just taking care of your eye health — you’re also supporting a local business.

Edwards & Walker have been part of Doncaster town centre for over 50 years, contributing to the local economy. By supporting us, you help maintain the unique character and vibrancy of Doncaster.

Unlike faceless corporations, we’ve a vested interest in the wellbeing of Doncaster town centre and take pride in offering services that reflect our commitment to local values and standards.

Our patients know that by choosing us, they’re also:

  •  Strengthening the Doncaster economy.
  •  Encouraging the growth of other small businesses.
  •  Getting personalised service and care from people who understand the community.

Supporting local businesses like Edwards & Walker means investing in your community and receiving service from people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

7 – “I get value for money, not disappointing results”

While high street chains like Specsavers often attract customers with promises of low prices and special deals, these offers can sometimes come at the expense of quality.

When you come to an independent practice like Edwards & Walker, you’re prioritising quality over quantity. You’ll be safe knowing that every product and service we offer meets the highest standards.

Our focus is on delivering results that you can rely on, whether it’s a thorough eye test, the best lenses or an excellence choice of frames. But that doesn’t have to mean “expensive”. We cater to every budget, but everything we offer is:

  •  High-quality
  •  High-standard
  •  Built on trust and what’s right for you

At Edwards & Walker, we believe that value for money is not just about price but also about the quality and longevity of the products and services you receive.

Choosing an independent optician like us ensures that you get the best possible care without compromising on quality.

It’s your choice (but we’d choose us)

Choosing an optician is obviously a personal decision that should be made based on the quality of care and service you receive. While high street chains have their advantages, independents like us offer a superior level of personalised care, continuity, and community support that is hard to match.

That’s why we invite you to experience the difference for yourself and see why so many people consider Edwards & Walker Opticians the best opticians in Doncaster.

By prioritising personal relationships, high-quality service, and a commitment to the best possible standards – in the best possible environment – we make sure your eye care experience is not just about seeing better, but also about feeling valued and cared for.

At Edwards & Walker, you’ll get an exceptional eye care experience that goes way beyond the basics.

  •  Personal attention: You’ll get the time you need to get the tailored services you need.

  •  Calm environment: You’ll feel relaxed without feeling rushed.

  •  Continuity of care: You’ll see the same team to build long-term trust.

  •  Unique selection: You’ll be able to choose frames that match your unique style and personality.

  •  Community support: You’ll be supporting a local Doncaster business and contributing to the vibrancy of Doncaster.

  •  Quality and value: You’ll get high-quality products and services, providing exceptional value for your money.

Experience the difference today.

See why so many patients switch and trust us over the big high street chains.