I have been using direct specs in Shirley west Midlands for a couple of years. I went in last Monday as I know Gary works on that day and yet again I was not disappointed. He once again was friendly,... See more
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I needed new sunglasses as I had lost mine. Went into Shirley direct specs, can park outside 👍 Met Gary who showed me a pair of glasses after I explained I wanted something different and big. I ab... See more
Company replied
Called in as a bit of an emergency as frames bought from another supplier a while back broke. Superb customer service from Gary at Shirley branch in the Midlands, who spent a good half hour trying to... See more
Visiting family in Shirley, called into have a look at Specs, found suitable pair but not colour. Many thanks to Matt who phoned around. Three days later just before returning back to Cornwall there w... See more
Company replied
Company details
Information provided by various external sources
We are the original glasses factory outlet, established in 1998, with branches across the Midlands. You can buy with confidence at one of our stores, where you can see our full range of over 500 styles and discuss your lenses in person. Or, If you're looking for the ultimate bargain, browse our online-only specials - and get a pair of glasses for as little as £9.99 complete!
Contact info
Stratford Road 111, B90 3ND, Shirley, England, United Kingdom
- 0121 744 9372
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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Fantastic member of staff
I have been using direct specs in Shirley west Midlands for a couple of years. I went in last Monday as I know Gary works on that day and yet again I was not disappointed. He once again was friendly, very attentive and professional. He always seems to be able to sort out any problems I have with mine and my mother's glasses. He is such an asset to the Company to the degree I only go in when I know he is working. Gary u are fantastic and so helpful, keep up the good work as I would probably look elsewhere if u wasn't there.
Gary,
Gary,
I wanted to take a moment—properly and sincerely—to express my deepest gratitude for everything you’ve done. It’s not often you come across someone who combines such a high level of technical expertise with genuine compassion and patience, but you embody both in a way that truly sets you apart.
From the very beginning, what struck me most was your willingness to slow things down and really listen. You didn’t treat my situation as routine or transactional—you took the time to understand the full picture, including the complexities around my health and how much my vision impacts my daily life. That level of attentiveness is rare, and it immediately gave me a sense of trust and reassurance.
Your knowledge as an optical expert is clearly exceptional, but what elevates you even further is the way you communicate that knowledge. You explained everything with such clarity, breaking down technical details into something I could fully understand without ever feeling overwhelmed. Every question I had—no matter how small—was met with patience, respect, and a thoughtful response. You never rushed, never dismissed concerns, and always made sure I felt confident in what was being discussed.
What truly stood out was your attention to detail. You approached everything with precision and care, ensuring that nothing was overlooked. It was clear that you weren’t just aiming for a satisfactory outcome—you were striving for the best possible result for me personally. That level of dedication goes far beyond standard professionalism; it reflects a genuine commitment to helping people.
In a situation where vision and health are so closely intertwined, having someone like you guiding the process made an enormous difference. You brought not only expertise, but calmness, reassurance, and a sense that I was genuinely being looked after. That is something that cannot be overstated—it changes the entire experience.
Please know that your efforts have had a lasting and meaningful impact on me. This wasn’t just about the service you provided; it was about how supported, respected, and understood you made me feel throughout. That kind of care stays with a person, and it speaks volumes about who you are both professionally and personally.
Thank you again, Gary. You have my utmost respect and appreciation, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of so many others. You are truly exceptional at what you do.
With sincere thanks and respect,
Again superb service and always…
Again superb service and always attention to detail. I have been several times over the years and the service is always outstanding plus glasses / frames etc are extremely competitive compared to other companies. Would definitely recommend.
The PERFECT Service from start to…
The PERFECT Service from start to finish! Highly recommended!

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
Wonderful all round experience
Gary is extremely knowledgeable and couldn't have been more helpful. The glasses supplied are excellent quality, perfectly fitted and great value.
Thank you so much for your efforts. Would recommend this store to anyone.

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
I have had two pairs of specs last year…
I have had two pairs of specs last year at my local direct specs at 111 Stratford Road Shirley,I had a problem with one of my specs, which got broken and your member of staff , got my specs replaced with in two hours after I take it into the shop, I am very pleased with the service I have had .

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
Glasses Repair.
My son was staying with me for a week and broke his glasses frame beyond repair. The only place i knew would possibly do a same day repair was Shirley Direct Specs as I'd used them before.
I was right...Gary went the extra mile to find a frame to fit his current lenses and fitted them after persevering, all done in half an hour. I couldn't recommend this store enough for customer service...none of the major opticians wouldn't have even looked...1st Class...

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
Brilliant glasses
I needed new sunglasses as I had lost mine. Went into Shirley direct specs, can park outside 👍
Met Gary who showed me a pair of glasses after I explained I wanted something different and big. I absolutely love them feel really comfortable.
I ordered them on Monday and picked them up Wednesday.
Excellent quality lenses and frames.Gary was very helpful excellent customer service. The price was also brilliant much cheaper but much better quality glasses. Definitely be going back and recommending them.

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
first class service from Matthew
first class service from Matthew, who repaired and replace a missing lens in my every day glasses, no charge! thanks Matt
Excellent service from the Shirley…
Excellent service from the Shirley branch who replaced my glasses for me FOC when I‘d been given the wrong prescription by the high street opticians. Competitive pricing and they really do go the extra mile on customer service, highly recommended.
First time using, won’t be the last!
First time using DirectSpecs and will be our ‘go to’ in future. We expected the price to be competitive (which it was, and no excessive upselling) we were also impressed with the high standard of customer service we received and how knowledgable their staff were (thank you Gary). Would recommend to anyone.
Another great visit to my local Direct…
Another great visit to my local Direct Specs! I was served by Matthew who was so professional & went above and beyond for me. 5🌟for Matthew.
Thank you

Reply from Direct Specs - Shirley
Had a pair of glasses made up from DS…
Had a pair of glasses made up from DS but did not fit correctly so I asked Gary if he would fit them so that there did not fall off my face. He went to great length’s to adjust them for me. Top marks to Gary for his experience and customer service. All the family now use Direct Specs for the quality of service given by Gary.
Great service and cheap rate.better…
Great service and cheap rate.better than high Street expensive glasses brands....
10/10 service from Gary
Purchased two pairs of glasses but unfortunately had miss placed prescription. Gary was so helpful, went above and beyond to ring the opticians to get my details. So helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend. Nothing was too much trouble for him, even on a busy Monday afternoon.
Superb Customer Service at Shirley branch
Called in as a bit of an emergency as frames bought from another supplier a while back broke. Superb customer service from Gary at Shirley branch in the Midlands, who spent a good half hour trying to find something that would take my particularly small lenses and adjusting a pair he had in stock accordingly. He would just not give up!! Would highly recommend.
Matthew was very helpful and provided…
Matthew was very helpful and provided prompt service. Highly recommended.
Recommend a visit to direct specs shirley
Recommend a visit to direct specs Shirley ! The staff are so knowledgable and helpful , Matassa , Gary and Matt cannot do enough for you ! They went out of their way to help me , I was so grateful . They know the products and business so well . Very impressed . Prices are fantastic too !
Would recommend
I recently came here to choose some distant glasses for driving with a prescription I had already got.
Gary was most helpful and I was very happy with the frames I chose at a very reasonable price especially compared to most other places and they were ready within a few days.
Great service, I would recommend and definitely use again.
Sarah
Wonderfull service wonderful people
Wonderful service wonderful people
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