Specsavers Reviews 

1,263
TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 116 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Consumers frequently complained about unexpected extra charges added to their bills without receiving clear prior consent before procedures. People also mentioned facing aggressive sales tactics, long waiting times, and unhelpful customer support when trying to resolve problems. Though some reviewers experienced poor service, others noted that individual staff members were friendly and polite during initial visits. Customers deeply appreciated when specific employees took extra time to answer questions and ensure eye tests went smoothly. Some people even praised receiving helpful assistance with repairs, adjustments, and frame selections during their appointments.

What people talk about most

Staff

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with staff, describing some employees as exceptionally... See more

Service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with service, highlighting a strong division in customer experiences.... See more

Product

Customers had ambiguous experiences with product, noting mixed feelings about the quality and fittings.... See more

Price

Reviewers mention negative feedback about price, consistently reporting unexpected costs and hidden fees for... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer_service. While many reviewers describe feeling frustrated... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Specsavers White Lion Street Norwich. Went for checkup today. In-store personnel were lovely polite friendly when having initial tests done. Then I had a video checkup which was appalling. So i... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

The main issue is the wait. 4 staff chatting and walking around an 11 am appt seen at 11.20am - no queue no sense of urgency- no busy atmosphere. Actual service was okay a pleasant enough young wo... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I visited Specsavers yesterday, 27th November, and completed a medical form that entitled me to a free eye test, as it had been two years since my last one. Before my appointment, I asked to confirm... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Think Specsavers in Galway City need to take a look at the way they bully their customers into paying an extra 25 euro for an OCT scan. An eye test is 30 euro and an OCT scan is described on their web... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Health & Medical

Information provided by various external sources

Browse glasses and contact lenses online at Specsavers. Find your local store and request an appointment online


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2.5

Poor

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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2.5

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(1,263)

112 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Unfortunately I went to specsavers

Unfortunately I went to specsavers. Had been once and had mild reading glasses. Returned for a checkup. First they tried to sell me hearing aids even though I have excellent hearing. Then although I explained to the optician that I only had reading glasses and I rarely needed them except if the text is tiny or I am very tired, they first tried to sell be bifocal glasses. I reiterated that I didn't need them as I only used glasses infrequently. Then they tried to tell me I could use them at the dinner table to see in the distance? I explained that this was improbable as There is no text on food and I don't wear my reading glasses at the table. Then he told me I could get glasses that had focus over various distances for when i'm at the computer. I again explained that I never use them in work at all. Then he said my prescription had changed and I needed new glasses. The sales person then asked me to buy new glasses. I explained that I already had excellent frames barely used and asked could I not use them and just buy replacement lenses-she looked totally disgusted and devastated. By the time I got my glasses I lost all confidence in the place. Their only interest was in selling me products not in my eye-care. I felt they sold me lenses that were way too strong and I think I didn't need new glasses at all as I was fine with the two pairs I already had. I was so discouraged I actually paid another optician two days lated to check my eyes and they said the specsavers prescription was too strong for my eves. Do yourself a favour and avoid this place at all cost this place.

December 9, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We'd really like to see if we can help here, please can you send us a DM on Facebook, Twitter (X) or Instagram?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The staff in Specsavers in Pavillions…

The staff in Specsavers in Pavillions Swords are amazing. From dealing with Zoe, Kayla and Julie they are an asset to the company. Would 100% recommend

January 7, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

This is wonderful to hear, thank you so much for sharing this with us?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Where to start?

Where to start?

My eyes have been very fatigued and have had difficulty with lights and reading screens so I said I would get a new eye test in their Wilton store to see if they had gotten worse.
The first guy who did the eye scans chewed gum throughout, then the optician seemed almost annoyed with me (I'm sorry if I tried to use the wrong hand to cover my eye). I also have concerns about the fact that while I was waiting for my test I could hear a member of staff taking someone's bank details over the phone for contact lenses.

I was told I need a stronger prescription, but was also told that I needed all of these extras that weren't properly explained - I just wanted standard frames and something for screen protection/blue light, but somehow they were making this into €280, and without the screen protection (as far as I could tell). Even when I said I didn't need these, they were always added in, and having someone hover over me felt like a lot of pressure (and the sales assistant when I said frames were too small was trying to convince me that they weren't so I would buy them).
They seemed annoyed when I wanted a copy of my prescription to look elsewhere, and after ordering glasses from somewhere I usually go to with the new prescription, I had almost 3 days of migraines and nausea because the prescription is clearly wrong.

I'm sure the response will be that it's the glasses I got elsewhere, so I'm currently waiting on a second opinion to confirm their new prescription was to get me to buy expensive new frames. Personally very negligent staff, with poor attitude.

As an update - never resolved, the store manager blamed me, even though they had even misdiagnosed me as shortsighted when I'm not at all! Avoid their Wilton store at all costs. Their customer service team also just passed me onto the store, so also zero help.

December 28, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

This isn't something we like to hear at all Charles, we really want to get this feedback over to the team and see if there's anything we can do to help, please could you send us a DM on social media so we can grab some more details?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

While test was carried out very well..I…

While test was carried out very well..I found to be bamboozled after with the upselling strategy i thought? buy 1 get 1 free is a total scam imo...what starts out at 100 or 130 ends up being nearly 300euro?

December 2, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We really want to learn more about your review and how we can get better. Could you please drop us a message over on one of our social media page, Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter) and we'll be able to chat about this.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Tralee Branch

I went to the branch in Tralee, after 3 years of not going there caused by bad previous experience I decided that everyone deserves a chance. Apparently not.
Staff was rude, incompetent, the optician was nice but floor staff a disgrace.
I came asking for rimless glasses, after 40 minutes of set up I was informed that they cannot make the glasses for me.
I had no more time to waste and paid for the visit only to come back later that day for another part of this sad comedy.
Staff member did not helped in picking new frames, and additional options were not explained neither prices for it.
Staff members whispered between each other about clients and complained about them loud enough for clients to hear.
I ordered reading glasses as my prescription for distance did not changed and was very surprised when the distance glasses was given to me during dispense visit.
The staff member tried to dismiss me with it and argued that I wanted distance vision glasses.
Finally, I was passed on to another two people and informed that they will do my ordered prescription. No apologies offered. I wasted another hour but got a bonus and again find out what staff thinks about me while they 'whisper'.
On the last collection visit I was firstly dismissed by staff which turned away and not acknowledged a client in the shop. After good few minutes I was handed glasses with reading paper and asked is it ok. On confirmation the staff member just left.
At any stage no apologies was offered.
I wasted around an hour on each from first 3 visits. Was dismissed on the last.
Staff behaved unprofessional, offers were not explained, my prescription mixed, no apologies or redress. Never again. I do not recommend.

December 5, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

Evening Kasia. Thank you for letting us know about your experience and for giving us a chance to look into this for you. We're going to request some more information and once we have this back we'll be able to check with the team.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

complex prescription lenses faulty, and replaced

I have a complex prescription due to a torn and detached retina 14 years ago, needing a lens inside my left eye. So my good eye is -9d and bad (with the internal lens is about -2d.
I've gone to specsavers for over 20 years and now I need thinning on one lens and transition sunglasses and anti glare in both. I get 2 pairs each time. Got these in January 24 and very pleased with quality, service and price.
In September 24 I noticed wavy lines across both lenses, affecting the vision in my good eye, this was not scratching. I looked at my spare pair (never worn) and they were perfect.
Went back to specsavers and a staff member asked me if I had been painting, answered yes, but only weathershield (water based). The staff member then worked out the cost of replacing the 1 lens for my good eye, which was calculated at approx 250 euros. Went home and thought about it, went back next week and saw a manager and was firmer about the situation. He said they would need to inspect the glasses. I was going away for a few weeks so we agreed I would wear my spare pair whilst away and keep the faulty pair handy as a backup. Came back in November and the same horizontal wavy lines has appeared on my other pair.
So all the lenses were faulty.
They have agreed to replace my good eye lens in both pairs for free, and I am now happy.
Be firm and fair if you think something is wrong.
The service I got from the manager was first class.

December 20, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We're so glad to hear this Kevin, we're glad the team was able to sort your glasses as well, thanks so much for taking the time to explain this to us!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Peter Killarney

Both my husband and myself had check ups today for eye health we both had Peter from Killorglin.. didn’t get the names of the other girls we met but all were fantastic.. it is the first time we met Peter.. so knowledgeable about my lenses and the surgeon that performed it.. my husband who has different issues also found him amazing.. no pressure to change glasses but totally focussed on our needs .. 6 stars if possible

December 19, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

Thanks so much for letting us know about this great experience Margaret, we're so glad you had a good time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Katherine from the Knocknacarra Galway…

Katherine from the Knocknacarra Galway branch went above and beyond to sort out a contact lens emergency for me. It was very much appreciated. Thank you.

December 17, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

This is fabulous to hear, Melissa! Thanks so much :)

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

despite been clear about not …

despite been clear about not needing all the ,extras they tried to sell me they still tried charge me when i went to pay ....actualy double checked with person who served me as though i was lying ....definitely last pair of glasses i will get from them ..... beware and be clear if you are there

December 10, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

This is sad to hear, Fran. Could you DM us on Instagram, X or Facebook? We'd love to look into this for you

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

New frame lost lense

Frame broke and got a new frame. Less than 7 weeks later lost a lense out of the new frame. Was told didn't qualify for PRSI free eye test till next year even though the lense fell out of a brand new frame. Said if had lense they could put it in. Hung up. Not happy.

December 13, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

Can you DM us on Facebook, X or Instagram so we can check this out for you, please?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Con job

Paid 300 euro for 'Super Readers' which are awful. I need glasses to read close up, but have glasses that enable me to keep my glasses on while working on a PC, when there is no difference with them on or off other than reading close up I need to look directly down, which is cumbersome. Also, ordered a 2nd pair just for reading 6 weeks ago, but have still not got them. Tried calling and leaving messages, but they don't get back. Absolute con.

December 10, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We want to know a little more about this, Ken. If you can, could you share your story with us over Instagram, X or Facebook, please?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scammed by specsavers

Payed a visit to dundrum branch €400 payed for glasses I don't need was told it was my fault for not knowing what I wanted.. after 3 separate visits. Putting the blame on a customer for a badly performed eye test and service... HONESTLY specsavers service -5 ⭐ helpful -5 ⭐ bare face scamming + 5 ⭐ .. they will scam u ..

December 9, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We're sad to hear this, John. Can you message us over Instagram, X or Facebook so we can look into this for you? 🙂

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Hearing aids…

Was in Dundalk shop with my daughter who was getting new hearing aids, we were dealing with Paula who I couldn’t recommend enough she was just amazing from the consultation to the fitting of the hearing aids. Paula was so kind,patient and explained everything in great detail, myself and my daughter couldn’t be happier with the service we got, absolutely fantastic paula

November 28, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We're so glad, Sandra! Thank you for sharing this with us ☺️

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

OK but only OK

Saw all the ads and thought I'd give them a try - Glasses were not of the same quality as from a similar company - Light frames, arms that didn't bend around the ears (kept slipping off) and there was no place to put the discount code I had been given at checkout. I emailed them about this but got no reply. In my opinion they do not live up to the hype.

November 26, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We'd like to know more about this! Are you able to whizz us a DM on Facebook or X (Twitter) with some more info and one of our team can pick this up 😊

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My eye test done on 2-11-2024 and…

My eye test done on 2-11-2024 and booked safety glasses on the same day, I paid €130 for the eye test and the glasses. On 15-11-24 ( 2 weeks later) I visited specsavers mallow to collect my specs but unfortunately I got the wrong one. I did not receive the one which I requested in the eye-test report. I then had to pay €55.00 for further assistance as per demands from them. Now I’m waiting for new safety glass.

November 25, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We'll be happy to take a look at this for you! So we can get a few more details and speak to the team, are you able to drop us a message on either Facebook or X (Twitter)?

Feel free to screenshot your message and share that with us over there to make things easier for yourself :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Kindness and empathy

I had a rather complicated prescription request and both Sabrina and Michael at Specsavers Mahon Point Cork, could not have been more understanding and professional. Their kindness and empathy is much appreciated.

November 22, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We're so glad the team could help, Carmel! We'll pop this feedback over to the team.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shockingly bad service moved from an independent optician to…

I moved from an independent optician to Specsavers but have found the service so shockingly bad I will not be staying with them. After 2 months I still have not received my glasses. It is also extremely difficult to contact them. I have been held on the phone for over 12 minutes waiting my turn (the two people ahead of me must have had A LOT to say!) and when it gets to my turn an automated voice says my phone number has been noted and they cut you off. Of course they don't call back. There is no other way of contacting them,that I can see, other than calling in-person. Never again.

November 1, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We really appreciate you sharing this with us! We'd like to look into this for you. Please can you send us a DM on Facebook, Twitter (X) or Instagram?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very disappointed with the service

Very disappointed with the service. All the staff was interested in was upselling. The eye test was rushed and I have no confidence with the test results. I went in just looking for my free eye test and free glasses under the PRSI scheme and the staff kept trying to sell me extras thatvi did not want. I would not recommend Specsavers to anyone.
Update 22/11/24
1) I booked an appointment for my PRSI eye test with Specsavers.
2) upon arrival I was recommended an upgraded eye test for an additional €25. I politely declined the offer.
3) I then found myself underground an ear test, which I did not request. The hearing test was conducted in a noisy shop.
4) I was then recommended an ear cleaning, which I declined.
5) I was then brought in for the eye test, which, to me was very rushed and I have no confidence in the test results.
6) I was then told that I needed an anti glare coating on my new glasses at an additional cost of €45.
7) I once again explained to the sales person that I was only interested in getting the glasses that are covered under my PRSI scheme.
8) I was told that I could reuse my old frames at no cost but I would still have to pay €45 for the anti glare coating. Again I politely declined.
9) at this stage I had enough and left the shop.
10) I contacted the shop later that day and explained my position and that I would go elsewhere for my PRSI eye test. The staff member did not seem to bothered.
All said and done and in my personal experience, the sales staff at Specsavers were very pushy with trying to upsell additional items that I clearly did not need. This to me is taking advantage of the PRSI customers once they have them in the shop.

November 20, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

We'd like to look into this for you, Tom. Please can you send us a DM on Facebook, Twitter (X) or Instagram?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Extremely incompetent and very dangerous

0 star would be the best option but there is no 0 star unfortunately.
They are just not competent.
I started to have floaters on my right eye Friday morning, just after I did an ear wax removal at the Drogheda shop.
The two things were not connected.
Later I discovered that the floaters was blood caused by a torn retina.
I came back to the shop and told them about the floaters.
They said that could be just a temporary side effect of the ear wax removal and told me to call the shop later, to book an eye test in case the floaters didn't go away.
Of course they didn't because the problem had another origin.
Booked an eye test for Saturday, optometrist told me he didn't see an urgency and made me a not urgent referral to the Mater hospital. He said the retina was ok and I have no loss in sight.
He told me I have to wait for a call from the hospital, but I could have waited for days.
I was not convinced at all.
Thanks god I didn't follow his advice and booked a visit to an eye specialist the day after on Sunday afternoon.
My problem was caused by a vitreous detachment on my right eye that had torn the retina and If I had waited I would have lost my sight.
He made me an urgent referral for a laser retinopexy to the Mater hospital.
They called me less than 2 hours later!!
I had the laser Sunday afternoon and all went well. Now I just have to wait for a full recovery. Blood needs to be reabsorbed in one to three months.
If I had followed the extremely incompetent optometrist advice, now I would have lost my sight.
So if you don't wanna loose your sight, please just stay away from these extremely incompetent people.

November 16, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Specsavers

Thank you for letting us know about this, Diego. We're thankful that you were able to get checked out and have the treatment you needed on Sunday and you're now in recovery.

So we can take a look at this more from our side, please can you reach out to us via Facebook, X (Twitter) or Instagram? This will allows us to speak to you directly and get the relevant info needed so we can pick up.

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