Why Some Patients Who Left Bottomleys Are Now Coming Back
Every so often, someone walks through our door with a slightly sheepish smile. Sometimes they say something like, “I thought I’d come back and see you again.” Often they used to be patients of ours years ago. And the truth is, we’re always genuinely delighted to see them. Because when Bottomleys became a fully private […]
Are Independent Opticians Better Than High Street Chains? An Honest Answer
From time to time, patients ask us a very fair question: “Is there really a difference between independent opticians and the big high-street chains?” It’s a good question, and the honest answer is that both types of practice can provide good eye care. However, there are some important differences in how independent opticians and large […]
Why Some People Never Buy Their Glasses From High Street Chains
For many people, buying glasses usually means a quick trip to the high street. An eye test, a browse through the frames on display, and choosing something that works well enough. And for many people, that experience works perfectly well. But over the years we’ve noticed something interesting. Some patients never buy their glasses this […]
Why Some Glasses Cost More — And Why Some People Wouldn’t Wear Anything Else
When people first start looking for new glasses, one of the first things they notice is how much prices can vary. Some frames might cost under £100. Others can cost several hundred pounds. Naturally, many people ask the same question: “Why are some glasses so much more expensive than others?” The honest answer is that, […]
How Often Should You Have an Eye Test? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
One of the most common questions people ask about their eye health is: “How often should I have an eye test?” The answer can vary depending on your age, your eye health, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. However, for most people in the UK, optometrists recommend having an eye examination every one […]
Are Expensive Glasses Worth It? What Actually Makes Some Frames Better
When people start looking for new glasses, one of the first things they notice is how much prices can vary. Some frames might cost under £100, while others can be several hundred pounds. Naturally, many people ask the same question: “Are more expensive glasses actually better?” The honest answer is that it depends on what […]
How to Choose Glasses That Actually Suit Your Face
Choosing new glasses should be exciting. But for many people it can feel surprisingly difficult. You try on frame after frame, look in the mirror, and still feel unsure whether they really suit you. The truth is that finding glasses that look and feel right isn’t just about picking something you like. A number of […]
Why Hoffmann Horn Glasses Cost £1,300–£1,600 | Complete Guide
Hoffmann Natural Eyewear: The Complete Guide to Handmade Horn Glasses (£1,300–£1,600 Frames) If you’re researching Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, you’ve probably noticed two things: the frames look unlike typical “designer glasses,” and the price can be £1,300–£1,600 for the frame. So the question is fair: Why do Hoffmann horn glasses cost £1,300–£1,600? In short: Hoffmann frames […]
The Bottomleys Guide to Men and Glasses – PART 1
PART 1 Why the first frame is really only the starting point It’s something we see almost every day. A gentleman sits down for a styling appointment. We bring out a small selection of frames. He tries the first one on, looks in the mirror, gives a little nod and says, “That’ll do.” Very often, […]
There’s been a lot of talk in the industry about this report — here’s why it matters to you.
If you work in optics — or even loosely follow eye health news — you may have seen a recent article in Optometry Today being widely discussed. It focuses on a coroner’s report following multiple deaths caused by drivers with failing eyesight and concludes that the UK’s system of drivers self-reporting vision problems is “ineffective […]
