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 practice in 2023, we knew it wouldn’t be the right decision for everyone.
For many years we were part of the NHS system, and understandably some patients chose to try other options once their eye tests were no longer covered. For anyone over 60 in particular, the difference between a free NHS eye test and a £9 monthly plan felt like quite a step up.
We completely understood that.
After all, when something appears to be free, it’s only natural to give it a try.
But something interesting has been happening over the last few years.
A Quiet Return
More and more familiar faces have been coming back through our doors.
Often a little sheepishly.
Sometimes with a smile and a comment like, “I thought I’d come back and see you again.”
And the truth is — we couldn’t be happier to see them.
There’s never any awkwardness. No judgement. Just a warm welcome and the same care we’ve always tried to provide.
Because at the end of the day, we know people simply want the best care for their eyes. Sometimes that means trying other options before deciding what really suits you.
Why Some People Are Choosing Bottomleys Again
What many returning patients tell us is that they missed the experience of coming here.
Being an independent, family-run practice allows us to do things a little differently.
For example:
- Our eye examinations are longer and more thorough
- We take time to properly understand your eye health and vision
- Choosing new glasses is a relaxed, guided experience, not something rushed
- You’re looked after by the same friendly team who get to know you
Many patients say it simply feels different from the typical high street experience.
Many of our patients also tell us the difference is simply time and attention. Independent practices like ours aren’t built around high volumes and quick appointments, which means we can take the time to properly look after both your eye health and your eyewear.
And that difference matters.
What the Bottomleys Eye Care Plan Includes
One of the things that makes our practice a little different is our Eye Care Plan, which many of our patients choose to join.
For £9 a month, it allows us to provide fully comprehensive eye care throughout the year.
What that means in practice is simple: if you ever have an eye-related concern — perhaps your vision has changed, your eyes feel uncomfortable, or you just want something checked — you can book an appointment and come in to see us at no extra cost whenever you need to.
Your eye health shouldn’t have to wait until your next routine appointment.
The same applies to your glasses. If your eyewear ever needs a little attention — whether that’s an adjustment, repair, tightening, or simply a quick “MOT” — you’re always welcome to pop in and we’ll take care of it.
Members of the plan also receive discounts on eyewear, and are invited to some of our favourite events of the year.
These are our exclusive eyewear trunk shows, where brand ambassadors bring their entire collections into the practice. Patients can book a relaxed private appointment to explore the range and, if they wish, order something truly special.
For many people, it turns choosing new glasses into something that’s actually enjoyable.
And for many of our patients, it’s less about paying for an eye test — and more about having an optician they can see whenever they need to.
Eye Care in Halifax and Lindley
Bottomleys has been caring for patients in Halifax, Lindley, and the surrounding West Yorkshire communities for many years.
As an independent optician, our focus has always been on providing thorough eye care, personal service, and carefully chosen eyewear in a relaxed environment.
Many of our patients come to us from across Halifax, Huddersfield, Lindley, and nearby areas, often looking for a more personal alternative to the typical high-street optical experience.
Whether you’re returning to us after some time away or visiting for the first time, we’re always very happy to welcome you.
If You’ve Been Away, The Door Is Always Open
If you used to come to Bottomleys and have been visiting elsewhere for a while, we just want you to know one simple thing:
You’re always welcome back.
No awkward conversations.
No “we told you so”.
Just the same friendly team, ready to help you see clearly and feel confident in your glasses again.
And If You’ve Never Been to Bottomleys Before…
Perhaps you’ve never visited us at all.
If that’s the case, you’re very welcome too.
Many of our patients first come to us because they’re looking for something a little different from the typical high street experience — more time, more personal care, and a more enjoyable way of choosing glasses.
If that sounds appealing, we’d love for you to experience it for yourself.
Eye Care the Way We Believe It Should Be
When we chose to become a private practice in 2023, it was because we wanted the freedom to deliver eye care in the way we truly believe it should be done — with time, care, and attention to detail.
For some people, the NHS route is absolutely the right choice, and we completely understand that.
But for many of our patients, having an optician they trust — who they can see whenever they need to — makes all the difference.
Over the last few years we’ve been quietly welcoming back many familiar faces, and it’s been genuinely lovely to see them again.
And whether you’re thinking about coming back or coming for the first time, the door at Bottomleys is always open.
We’d love to see you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Eye Care
Is a private eye test better than an NHS eye test?
Both NHS and private eye tests assess your vision and eye health. However, private eye examinations are often longer and can include additional tests and more detailed discussions about your eye health and visual needs.
At Bottomleys, our eye examinations are designed to be thorough, unhurried, and tailored to the individual patient.
What is an eye care plan at an optician?
An eye care plan is a monthly membership that helps patients spread the cost of eye care while also giving them access to additional benefits.
At Bottomleys, our Eye Care Plan includes:
- Comprehensive eye care throughout the year
- Appointments whenever you have an eye concern
- Adjustments and servicing of your glasses
- Discounts on eyewear
- Invitations to exclusive eyewear trunk shows
Can I visit an optician if something is wrong with my eyes?
Yes. If you experience any changes in your vision or discomfort in your eyes, you should book an appointment with your optician.
Patients on the Bottomleys Eye Care Plan can book appointments whenever they need to during the year at no extra cost, giving peace of mind that help is always available.
