Business Details
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Trusted Opticians in Colchester | Bethell and Clark
Bethell and Clark have been serving Colchester as independent opticians for over a century. Our family-run practice combines traditional personal service with cutting-edge optometric technology to deliver high-quality eye care and products. We prioritise patient comfort and satisfaction, offering comprehensive eye examinations, designer eyewear, and advanced contact lens solutions. Our team of fully qualified optometrists utilises state-of-the-art equipment, including OCT and Optomap imaging, to ensure early detection of eye conditions.With a commitment to accessibility, we provide the NHS Minor Eye Conditions Service and flexible payment plans for ongoing eye care needs. Our dispensing opticians offer expert advice on spectacle frames without commission-based incentives, ensuring honest recommendations tailored to individual requirements. The practice maintains an on-site lab for prompt repairs and adjustments, reflecting our dedication to long-term customer care.
Services
Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
Myopia Control
Designer Frames
OCT Scans
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of continuous optometric expertise in Colchester
- Family-run practice with independent frame supplier choices
- Equipped with Gold Standard diagnostic technology including OCT
- NHS Minor Eye Conditions Service available for urgent cases
- Exclusive 20% eyewear discounts through our Eye Care Plan
What people say
Exceptional service
Highly professional staff
Great value for money
Modern equipment
Excellent aftercare
Services
Eye Examinations
Comprehensive eye examinations using Gold Standard equipment including OCT and Optomap imaging. Our experienced optometrists detect early signs of eye conditions and general health issues. Premium tests include advanced retinal scanning for early disease detection.
Contact Lenses
Complete contact lens service with leading brands and bespoke options. Personalised consultations determine optimal lens type, including specialist designs for astigmatism and myopia control. Emergency appointments available for urgent needs.
Myopia Control
Specialised treatment programmes using corrective lenses to slow myopia progression. Designed to reduce eye strain and prevent high-degree short-sightedness complications. Includes regular monitoring and tailored lens prescriptions.
Designer Frames
Extensive collection of premium designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Prada. Expert dispensing opticians provide unbiased advice on frame suitability and prescription compatibility without commission incentives.
OCT Scans
State-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography scans for 3D retinal analysis. Detects eye conditions up to four years earlier than standard exams. Performed by optometrists with detailed result explanations included in premium eye tests.
People
Mr Bridgford
Optician & Practice Owner
Experienced optician and owner with decades of expertise in advanced vision care. Provides thorough eye examinations and personalised eyewear recommendations. Committed to maintaining the practice's century-old tradition of excellence.
Questions
What eye examination options are available?
We offer standard, OCT-enhanced, and Optomap comprehensive eye exams. Premium options include 3D retinal imaging for early disease detection.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
Yes, our NHS Minor Eye Conditions Service treats urgent issues like red eyes, vision loss, and retinal symptoms within 24 hours.
Are your opticians qualified?
All our optometrists are fully qualified and registered with the General Optical Council, with decades of combined experience.
Do you have payment plans for eyewear?
Our Eye Care Plan offers monthly payments with 20% discounts on glasses and contact lenses, plus unlimited aftercare.
How do I book an appointment?
Book online through our website or call us directly at 01206 573892 during business hours.
Reviews (7)
Christine Guirguis
Mar 19, 2021
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I called in yesterday because I am suffering from blurry eye vision and sudden loss of vision with my reading glasses on. I also said that a senior clinical pharmacist referred me. At first I was denied an appointment and was told to go to specsavers again and then offered a booking appointment in April. This is negligence and unresponsible action from whoever answered the phone. My eye vision case is a priority and serious situation; I should have been booked an appointment in 24 hrs time.
Janet Prichard
Feb 23, 2021
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I highly recommend Bethell & Clark. Having previously used a well known High St opticians their service and products just do not compare to Bethell & Clark. From the eye examination through to receiving my glasses and contacts the customer service is impeccable. The choice of frames for myself and my children is extensive and as they have a glazing lab in house I received my glasses within 24hours. The professionalism from all staff members is outstanding and made the whole experience enjoyable for all my family.
Paul White
Jan 27, 2021
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(Originally 1 star, 2 stars on reflection as I have actually received some usable glasses). In September 2020, I went to Bethell & Clark on the recommendation of many people, especially from contacts around the Hamilton School, where B&C are held in high regard. I had a pair of glasses that had broken, and needed a brand new pair for replacement. (My usual optician is closed due to the pandemic)
My prescription is rather high, around -15 in each eye, and I have regular eye tests for both spectacles and contact lenses, and to gauge eye health, so I am not new or nave to opticians. (Im in
My prescription is rather high, around -15 in each eye, and I have regular eye tests for both spectacles and contact lenses, and to gauge eye health, so I am not new or nave to opticians. (Im in
Ian Bown
Jun 25, 2020
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Collected my new spectacles from Bethell and Clark this morning. First class service from all the staff. Special thanks to the Dispensing Optician Robyn. Thank you.
Ian Bown
Ian Bown
Robert Parker
Dec 28, 2019
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Collected my glasses, always pleased with the service would not go any where else but i do wish the ladies on reception would smile more especially the lady with the dark hair that sat in the middle of the three on the reception today she did make me feel she did not want to deal with me and i was taking up her time there was no chatting or smile i was just told how much i owed, my money taken and that was it which was disappointing but other than that first class service .Appointments are on time and glasses always ready when they say they will be and a text to let you know that your glasses are
Michelle Lewington
Dec 11, 2019
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Have just purchased two pairs of glasses from Bethell and Clark and felt very satisfied with their professionalism and customer service. I had come to them them after a bed experience with a local chain opticians and wish I had gone there first. The lenses, frames and coatings offered are far superior to that of local multiple chains and the prices are very competitive too! Ian helped me to choose two pairs of glasses that were right for my needs and shape of my face.. highly recommend!
Nick Strugnell
Jul 19, 2019
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Without a doubt the best Opticians in Colchester, if not Essex! Great staff, all local, with a real family feel. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my eye tests or glasses. The optometrists are 1st class and the receptionists are lovely. The dispensing opticians really know their onions and are always happy to help, even after I have purchased.
