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Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday closed
Southwold opticians have stayed open throughout the pandemic as an essential service. However, we are continuing to operate by appointment only. Please book an appointment before visiting.
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Even though lockdown is ending, we are maintaining our safety procedures. It’s just a nicer way of working and protects everyone from all illness, not just COVID (who wants even a cold?). We want our patients to have peace, comfort and increased personal safety. Not to mention the one-to-one attention without interruption! We are flexible. If you have an emergency or would like to browse and we’re not too busy, just ask.
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We hope to offer audiology and hearing care at Southwold opticians again soon.
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We were thrilled to be named best Independent optician in the UK at the prestigious Optician Awards in 2016. Our sister practice in Beccles won the same award in 2014, making us the only optician in the UK to win this award twice! We were also a finalist for Fashion Practice of the Year in 2021.
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Southwold Observatory the Opticians is a locally owned and independent optician. Being independent means that we are not tied to any specific brands. We visit optical trade shows and stock the brands that we love and that we hope you will also love. If you are looking for an independent optician in Southwold, we would be happy to help you.
What to expect during your eye test.
You can also book an appointment here.
High-tech eye testing equipment, it's like an MRI for the eyes.
Latest hearing aid technology, ear syringing & tinnitus care.
Sunglasses, contact lenses,
We can test at any age and sell a wide range of children's glasses.
Alpha
Basebox
Bevel
Cameo
Charles Stone New York
Cocoa Mint
Coral
De Fontaine
Dutz
Etnia
Face à Face
Flexon
Hackett
Hero
Jaeger
Jensen
Lazer
Matrix
Maui Jim
Meridian
Nifties
Ocean Blue
Oliver Peoples
Paul Smith
Ray-Ban sunglasses
Ray-Ban glasses
Rock Star Kids
Silhouette
Stepper
Superdry
Tom Ford
Vanni
William Morris London
Wolf
WOOW
Zenith
Zips
René joined the practice in 2007, having previously been in optics for 20 years. Rene understands the value of putting his patients at ease throughout the examination, whilst carrying out a comprehensive eye examination to the highest standards.
Jacqui joined the team in 2007, bringing her own style to the practice. Jacqui has a real passion for customer service and actively seeks to make every visit to the practice special for each customer. She also has a passion for colour, so there is always a bold selection of frames alongside the more traditional ones.
Rachael joined the team 2021 having been in optics since 1996. She has a warm and friendly approach to customer service and uses her extensive experience to help her customer receive the best service and products for them.
Tee joined us in 2020 having had two years' previous experience in optics. Tee’s warm and friendly attitude combined with her attention to detail ensures a great experience and some great glasses too!
Jo joined us in 2013 and has become part of an exceptional team. Jo is very efficient and takes pride in her work, both customer services and supporting her team.
Parking along Southwold’s High Street and Market Place is available, though can be busy at certain times of the day and year and is limited to 30 minutes unless you have a disabled badge, in which case it’s three hours. There are two free car parks nearby. York Road car park IP18 6AN is a 4 minute walk to the practice. The Common car park on Godyll Road IP18 6HN is about a 5 minute walk.Â