Best Opticians in Cramlington

Cramlington has three opticians offering NHS sight tests, and two of them are inside the Manor Walks shopping centre, so most people can fit an eye test around a trip to the shops. The third is an independent practice in the old village. This guide covers all three, with what each one offers, how to contact them and who can get a sight test paid for by the NHS.

The addresses and NHS services below come from the NHS service directory, and the shop details and opening hours come from the Manor Walks store directory. Opening hours change, especially around bank holidays, so please check with the practice before you go.

Specsavers Cramlington

Specsavers Cramlington is in Manor Walks, listed by the NHS at Unit H, Cheviot House (NE23 6SD) under the name Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists. As the name suggests, it covers both eyes and ears: you can book an eye test or a hearing test online, and the store has its own audiologists. Like other Specsavers branches, it is locally owned and run by its opticians, audiologists and local partners.

The NHS lists the branch as offering NHS sight tests. The Manor Walks directory also lists contact lens trials, prescription sunglasses and the chain's regular two-for-one frame deals. The centre lists it as open from 8.45am to 5.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Phone: 01670 733327

Best for: The one to choose if you want an eye test and a hearing test in the same place, with weekend opening.

Boots Opticians

Boots Opticians has its own unit on Dudley Walk in Manor Walks (NE23 6UT), separate from the main Boots health and beauty store elsewhere in the centre. It offers eye tests and optician advice, along with a range of glasses and frames.

The Manor Walks directory lists it as open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday, so plan a weekend appointment for Saturday.

Phone: 01670 739869

Best for: A familiar high street name in the middle of Manor Walks, open six days a week.

A & G Marshall Optometrists

A & G Marshall Optometrists is the town's independent practice, at 2-3 The Old Church on Village Square in the old village (NE23 1DN), away from the shopping centre. The NHS service directory lists it as providing NHS sight tests.

If you prefer a smaller, independent practice to a national chain, this is the one to try. The practice does not have a working website at the moment, so the best way to check opening times, services and appointment availability is to phone.

Phone: 01670 730577

Best for: Cramlington's independent optometrist, in the old village rather than the shopping centre.

Tips for eye tests in Cramlington

• Who gets an NHS sight test: according to NHS.uk, NHS sight tests are free for children under 16, 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education, people aged 60 or over, people registered as partially sighted or blind, people diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, people aged 40 or over with a parent, sibling or child who has glaucoma, and people on certain benefits or with an HC2 certificate. Tell the practice when you book, and take proof if you are claiming on benefits.
• If you cannot leave home: the NHS says people who qualify for an NHS sight test and cannot get to an optician unaccompanied because of illness or disability may be entitled to a mobile sight test at home. Ask an optician how to arrange one.
• Booking: Specsavers takes eye and hearing test bookings online. For Boots Opticians and A & G Marshall, phone the numbers above.
• Getting there: both Manor Walks opticians are in the shopping centre. See our guides to getting around Cramlington without a car and where to park in Cramlington.
• Hearing tests: of the three, Specsavers is the one that lists audiology and hearing tests.

New to the town? Our guide to moving to Cramlington covers schools, health services and other everyday services, and the Cramlington directory lists more local businesses.

Spotted a change? Get in touch and we'll update the guide.