10 Nov 2026
Marshalswick eyecare specialist EYES on St Albans is celebrating being named one of the nation’s favourite businesses by giving £1,000 back to the local community.
The independent optician, founded by eyewear expert and entrepreneur Jez Levy in 2018, is the only optician among 100 small businesses selected for Small Business Saturday UK’s 2026 Nation’s Favourite Businesses campaign, which recognises some of the country’s most-loved independent businesses.
Behind the national recognition is a bigger story about the future of Britain’s high streets – and why Jez believes independent businesses can thrive by offering something that’s much harder to replicate online: genuine human connection.
“High streets have always had to adapt, from shopping centres and online retail to AI today,” explained Jez.
“But people still want to feel part of something. They want excellent products, great service and a healthy dose of personality. Above all, they want to feel valued.”
Far from the traditional clinical image of an optician, EYES on St Albans is filled with guitars, beautifully crafted hats and an eclectic collection of innovative eyewear. Jez is equally unconventional, regularly attracting waves from commuters, local schoolchildren and parents as he rides to work on his yellow three-wheeled motorbike.
Jez continued: “At EYES our motto is ‘Spex, hugs and rock ‘n’ roll’. Spex is the service, hugs is the community and rock ‘n’ roll is the edge. People pop in for glasses, but also for a chat, a laugh or to share an idea. That’s what makes us different.”
Jez’s entrepreneurial spirit is another driving force behind the business. Alongside stocking exclusive independent eyewear brands, he has created his own collection, JL Spex, featuring distinctive Italian-made frames named after characterful St Albans pubs, including The Horn and The Boot.
It’s this commitment to doing things differently, combined with exceptional service and strong community roots, that Jez believes has helped EYES stand out. His philosophy is to offer customers excellence and an experience worth returning for all year round.
Now, to celebrate its national recognition and thank the community that has supported EYES for the past eight years, Jez is giving local customers the chance to decide how £1,000 will be shared between two St Albans charities.
The first 100 participating customers will be invited to vote for ADD-vance, which supports families of ADHD and autistic children and young people, or Youth Talk, which provides free, professional and confidential counselling to young people. The £1,000 donation will be divided between the charities according to the votes received.
Debbie Wood, chief executive of ADD-vance, said: “We’re thrilled to once again have the support of EYES on St Albans, which has championed our work with neurodivergent families for several years. As we celebrate 30 years of supporting ADHD and autistic children, young people and their families, we’re delighted that local businesses like EYES continue to help us make a real difference. It’s wonderful to see Jez and his team celebrated on a national stage!”
Jez added: “Being recognised nationally is fantastic, but it’s the people of St Albans who’ve made EYES what it is. Small businesses are about so much more than selling things. They bring personality, creativity and community to our high streets. We wanted to celebrate by giving something back, and letting our customers decide how we support two brilliant local charities feels like the perfect way to say thank you.”
