22 Sep 2026
We all have those appointments we keep meaning to book.
The dentist.
The MOT.
The boiler service.
The eye test.
Not because we don’t know they’re important, but because life has a habit of getting in the way. If you can still see well enough to read your phone, drive the car and watch the television, it’s easy to assume everything must be fine.
But our eyes are remarkably good at adapting. Changes in vision often happen so gradually that we don’t notice them ourselves. We simply compensate, holding a book a little further away, turning up the brightness on a screen or blaming tired eyes on a busy week.
At EYES on St Albans, eye examinations have always been about much more than updating a prescription.
“We’ve never believed an eye examination should feel rushed,” says Jez Levy. “Your eyes work incredibly hard every single day, so they deserve our full attention.”
That’s why every appointment at EYES lasts around an hour.
It’s enough time to carry out a thorough eye examination, look at the health of your eyes, discuss any concerns, answer questions and understand how you use your eyes every day. Whether you’re spending hours in front of a computer, driving long distances, reading, enjoying sport or simply noticing that things don’t feel quite as comfortable as they used to, every conversation helps build a complete picture.
And yes, there is usually a bit of rock’n’roll playing in the background too.
One thing that often surprises new customers is how much is included.
Since opening the doors more than eight years ago, EYES has taken a different approach. Many of the advanced tests and technology that are charged as optional extras elsewhere have always been included as part of a comprehensive eye examination.
“We’ve always believed excellent eye care should simply be excellent eye care,” says Jez. “Looking after someone’s eyesight shouldn’t feel like choosing extras from a menu.”
That philosophy has never changed.
Neither has the belief that independent opticians should have time to get to know the people sitting in front of them.
“We’re interested in people, not just prescriptions,” says Jez. “Sometimes the best part of an appointment is hearing about someone’s new hobby, their holiday plans or seeing how a child has grown since their last visit. That’s one of the joys of being part of the community.”
People are often surprised by how reassuring an eye examination can be.
The best appointments?
Quite often they’re the ones where nothing has changed at all.
“People sometimes apologise because their prescription hasn’t altered,” says Jez. “We’re delighted when that’s the case. Healthy eyes and stable vision are exactly the outcome we’re hoping for.”
Next week marks National Eye Health Week, making it the perfect reminder that eye examinations aren’t something to leave until you notice a problem.
Your eyes quietly look after you every single day.
Perhaps it’s time to return the favour.
Spex, hugs and rock’n’roll.
