08 Jun 2026
Eight years ago, EYES on St Albans opened its doors in Marshalswick with a simple belief: Eyewear and eyecare could be done differently.
Back then, the original strapline was “eyewear and eyecare of excellence” – and while the business has evolved enormously since 2018, that commitment to exceptional care, beautifully crafted eyewear and genuine human connection has never changed.
What has changed slightly is the soundtrack (although there’s always some Bon Jovi throughout the day!).
And possibly the vehicles outside.
The famous black-and-yellow Vespa that became synonymous with EYES has now evolved into a black-and-yellow trike – which somehow feels very fitting for a business that has always had a quietly rebellious streak running through it.
Because EYES on St Albans has never really followed the rules of what an opticians “should” look or feel like.
Over the last eight years, the independent practice has built a loyal following not just for expert eye care, but for personality, creativity and an ever-evolving sense of style that continues to push eyewear fashion forward in St Albans.
Long before bold eyewear became mainstream, EYES was championing independent collections that focused on individuality, craftsmanship and design personality rather than rows of safe, identical frames.
Collections including Kirk & Kirk, Moscot, Blake Kuwahara, TAVAT and VAVA have all been part of the EYES story throughout that journey – helping establish the practice as somewhere customers could discover eyewear that felt expressive, fashion-led and genuinely different.
That approach has continued to evolve with newer launches including the colourful ShadeShift lens collections and the bold, handcrafted JL Spex collection designed by Jez Levy himself.
But alongside the fashion-led eyewear and independent styling, EYES has also become known for the emotional impact of specialist EnChroma lenses.
Over the years, the team has witnessed genuinely life-changing moments as customers with colour vision deficiency experience certain colours properly for the first time – reactions ranging from stunned silence through to tears, laughter and complete disbelief.
“Those moments never get old,” says Jez. “Behind all the creativity and individuality, we’re still here to improve people’s lives and confidence every single day.”
That balance between style, expertise and humanity has become a defining part of the EYES identity.
This year alone, EYES on St Albans was shortlisted nationally in the High Street Hero category at The Small Awards by Small Business Britain, reaching the final eight businesses in the UK from thousands of entries.
The business was also shortlisted in the St Albans Retailer of the Year Awards – further recognition of the impact independent businesses continue to make locally, even during challenging times for the high street.
“We didn’t win either,” laughs Jez. “But honestly, being recognised alongside so many brilliant businesses was genuinely lovely.”
And perhaps that sums EYES up rather well.
Ambitious but grounded. Stylish but welcoming. Professional without becoming stuffy.
A place where eye examinations sit alongside music, creativity, coffee, independent fashion and the occasional unexpectedly emotional moment when somebody finds the frame that suddenly feels completely like them.
Eight years on, EYES on St Albans continues to prove that independent businesses do not have to become corporate to succeed. They can lead with expertise, style, humanity and heart all at the same time.
Sometimes being quietly rebellious works just fine.
And yes – there is still a very healthy amount of spex, hugs and rock’n’roll involved too.
