Best Opticians in South Shields

Whether you need a routine eye test, new glasses, or specialist eye care, South Shields has a good mix of independent opticians and high street chains. Here are the best options in the town.

S. Walton Eyecare

S. Walton Eyecare at 515 Stanhope Road (NE33 4QX) is one of the most established independent opticians in South Shields, with over a century of trusted eye care. They offer comprehensive eye examinations, a wide range of frames, and expert advice on lenses and eyewear.

As an independent practice, Walton Eyecare provides a personal service that larger chains cannot always match. They take the time to explain findings clearly and help you choose frames that suit your face and lifestyle.

Best for: Over a century of trusted eye care on Stanhope Road — comprehensive examinations and personal service from an established independent practice.

---

J. McGuinness Opticians

J. McGuinness Opticians at 33 Westoe Road (NE33 4LS) is a family-run independent practice with a team that has over 100 years of combined experience in optics. They provide advanced eye examinations using OCT (optical coherence tomography) scanning, which gives a detailed view of the back of the eye and can detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes early.

McGuinness is a strong choice if you want thorough, technology-led eye care from a practice that knows its patients by name.

Best for: Family-run independent on Westoe Road with advanced OCT scanning — over 100 years of combined experience in the team.

---

Specsavers South Shields

Specsavers at 17-19 King Street (NE33 1DA) is the main high street optician in the town centre. They offer eye tests, hearing tests, and a large range of frames and contact lenses at competitive prices.

Specsavers also provides home eye tests for people who cannot get to the store unaccompanied — a useful service for elderly or housebound residents. The King Street location is close to the Metro station and bus interchange.

Best for: High street optician on King Street with competitive prices, a wide frame range, and home eye test visits for those who cannot travel.

---

When to Get an Eye Test

The NHS recommends an eye test every two years for most adults. If you are over 40 with a family history of glaucoma, diabetic, or have noticed any changes in your vision, you should be tested more frequently.

Eye tests are free on the NHS for:

• Children under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education)
• People aged 60 and over
• People receiving certain benefits
• People diagnosed with or at risk of glaucoma
• People with diabetes

If you are not eligible for a free NHS eye test, a standard eye examination in South Shields typically costs between 20 and 30 pounds.

---

For other health services, see our guides to best dentists in South Shields and best care homes.