The Best Optometrists in Auckland

Companies like OPSM (Australian-owned) and SpecSavers (British-owned) are found all over Auckland alongside independent practices. There is no "best" option, but to understand how they work, let's look at the background of how both operate.  This guide covers local non-chain Optometrists.

Chain stores usually operate as two separate businesses sharing the same location. The retail side sells glasses and contacts, while an independent Optometrist does the eye exams and prescriptions. 

Local practices are almost always owned by the Optometrist. This puts the profession at the heart of the operation, and customer care starts from the initial exam to and continues with aftercare. In many cases, private practices are focused less on volume and more on providing the highest quality of care. Because local practices don't belong to big corporations, they are less likely to have sales targets meaning your experience may be more relaxed. They may also be able to prepare and fix eyewear a lot faster than dealing with a chain (who may rely on a centralised repair and manufacturing centre). The shop owners source the frame options with local clientele in mind. 

Prices and Costs

• There is a misconception that local stand-alone optometrists are more expensive than chain stores.
• However, given the significant overheads chains have (advertising, high footfall locations, management salaries etc.), it is good to compare chain prices with a preferred local optometrist.

​Every Optometrist charges a flat rate for a standard consultation and eye exam. This rate will vary depending on your location but is typically less expensive in smaller towns than in larger cities. High-street brands typically charge between $60 and $80 for an eye exam, and private practices often charge more.

If you require a prescription, the cost of contacts, frames, and lenses is difficult to estimate. Beyond your prescription, lenses have a variety of upgrade options to choose from, such as blue light, anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV-protectant, and more. Frames fall into the accessory category and can cost very little, or hundreds of dollars each. Contacts may cost less upfront, but they don’t last as long as glasses. 

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Optometrists in Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

No Optometrist has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any Optometrists below.

Optometrists perform eye exams, prescribe glasses, and treat basic eye conditions such as dry eye. If you are experiencing non-emergent eye or vision problems, schedule with an Optometrist first. If they identify a more complex concern, they will refer you to an Ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists treat ocular and vision conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They also perform eye surgeries

Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the Optometrists listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for examinations, eyewear and contact lenses will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.