The Best Optometrists in Auckland

Our guide highlights the most trusted Optometrists in Auckland, expect costs, local practices vs chains like OPSM and SpecSavers, and other must-know tips

Updated 19 April 2023

Summary:

Our vision is the sense we rely on to see the people we love and the beauty of the world we live in. An Optometrist is the equivalent of a general health practitioner for your eyes. Eyesight can decline as we age, so even if you don’t currently require glasses or contacts, it is essential to have your eyesight tested regularly.
There are many reputable Optometrists to choose from in Auckland; our guide will help you narrow down your options.

We cover:

Know This First: Private Practice vs Retail/Chain Optometrists - Understand the Difference

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.

How Much Does an Optometrist Charge?

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.

How Can I Get the Best Optometrist Rates (When it Comes to Buying Glasses)?

Go to your local Auckland shopping area – there are several well-known high street brands that specialize in basic eye tests, several of which you may already be familiar with from their adverts on TV and in the press. These brands are usually cheaper than private clinics and use similarly qualified and trained optometrists. While they can test to verify the quality of your vision, some only focus on vision and prescriptions. For an in-depth eye test, you may need a local or private Optometrist.
Know that Special Offers will come up regularly – Eyewear is competitive, benefitting consumers. Keep your eye out for promotions as many high-street brands offer periodic specials, such as a free eye exam with the purchase of a pair of glasses or contacts or a free exam with a minimum purchase amount.
Consider Cheap Frames – the frames you buy don’t help your eyesight, but the lenses do, so consider whether you really need to spend money on those fancy designer frames. Or keep your eye out for frame sales which are sometimes as low as ‘2 for 1’.

What to Look for When Choosing an Optometrist?

An optometrist needs to be someone you trust to perform a complete eyesight test, so you know what is required to correct your vision. Consider the following questions when you begin your search.

What are their relevant qualifications and how long have they been in business?
Do you have a personal reference, or do they have a good reputation and solid online reviews?
Do they perform a simple eye-test or, like some optometrists, a more in-depth one?
What is the clinic or shop like, and do you find it pleasant and comfortable?
Are they prepared for customers who may not be comfortable having an eye test?
If you are searching for an optometrist for the entire family, are they good with children?
Do they have evening slots or weekends for those who work by day?
What is their returns policy, and do they offer free adjustments?
Do you like their frames?
Can they offer lens coatings, lens upgrades, and eyewear accessories?
Do they offer annual eyewear promotions?
Is there someone on-site who is qualified in first aid?

Finding an Optometrist you are happy with is a bonus as you will most likely need to visit them regularly. The tips above and list below will help you choose.

The Best Optometrists in Auckland

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.

Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear

Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear is designer eyewear specialists and optometrists providing the highest quality luxury eyewear in the New Zealand market. Their optometry services are equipped with the latest technology to deliver the best outcome for clients.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Auckland
Website: Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear
Facebook page: Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear
Email address: reception@premiumeyewear.co.nz
Phone: 09 523 0343

What customers like:

Professional service from start to finish
Thorough and meticulous optician
Friendly and knowledgeable staff providing expert guidance tailored to your needs
Great after service
High-quality and beautifully designed specs and sunglasses