Best Opticians in Jesmond

Jesmond has two independent opticians within the neighbourhood itself, and several more excellent practices within a short bus ride or drive. Whether you need a routine NHS sight test, specialist contact lenses, or a new pair of frames, there is a good option nearby. Here is our guide to the best opticians in and around Jesmond.

Evans of Jesmond

Evans of Jesmond is an independent opticians on Acorn Road -- right in the heart of Jesmond, next to Waitrose and Tesco Express. The practice is owned by William McCall, and the team provides NHS and private eye tests, contact lens fitting, and a wide range of frames including designer collections and sunglasses.

Evans has been a fixture on Acorn Road for years and enjoys a strong local reputation. Reviews consistently highlight the personal service and the quality of advice. If you want an eye test you can walk to from anywhere in Jesmond, Evans is the most convenient option in the neighbourhood. Their address is 28 Acorn Road, Jesmond, NE2 2DJ, and you can call them on 0191 281 4145.

Best for: Central Jesmond location on Acorn Road, independent, NHS and private eye tests.

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Long & Pickard Opticians

Long & Pickard is Jesmond's other independent opticians, located at 113 St George's Terrace, NE2 2DN -- a short walk from Acorn Road and West Jesmond Metro. The practice has qualified optometrists, contact lens practitioners, and dispensing opticians on site.

Long & Pickard are specialist registered contact lens practitioners and carry a broad range of frame styles, from designer collections to sports eyewear. The practice offers NHS sight tests and has wheelchair access to the testing room. If you are looking for a thorough, unhurried eye examination with experienced practitioners in Jesmond itself, Long & Pickard are well worth booking. Call them on 0191 281 8810.

Best for: Specialist contact lens practitioners, broad frame range, St George's Terrace location.

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Keyes Eyecare

Keyes Eyecare is an independent, award-winning opticians in Gosforth -- a short journey from Jesmond by car, bus, or Metro. The practice is at 1-3 Ashburton Road, Gosforth, and has been serving patients across Newcastle for over 20 years. It is family-run and family-orientated.

What sets Keyes apart is the time they give each patient. Appointments are not rushed, and the team takes a thorough approach to every examination. Over 6,000 patients have chosen them, and many travel from across Newcastle and beyond. They are conveniently located with free on-street parking. Call 0191 284 7361 to book.

Best for: Award-winning independent practice, unhurried appointments, over 20 years in Gosforth.

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Thompson Opticians

Thompson Opticians are based at 25 Gosforth Centre, Gosforth, NE3 1JZ, and are the largest independent optician in the North East. The practice provides professional eye healthcare including eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses.

Thompson Opticians have a strong reputation for clinical thoroughness and a wide selection of frames at different price points. Gosforth Centre is a straightforward trip from Jesmond -- either a quick drive up the Great North Road or a few stops on the Metro to Gosforth. For Jesmond residents who want the breadth of a larger independent practice without going to a national chain, Thompson is a solid choice.

Best for: Largest independent optician in the North East, Gosforth Centre location.

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Northern Optical Company

Northern Optical Company is based in the Grainger Market in Newcastle city centre -- a 15-minute bus ride or a pleasant walk from Jesmond. The practice has been established since 1928 and is now run by the brother-and-sister team of Simon Birtwisle and Katie McClure, both qualified optometrists with over 30 years of combined experience.

Services include NHS and private eye tests, enhanced 3D OCT examinations, contact lens fitting, driving vision checks, and specialist advice for all ages. Northern Optical is a good option if you work in the city centre or want to combine an eye test with a trip to the Grainger Market. Their address is 1-4 Grainger Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5QG, and you can call them on 0191 232 7284.

Best for: Family-run since 1928, enhanced OCT examinations, Grainger Market city centre location.

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How to Choose

If convenience is your priority, Evans of Jesmond and Long & Pickard are both within walking distance of most Jesmond addresses. For a more specialist or unhurried experience, Keyes Eyecare in Gosforth is widely praised. Thompson Opticians offers the scale of a large independent, and Northern Optical Company is ideal if you spend your days in the city centre.

All of the practices listed here offer NHS sight tests, so if you are eligible for a free eye test -- for example, if you are under 16, over 60, or receive certain benefits -- you can book at any of them without charge.

It is worth remembering that the NHS recommends an eye test at least every two years, or more frequently if advised by your optician. Regular checks can pick up conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration early, when treatment is most effective.

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