Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care Reviews 

Recently my wife and I had a rather appalling and annoying experience attempting to help my father inlaw get some NHS assistance. We would now appreciate yours and welcome your comments.

I would like to start by introducing you to the principle Frank, Frank is 97yrs old (near 98yrs ) with prostate cancer and carrying a permanent catheter; He is house bound, medically treated at home, lives alone, with his mobility outside of his home being only by assisted wheelchair. He now has had extremely poor hearing for many years. He served in the Royal Navy for 22 yrs, which I believe makes him a veteran and later became a History teacher until retiring at 65.
It is his enduring long-term problem with his hearing, struggling to communicate with family, medical staff or on the telephone, which has brought us to raise this complaint. He has remained fiercely independent throughout his life and older years, refusing to be a burden on anyone or the State. Even given as a veteran he knows the Government have promised priority treatment.
Early in the year his hearing aids ceased to function correctly and became unfit for purpose, They were issued by Haslar hospital though. After numerous telephone calls by his daughter to the NHS audiology dept an appointment was allocated to a contract audiology clinic several months later. The audiology clinic allocated was Scrivens, in another town, Havant, 9miles from his home. Which fortunately for Frank his daughter was able to drive him to, albeit a very uncomfortable trip given his health issues and lack of comfort with wheelchair travel.

15th June 2026
After waiting a number of weeks, we arrived for the first appointment. Within 15 minutes the visit was terminated because we were informed, he would need his ears cleaned (dewaxed) before they could carry out a hearing test, something Scriven do not do and something neglected to be mentioned prior to the appointment. However, we were told, if we made a subsequent appointment, they could do the hearing test and the mouldings, for new aids he would need, at the same time. The next available appointment July 7th.

7th July 2026
The day arrived and although Franks mobility had deteriorated, mainly due to his prostate cancer injection the previous day, which tends to come with side effects. We were aware his hearing aids had become a priority, given it is commonly known, lack of hearing can cause isolation leading to mental health issues.
On entering the audiology room we were informed Frank was not booked in for a hearing test, only the mouldings, we tried to explain, this had been booked on our last visit but the assistant insisted it was not on the system computer (computer says no) We attempted to explain the problems Frank had, to endure to get to the clinic and she offered an appointment if we could wait 2.5 hours. We explain it would not be fair to expect a very old frail man with a catheter, who had travel to the clinic and waited for his appointment, to then sit in a wheelchair he finds uncomfortable, for another two and a half hours in temperatures of 30 degrees. The assistant said “why don’t you ask him what he wants to do”. In an aggressive tone. Obviously unaware he cannot hear.
We asked if we could make another appointment and were informed the earliest would-be October. We tried to explain that this situation was their fault having not put this on the system after discussing it with us last time. The assistants attitude changed and rather than attempting to help or accommodate became hostile and demeaning, possibly due to Frank being NHS, not private, displaying a total lack of empathy.
Given there are signs around the Scrivens shop regarding respect towards staff, I believe that works on the premise the staff are respectful to the customers.
Is this inline with the heavily publicised government figures we are constantly told about. I think you will agree, this treatment of a very old frail patient/customer/ veteran is appalling.

Sent to Health minister, our local MP and to Scrivens customer care on the 7th July Still no reply .

The original frame selected turned out to be unsuitable for the required lenses. An alternative was subsequently selected but it took a reminder from me to chase up final delivery. Once available the glasses were great.

I met Andy (a Scriven's roving manager - he might even be Roman, despite being younger than I!) many years ago when he was working at another opticians (before it was taken over by Scrivens). His job takes him around many branches and over the years I have been to Scrivens in Crewe, Wem, Whitchurch, Rhyl, & New Brighton. All the staff are always most welcoming & friendly. Last Saturday was my third visit to their New Brighton branch where Andy, Irene & Sharifa (the excellent ophthalmic optician) greeted me. Sharifa didn't rush the consultation & test and is excellent at explaining, & advising what is best for my eyes. She too is really wonderful. Excellent service and it's always a real pleasure (even when they have to frisk me for payment!). This year I have reverted to Zeiss lenses with new, Aviator-style frames to give me a slightly larger area for reading (sadly, just the normal biodegrading process).
Highly recommended!

I had very helpful and professional Optical service from
Cat, Karen and Anna staff at the Wimborne branch of Scrivens.

I had an excellent experience at the Winton branch of Scrivens in Bournemouth this morning. The optometrist was knowledgeable, professional, polite and patient. He explained everything I asked him clearly and I left feeling confident that I'd had the best possible service.

I had a very positive experience at Sheldon Scrivens Eye Care. From the moment I arrived, the staff were welcoming, friendly, and professional. The eye examination was thorough, and everything was explained clearly, which made me feel comfortable and well informed throughout.
All of my needs were met, and I never felt rushed. The team took the time to answer my questions and helped me choose the right options for my eyesight. The whole experience was pleasant, efficient, and reassuring.
I would happily recommend Scrivens to anyone looking for excellent eye care and great customer service. Thank you to the team for making my visit such a positive one.

had my hearing aids about 14 months and needed them checking went to the alsager shop and they looked at my hearing aid there and then and solved the problem
i find all the staff so helpfull

Yesterday we visited Scrivens in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, for a check up post cataract surgery and to purchase appropriate spectacles. The technician Charlotte was patient, friendly and knowledgeable. She was helpful when I was choosing frames and sunglasses. Nothing was too much trouble and we came away really satisfied and positive about the whole experience. I am therefore looking forward to picking up my new glasses in a couple of weeks.

Warm welcome, professional staff who had excellent expertise in their field and took time to discuss and explain both the process and the outcome.

Zoe was incredible at every stage - from choosing everyday glasses to selecting sunglasses to helping me figure out lenses and payment! Thank you so much!

A real personal experience. Got my old glasses fixed and chose a great new pair. Very friendly and felt very happy when I left.

Paula and staff just gave me the advise I needed 4 mi glass's. Give the whole staff 6 stars if I could...honest comment...find mi on Facebook if you dont believe me.thanks 4 everything.x

The staff were very professional, friendly and helpful and my new glasses are great .

Well looked after and informative staff, on my first eye test. I felt comfortable and relaxed, and got whar I needed. Tha k you staff of Cottingham branch.

Friendly, professional service. Was kept fully informed throughout the appointment process and all results clearly and comprehensively explained.

Hello, I had an eye test at New Brighton on Wednesday 8th July. I sent an email as below. The auto reply email suggested it will take up to 10 working days for a reply, which I understand if I haven’t gone direct to the branch. Since then I have received an email with a view to me going back to potentially choose new glasses. I also understand this is automated and I have still not had a reply from customer services as per the 7-10 day lead time on a reply. My eye health should be the focus here and the questions I have asked we’re important to me and purchasing new glasses wasn’t on the list. Below are my questions which I have asked via email last week.

1. I was told by the optometrist that I have Macular Degeneration, is this official and do I get this in writing or does it go to my GP. Also what is required to manage this condition. My prescription has changed, there is no notes on it to suggest any new conditions, so I assume it gets logged somewhere else.
2. I advised that my previous prescribed glasses where not fit for purpose, which I did visit your branch and advise and also sent an email to advise also. This was never resolved and I have gone back to my previous frames/single vision glasses.
3. I was also told yesterday about eye drops for some reason, not sure why as I couldn't stay after the test, I wasn't advised any further, can this be confirmed.
4. I was advised that a different type of glasses/lens is an option to accomodate the issues of the varifocals not working as I have to lower my head, causing neck strain while driving. SLO or SLR I cannot quite remember. Is it possible that the last prescribed frames can be used from you for the next/new prescription as they are almost new/hardly used as explained above.

I have my regular visit to the Glaucoma clinic on Monday next week, if there is anything I need to tell them please advise. I'll obviously mention the macular degeneration, but I'm sure they will just refer me back to you.

Awaiting your prompt response.

Anthony Halligan

I just love all the staff. They are all sooooo friendly.and helpful. They all now what they are doing, and help you with your problems. I love going there as you are made to feel so very comfortable. Even better still , I can take my puppy dog. Just great. Thank you all for everything. Marea Wadhams

Super friendly, highly competent staff. Timely appointments. Reminders sent in advance of appointment - great idea. Much appreciated.
Air conditioning ☺️.
I highly recommend Scrivens Opticians.

I was asked to get there 10 to 15 minutes before my appointment to be told I’d have to wait 45 minutes. Having the eyesight test I picked a pair of glasses which the prices was extortionate , I found the same glasses for £90.00 cheaper elsewhere . They’ve moved to bigger premises which leads to a massive increase in price 

Tom is really friendly and a very welcoming atmosphere