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The Indie Optician & Hearing Centre at Observatory

"I have been a customer of Darren’s for many many years. With his expertise, personable manner, style and attention to detail I would never use another optician. Everyone who works there is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The Observatory has the best selection of glasses, always different and very stylish, something for everyone. Definitely recommend.".

“First time visit to this opticians. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. The service was exceptional.”

"I cant fault the service given by Darren, Debbie & Ross. They were knowledgeable, professional, friendly and clearly understand the importance of excellent customer service. Previously I have used chain opticians, which are ok I suppose, then a friend recommended Observatory and I'm so glad she did. If you are thinking of getting your eyes tested or wanting new glasses, give this local place a go. You won't regret it 🙂".

"I’ve been using the Observatory in Woodham for several years now. I’d never go anywhere else now. Darren is so thorough, professional and caring. Takes so much time and will answer any concerns or questions thoroughly. And we always have a good chat.!☺️"

"Friendly staff that really listen. It’s a pleasure to visit here. The range of glasses is amazing, something for everyone with a personalised service to match. The lenses are amazing too!"

“Observatory has to be the best optician that I’ve ever used - with the friendliest service, the finest range of frames and superb detailed sight examination, complemented by excellent assistants front of shop too."

"Went to see Dee for hearing test and advice on hearing aids as she had been fantastic with my wife. Very competent and professional. Would highly recommend."

"Ear Wax Removal - fantastic service from initial call, reception and procedure was friendly, professional and thorough. Can’t thank them enough and am very pleased to recommend them. Thank you Dee!"

"Great service! Darren was very thorough and did a great job talking me through everything and making me feel comfortable. The whole team were great helping me pick glasses. Overall very friendly and professional, would recommend."

“I can only add to the positive reviews here. Have used Darren now for 10 years or more. Expert, caring, and consistant high service from both Darren himself and his team."

"Professional team providing a friendly and knowledgeable service from the eye health/sight test through to choosing of the frame/lenses. Their aftercare is also excellent. Would thoroughly recommend."

"Fantastic experience each time, all the staff are extremely friendly and helpful! Darren has impressive knowledge of his field (as you would expect) and no question is too much to ask! Cannot recommend enough! 5*"

"I've been going to Observatory for years now and wouldn't go anywhere else. Darren and the team are always friendly and extremely helpful. You get a more personalised service than you would at a larger high street opticians. Highly recommend them!"

"Fantastic service from a knowledgable and friendly team. A full price range of frames available and top end designer frames too. I recommend getting the eye scan when you have an eye test. The equipment used is the best and the attention to detail from testing to choosing and fitting is excellent. Thank you!"

"Wonderful service! Darren talks you through everything and you get to see inside your eye on screen which is amazing. Choosing my glasses with Debbie was super helpful too. You really don’t get this attention to detail on the high street—where I’ve been buying from for 40 years. Highly recommend switching!"

“Best optician I have ever had. Never feel rushed. Darren always has time to answer all my questions and explains everything to me. Reception staff always very professional and friendly. Brilliant place."

Great service and beautiful/unusual glasses. I went previously for an eye test in their Leigh on Sea opticians and bought some really beautiful glasses. Now I have visited their South Woodham Ferrers opticians for contact lenses and walked away with more. Lovely opticians whichever branch you visit.."

“Absolutely fantastic every time I see them. I first came across Observatory when I had a concern with my eye and needed to see a professional quickly. In all of Woodham these lovely people fit me in that day. Since then I have been checked up on. I have recommended them to others who are also very grateful for the wonderful service provided every time."

"Darren takes his time to talk to his patients to get to know them. This way he gets knowledge of their lifestyle and therefore factors that could affect their health and eyesight. He is very friendly and you do not feel he is rushing to get to his next patient. The front office staff are also very friendly and knowledgeable. They are happy to spend time listerning and advising customers, they do not pressure you to buy unnecessary extras."

"I visited Observatory Opticians to get a second opinion as my regular optician was unable to improve on my old prescription. I’m pleased to say that with their latest technology and professional but friendly approach they were able to make me a pair of glasses with much improved vision giving me confidence to drive both day and night. I would highly recommend them specially if you are dissatisfied with your current optician."

"I have been using Observatory opticians for over 15 years and would not trust anywhere else with the health of my eyesight. The ladies have a wealth of experience and will offer excellent advice when it comes to choosing glasses. Darren, the optician, makes you feel at ease and uses the latest technology to ensure a thorough check is done, to ensure your eyes are healthy. Fabulous service always."

"Observatory is one of the best opticians I have been to. Having an astigmatism in both eyes they introduced me to options for my lenses I have never been introduced to before! I’ve never felt more comfortable getting my eyes tested. Would recommend to anyone!"

"Having read glowing reviews thought I would give them a try. Well I certainly was not disappointed. Service was excellent with great attention to detail. Staff very friendly, helpful and in a very relaxed setting. Darren was lovely and my friend will be booking with him shortly. Wanted my new glasses quickly for a weekend away and received them promptly. Will go back soon for another pair as their frame selection is superb. Well done to you all".

"Had my ears de-waxed today, most professional. The lady is a proper audiologist, and cleared both ears without problem. (She used tools not used by Specsavers. I have very narrow and distorted ear canals!) They even offer a follow up appointment a couple of weeks later to check all is good. Previously a year ago I went to Specsavers, but the operative there could not remove all the wax, and the job then was left half finished. I would unhesitatingly recommend the Observatory."

"Superb choice of frames at reasonable prices matched with excellent service. Shopping at independent retailers offers better choices than the "chains" matched with service by people that care as more often than not, it their business and lively hood."