Face a Face

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 4 October 2026

For stylish, flat-rate complete prescription glasses without a high-end price tag, the IOLLA St James Quarter showroom (and their IOLLA Bruntsfield location) is widely considered one of the best spots in Edinburgh.Here is a breakdown of the best places to get glasses in Edinburgh depending on what you need-whether that's budget value, independent boutique styling, or an all-in-one eye exam.

### Trendy & Flat-Price Showrooms (Bring Your Own Prescription)

---

4.8 (174) Shop Closed Quarter, Saint James Square Call Directions Website

- Location: 3rd Floor, St James Quarter (EH1 3AD) / Bruntsfield - The Details: Known for a trendy atmosphere and a straightforward pricing model. All single-vision eyewear is a flat £85 including lenses, anti-scratch coatings, anti-glare, and lens thinning for stronger prescriptions. - Services: Free lifetime adjustments, walk-ins or appointments, and bespoke styling. Note that they do not perform eye tests on-site; you must bring a valid in-date prescription.

---

Optometrist 1 York Pl Call Directions Website

- Location: 88-92 West Bow, Grassmarket (EH1 2HH) / York Place - The Details: Highly praised independent option with frames inspired by Scottish modernism. Complete prescription glasses typically start around £150 including standard lenses. - Services: Full eye exams, custom fittings, Made to Measure consultations, frame repairs, and same-day glazing.

### High Street Value & Comprehensive Exams

---

4.7 (429) Optician Closed 76 Nicolson St Call Directions Website

- Location: 76 Nicolson Street, Newington (EH8 9DT) - The Details: The gold standard for high-street budget and reliability. Complete glasses with single vision lenses start as low as £20 to £30, with popular 2-for-1 bundle deals frequently available. - Services: Full NHS eye examinations (free in Scotland), comprehensive sight tests, contact lens fittings, and free adjustments.

---

4.6 (688) Optician Closed 120 St James Cres Call Directions Website

- Location: St James Quarter (EH1 3AD) - The Details: Offers a more premium, relaxed in-store environment than budget competitors, with designer frames starting around £50. - Services: Ranging from essential NHS eye tests up to advanced 3D OCT eye scans and optomap retinal imaging.

### Independent & Specialist Craft Eyewear

---

 Optician Closed 163a Bonnington Rd Call Directions Website

- The Details: A spacious, high-end showroom offering specialized Zeiss progressive/digital lenses and boutique independent European eyewear brands like Tom Ford, Lindberg, and Face a Face. By appointment only.

---

 Shop Closed 173 Dalry Rd Call Directions Website

- Location: 173 Dalry Road (EH11 2BR) - The Details: A local favourite near Haymarket known for a friendly, intimate environment (and occasionally a resident dog). They offer competitive multi-pair packages (such as 2 pairs for around £150 complete with lenses) alongside a same-day glazing service for standard prescriptions.

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

- Do you need an eye test or do you already have a valid prescription? - What is your approximate budget for frames and lenses?

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 4 October 2026

London has an excellent independent eyewear scene, especially for distinctive frames, bespoke work, and attentive optical service. Strong choices include:

- The Eye Company - Soho: Boutique and bespoke frames, with an emphasis on unusual independent designers and personalised styling. - Tom Davies - Canary Wharf: Best for bespoke, made-to-measure eyewear and premium handcrafted frames. - Mallon & Taub - Chiswick: Colourful, fashion-forward collections from brands such as Face à Face, Lafont, Starck, ic! berlin, and Cutler and Gross. - General Eyewear - East London: Particularly good for handcrafted prescription glasses and sunglasses. - For Art's Sake - Covent Garden: A stylish choice for artistic, expressive eyewear and sunglasses. - David Clulow - Multiple locations: A reliable option for high-quality eye tests, contact lenses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses. - Ace & Tate - Soho and other locations: Good for modern, minimalist frames at relatively accessible prices. - Bloobloom - London locations: Contemporary designs with a strong value proposition and a more sustainable brand focus.

Best by style: - Bespoke luxury: Tom Davies - Independent designer frames: The Eye Company - Colourful and artistic: Mallon & Taub or For Art's Sake - Handcrafted classics: General Eyewear - Modern, affordable styles: Ace & Tate or Bloobloom

Check opening hours and book an eye test before visiting, as locations and services can change.