Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care
About Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care
Scrivens is a well-established family-run opticians and hearing care group with around 100 branches across the Midlands, South West, and South of England. Founded in 1938, they combine the reach of a national chain with the personal touch of a family business. Scrivens is particularly well regarded for their hearing care services alongside traditional optical care, and they have been a trusted name in communities across their regions for decades.
Scrivens Opticians was founded in 1938 by Douglas Scrivens, who opened his first optical practice in the West Midlands. The business began modestly, offering eye tests and spectacles to the local community, but the quality of care and personal attention it provided quickly built a loyal customer base. Even during the difficult years of the Second World War, the practice continued to serve its patients, and by the post-war period, Douglas Scrivens had established a reputation that extended well beyond his immediate neighbourhood.
The company expanded steadily through the second half of the twentieth century, opening new branches across the Midlands, the South West, and the South of England. In the 1980s, Scrivens made the strategic decision to add hearing care services to its optical practices, recognising the natural overlap between the two areas of sensory health. This dual-service model proved popular with patients, particularly older customers who could have both their eyes and hearing checked in a single visit. The hearing care division grew to become a significant part of the business, and today Scrivens is one of the largest independent providers of hearing aids in the UK.
Scrivens remains a family-run business to this day, with the founding family maintaining an active role in the company. With around 100 branches, the group is large enough to invest in modern clinical equipment and professional training, yet small enough that individual branches retain a genuine sense of community. Scrivens is also one of the few optical groups in the UK to offer a comprehensive domiciliary (home visit) service, sending optometrists and audiologists to patients who are unable to travel to a branch. This service is particularly valued by elderly and housebound patients in the communities Scrivens serves.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1938
- UK Stores
- 100
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £25 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 8
- Locations Listed
- 30
- Avg. Eye Test
- 25-30 minutes
Book an eye test
Scrivens Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Scrivens and book an eye test. We list Scrivens locations in 6 regions across the United Kingdom.
London
South East
South West
East of England
West Midlands
ScrivensServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A full NHS-funded eye examination carried out by a qualified Scrivens optometrist. The test includes visual acuity assessment, refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, and a thorough examination of the internal and external health of the eyes. Scrivens is known for providing unhurried, personal attention even within the NHS test framework. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A comprehensive eye examination for patients who do not qualify for NHS-funded testing. The test covers refraction, binocular vision assessment, eye pressure, and eye health examination. Scrivens' private test is competitively priced and provides the same thorough clinical assessment as the NHS test. | From £25 | 25-30 minutes | |
| Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT | An extended eye examination that includes OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning, providing detailed cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve. This advanced scan can reveal early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Available at most Scrivens branches equipped with OCT technology. | From £35 | 30-35 minutes | |
| Home Visit Eye Test | A full eye test carried out in the patient's own home by a Scrivens domiciliary optometrist. This service is available for patients who cannot travel to a branch due to illness, disability, or mobility issues. The optometrist brings portable equipment and a selection of frames, so glasses can be ordered during the visit. NHS-funded home visits are free for eligible patients. | Free (NHS eligible) / From £25 (private) | 30-40 minutes | |
| Hearing Assessment | A comprehensive hearing test carried out by a qualified Scrivens audiologist. The assessment includes an ear examination, pure tone audiometry, and speech discrimination testing. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will discuss hearing aid options, including both NHS-funded and private digital hearing aids from leading manufacturers. | Free | 30-45 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Fitting | An initial assessment for patients considering contact lenses, including corneal measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial fitting. Scrivens offers a range of contact lens types from major manufacturers, and ongoing supply plans are available for regular wearers. | From £30 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A friendly, age-appropriate eye test for children using picture charts, matching tests, and retinoscopy. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS eye test, and Scrivens stocks a range of children's frames available under the NHS voucher scheme. Scrivens staff are experienced in working with young children to make the experience comfortable and positive. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-30 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA full NHS-funded eye examination carried out by a qualified Scrivens optometrist. The test includes visual acuity assessment, refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, and a thorough examination of the internal and external health of the eyes. Scrivens is known for providing unhurried, personal attention even within the NHS test framework.
Private Eye Test
A comprehensive eye examination for patients who do not qualify for NHS-funded testing. The test covers refraction, binocular vision assessment, eye pressure, and eye health examination. Scrivens' private test is competitively priced and provides the same thorough clinical assessment as the NHS test.
Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT
An extended eye examination that includes OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning, providing detailed cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve. This advanced scan can reveal early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Available at most Scrivens branches equipped with OCT technology.
Home Visit Eye Test
NHSA full eye test carried out in the patient's own home by a Scrivens domiciliary optometrist. This service is available for patients who cannot travel to a branch due to illness, disability, or mobility issues. The optometrist brings portable equipment and a selection of frames, so glasses can be ordered during the visit. NHS-funded home visits are free for eligible patients.
Hearing Assessment
A comprehensive hearing test carried out by a qualified Scrivens audiologist. The assessment includes an ear examination, pure tone audiometry, and speech discrimination testing. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will discuss hearing aid options, including both NHS-funded and private digital hearing aids from leading manufacturers.
Contact Lens Fitting
An initial assessment for patients considering contact lenses, including corneal measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial fitting. Scrivens offers a range of contact lens types from major manufacturers, and ongoing supply plans are available for regular wearers.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA friendly, age-appropriate eye test for children using picture charts, matching tests, and retinoscopy. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS eye test, and Scrivens stocks a range of children's frames available under the NHS voucher scheme. Scrivens staff are experienced in working with young children to make the experience comfortable and positive.
ScrivensPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care for your eye care.
Advantages
- Family-run business with a genuine personal touch and strong community roots
- Combined optical and hearing care means you can address both in one visit
- Comprehensive home visit service for housebound and elderly patients
- Competitive pricing with a focus on value rather than aggressive upselling
- Over 80 years of experience in eye care and decades of hearing care expertise
Considerations
- Geographic coverage is limited to the Midlands, South West, and South of England
- Designer frame selection is smaller than at chains like Boots or Vision Express
- Some branches may not yet have OCT scanning equipment installed
How to Book an Eye Test at Scrivens
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care.
Enter your postcode on eyetest.co.uk to find Scrivens branches in your area
Compare services and availability — Scrivens offers eye tests, hearing tests, and home visits
Select your preferred appointment type and choose a convenient date and time
Provide your personal details and let us know if you have mobility or accessibility requirements
Receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and branch address
Attend your appointment — if you need a home visit, a Scrivens optometrist will come to you at the booked time
Why Choose Scrivens?
Family-run business since 1938 with genuine community presence
Combined opticians and hearing care across all branches
Home visit service for elderly or housebound patients
Consistently rated highly for personal service and patient care
NHS Eye Tests at Scrivens
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Careoffers free NHS-funded eye tests for eligible patients. You may qualify if you're under 16, over 60, on certain benefits, or have specific medical conditions. Check eligibility and book through eyetest.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrivens
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care.
Does Scrivens offer home eye tests?
Yes, Scrivens provides a comprehensive home visit service for patients who are unable to travel to a branch due to illness, disability, or mobility issues. A qualified Scrivens optometrist will visit your home with portable testing equipment and a selection of frames, so you can have your eyes tested and order glasses without leaving the house. If you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test, the home visit is also free. This is one of Scrivens' most valued services, particularly for elderly patients.
Is Scrivens a family business?
Yes, Scrivens was founded in 1938 by Douglas Scrivens and remains family-run to this day. The founding family continues to be actively involved in the management of the business. This family ownership is reflected in the culture of the company, which prioritises personal relationships with patients and a community-focused approach to eye care and hearing care.
Does Scrivens do hearing tests?
Yes, hearing care is a core part of the Scrivens service. Every Scrivens branch offers hearing assessments, which are provided free of charge by qualified audiologists. If hearing loss is detected, Scrivens can supply both NHS-funded hearing aids (where eligible) and private digital hearing aids from leading manufacturers. The combination of optical and hearing care under one roof is a significant convenience for patients.
Where are Scrivens branches located?
Scrivens operates approximately 100 branches across the Midlands, the South West, and the South of England. Concentrations include the West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton), the East Midlands (Nottingham, Leicester, Derby), the South West (Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth), and parts of southern England (Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading, Oxford). They do not currently have branches in the North of England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
How much do glasses cost at Scrivens?
Scrivens offers a range of frames at competitive prices. Complete glasses — frames with single-vision lenses — start from around £49. The selection includes a mix of own-brand frames and recognised mid-range brands. Lens upgrades such as anti-reflection coatings, varifocals, and thinner lenses are available at additional cost. NHS optical vouchers are accepted and can be put towards the cost of glasses for eligible patients.
Can I get an NHS eye test at Scrivens?
Yes, Scrivens provides free NHS-funded eye tests for all eligible patients. Eligibility is the same as at any UK optician — children under 16, adults over 60, those on qualifying benefits, and patients with certain medical conditions. Scrivens also provides NHS-funded home visits for eligible patients who cannot attend a branch in person.
Does Scrivens offer hearing aids on the NHS?
Yes, Scrivens is contracted to provide NHS hearing aids at many of its branches. If you are referred by your GP or if a Scrivens audiologist identifies hearing loss, you may be eligible for a free NHS digital hearing aid. Private hearing aids are also available for patients who want a wider choice of styles and technology levels, with prices starting from around £395 per aid.
How do I book a home visit with Scrivens?
You can arrange a Scrivens home visit by searching for your nearest branch on eyetest.co.uk and selecting the home visit option when booking, or by contacting your local Scrivens branch directly. You will need to confirm that you or the person requiring the test is unable to attend the branch unaccompanied. Home visits are available for both eye tests and hearing assessments.
Find a Scrivens Near You
Enter your postcode to check availability and book an eye test at your nearest Scrivens store.
Find a Scrivens Opticians Near YouVisit Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care directly: www.scrivens.com