Opticians in Sunderland

A regular eye test does more than update your glasses prescription. An optometrist can pick up early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, and the NHS recommends most adults have their eyes tested every two years. Sunderland has a mix of long-standing independent opticians in its neighbourhood shopping parades and national chains in the city centre and Washington. Every practice in this guide appears on the NHS directory of sight test providers, which we checked in November 2026, so eligible patients can have an NHS-funded eye test at any of them.

Who gets a free NHS eye test

You are entitled to an NHS sight test if, for example, you are under 16, under 19 and in full-time education, aged 60 or over, have diabetes or glaucoma (or are 40 or over with a close relative who has glaucoma), or receive certain benefits. The NHS website has the full list. If you qualify, tell the practice when you book, and ask whether you are also eligible for an NHS voucher towards the cost of glasses.

Doyles Opticians

On the shopping parade in Southwick, Doyles Opticians at 297 Southwick Road is an independent practice serving the north side of the Wear, including Southwick, Carley Hill and Castletown.

It offers eye examinations and supplies glasses. The practice does not have a website, so the simplest way to book an appointment or check opening times is to phone. Independents like this one tend to see the same patients year after year, which suits people who like continuity.

Best for: Residents north of the river who want a local independent for eye tests.

Buckingham & Hickson

Another independent, Buckingham & Hickson, has two practices: one at 290 Fulwell Road, near Fulwell and Seaburn, and another at 26 Windsor Terrace in Grangetown, on the south side of the city.

Both branches carry out NHS sight tests and supply glasses. As with Doyles, there is no website, so phone the branch nearest to you to book. Having a practice on each side of the river makes it a convenient independent option for much of the city.

Best for: People in Fulwell or Grangetown who want an independent practice close to home.

Vision Express Sunderland

In the city centre, Vision Express Sunderland is inside The Bridges shopping centre. It opens seven days a week, from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, and the store is wheelchair accessible.

Appointments can be booked online. Vision Express also has a second Sunderland store inside Tesco on Sunderland Retail Park, Newcastle Road, which may suit people north of the river.

Best for: Anyone who needs a weekend eye test in the city centre.

Specsavers Sunderland

Close to The Bridges, Specsavers Sunderland is at 11 Athenaeum Street, Waterloo Place. As well as eye tests, glasses and contact lenses, it offers audiology, so you can arrange a hearing check at the same practice.

Appointments can be booked online or by phone, and the practice is a short walk from the bus stops on Fawcett Street and from Sunderland station.

Best for: People who want eye and hearing checks at one city centre practice.

Boots Opticians Sunderland

Also in The Bridges, Boots Opticians Sunderland at 45 The Bridges carries out NHS and private eye examinations and supplies glasses and contact lenses.

With three opticians within a few minutes' walk of each other in the city centre, it is easy to compare frames and prices before you buy, and you do not have to buy glasses from the practice that tested your eyes. You are entitled to a copy of your prescription after the test.

Best for: City centre shoppers who want to fit an eye test into a trip into town.

Specsavers Washington

For Washington residents, Specsavers Washington is at 12-14 The Galleries, in the town centre shopping centre. It carries out NHS and private eye tests and supplies glasses and contact lenses.

Being inside The Galleries, it is easy to combine an appointment with other errands, and it saves the trip into Sunderland for people in the Washington villages.

Best for: Washington residents who want an eye test in the town centre.

Booking tips

Most practices will remind you when your next test is due, but it is worth noting the date yourself. If you have sudden changes in your vision, flashes, floaters or eye pain, do not wait for a routine appointment: contact an optician the same day or call NHS 111. For other health services, browse the directory, and if you are new to the city, read our welcome guide.

Know an optician we have missed? Get in touch.