Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists
About Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists
Bayfields is a growing group of independent opticians and audiologists with practices across England and Wales. They have expanded steadily by acquiring established independent practices and retaining their local character, staff, and patient relationships. Bayfields focuses on clinical excellence and offers enhanced eye examinations alongside standard NHS sight tests, with a commitment to investing in advanced diagnostic technology across their network.
Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists was established in 2015 as a new kind of optical group with a distinctive acquisition strategy. Rather than building new stores from scratch, Bayfields set out to acquire well-established independent opticians practices across England and Wales, preserving their local identities, retaining their experienced staff, and maintaining the patient relationships that had been built up over years or even decades. The founding vision was that independent opticians offered a level of care and personal attention that patients valued highly, but that many independent owners were reaching retirement age and needed a viable succession plan.
The group grew rapidly through the late 2010s and into the 2020s, acquiring practices in a wide range of towns and cities across England and Wales. Each acquired practice continued to operate under its existing name in many cases, with Bayfields providing back-office support, group purchasing power, and investment in clinical technology. This model allowed the group to maintain the trusted local feel of each practice while bringing the benefits of scale — including access to the latest OCT scanners, staff training programmes, and audiological equipment.
Today, Bayfields operates approximately 60 practices and continues to grow. The group has invested heavily in adding audiology services to practices that previously offered only optical care, creating a combined opticians-and-audiologists model similar to that of Scrivens and Leightons. Bayfields positions itself as a clinically focused group that prioritises patient outcomes over volume, and its acquisition model has made it an important player in the consolidation of the UK independent optical sector.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2015
- UK Stores
- 60
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £30 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 8
- Locations Listed
- 35
- Avg. Eye Test
- 25-30 minutes
Book an eye test
Bayfields Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Bayfields and book an eye test. We list Bayfields locations in 7 regions across the United Kingdom.
South East
South West
East of England
West Midlands
East Midlands
BayfieldsServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A standard NHS-funded eye examination for eligible patients. Bayfields optometrists conduct a thorough assessment including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of eye health. The unhurried, personal approach that characterised each practice before it joined the Bayfields group is maintained. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A comprehensive private eye examination that includes refraction, binocular vision assessment, and a thorough evaluation of the internal and external health of the eyes. Bayfields private tests offer more time for discussion of your visual needs and lifestyle requirements than the NHS-funded test. | From £30 | 25-30 minutes | |
| Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT | An advanced eye examination incorporating OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning. This non-invasive scan produces detailed images of the retina and optic nerve, enabling early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Bayfields has invested in OCT technology across its network, making this service available at most practices. | From £40 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Assessment | An initial appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses. Includes corneal topography, tear film analysis, and a trial fitting with the most appropriate lens type for your eyes and lifestyle. Bayfields practices stock a full range of contact lenses from daily disposables to specialist toric and multifocal options. | From £35 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Hearing Assessment | A comprehensive hearing evaluation carried out by a qualified audiologist at Bayfields practices with audiology services. The assessment includes an ear health check using an otoscope, pure tone audiometry, and speech-in-noise testing. If hearing loss is identified, the audiologist will recommend appropriate hearing aids from a range of leading manufacturers. | Free | 30-45 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A child-friendly eye examination using age-appropriate techniques, carried out by optometrists experienced in paediatric vision assessment. All children under 16 receive a free NHS-funded test. Bayfields practices typically offer a good range of children's frames, including options covered by the NHS voucher. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-30 minutes | |
| Diabetic Eye Check | A specialist examination for diabetic patients incorporating digital retinal photography and, where available, OCT scanning. This check focuses on detecting signs of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related changes in the eye. Bayfields recommends annual diabetic eye checks in addition to the national NHS diabetic eye screening programme. | From £35 | 25-30 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA standard NHS-funded eye examination for eligible patients. Bayfields optometrists conduct a thorough assessment including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of eye health. The unhurried, personal approach that characterised each practice before it joined the Bayfields group is maintained.
Private Eye Test
A comprehensive private eye examination that includes refraction, binocular vision assessment, and a thorough evaluation of the internal and external health of the eyes. Bayfields private tests offer more time for discussion of your visual needs and lifestyle requirements than the NHS-funded test.
Enhanced Eye Examination with OCT
An advanced eye examination incorporating OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning. This non-invasive scan produces detailed images of the retina and optic nerve, enabling early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Bayfields has invested in OCT technology across its network, making this service available at most practices.
Contact Lens Assessment
An initial appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses. Includes corneal topography, tear film analysis, and a trial fitting with the most appropriate lens type for your eyes and lifestyle. Bayfields practices stock a full range of contact lenses from daily disposables to specialist toric and multifocal options.
Hearing Assessment
A comprehensive hearing evaluation carried out by a qualified audiologist at Bayfields practices with audiology services. The assessment includes an ear health check using an otoscope, pure tone audiometry, and speech-in-noise testing. If hearing loss is identified, the audiologist will recommend appropriate hearing aids from a range of leading manufacturers.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA child-friendly eye examination using age-appropriate techniques, carried out by optometrists experienced in paediatric vision assessment. All children under 16 receive a free NHS-funded test. Bayfields practices typically offer a good range of children's frames, including options covered by the NHS voucher.
Diabetic Eye Check
A specialist examination for diabetic patients incorporating digital retinal photography and, where available, OCT scanning. This check focuses on detecting signs of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related changes in the eye. Bayfields recommends annual diabetic eye checks in addition to the national NHS diabetic eye screening programme.
BayfieldsPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists for your eye care.
Advantages
- Retains the personal, community-focused character of each acquired independent practice
- Investment in OCT and other advanced diagnostic technology across the network
- Combined optical and audiology services at many locations for convenience
- Staff continuity ensures patients see familiar faces year after year
- Competitive pricing that balances quality with accessibility
Considerations
- Relatively new group, so brand recognition is lower than established chains
- Services and equipment may vary between practices as the network standardises
- Frame selection depends on the individual practice and may be more limited than large chains
How to Book an Eye Test at Bayfields
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists.
Search for your nearest Bayfields practice by entering your postcode on eyetest.co.uk
Browse available services — many Bayfields locations offer both optical and hearing care
Choose your preferred appointment type, date, and time from the available slots
Provide your contact details and any relevant health information
Receive a booking confirmation email with directions to your local practice
Attend your appointment at the local Bayfields practice — you will be seen by staff who know the practice and community well
Why Choose Bayfields?
Growing network that preserves the identity of acquired independent practices
Enhanced eye examinations with the latest diagnostic equipment
Combined optical and audiology services at many locations
Strong focus on staff retention and continuity of patient care
NHS Eye Tests at Bayfields
Bayfields Opticians & Audiologistsoffers 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 Bayfields
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists.
What is Bayfields Opticians?
Bayfields is a group of independent opticians and audiologists that has grown by acquiring established independent practices across England and Wales. Founded in 2015, the group preserves the local character, staff, and patient relationships of each practice while investing in advanced clinical technology and adding audiology services. The result is a network of practices that feel like your trusted local optician but benefit from the resources of a larger group.
Will my local practice change now that it has joined Bayfields?
Bayfields' acquisition model is specifically designed to minimise disruption. The staff you know will typically remain, and the practice continues to operate in the same location with the same commitment to personal care. What changes behind the scenes includes investment in new equipment such as OCT scanners, improved staff training programmes, and group purchasing power that can lead to better value for patients. Many patients notice an improvement in available technology without any loss of the personal touch.
Does Bayfields offer hearing tests?
Yes, many Bayfields practices now offer hearing assessments alongside their optical services. This is part of Bayfields' strategy to create combined opticians-and-audiologists practices. Hearing tests are free, and if hearing loss is identified, a range of private hearing aids is available from leading manufacturers. The availability of audiology services varies by practice, so check when booking.
Where are Bayfields practices located?
Bayfields operates approximately 60 practices across England and Wales. Locations span southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia, and parts of Wales. The group continues to grow by acquiring additional independent practices. You can search for your nearest Bayfields practice by entering your postcode on eyetest.co.uk.
Is Bayfields an independent opticians?
Bayfields describes itself as a group of independent practices. While the individual practices are now part of the Bayfields group rather than being independently owned, the group's philosophy is to preserve the independent character of each practice. Staff, clinical approaches, and patient relationships are maintained, and each practice retains its community focus. Bayfields is not part of a large multinational corporation like some chain opticians.
How much does an eye test cost at Bayfields?
NHS-funded eye tests are free for all eligible patients at Bayfields practices, just as at any other UK optician. Private eye tests start from around £30, and enhanced examinations with OCT scanning are available from approximately £40. Prices may vary slightly between practices. Contact lens assessments start from £35.
Does Bayfields offer OCT scanning?
Yes, Bayfields has invested in OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) technology across its network, and this scanning is available at most of its practices. OCT provides detailed 3D images of the retina and optic nerve head, enabling early detection of conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. It is available as part of the enhanced eye examination for an additional fee.
Can I book a Bayfields appointment through eyetest.co.uk?
Yes, Bayfields practices are available for booking through eyetest.co.uk. Simply enter your postcode to find your nearest practice, choose your appointment type, and select a convenient date and time. You will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need for your visit.
Find a Bayfields Near You
Enter your postcode to check availability and book an eye test at your nearest Bayfields store.
Find a Bayfields Opticians Near YouVisit Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists directly: www.bayfields.com