M&S Opticians
About M&S Opticians
M&S Opticians is the optical arm of Marks & Spencer, one of Britain's most trusted and iconic retail brands. Launched in 2017, M&S Opticians operates inside selected M&S stores across the UK in partnership with an experienced optical services provider. They offer a full range of eye care services including NHS and private eye tests, OCT scanning, contact lens fittings, and a carefully curated selection of quality eyewear. With the backing of the M&S name, customers can expect attentive service, stylish frames at fair prices, and the convenience of booking an eye test while visiting a store they already know and love.
Marks & Spencer entered the optical market in 2017, launching M&S Opticians as a natural extension of the retailer's long-standing commitment to health, wellbeing, and quality. The move reflected a broader trend among major UK retailers to offer in-store health services, and M&S was well positioned to capitalise on the trust and loyalty its brand commands across the country. By placing opticians inside existing M&S stores, the company gave customers a convenient new reason to visit — combining an eye test with their regular shopping trip.
Rather than building an optical business from scratch, M&S chose a partnership model, working with experienced optical services providers to staff and operate the in-store practices. This approach ensured that customers received clinical care from fully qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians from day one, while benefiting from the familiar M&S environment and service standards. The partnership model also allowed M&S to scale the offering without the complexity of recruiting and managing its own clinical workforce, a pragmatic strategy that has served the brand well as it expanded from its initial pilot stores.
Today, M&S Opticians operates in 37 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales, housed within some of Marks & Spencer's larger stores. The practices offer a full range of services including NHS-funded and private eye tests, enhanced OCT scanning, contact lens fittings, and children's eye tests. The frame collection is curated to reflect the M&S aesthetic — classic, well-made, and fairly priced — sitting alongside NHS-voucher options. While the network is still smaller than the major optical chains, M&S Opticians has carved out a loyal customer base drawn by the trusted brand name, quality frames, and the simple convenience of a high-street location they already visit regularly.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2017
- UK Stores
- 37
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £20 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 6
- Locations Listed
- 30
- Avg. Eye Test
- 25-30 minutes
Book an eye test
M&S Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest M&S and book an eye test. We list M&S locations in 11 regions across the United Kingdom.
South East
East of England
West Midlands
East Midlands
North East
Yorkshire and the Humber
Scotland
M&SServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at M&S Opticians, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A comprehensive eye examination carried out by a qualified optometrist, available free of charge to all eligible patients. Eligibility includes children under 16, adults over 60, those receiving qualifying benefits, and patients with certain medical conditions. The test covers visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eye. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for NHS funding. The test includes all the same clinical checks as the NHS eye test — visual acuity, refraction, slit lamp examination, and ophthalmoscopy — providing a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health. | From £20 | 25-30 minutes | |
| Enhanced OCT Eye Test | An advanced eye examination that includes Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive scan that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. OCT scanning can detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Recommended for patients who want the most thorough eye health assessment available. | From £45 | 30-35 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Fitting | An initial assessment and fitting for contact lenses, carried out by a qualified optician. Includes measurements of corneal curvature, tear film evaluation, and a trial fitting with your chosen lens type. Your optician will advise on daily disposables, monthly lenses, or specialist lenses depending on your prescription and lifestyle. | From £35 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A specially adapted eye test designed for children, using age-appropriate charts and techniques. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. The optometrist will check for common childhood vision problems including lazy eye, squint, and refractive errors. M&S stocks a range of children's frames, many available under the NHS voucher scheme. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Style Consultation | A complimentary one-to-one session with a dispensing optician to help you choose frames that suit your face shape, colouring, and personal style. The consultation covers frame materials, lens options, and coatings, helping you find eyewear that looks great and meets your practical needs. No purchase obligation. | Free | 15-20 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA comprehensive eye examination carried out by a qualified optometrist, available free of charge to all eligible patients. Eligibility includes children under 16, adults over 60, those receiving qualifying benefits, and patients with certain medical conditions. The test covers visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eye.
Private Eye Test
A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for NHS funding. The test includes all the same clinical checks as the NHS eye test — visual acuity, refraction, slit lamp examination, and ophthalmoscopy — providing a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health.
Enhanced OCT Eye Test
An advanced eye examination that includes Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive scan that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. OCT scanning can detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Recommended for patients who want the most thorough eye health assessment available.
Contact Lens Fitting
An initial assessment and fitting for contact lenses, carried out by a qualified optician. Includes measurements of corneal curvature, tear film evaluation, and a trial fitting with your chosen lens type. Your optician will advise on daily disposables, monthly lenses, or specialist lenses depending on your prescription and lifestyle.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA specially adapted eye test designed for children, using age-appropriate charts and techniques. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. The optometrist will check for common childhood vision problems including lazy eye, squint, and refractive errors. M&S stocks a range of children's frames, many available under the NHS voucher scheme.
Style Consultation
A complimentary one-to-one session with a dispensing optician to help you choose frames that suit your face shape, colouring, and personal style. The consultation covers frame materials, lens options, and coatings, helping you find eyewear that looks great and meets your practical needs. No purchase obligation.
M&SPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing M&S Opticians for your eye care.
Advantages
- Backed by one of the UK's most trusted household brands with a reputation for quality
- Conveniently located inside M&S stores — easy to combine with regular shopping
- Quality frames at fair prices with a curated, stylish selection
- NHS eye tests available for all eligible patients
Considerations
- Limited to just 37 locations across the UK, so not available in every town
- No hearing care services offered alongside optical
- A relatively new entrant to the optical market with a shorter track record than established chains
How to Book an Eye Test at M&S
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with M&S Opticians.
Search for your nearest M&S Opticians by entering your postcode on eyetest.co.uk
Compare available appointment slots and services at nearby M&S stores
Select your preferred date and time for your eye test
Enter your personal details and any relevant medical information
Receive confirmation of your appointment by email
Attend your appointment at the M&S Opticians practice inside your chosen M&S store
Why Choose M&S?
Backed by the trusted Marks & Spencer brand, known for quality and customer care
Conveniently located inside M&S stores — combine your eye test with everyday shopping
Quality frames at fair prices with a curated selection of stylish eyewear
NHS eye tests available for all eligible patients at every location
NHS Eye Tests at M&S
M&S Opticiansoffers 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 M&S
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at M&S Opticians.
Where are M&S Opticians located?
M&S Opticians operates from 37 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales, all situated inside Marks & Spencer stores. You will find them in major cities and towns including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff, Sheffield, and Newcastle, as well as smaller centres such as Harrogate, Canterbury, and St Albans. Each practice is located within the M&S store itself, making it easy to combine an eye test with your regular shopping trip.
Do M&S Opticians offer NHS eye tests?
Yes, M&S Opticians provides free NHS-funded eye tests for all eligible patients. Eligibility includes children under 16, adults aged 60 and over, people receiving certain means-tested benefits, and individuals with specific medical conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma. In Scotland, all residents are entitled to a free NHS eye test regardless of age or income. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the team at your local M&S Opticians can advise you when you arrive.
Are M&S Opticians glasses expensive?
M&S Opticians offers a range of frames at various price points, reflecting the Marks & Spencer approach of quality at fair prices. You will find options starting from budget-friendly NHS-voucher frames through to premium designer styles. The emphasis is on well-made, stylish eyewear that represents good value rather than being the cheapest or most expensive on the market. Lens packages including anti-reflection coatings and thinning options are available at competitive prices, and the team can help you find the best combination for your budget.
Can I book an M&S Opticians appointment online?
Yes, you can search for available appointments at your nearest M&S Opticians through eyetest.co.uk. Simply enter your postcode, compare available dates and times at nearby M&S stores, and book directly. You will receive confirmation of your appointment by email. Booking online through eyetest.co.uk lets you compare availability across multiple M&S locations at a glance, making it easy to find a slot that fits your schedule.
What brands of glasses does M&S Opticians stock?
M&S Opticians offers a curated selection of quality frames chosen to reflect the classic, well-made aesthetic that Marks & Spencer is known for. The range includes own-brand M&S frames alongside a selection of recognisable designer labels. While the selection may not be as vast as the largest optical chains, the emphasis is on quality, style, and value. The dispensing team can help you find frames that suit your face shape, lifestyle, and budget during a complimentary style consultation.
Is M&S Opticians an independent optician?
M&S Opticians is not a fully independent optician — it operates as a partnership within Marks & Spencer stores. The optical practices are staffed and managed by an experienced optical services provider in collaboration with M&S, combining professional clinical care with the trusted M&S retail environment. This partnership model means you receive your eye care from fully qualified, registered optometrists and dispensing opticians while enjoying the comfort and familiarity of a Marks & Spencer store.
Find a M&S Near You
Enter your postcode to check availability and book an eye test at your nearest M&S store.
Find a M&S Opticians Near YouVisit M&S Opticians directly: mandsopticians.com