Opticians & Eye Clinics
Specsavers - Barking
45 East Street, Barking IG11 8EJ
Overview
Specsavers Barking is an established opticians located on East Street in Barking, East London. As part of the Specsavers chain, one of the UK's largest and most trusted optical retailers, this practice provides comprehensive eye care services to the local community and surrounding areas. The branch has built a strong reputation for delivering quality eyewear and professional optical services.
The practice offers a full range of services including eye tests and examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and designer frames from numerous brands. Their qualified opticians provide thorough vision assessments to detect refractive errors and eye health conditions. Specsavers is known for competitive pricing and often provides promotional offers on spectacles and contact lens packages, making quality eyewear accessible to all.
The Barking location serves patients of all ages seeking reliable optical care. The friendly, professional team is dedicated to helping customers find the right solutions for their vision needs. Whether requiring routine eye care or specialist advice, patients can expect a welcoming experience at this convenient East Street location in Barking.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book an eye test at Specsavers - Barking in Barking by calling 020 8591 9611, visiting the practice, or booking online through their website. It is recommended that adults have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. An NHS eye test checks your vision and screens for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
You are entitled to a free NHS eye test at Specsavers - Barking if you are aged 60 or over, under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education), diagnosed with or at risk of glaucoma, diabetic, receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit, etc.), hold a valid HC2 certificate, registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired, or a prisoner on leave. Ask Specsavers - Barking to check your eligibility.
An eye test at Specsavers - Barking typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes a visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart), refraction (determining your prescription for glasses or contact lenses), an eye health examination using specialised instruments, a check for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and a discussion of your results and any recommendations. Advanced imaging such as OCT scans or retinal photography may be offered for an additional charge.
Yes, Specsavers - Barking welcomes children for eye tests. All children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) are entitled to a free NHS eye test and an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of glasses. Children should have their first eye test before starting school, or earlier if you notice any concerns. Signs to watch for include sitting close to the TV, difficulty reading the board at school, squinting, or headaches.
Some opticians, including Specsavers - Barking, may offer home eye test visits for patients who are housebound or unable to visit the practice due to physical or mental health conditions. Home visits are available free on the NHS for eligible patients. Contact 020 8591 9611 to check availability and arrange a home visit in the Barking area.
Yes, Specsavers - Barking can fit prescription lenses into a wide range of sunglass frames, including polarised and photochromic (transition) options that darken automatically in sunlight. Prescription sunglasses protect your eyes from UV damage while correcting your vision. Ask about lens tinting options and UV protection standards.
Yes, Specsavers - Barking offers contact lens fittings, trials, and supplies. Types available include daily disposable, monthly, toric (for astigmatism), multifocal, and coloured lenses. A contact lens fitting appointment includes measuring your eyes, selecting the right lens type, teaching you how to insert and remove lenses safely, and a follow-up check. Contact lens aftercare appointments are recommended annually. Call 020 8591 9611 to book.
Specsavers - Barking may offer urgent eye care appointments for conditions such as sudden vision changes, eye pain, flashing lights or floaters, red or sore eyes, foreign bodies in the eye, and eye infections. Some opticians are part of the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), providing NHS-funded urgent eye care. Call 020 8591 9611 to check. For serious eye emergencies, go to A&E.
Specsavers - Barking may offer referrals or initial consultations for laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE). While opticians do not perform laser surgery themselves, they can assess your suitability, explain the options, and refer you to a specialist laser eye surgery provider. Not everyone is suitable — factors include your prescription, corneal thickness, age, and general eye health.
Specsavers - Barking aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact 020 8591 9611 to confirm ground-floor access, wheelchair accessibility, and any adjustments for your visit. The practice can accommodate patients with mobility, visual, or communication needs. Home visits may be available for housebound patients in the Barking area.
Specsavers - Barking may offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, which provide detailed 3D images of the layers of your retina. OCT scans can detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease earlier than a standard eye test. This scan typically takes a few minutes and is painless. An additional charge may apply as OCT is not included in the standard NHS eye test.
Specsavers - Barking stocks a wide range of frames from budget to designer brands. Popular brands may include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Tom Ford, and NHS budget frames. Qualified dispensing opticians will help you choose frames that suit your face shape, prescription, and budget. Two-for-one offers and other promotions may be available.
Yes, Specsavers - Barking provides varifocal (progressive) lenses that allow you to see at distance, intermediate, and near without changing glasses. Modern varifocals offer wider fields of vision and smoother transitions than older designs. Premium varifocals reduce distortion at the edges. Your dispensing optician will discuss the different varifocal options and help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
The NHS recommends an eye test every two years for most adults. More frequent tests (annually or as advised) are recommended if you are over 70, diabetic, have a family history of glaucoma, wear contact lenses, have an existing eye condition, or your optometrist has recommended shorter intervals. Children should be tested annually. Regular eye tests can detect problems early, including non-eye conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.