Black & LizarsReviews of blackandlizars.com

Have been a client of Black & Lizars for over 15 years ranging over 4 branches. Yesterday I had an eye test at Anniesland branch; what the practitioner called my "annual routine test", but in fact an appointment I made because of perceived changes in my vision and not through being contacted by B+L. From the start the practitioner had a "couldn't be bothered" attitude, trying to race me through a procedure that I value as essential. His manner made me particularly stressed during the actual vision testing of my eyes [the alphabet board]; on afterthoughts, I believe this to be potentially dangerous and detrimental to my next year's vision ability. At one point he commented on my "IOLLA" frames; he then asked me why I "went there" [none of his business, I thought, but answered him - if B+L could sell frames as stylish as IOLLA and at IOLLA's prices, I might come to B+L]. At the end of all the tests he told me I had "significant" change in my right eye and then asked me if the Varifocal lenses I currently have were from IOLLA too. They are. He then went into a quite hostile spiel about why I should order my lenses from B+L - basically insinuating that Varifocal lenses from IOLLA were inferior in some way. He printed out my new Examination Summary, folded it into 4 and handed it to me in a manner nothing short of contemptuous; when I asked him for the protective folder that B+L have always presented their examination results in, he said that they "don't do them anymore; cost cutting". Black + Lizars have a duty of care to NHS patients to provide an optimal service that the NHS itself cannot provide itself. Any medical examination [an eye test is just that] can have serious consequences; Black + Lizars failed miserably understanding that. As to the question of "attitude" and "customer service", it has totally lost the plot there!!!!

I needed an urgent appointment. Tried phoning them half a dozen times for two day's, even emailed. Turns out I was wasting my time Don’t waste yours

Same rubbish service from the Anniesland branch 2 appointments cancelled contact lenses not delivered. Decided just to order my own lenses from now on ordered Tuesday 8.30 pm delivered next day b4 7pm and 30% cheaper from Lens Store. was advised by store to return the lenses when they eventually arrive for refund low and behold no one there to process the refund. complete waste of time after 25 years will never return to them

I have been a patient of Black and Lizars since childhood and the company always had a reputation for excellence. They were always slightly more expensive than other Opticians, but the service and care was worth the additional cost. I have been in many practices over the years and for the last 15 years or so, went to the Shettleston Practice. The opticians and staff there were second to none, providing a caring and helpful service. Last year I had an issue with a dentist freezing my eye and the Optometrists were so helpful and even called my mobile when they finished work for the day to make sure I was ok. However, the wonderful staff in that practice have left and unfortunately, it has closed, and it is small wonder. Over the last couple of years, my contact lenses never arrive on time and every 3 months I find I am chasing them up, despite the fact I pay by direct debit on the 1st of the month. It would appear to me to be some form of cost cutting exercise. The staff were always apologetic and tried to resolve the issue but as the practice is closed, I have had to deal with head office. 3 months ago I spoke with Colin (Customer Services Manager I think) and he reassured me I would never be in this position again and that my lenses would arrive on 1st month. He simply paid lip service and did absolutely nothing about it, although he talked a lot, he did not action what he said he would. We are now on 11th of the month and I still don't have my lenses. I spoke with him again yesterday and he did nothing to reassure me. He told me he would call me back and let me know what the position was. He did not call and I e-mailed again at 5.15 last night and I still have not heard from him. I have however, spoken to Stewart Saunders and Liz at the Giffnock Practice and they have been very helpful and hopefully I will receive a small supply of lenses to keep me covered for the next couple of days. The ones I am having to use are from Lenstore and although they are the correct prescription, I can't order the 'low or high' lense which I need for each eye (I am very short sighted) and this means I am now wearing stronger ready readers and I am getting headaches. I have always tried to look after my eyes, hence the reason why i I went to Black and Lizars, but this cannot be good for my eyes. It is utterly ridiculous that I find myself in this position, when I pay by direct debit. I apologise for my rant, but I cannot explain how bad my experience has been with Black and Lizars Head Office, e-mails are answered sporadically and no-one takes responsibility for anything, however, leadership comes from the top! In conclusion, this is not the Black and Lizars of old and this company is trading on the name of a quality business (and charging the price of a quality business) but not providing the service. After being a patient for over 40 years, I will find another firm of opticians who will provide a better service than this.

Have been a client for many years and although costs were high there was always a good service and felt confident with the prescription. Now I can say the complete opposite is now the norm. Glasses were not correct from the word go. Had alterations to the lens,but still not correct. Told to wear them for a few weeks. Still not correct. Got an appointment for a month later. Unfortunately had to cancel this appointment and was told I would have to wait another month. I find this really unacceptable. Have been calling repeatedly without any response. Ordered them in January the worst service ever for very pricey glasses.

More chance of being abducted by aliens than getting an appt at Fenwick Road,Giffnock branch in Glasgow - repeatedly get told that their new appointments are not yet open -very strange!! I phoned every day for 2 weeks - they can’t make appt for me, an existing customer Customer service appalling- unable to make an appointment no way to run a business - well B&L guess what …there are plenty other opticians to choose from and I will be sure to tell my friends and if you treat customers like this then pretty soon you will not be in business anymore

No one answers the phone. Held on for five minutes listening to the usual “your call is important to us” tosh. Finally told “sorry we cannot answer just now”. I wished to cancel replacement lenses. Easier to just pay £165. Will never go back after being a customer for 20 years.

Blacks and Lizars Gordon Street, Glasgow. Had an emergency repair with my glasses and the ladies in store sorted and fixed them with no hassle at all. Excellent service from two lovely ladies.