The 12 Best Optometrists in Auckland

By Amelia Montgomery

Our eyes deserve the best care and attention simply because they allow us to live life to the fullest. Here we’ve put together a list of the best optometrists in Auckland to help you see clearly.

An optometrist is a specialist who checks your eyes and corrects them through lenses or eyeglasses. He is focused on the lighter eye conditions as compared to an ophthalmologist.

In addition to assessing your eye and helping you choose a comfortable frame, a good optometrist also gives you invaluable advice to reduce the dryness in your eye or what lens you should use.

Now then, moving forward, here are the best optometrists in Auckland so that you can have better vision.

1)  Matthews

If you need to get your eye checked or want spectacles that match your best outfit, go for Matthews! They offer a large variety of signature glasses to fit the contours of your face and personality.

The goal is to correct your sight and eye issues, be they short-sightedness or painful eyes. You can do it in a stylish way through their classy range of eyewear.

It is a family business that was begun in 1957 by Bill Matthews but continued by his son and wife Phil and Lynley Matthews. You can expect the dedicated services of a proper family-run, legacy business here.

Highlights

• Signature brands eyewear
• Professional eye care and treatment

Customer Reviews

For an eye checkup, Google Reviewer River Shaw wrote:

“Isla identified my problems in the most professional way possible after a comprehensive eye test. She also educated me well on the mechanisms of dry eyes so that I can take preemptive measures to address the problem. Top notch service, highly recommended.”

2)  Auckland Optometrists

Show your care for your eyes and get affordable rates with Auckland Optometrists. Shahin Khayami founded this practice in 2004, and it’s located in Royal Oak, Auckland.

With the most up-to-date knowledge and latest equipment, he specialises in children’s eye care, glaucoma prescription, contact lenses, and of course, eye wear.

There are packages you can get that will give you value. For instance, with the Children Spectacle Card, you get a free checkup and two pairs of child glasses for free.

Highlights

• More than 20 years of experience
• Can address eye problems and diseases
• Children eye specialist

Customer Reviews

Sanaz Taherian writes on Google Reviews that this clinic is truly worth going to:

“My son has always had anxiety going to optometrists,  but Auckland Optometrist approache was so pleasant and calming that he felt so at ease.  I definitely recommend especially if you have little children.  So friendly and professional.  Thank you so much.”

3)  John O’Connor Optometrists

It’s definitely helpful to have an accurate prescription for your eyes. John O’Connor does that to correct your vision or for you to know the condition of your eyes.

They have a massive array of frame options here. A lot of brands are represented in their stock, like Armani, Fendi, Lacoste, Boss, Dior, and others.

In Auckland, it has branches in Henderson and Newmarket that are easily accessible by bus or train. Both branches are open from Monday to Saturday.

Highlights

• Comprehensive eye checkup
• Affordable rates
• Branded frames

Customer Reviews

Jake Mesias was very glad about the service, and he said:

“Colin was very helpful! Excellent customer service. They even price-matched opsm so we got a very good deal! The lenses were ready in just 3 days. Highly recommended!”

4) Lowes Taaffe & Bhikoo Pakuranga Optometrists

Feel like nixing the geeky glasses as you go about the city? Try the clever Ortho-K lenses from Lowes Taaffe & Bhikoo Pakuranga Optometrists, which is one of the best optometrists in Auckland.

Ortho-K lenses correct your vision overnight. In the morning, it will seem like magic — you can go about without any visual aid.

What’s more, they offer a lot of contact lens solutions that can be used daily, fortnightly, or monthly. There are also progressive or coloured lenses to help your eyes see clearly.

Highlights

• Offers Ortho-K lenses
• Kiwi owned and operated
• Conducts reliable eye tests

Customer Reviews

Manish M gives a 5-star rating for Lowes Taaffe & Bhikoo Pakuranga Optometrists, she commented:

“I was seen by Betty for an eye exam. She was very thorough, professional, and friendly while patiently explaining what was going on and sharing the results. Awesome to deal with and great prices too!”

5)  Mortimer Hirst

Known in New Zealand and Australia, Mortimer Hirst brings a comprehensive service. They do everything from eye tests & contact lens fitting right through to prescribing treatments for eye diseases and lens repairs.

This dates back to the 1940s when it manufactured contact lenses for the local dwellers. With 4 branches across Auckland, they make it easy for you to find them without travelling a long way.

And when it comes to eyewear, they have many carefully selected brands that will fit the particular style and contour of each face. The staff are also highly trained and aware of the newest trends and developments.

And that’s the reason we chose this for the best optometrists in Auckland.

Highlights

• One-stop shop services
• Makes incredible contact lenses
• Proficient and friendly staff

Customer Reviews

Katie didn’t like to venture out with glasses, though she said her eyesight was becoming a problem. One day, she decided to visit Mortimer Hirst for a checkup and new glasses, she said from Google Reviews:

“I went in there and they made me feel at home right from the second i stepped in the door. They tested my eyes and made me feel at ease the whole way through then they spent another hour or so helping me to chose the perfect frames.”

She then concluded that the glasses fitted perfectly and that she couldn’t be happier.

6) Optics 1 Optometrists

Optics 1 Optometrists is a company that offers a wide range of eyewear for people of all ages. Their expert team of technicians have many years of experience, which is why they’ re are also able to accommodate outside prescriptions.

Need your glasses made in a rush? Optics 1 also offers same day, 1 hour glasses services for most single vision prescriptions. With their commitment to customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that Optics 1 will do their best to fulfil your optical needs.

Highlights

• Over 60 years of combined experience
• Same day, 1 hour glasses available

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from previous clients:

“Very professional and super friendly. Best value for money and you don’t have to wait 3 weeks to get your glasses! If there are any problems, they’re willing to fix it straight away and with only a one hour wait. Also, you can actually get super stylish glasses without having to pay hundreds and hundreds for them.”

“I have been coming here to get my glasses or my contact lenses for about 4 years now and I’ve been impressed and satisfied with the customer service! The quality of these glasses is top-notch and the prices are very affordable and reasonably priced! The frames and designs are very stylish and trendy:)) I was very happy with my purchase! I absolutely highly recommend!! Thank you, Optics 1,:)))”

7) NVISION Eyecare

NVISION Eyecare uses the Widefield High Definition Retinal Imaging to prove their clients the best service. They use the latest retinal imaging technology to give us a wider and clear image of the retina.

The clinic also uses the EIDON camera that provides a 60° image of the retina with a single exposure and up to 150° using multiple exposures.

They also utilize the Revo OCT that scans at a much higher speed than many OCT’s currently in use by optometrists and ophthalmologists. At NVISION Eyecare, the clinic use wide-range of the latest technology to give the best eye care.

Highlights

• Online booking
• Professional optometrists
• Wide-range of services

Customer Reviews

Here are some examples of the feedback posted by customers on Google Reviews:

“I took my 6 year-old son for his regular eye test as he has been wearing his glasses due to high astigmatism. Ryan was very thorough and professional, explained everything I needed easy. I also want to say thank to the lady in the reception desk, she helped my son with some of test and she seemed to know really well how to make children comfortable. Thank you so much!”

“I had my eye test done at Nvision eyecare last week, and it was a very positive experience. The optometrist Ryan was very informative and professional and explained the steps and provided me with advice to help improve my eyecare. I was talked through all my test results and given suggestions how to improve any issues. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a professional and thorough eyecare provider.”

8) Westgate Optometrists

Westgate Optometrists is well-known for its excellent customer service. They aim to continuously provide holistic and individualised eye care services, with a firm belief that prevention is better than any cure.

Their qualified optometrists are passionate about providing thorough eye care with sufficient time spent on thoroughly checking, and educating you on the best ways to take care of your eyes. With Westgate Optometrists, you’ll be able to enjoy life’s pleasures at its fullest.

Highlights

• A focus on customer service and patient education
• Longer appointment times – no rushed experience
• State-of-the-art OCT Angiography for early disease detection
• Latest lens designs – widest progressive designs, anti-fatigue lenses, blue light protection, scratch guarantees
• Myopia Control: Orthokeratology (OrthoK), MiSight, MiyoSmart, Atropine eye drops all available
• Dry Eyes: Blephasteam treatment, discussion around home treatment plans available

Customer Reviews

Here are some comments from previous patients:

“I absolutely loved my experience with Westgate Optometrist. Thank you Ricky and Darryl for providing best service possible. I always struggled with choosing the right glasses frame, but Darryl made it so smooth and easy. Loved talking with Ricky about health of my eyes, he checked my eyesight and have given an awesome suggestions on what type of lens to choose, and explained every detail. I got my new glasses in about 10 working days (really fast considering it was Christmas time) and I am loving them! Stylish and so comfortable to wear. Definitely going back again to get a new pair of glasses for my husband and second pair for myself.”

“Ricky was professional, thorough and took the time to examine my eyes, as well as recommend the type of contact lens and glasses for me. There was never any pressure to just “buy” glasses. I am so happy with my new prescription for contact lenses. Thank you for also making sure these, as well as my glasses fitted correctly. I would highly recommend Ricky and Westgate Optometrists to everyone.”

9) Specs Direct

Specs Direct helps all of their clients achieve a seamless journey towards better eyesight, one that also makes them look good. Their renowned specialists addresses both functionality and aesthetics during consultations, ensuring people that they’ll get the right eyewear, in terms of eyewear work and style.

Moreover, service is personalised at Specs Direct. The team takes the time to thoroughly learn about clients’ situation so that they can provide the best and most accurate service possible. Aside from the exemplary customer service, Specs Direct also has a magnificent range of eyewear, both budget and branded, curated from all over the world.

Highlights

• One hour fitting laboratory
• Clear “no surprises” pricing
• Renowned expertise
•  Personal service
• Unique International frame collections

10) Vision Centre Optometrists

Are you looking for quality eye care for you and your family? If so, then you may want to visit Vision Centre, an optometry centre that specialises in family-focused optometry.

Vision Centre is a one-stop hub for eye care, with the clinic offering a wide range of services that include checking for diabetic eye disease, glaucoma monitoring and management, children’s eye examinations, and many more. The clinic also offers customisable eyewear, designer glasses brands, and high-quality contact lenses for patients who need them.

It’s also worth noting that Vision Centre checks over more serious conditions, such as binocular vision problems, red eyes, eye infections, dry eyes, and eye allergies. Treatments are administered by seasoned professionals whose skills and expertise, along with the top-notch equipment and products, allow them to confidently work on various eye problems with little to no issues involved.

Highlights

• Seasoned professionals
• Family-focused optometry
• Offers a wide range of customisable eyewear

11) Eyestyle

Finding the right optometrist need not be a difficult, tedious, or expensive endeavour, especially if you’re in the Auckland area. See, a renowned optometrist is found in this location, under the name EyeStyle.

Eyestyle offers an extensive array of eye care services, which include treatments for dry eyes, myopia, blepharitis, and many more. The clinic also offers stylish and functional frames for individuals who are in need of glasses to see better.

Their range of services and array of frames for sale aren’t the only reasons why EyeStyle is on this list. We also strongly recommend them because of the clinic’s dedication to constantly improve to cater to their patients’ needs.

So, clients new and old will find that EyeStyle is a clinic that boasts top of the line equipment and high-quality products, all of which are used to provide the best eye care one can get in the Auckland area.

Highlights

• Wide array of eye care services and treatments
• Stylish and affordable frames available
• Professional and prompt team

12) Hobsonville Optometrists

If you’re looking for a place to get any kind of contact lens, whether it be daily, fortnightly, monthly, or rigid lenses then Hobsonville Optometrists can be a good choice.

Like many other optometrist clinics, Hobsonville also offers comprehensive eye exams to match its clients with the proper lenses. But what makes its services stand out is that its assessments are also suitable for CAA examinations, airforce, and police recruit examinations.

Hobsonville Optometrists is also home to two of the best optometrists in Auckland, Dr Frank Snell and Dr Kevin Wong. So, not only is this shop a great place to find appropriate eyeglasses and contact lenses, but also a sound choice for some eye treatments.

With its doctors’ medical expertise, this clinic and gift shop can help treat glaucoma and dry eye and control myopia. To make these treatments more accessible, Hobsonville also accepts benefits from Southern Cross.

That said, you may have to find another optometrist clinic if you have another insurance provider and are looking for other serious eye treatments.

Highlights

• Eye examinations for police, airforce, and CAA
• Offers numerous types of contact lenses
• 2 in-house optometrists
• Accepts Southern Cross insurance

Customer Reviews

Here are some client reviews to help you decide whether or not Hobsonville Optometrists can be your best option:

“Best optometrist in town. I’ve been going to see Frank for years and I’ve always had great service.  My parents and sisters have also been through Frank.”—Hitesh Patel

“Great service and selection of trendy glasses is awesome. I get so many comments on my great glasses – thanks Melissa. Eye test excellent using the same equipment that the Eye Institute uses for a fraction of the cost..Frank really knows his stuff! Do not hesitate recommending these guys….awesome!!!!”—Carmen Connolly

And that’s our list of the best optometrists in Auckland. Affordable, accurate, and friendly, you can set an appointment to get yourself a new pair of glasses or some awesome Ortho-K lenses.

Which are you more comfortable with — contact lenses or glasses? Tell us about it or whether or not you have any enquiries by dropping us a line and we’ll come back to you.

Talking about eye health, how about something pleasant for your eyes to feast on? Redecorating your home would be a good idea — and for that, you can read about the best interior designers in Auckland!