locations

Beccles

Friendly, independent eyecare in the heart of

Beccles

About

Beccles

Observatory the Opticians

Beccles opticians in Suffolk.

We are now located at 1 Smallgate, just across from our old practice in Exchange Square (in the old NatWest bank and beside Twyfords café) in Beccles. Our new premises are much larger and accessible, with automatic double doors. It is the same company and the same people, just a lot more space.

We offer audiology services including free hearing tests, ear wax removal and hearing aids.

We were thrilled to be named the UK’s best Independent Optician at the prestigious Optician Awards. Our sister practice in Southwold went on to win the same award two years later, making us the only optician in the UK to win this award twice!

Beccles was also a finalist for Best Fashion Practice in the UK in 2021.

Observatory the Opticians is a locally owned, independent opticians. Being independent means that we are not tied to any specific brands. We attend optical trade shows and choose the brands that we love the most, and that we hope you will also love. Our eye tests are relaxed, with lots of time to ask questions. We can offer you expert advice in a relaxed, safe environment. We stock a large variety of frames that range from affordable to designer.

If you are looking for a safe, independent optician in Beccles that takes customer service seriously, we would be very happy to help you.

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Meet The Team

Meet the Team at

Beccles

Observatory the Opticians

René

Senior Optometrist & Director
BOptom, MCOptom, Prof Cert Glauc

René joined the practice in 2007, having previously been in optics for 20 years. Rene understands the value of putting his patients at ease throughout the examination, whilst carrying out a comprehensive eye examination to the highest standards. René has a special interest and certification in glaucoma.

Jacqui

Practice Manager & Optical Dispenser

Jacqui joined the team in 2007, bringing her own style to the practice. Jacqui has a real passion for customer service and actively seeks to make every visit to the practice special for each customer. She also has a passion for colour, so there is always a bold selection of frames alongside the more traditional ones.

Molly

Optical Dispenser

Molly joined us in 2017, having had 3 years' previous experience. Molly's experience and enthusiasm for spectacles and contact lenses ensures a great result for every patient.

Lisa

Finance & Office Manager
AATQB

Lisa manages our Head Office in Beccles and is an invaluable part of the team. She joined us in 2015 and continues to develop, obtaining her Associate of AAT for bookkeeping (or AATQB) in 2020 and Advanced Diploma in accounting in 2021. She is now studying towards a degree in Payroll Management.

Kirsty

Finance & Office Assistant

Kirsty joined the Head Office team in 2018 and provides fantastic support with our admin and finance.

Catherine

Marketing Manager

Catherine is based in our Head Office and has worked in various roles for over 20 years. She currently does our marketing, graphic design and web design.

Michelle

Optical Receptionist

Michelle has worked in optics since 2010. She has a friendly approach to customer service and is always happy to help.

Naomi

Optometrist
BSc MCOptom

Naomi joined us in 2024. Naomi knows the importance of taking time to listen to her patients’ concerns in a calm, friendly and professional manner. She is accredited to see cataract post-operative patients. She is also accredited to fit and manage the aftercare of MiSight contact lenses for myopia management.

Marcus

Optical Dispenser

Having worked in optics for three years, Marcus is keen to pursue his career further within our practice. Marcus is kind natured and will always strive to help and support all those that he encounters both inside and out of the practice.

Jacqui H

Dispensing Optician
FBDO

Jacqui recently joined Observatory. She has been working for more than 30 years in independent optical practices. She is still just as passionate about helping people enjoy their experience of wearing glasses as she was when she started.

Sarah

Optical Dispenser

After several years away from the industry, Sarah is delighted to return to the world of optics. With a solid background as an optical dispensing assistant she brings a wealth of experience in patient care, frame styling and supporting the clinical team. Having spent the past 6 years developing new skills in customer service and retail management, Sarah combines strong communication and attention to detail with a genuine passion for helping patients see and look their best. She is excited to be back in practice and contributing once again to exceptional optical care.

Faith

Optical Dispenser

Bio coming soon!

opening hours

Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm

Sunday: Closed

Our Customers Say

Highly recommended

Patients consistently praise our care, time and professional service.

"So human and helpful — refreshing to visit an opticians that has time for clients."

Francesca Otterson

“Fantastic customer service — nothing was too much trouble.”

Jan Green

"Went for the first time yesterday as our previous opticians is now too far away and they are so human and helpful. They also have a section dedicated to vibrant colour frames it is very refreshing to go to an opticians that has time for clients".

Francesca Otterson

"l was made very welcome & all the team were very professional & extremely lovely & kind. I was not pushed into having expensive frames etc only the ones that were in my budget as I needed 2 new pairs. I would highly recommend them as they are all so kind, & understanding & very cheerful! Thankyou all so much! Wishing you all the very best & your new premises are lovely & very relaxing.. Thank you".

Fiona Baggin

"Very friendly, very professional, very explanative, very very good in general. 11m very happy with the service that they offer. I would also be very happy to recommend. I'm a very happy customer/patient.".

Philip Newman

"Fantastic customer service - nothing too much trouble! Felt valued - given helpful attention with eye test and choosing glasses! Best experience ever, thank you so much"

Jan Green