By: Henriette Robinson (Hype Lettings) 23/06/2023

John Hollins from The Specs Place is passionate about his field; his professionalism, experience and knowledge is impressive to say the least.

I booked in two of our children for their eye tests after hearing very good feedback from others.

John had a lovely manner with the children and spoke to them direct and not via me as their parent (as you would often get when visiting other well-known high street opticians).

It was refreshing that there was no sales pitch to get us to buy glasses unnecessarily.

We will definitely continue to support John from The Specs Place in future.

Henriette Robinson
HYPE Lettings Ltd

By: Mark Findler (Mark Findler Decorating Services) 14/04/2023

Mark Findler Decorating Services has been a customer of the John Hollins at The Specs Place for a number of years now.
I recently had my latest check up and was incredibly impressed as always with the service and explanations of every procedure taking place.
I have also placed an order for my new spectacles.
John and the team keep up the fantastic work you do.
Best wishes Mark Findler

By: Dan Smith (Afford Rent A Car) 12/04/2023

As a driver for Afford Rent-A-Car before my current role, I was advised by work that I should get an eye test and book it through The Specs Place.

I hadn’t had an eye test for over two years and was being pestered by my existing optician to book, so I ignored them, and booked with John. From the outset I was dealt with courteously and professionally by Johns team, being kept informed of when my appointment was, and also taken care of at the appointment before I went in.

I found John to be extremely knowledgeable, but he didn’t bombard me with jargon. Rather he explained things to me in simple terms, as I have an eye tracking issue, how my eye muscles should work together and unfortunately weren’t.

Despite this, the most impressive thing was that John didn’t, as was my previous experience with opticians, advise me that I should buy new glasses. As a business owner you would expect this to be the case, but John told me that he thought my current glasses would do the trick for another 12 months or so and left it at that. It is totally reassuring to know you are not guaranteed to be “sold to”.

Many thanks John, to you, and your team.

Dan Smith
Afford Rent-A-Car

By: Glynn Buckley (Leadbeater & Kay Solicitors Limited) 22/03/2023

John Hollins (of the Specs Place) is a truly dedicated eye care professional determined to make a difference to the eye care of the residents of the Stoke on Trent conurbation.

John takes all the time necessary to listen to his patients concerns and to identify their needs and requirements, even if the outcome is that no change in the current situation is required.

You can be confident that there will be no encouragement to change or upgrade spectacles unless that is genuinely in the patients best interests.

All the best John.

Glynn Buckley (Solicitor with Leadbeater and Kay Solicitors Limited)
22 March 2023

By: Richard Capener (Classique Blinds) 08/03/2023

A big thank you to you and your team for helping my mother in law out at such short notice.

You helped diagnose a problem with her eye that her normal optician that she uses had told her she had a hole in the back of her eye had been told very little about and not only did you see her the day I told you about this advised her on the best course of action to take. She will now be using the Specs place for all future appointments


A fantastic service and thankyou John .

Rich Capener (classique blinds)

By: Dave Shannon (Drive Ahead Bookkeeping Ltd) 24/10/2022

In the past couple of months John has seen both of my children for eye tests. My son has no issues, and following the eye test, no need for glasses. However, he had been struggling with allergies and John gave him great advice to manage this and his eye irritations eased off in just a couple of days.

My daughter however, has worn glasses for a number of years and has a couple of long term issues with her eyes, partly down to her cerebral palsy. He was happy with the current prescription of her glasses so didn't prescribe any others. What he did do though was, rather than just checking her eyes and giving a prescription for glasses, was to spend time with her to try and understand what was going with her eyes. He discussed with her at length how the condition affects her and what she does to try and cope with the issues. He also identified the way she had unconsciously developed a coping mechanism to deal with her nystagmus which none of us has ever recognised. To say John is thorough with his examinations is an understatement, I would recommend him to everyone!

By: Ron Fox (Noreus Ltd) 29/06/2022

John Hollins The Specs Place
I thoroughly recommend you contact John at the Specs Place for any sight issues. Since moving over to The Specs Place for our regular eye check ups. John and his staff have been highly professional in their dealings with regular and emergency treatment.
Both parents have been referred to have their cataracts sorted with very successful operations and post surgery consultation. One comment was “wow aren’t the flowers colourful” after the operation.
During a recent telephone conversation concerning my own eyes. John arranged to same day emergency appointment.
Ron Fox
Noreus Ltd

By: Ada Haywood (Cancer Research UK) 09/09/2021

John Hollins and his Team at The Specsplace are Amazing, why would you go anywhere else?

Having broken my glasses recently, a call to John, and I had an appointment in no time, the girls in the shop couldn't do enough for me.

They assisted me in choosing a new pair of glasses that were both suitable and stylish for me and all at a fantastic price.

Thank you John

Love you lots Ada xx

By: Glynn Buckley (Leadbeater & Kay Solicitors Limited) 28/07/2021

John

A big thank you to you and your team for sorting out new specs for myself and my son.

A completely easy process (notwithstanding Covid) to get an eyes test and thereafter to select a new set of frames.

The process could not be easier.

John is highly recommended.

Glynn Buckley (Solicitor)

By: Nigel James Bremridge (Financial Adviser) 19/07/2021

John, has been my Optometrist for the last three years and has conducted my eye tests in a professional, competent and friendly way. The prescription and glasses that he has supplied (Which are light weight & Stylish) have helped me to read and use my computer more effectively and comfortably. His staff are all very helpful and his shop in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent is easily accessible and ample parking is close by. During lock down I have been driving less and have noticed that my long distance sight has improved which John has confirmed in during my recent eye test. I would encourage anyone who needs a second opinion or who is unhappy with their present Optician to contact John Hollins for a confidential and in depth eye test where he will also provide you with a copy of your prescription.

By: Tony Hobbs (Tranquil Still) 02/06/2021

My thanks go to John Hollins and The Specs Place team. I have my normal eye checks with them anyway, but when a significant concern cropped up re my vision, their response was wonderfully swift, efficient, and a brilliant example of simply excellent customer service. John ran through full checks on my eyes, established the cause and extent of the problem, gave a clear and understandable description to me of what is going on and, crucially, what to look out for.

I can't recommend these people highly enough. They're great for the standard monitoring of vision that we all need, and also very swift to act when relevant. Thanks John, very much appreciated!

Tony Hobbs
June 2021

By: Owen Ward (Champion Hot Tubs) 29/04/2021

I Recently used the services of the specs place for both my glasses and contact lenses.
I was having particular difficulty with my old contact lenses provider when reading and John explain there was a better solution.
Following a number of trial sets John came up with the perfect solution.
Not sure I would have got this level of support or service from the more familiar large branded optician.

Great service and aftercare, would not hesitate to recommend.

Cheers

Owen

By: Ada Haywood (Cancer Research UK) 20/02/2021

I have had many eye tests over the years.
I must say Specs Place John Hollins, is the best eye
Test I have had. John takes his time, explains
Everything that he is doing.
I highly recommend Specs Place 100%
Ada

By: Heather Tweddle (Dean Statham) 04/02/2021

John and his team are simply fantastic.

My daughter was suffering with sore and watery eyes recently (during Lockdown 2) and within a couple of hours we were seen by John @ The Specs Place.

He conducted a thorough full review of her eyes, talking her through the whole process. The result was almost perfect eye sight, but she'd had a slight allergic reaction to something that was causing the problems. After a few minutes chatting with John we established a change in soap at school was the root cause - quickly resolved.

Thanks John, excellent service and highly recommended!

By: Owen Ward (Champion Hot Tubs) 27/01/2021

John and his team provided, exceptional service whilst deciding on the contact lense solution that was right for me.
John listen to the problem I had with my original contact lense provider and following a number of ideas came up with the perfect solution.
I have no hesitation in recommending John and his team at The specs place. You really do feel that your important.
Thanks John.
Cheers
Owen

By: Ron Fox (Noreus Ltd) 27/01/2021

Yet again the professionalism provided by John Hollins at Specs Place is second to none.
Sue my wife has had a serious concerns for her eye sight. John immediately made room for an appointment was able to calm concerns and give advice.
My father who is 92, suffering from poor eye sight was reassured by an appointment in Covid secure the Specs Place. During his appointment he was offered and accepted a referral for a cataract operation to improve his eye sight.
I thoroughly recommend members to contact John for any eye issues.

By: Rebecca Miller (Stepping Stones Education and Training Limited) 12/08/2020

Wow just wow! Thank you John.

I always knew you went over and above for customers and you have always been brilliant with my kids, hubby and me but with My Dad you a real superhero. My dad has Alzheimers, so he can get confused with letters, number and instructions quite easily.

Following his appointment, my mum was straight on the phone to tell me...
The fact you talked to my dad all the way through the appointment and not to my Mum to speak to my dad..
The fact that you followed my dad when he didn't go in the right direction for you..
The fact that you did try to fix the unfixable comfort blanket that is his old glasses.
The fact that you advised on the best frames that would be flexible for dad when he decides to fiddle with them.

Thank you John you made what would normally be an uncomfortable and stressful experience a most enjoyable one for both my parents. 🤓👓

My dad's new glasses are not just great in price and practical, they are really durable too. But the best thing is that the frames you recommended also allow my dad to recognise himself in the mirror now and that is priceless.

I have no hesitation in recommending you to family, and friends, in fact my Dad is receiving so many compliments on his new glasses your name gets mentioned all the time.

Thanks Again

Becky Miller
Director
Stepping Stones
https://www.stepstones-uk.com/

By: Ron Fox (Noreus Ltd) 26/02/2020

John is highly professional and a very much an attention to detail Optician.
There are some times in your life when you are just speechless and extremely grateful with colleagues of BNI.
Recently my Mother of 90 years old has benefitted from cataracts removed from both eyes. John has been supportive and very much instrumental in my mother gaining the confidence to go ahead with the procedure.
I could not thank him enough.
Well, to say it has been life changing is an under statement, we now have a lively and joyful mother whose quality of life has greatly improved.
Thank you John

By: Rebecca Miller (Stepping Stones Education and Training Limited) 05/02/2020

February 2020


Dear John


I wanted to take the time to say thank you.

Having received a reminder for our children’s eye tests being due prior to Christmas, we were able to arrange a family booking for myself, husband and children to visit your branch in the New Year.

The fact that on booking the appointment your staff were both courteous and accommodating in our schedules and sent out text reminders for the appointments certainly did help with the chaos after Christmas.

We were arrived you spoke to my children and explained each step of the process with them, this is, invaluable when often people tend to bypass explaining to children and just get parents to do so.

You took time with all our appointments, putting my son at ease when explaining that he would need glasses for the first time and helped in choosing the glasses that best suited him. You explained that in most opticians given my prescription it would be expected that I be sold glasses, but that, that route would not be best for me, in short doing yourself out of a sale but not a Customer, I have more faith in you as an optician than other high streets meaning that I keep returning.

I have no hesitation in recommending you to family, friends and anyone else who wants to save themselves both time and money your honest approach along with the personal service provided and the fact that you care about individuals is priceless

Once again, many thanks,

Kind Regards



Becky Miller
Stepping Stones Education and Training Ltd

By: Karen Johnson (King Street Chiropractic) 27/11/2019

I saw John for an eye test as I was struggling with reading when using my laptop whilst wearing my glasses. I received a warm welcome from the girls and John and was made to feel at ease.

John explained all that he was doing during the test and answered my questions in a way that I could easily understand. He didn't rush through things but took the time to listen to my concerns and explain what he was doing and why. I felt extremely confident in John's ability and professionalism.

I would recommend John to anyone who is concerned about the health of their eyes or want to see a professional optician who will take the time to do an excellent job of looking after your eyesight and providing the best service in a friendly relaxed manner.

By: Ryan Gratton (Afford Rent A Car) 04/10/2019

We used john to complete 51 eye tests in preparation for our FORS audit. John did this very quickly and got the results back to myself in a very professional manner.

Would highly recommend the specs place

By: Alan Watson (A & L Services UK Ltd) 25/09/2019

John was extremely helpful and thorough on my visit for an eye test. He re-assured me and explained the results giving me confidence in the whole process. Thank you for putting my mind at rest. I would highly recommend.

By: Julia Donaldson (Sempar Accountancy & Tax Ltd) 22/05/2019

The Specs Place Opticians
46 Market Street
Longton
ST3 1BS

22.05.19

I approached The Specsplace opticians, John & his team because my daughter was due an eye test and she was complaining that her eyes ached.
I would like to express my sincere thanks following this routine examination because not only did optometrist complete a detailed eye examination, John also completed a colourimetry assessment and tested my daughter using the different colour conditions.
He then made a detailed report specifying that my daughter had visual stress.
The team helped her choose the tinted new frames, which made the experience much more enjoyable and fun at the same time. The whole team were caring and professional and everyone went above and beyond to assist.
The report was provided to the school and this ensured that my daughter had the care and attention in the class- room and support from the school going forward.
The results have been amazing my daughter has seen things on paper like she hasn’t seen before, her reading ability has excelled, maths has dramatically improved and her general confidence has gained.
The school recommended some further private Dyslexia testing based on the discovery and it has been confirmed that my daughter does have Dyslexia.
So, I cannot thank Specsplace enough, as if it wasn’t for the attention to detail and experienced knowledge of John & his team my daughter would not be having the assistance and attention she deserves.
Her whole life has now changed.
A Massive thank you to the whole SPECSPLACE TEAM!

Julia Donaldson

By: Jonathan Clarke (Newcastle Plumbing & Heating Supplies Ltd) 08/05/2019

"For years I have been going to the high street opticians plus one independent who I believed had my best interest at heart. I was so wrong because when I visited The Spec Place the service and honesty I received was exceptional. John explained in detail all the options I had plus more importantly the things I didn't need. Great example of looking after customers as they should be".
I will definitely be recommending John Hollins at The Specs Place.

Jon Clarke
Newcastle Plumbing and Heating Supplies

By: Tony Hobbs (Tranquil Still) 02/05/2019

I'd been content with my local optician for many years. I then heard John Hollins from The Specs Place give a talk about achieving excellent results in the management of dyslexia simply and painlessly through use of carefully devised filters etc. I realised there's far, far more to what opticians can do for their patients. I'm not dyslexic myself but have spent decades working with disadvantaged others, and appreciate just how difficult life is for so many with dyslexia.

I booked my own timely eye test this time with John and his team and received a friendly welcome, and some great education re the effects of a past, severe road accident on my eyes and vision. Wow! This guy REALLY knows his stuff, there's much more to him than meets the eye!

And then there was icing on the cake to follow the test too: whereas my previous optician would verge almost on irritating me with 'encouragement' to buy new specs, John simply said my current specs were still within acceptable limits and not to waste my money on buying new.

So here's a company that I know I can trust, and will be very happy to encourage others to visit for their own needs too. Thanks, John and team. My time with you was much appreciated.

Tony Hobbs

By: Ryan Gratton (Afford Rent A Car) 21/03/2019

I used the specs place as I felt they had a great range of frames to choose from. John had good prices, amazing choice and all staff were very professional. My glasses arrived quickly and perfect.

Many Thanks for all your help John I will certainly recommend you

By: Wayne Pearce (ISO AIMS) 06/02/2019

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: The Specs Place

Whilst on holiday over Xmas, I managed to lose my glasses. Still away from home I contacted John Hollins of The Specs Place in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent who booked me in for an appointment the day after my return.

I arrived at his practice on 31st December where John conducted a thorough eye test, and in addition to the service I had previously received from my former Optician went over and above his optometrist duties to establish more about my lifestyle, glasses wearing habits and general behaviours to give a more specific tailored recommendation.

Following the clinical diagnosis and recommendation he and his team then spent all the time I needed to ensure that the correct frames were chosen and my satisfaction was guaranteed.

Fast forward about 10 days, I was invited back to The Specs Place where minor adjustments and final fitting was conducted.

I can clearly see that the service by John and his team at The Specs Place is first class, over and above the “numbers-game” often witnessed at the chain stores and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

By: Nigel James Bremridge (Financial Adviser) 02/02/2019

Following a Eye & Sight Examination with John Hollins at The Specs Place I am now in possession of my first set of reading glasses (Armani none the less). John correctly identified that, with a set of prescription reading glasses there would be a reduction in visual stress when reading black type on white paper. This has provided me with the ability to read quicker and spend less time focusing and refocusing. I would thoroughly recommend John for your next professional Eye test, where you are looked after as an individual in a friendly environment.

By: Chris Taylor (GTAccess Ltd) 31/01/2019

After visiting and using a few of the chain opticians, I always found their service to be "just enough" and were only about selling the higher end frames.
With one visit to The Specs Place, I found the customer service second to none, and after years of wearing glasses and contact lenses, John told me several facts about my eyesight which others had never mentioned before. No pressure selling of frames, and an honest opinion about what I should do moving forward
I would strongly recommend that if you require the services of an opticians, John and The Specs Place is the only place to go.

By: David Meigh (PDR World) 26/09/2018

It's another testimonial to John and the team at the www.thespecsplace.co.uk in longton.

I was sitting at home last night when my wife said "Have you told John how amazing my glasses are?" My wife had distance and reading glasses but neither were any use when using the works PC. Once my wife had explained the issue John made a set of glasses for her and she can now sit comfortably at work and use the computer as normal.. Thanks John and keep up the great work.

By: Andrew Smy (Peak Chiropractic) 06/07/2018

At Peak Chiropractic we deal with many complexed functional neurological cases and have been without and top class optician to refer to for years. I cannot recommend John highly enough for the quality of his work, level of knowledge and the innovative angle he approaches a patient's vision from.

By: David Meigh (PDR World) 13/06/2018

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank John and the team at www.thespecsplace.co.uk for their help with mine and my fathers eye checks. For both of us they found eye issues that other opticians had missed. We're now going forward with a plan of action and we both feel confident with the future care we'll receive from John . Once again, thank you and keep up the great work. From Dave Meigh at www.enable.business

By: David Meigh (PDR World) 13/06/2018

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank John and the team at www.thespecplace.co.uk for their help with mine and my fathers eye checks. For both of us they found eye issues that other opticians had missed. We're now going forward with a plan of action and we both feel confident with the future care we'll receive from John . Once again, thank you and keep up the great work. From Dave Meigh at www.enable.business