Not your typical opticians

We are not just another optician. We do things differently. Simply put, we sell great quality eyewear at an affordable price, usually around 1/3 less compared to your average high street opticians.

How do we do this?

We are a spectacle dispensing outfit, which means you don’t have your eye test with us. Have your eyes tested by your regular optician, then book an appointment with us, bringing your prescription with you. This gives us and you a massive advantage.

Time.

We take the time to ensure you get exactly what you want from your new glasses.

We have become the go to opticians in Basingstoke for outstanding eyewear, expert advice and excellent service. 

No hard sell

No waiting around

No rush

One to one service.

Personal Service

When you come to see us, you will always have service from the same person. Owners Ben and Barry are our optical dispensing professionals and have over 45 years experience in the optical industry between them. You can be sure that you will be looked after with every aspect of your eyewear by some of the best and most experienced in the business.

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optician handing over spectacles to a customer

Exclusive Access

We know that it can be daunting to be faced with racks of frames, so our friendly, knowledgeable team of optical professionals will guide you, help you to select frames that work well for you and will provide expert guidance on lenses and coatings.

  • You get the whole showroom to yourself – no more navigating around other people to choose your frames.
  • You will be seen immediately – no waiting times.
  • You get 100% of the attention from our expert team – no waiting for them to finish with someone else.
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Unbeatable value

We don’t provide eye tests for a reason. It’s expensive. The price of spectacles are always inflated to recoup lost costs at your typical opticians. We don’t need to do this because we don’t have to cover that expense. Which means that your glasses will always be more affordable with us, even for luxury, high end designer branded spectacle frame ranges, and the latest in high quality digital lens options.

Explore our Frame Collections

Meet The Speccies Team

We are an independent dispensing optician practice, owned by Ben and Barry, who have over 45 years optical industry experience between them.

Together with our small, friendly and highly capable team we have been providing quality eyewear in Basingstoke since 2007. We pride ourselves on our personal, professional service at a relaxed pace to ensure you get exactly what you are looking for.

You’re guaranteed a happy smile and expert optical advice, coupled with oodles of patience and integrity. He has an uncanny ability to find just the right frames for his customers! Ben started his optical career at the tender age of 17 and qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2012. He joined Speccies in 2015 and became Director in 2018. Ben enjoys supporting his local football team, cooking and DIY. He is an enthusiastic guitarist too! And of course, he loves taking long walks with his wife and their greyhounds.
Ben - The Creative One

Ben Huckle | Director and Dispensing Optician FdSc FBDO

The original founder of Speccies, Barry brings a wealth of optical experience gained from over 25 years in the industry. Barry’s experience and expertise as a dispenser, coupled with his commitment to service excellence will give you the confidence to know you’re in safe hands. Now semi-retired, Barry spends much of his time enjoying life in his Welsh home but he loves us so much, he returns to see customers at our showroom 2 days a week!
Barry - The Enterprising One

Barry Reid | Director and Dispensing Specialist

With over 40 years experience in client facing roles, Linda brings a calm professionalism to the practice. She thrives on giving high quality customer service and her organising skills are second to none! Linda looks after our systems and everyday tasks that enables Ben and Barry to focus on what really counts – you, our customers. Linda is also an author and is deep into writing her first novel on the days when she isn’t at Speccies.
Linda - The Calm One

Linda Huckle | Client Interaction & Directors Support

Although our customers never see Helen, she keeps a tight ship behind the scenes and is a vital member of the team. Bookkeeper extraordinaire, Helen is a stickler for detail and keeps our books, (and Barry!) in order. Helen loves walking on the beaches of Wales with her family and dog, Django.
Helen - The Conscientious One

Helen Reid | Bookkeeper

The team have to be careful to keep their lunch well away from Archer!
Archer - The Cheeky One

 

Quiet and gentle, Jasper charms us all.
Jasper - The Charming One

 

Our newest team member Speccled Jim, our mascot, makes us smile every time we see him. Check him out on our Instagram and Facebook pages to see what he has been up to.
Speccled Jim - The Cuddly One

 

We mustn’t forget Brian! He never takes holidays and sits in pride of place in our showroom. Look for him on the desk!
Brian - The Metallic One

 

Quiet and gentle, Nellie loves to say hello.
Nellie - The Cute One