FAQs
How do Taank’s glasses differ from other opticians?
We love glasses and want you to love them every bit as much. That’s why we only stock eyewear and lenses from the world’s finest, most exciting designers to exceed your expectations every time. Increasingly, we specialise in sustainable frames, including aluminium, ethically-sourced buffalo horn, wood, and bio-acetates.
We also stock premium quality frames crafted using an array of traditional materials. Our partner brands are passionate about great eyewear design and are leading the charge for sustainable materials and manufacturing practices that emphasise quality over quantity.
Where do your frames come from?
We source our frames from ateliers and design studios, mainly around Europe. Your new glasses could herald from Italy, Germany, Denmark, France, and Austria, to name a few.
Do my glasses come with a guarantee?
Yes! Our designers offer a manufacturing guarantee with their frames. The details differ from brand to brand, but they’re usually covered for two years from your order date. Our lenses also carry a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
How often do you get new frames in stock?
All the time. We always keep one of each frame in stock and keep things fresh by ordering new stock from the latest collections. That way, you enjoy a range of beautiful new frames to look at each time you visit. We may enjoy shopping for glasses a little too much!
Top 9 things to know before choosing an optician
Researching an optician (or optometrist) who stocks knockout eyewear can be a challenge. In the same way that every client is different, every optician differs, too. How do you distinguish between a good optician and a great one? Or between an optician who places equal value on clinical expertise and on-trend, fashionable frames? How do you find one that meets your values and provides sustainable, eco-friendly options? Fear not; we have the answers.
- Length of Eye Exam
The average length of time many opticians in the UK spend on eye exams is 20 minutes. A great optician will invest time in getting to know you, your lifestyle, preferences, even the kind of work you do, which is why our eye exams take 45 minutes, including a thorough clinical assessment. That way, you know you’re getting advice tailored to your precise needs, and you’ll leave the practice with a thorough understanding of the recommended care. - The Eyewear
The label ‘designer’ does not guarantee quality. Many are mass-produced and stamped with a designer logo, giving you a mainstream, generic product. Only a select few independent opticians source and stock premium eyewear created by small design companies that are passionate about craftsmanship, special materials, and head-turning style. At Taank, we have long-term relationships with all of our niche brands. We handpick every collection. We’ve visited their production facilities, we host trunk shows, and meet with designers at European optical fairs. This means we’re always one step ahead regarding trends and quality control. So, be sure to ask your optician where they source their frames. Great ones will always regale you with tales of their travels to Milan, Paris, and Copenhagen, all with the sole aim of bringing the world’s best frames to you. - Do They Offer Free Styling Consultations (Without Obligation or Pressure to Buy)
Picking frames should be fun, but people often find the process time-consuming and overwhelming. A great optician will go to lengths to make the process pleasurable, engaging, and, ultimately, rewarding. When you receive expert advice, you get to choose your frames with confidence. No more head scratching and wavering between multiple pairs that don’t make you feel fantastic. During your styling consultation, we’ll ask about your work, lifestyle, activities, etc. Then we’ll hold your hand through the decision-making process, considering your face shape and colouring. A great optician will ensure that your styling experience takes place in a no-pressure, relaxed setting in the company of an expert. We know that finding your perfect frames takes careful thought and consideration–and you should never feel obliged to buy anything after receiving this service. - Are They Truly Experts?
To remain registered and able to carry out eye exams, optometrists must be professionally qualified and undertake continued education and training annually. Anjana works in the Glaucoma Clinic at Addenbrooke/s Hospital and is continuously updating her skills to meet the demands of this role. Our other optometrists undergo ongoing training to meet the high clinical standards required at Taank. And what about the people who help you choose glasses after your eye exam? Taank’s expert stylists are specially trained directly by eyewear designers and have years of experience helping clients choose frames and lenses. They visit the European trade shows, are heavily involved in selecting our collections, and are passionate about working with the best, most exciting eyewear brands. In short, a great optician will only employ eyewear geeks who are obsessive about frames and all things optical. - Do They Have Style?
Everyone who wears glasses wants to look good, feel confident, and make a great impression. To some opticians, eyewear is functional, and style is overlooked entirely. Great opticians value style. Take a look around. Has your optician invested time and energy in creating a beautiful environment? How do they present themselves? Do they have a passion and flair for good design when they advise on frames? It’s not superficial–these are important cues that indicate whether your optician cares about matching your sense of style. - Do They Give Your Free Flexible Payment Options?
A great optician will guide you in finding the best possible frames and give you several payment options. Everyone is different in terms of how much they want to invest in eyewear, so we ensure free, flexible payment options to suit all needs. Since you’ll be wearing your new glasses for a few years, the best opticians give you the option to spread payments over three to six months–without extra costs, interests, or credit checks. For example, at Taank, we want to make buying new frames as easy as possible–from making sure your coffee is as you like it to choosing how you’d like to pay. - Do They Have a Great Reputation?
What are people saying about them? Does your optician have five-star reviews from happy customers? Do they have a handful of generic testimonials or many sincere and enthusiastic ones? Do a little homework by checking their website and Google and Facebook reviews. Taank is proud to have more than 200 five-star reviews across Google and Facebook. - Are They Highly Successful?
One marker of a popular optician is how busy they are. At Taank, we’ve looked after the eye health of thousands of clients here in Cambridge for more than 21 years. It’s a business built on referrals. And people don’t enthusiastically refer if they feel let down or disappointed. Instead, they tell their friends and family about great opticians because we’ve earned their trust by never cutting corners, and they’re delighted with our customer service. Clients know that they’re in great hands. - What Do They Stand For?
If you’re looking for quality and expertise, you’ll need to seek out an optician who can deliver. It’s important to get an understanding of what your optician stands for. At Taank, we stand behind the following six promises:- We stock the highest quality frames and lenses so your eyewear stands the test of time.
- Our eyewear collections are the latest our brands have to offer. They represent the best independent, niche eyewear design anywhere in the world, all under one roof.
- We invest in state-of-the-art lenses that deliver the greatest comfort and sharpest vision.
- We supply specialist eyewear in limited quantities to ensure exclusivity to our clients.
- We invest in industry research, ongoing training and professionally qualified eyewear experts to ensure you get the best possible care and guidance.
- You’ll receive friendly, personal, and helpful customer service every single time.
What’s the difference between an optometrist and an optician?
You’re likely to encounter one of three types of eye care specialists when maintaining or experiencing problems with your sight:
- Optometrist: When you have an eye exam, you’ll see an optometrist. Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, these highly trained eye care specialists are focused specifically on eye health. They detect eye diseases and manage certain eye conditions. They’ll look out for defects in your vision, picking up signs of injury and abnormalities. They make overall health assessments and give you clinical advice, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Dispensing Optician: Dispensing opticians advise, supply, and fit eyewear that suits you, your lifestyle, and your vocational needs. They’re also highly skilled professionals with a knowledge of styling, repairs, and adjustments of glasses.
- Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmologists are surgical and medical specialists who perform eye operations. You’ll typically find them in hospital eye departments, but they also perform private work.
Confusion arises because the word ‘optician’ is used as a catch-all term for both optometrists (who look after eye health, detect disease and perform eye exams) and dispensing opticians who style and adjust frames and perform repairs.
At Taank, we have experienced optometrists and dispensing opticians, so you get the best of both worlds.
How often should I have my eyes tested?
It varies from person to person. We usually suggest every two years, but your optometrist may want to see you annually if they believe it’s in your best interest.
How long will my eye exam take?
Our eye exams take approximately 40 mins. We usually recommend you allow one hour and 30 minutes for your exam, additional tests and scans, and choosing frames.
What will my eye exam involve?
Our sight test is fully comprehensive, so we take time to get to know you and your eyes better. During your exam, your optometrist will chat with you to find out more about your lifestyle, optical requirements, spectacle history, and symptoms. After an in-depth eye exam using state-of-the-art hospital-grade equipment, they’ll advise on the best treatment and eye care.
Can I use my spectacle prescription to buy contact lenses?
Spectacle and contact lens prescriptions are different. Additional tests are needed to determine your contact lens prescription. Before ordering contact lenses, ensure you have an up-to-date contact lens and spectacle prescription.
Do you take prescriptions for glasses from other opticians?
We’re always delighted to accept prescriptions from other opticians. If you have a prescription and want to speak to one of our dispensing team about booking a consultation, please contact us. We’ll happily talk you through the best options for your specific needs.
How will my styling/dispensing appointment work?
When you come in for your styling appointment, you’ll sit down with one of our dispensers to discuss styles, colours, brands, and shapes you like. Our dispenser will then pick out frames that meet your preferences and help you select stylish, practical frames to suit your face shape.
How long will it take for my glasses to arrive?
Glasses typically take two to three weeks to arrive. If you need them urgently, we’ll always try our best to expedite them, but we can’t promise to have them sooner.
Who qualifies for free eye exams?
You don’t always have to have a private eye exam—for many people, they’re free! You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are:
- Under 16
- Aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- 60 or over
- Registered as partially sighted or blind
- Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- 40 or over and a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- Advised by an ophthalmologist that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- Incarcerated people on leave
- Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (ask your eye care specialist whether you’re entitled)
You may also be entitled if you or your partner (including civil partners) receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone receiving:
- Claim Income Support
- Claim Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Claim Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Claim Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
- If you’re entitled to or named on:
- A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (if you don’t have a certificate, just show your award notice), or receive Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- A valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test.
We provide NHS patients with an optional enhanced examination that includes OCT imaging for just £50 (a private exam including OCT typically costs £85). Please ask us for further details.
Is Taank wheelchair accessible?
Yes. In addition to our second floor, we have examination rooms on the first floor. All dispensing appointments are located on the first floor for convenience.
Where do I park?
The closest parking to Taank is the Gwydir Street car park. Please be aware that you can pay using a card or app or by making a quick call to a local-rate number. Cash payments aren’t accepted.
