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!
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.
