This is for the continued protection of all our patients and staff. If you or anyone in your household has a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste, please do not attend the practice. We are Ashford's independent go-to family optical practice, enhancing the visual quality of our patients lives through excellent clinical care and specialist optometry.
Optical practices have been advised to remain open for essential and routine eye care in accordance with guidance from our Professional Bodies and Public Health England.
Optical practices have been advised to remain open for essential and routine eye care in accordance with guidance from our Professional Bodies and Public Health England.
Services
Since 1928, Brownbills are proud to have been providing expertise in eye care to all patients with a clear focus on patient care and individual service excellence. We are proud to be an independent local optician, and according to the experts at consumer body Which?, our pride is well-founded.
In a comprehensive survey of UK opticians, independents topped the table with an average customer score of 87 per cent - significantly outperforming every national chain of opticians.
In a comprehensive survey of UK opticians, independents topped the table with an average customer score of 87 per cent - significantly outperforming every national chain of opticians.
The history of Brownbills goes back to the cinque port of Rye in Sussex where a gentleman by the name of Mr. Angus started his ophthalmic practice. In the late 1920s he took the decision to move his business to Ashford. Its new home was a 1860s 3 story building on the lower end of Bank Street, in the centre of the growing market town.
Our longest serving practicing Optometrist, Dr Huw Pinney has gained a wealth of experience since graduating from City University in 1984 and gaining his Doctorate in Visual Science in 1992. Having worked in practices across South London and Kent, Huw and his wife Helen became the owners of Brownbills Optometrists in 1994.
As your local independent optician, our experienced team of Optometrists are renowned for their comprehensive eye examinations. Since opening in Ashford in the early 1920's, our dedicated team have utilised tried and tested techniques alongside state-of-the-art technology such as our OCT, Optomap and DNEye Scanner to provide you with the highest quality of eye care services.
At Brownbills Optometrists we're proud to be the only Opticians in Kent offering this revolutionary benefit to our patients. Experience the revolutionary eyesight test with the Rodenstock DNEye Scanner. Unique in the world with more than 7,000 measurement points transferred into your individual lens.
Reviews (9)
Barney O'Kelly
Oct 28, 2021
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I've typically used well known high street opticians and been pretty happy with the service. But the experience at Brownbills was altogether different. The whole process of buying a couple of pairs of spectacles and a pair of sunglasses was an absolute pleasure. The advice Jack gave me and the level of attention he paid to ensuring the glasses fit perfectly was superb.
Having been a glasses wearer for 30 years this visit opened my eyes (pun well and truly intended) to what I should have been expecting from an opticians for a long time.
Having been a glasses wearer for 30 years this visit opened my eyes (pun well and truly intended) to what I should have been expecting from an opticians for a long time.
George Herd
Oct 06, 2021
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Jacqui Davies
Oct 01, 2021
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Ginny Sage
Sep 21, 2021
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As with previous reviews, I wish I’d visited Brownbills sooner. The whole experience from booking to collection of my new glasses was outstanding.
Unlike with other chain opticians, they made me feel very valued as a customer and at no point did I feel rushed or pushed into making any decisions.
As I now need varifocals, they took time to explain the benefit of switching and one day in, I know it was the right advice.
It’s also clear from the demeanour of all the team, that they enjoy working there and take pride in providing a great customer experience.
Thank you to all the team.
Unlike with other chain opticians, they made me feel very valued as a customer and at no point did I feel rushed or pushed into making any decisions.
As I now need varifocals, they took time to explain the benefit of switching and one day in, I know it was the right advice.
It’s also clear from the demeanour of all the team, that they enjoy working there and take pride in providing a great customer experience.
Thank you to all the team.
Michael Cuss
Sep 06, 2021
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I popped into Brownbills recently with my bent glasses hoping to get them straightened. Everywhere else had said it wasn't possible as the frame would snap. Alan took a look and said no problem, he straightened them perfectly in just 10 minutes and then refused to take any payment from me !
Great customer service and I can see why it's always so busy there. I will be back for my next pair of glasses !
Great customer service and I can see why it's always so busy there. I will be back for my next pair of glasses !
Kate Sneejack
Sep 02, 2021
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Heidi De Winter
Sep 01, 2021
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I've been a customer at Brownbills for a number of years. My family and I go there for all our eye check-ups and our children's glasses. All the staff are very kind and professional.
However, this time I couldn't find a frame I liked. I was never pressured into buying a frame but Sarah went above and beyond in helping me find one. It took several visits and quite some time but eventually she found a pair of bright and funky glasses that I love! She really understands how important it is that, when you have to wear your glasses every minute of every day, they should suit your face and personality
However, this time I couldn't find a frame I liked. I was never pressured into buying a frame but Sarah went above and beyond in helping me find one. It took several visits and quite some time but eventually she found a pair of bright and funky glasses that I love! She really understands how important it is that, when you have to wear your glasses every minute of every day, they should suit your face and personality
Heather Miller
Jul 22, 2021
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Terry Sully
Jun 25, 2021
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Decided to try an independent Optician and as Brownbills displayed an above average reviews.
The examination was though selection of frames and quality of lenses were more than adequate for my needs not cheap but worth the cost. Having worn my new glasses for around a month I have found them superior to my old pair and a lot of the problems? Maybe more frustrations have evaporated.
Yes I will be returning in the future and entrust my eye care to them.
The examination was though selection of frames and quality of lenses were more than adequate for my needs not cheap but worth the cost. Having worn my new glasses for around a month I have found them superior to my old pair and a lot of the problems? Maybe more frustrations have evaporated.
Yes I will be returning in the future and entrust my eye care to them.
