Buchanan Optometrists

Buchanan Optometrists Kents most awarded optician. Voted Optometrist of the year, Independent practice, Technology practice and Individualised lens practice of the year

Nestled in the small community of Snodland, Kent, lies an unexpected powerhouse of ophthalmic excellence. Husband and wife team Alisdair and Kathryn Buchanan have been shortlisted in the top five for the National Optician Awards every year since 2008, and in 2012 they won the highly prestigious UK National Optician Award for Premium lens Practice of the year, 2013 saw them winning The UK National Optician Award for Technology Practice. As you might expect from this, their optometry practice boasts state of the art equipment, the finest lenses and best measuring systems available, but the real key to their success is simple- good old fashioned caring for the customer. Experts in the early detection of eye disease, they have the most modern equipment to support that expertise. Patients travel from all over the South of England for their expert opinion and beautiful spectacles. Once people experience Buchanan's level of care and service, they never want to go back to a cheap high street optician!

Blue-light glasses get talked about a lot - but the truth is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”.They can reduce gl...
04/03/2026

Blue-light glasses get talked about a lot - but the truth is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”.

They can reduce glare and improve comfort for some people, especially under harsh lighting. But they won’t magically fix eye strain if the real cause is dry eye, poor lighting, an incorrect prescription, focusing fatigue, or not taking breaks.

If screens leave your eyes sore or tired, we’ll help you work out what’s actually driving it - and whether the answer is lenses, dry eye treatment, workplace changes, or a combination.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book an eye assessment

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

Question: Have you tried blue-light lenses?

If you’re constantly moving glasses around the house - one pair for reading, one for the laptop, another for driving - i...
03/03/2026

If you’re constantly moving glasses around the house - one pair for reading, one for the laptop, another for driving - it gets exhausting.

Multifocal lenses are designed to give clear vision at all distances in one pair, but here’s the key:

Multifocals only work brilliantly when they’re measured and fitted properly.

Many people who “hate varifocals” weren’t given the wrong lens - they were given the right idea with the wrong measurements, rushed fitting, or unsuitable design.

At Buchanan Optometrists, we take the time to get it right: accurate measurements using advanced AI equipment, correct lens selection, and careful fitting based on how you actually use your vision day to day.

The goal isn’t just “acceptable” vision - it’s effortless vision.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to discuss multifocals

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

William Morris frames have that rare balance of quality and character - classic, but with just enough detail to feel spe...
02/03/2026

William Morris frames have that rare balance of quality and character - classic, but with just enough detail to feel special.

They’re a great choice if you’re tired of mass-produced styles that all feel the same, and want eyewear that looks refined but still has personality.

And the difference isn’t just the frame - it’s the way it’s dispensed. We’ll help you choose something that suits your face, your lifestyle, and your prescription, so it feels comfortable and looks right from every angle.

If you want glasses that feel like you the moment you put them on, this is a collection worth trying.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book a styling appointment

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

Kids don’t always say “I can’t see” - they just get tired, squint, avoid reading, or complain of headaches.Many children...
27/02/2026

Kids don’t always say “I can’t see” - they just get tired, squint, avoid reading, or complain of headaches.

Many children compensate well for vision changes, so problems can build quietly until schoolwork or confidence is affected.

Our children’s eye checks are relaxed, thorough, and designed to pick up early focusing issues and strain before they become bigger problems.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book a children’s eye test

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

26/02/2026

If your eye test is overdue, this is your gentle nudge to get it booked.

A proper eye examination isn’t just about updating glasses - it’s about checking your eye health, including early signs of changes in the retina, lens and eye pressure.

Most eye problems don’t start with obvious symptoms. That’s why regular checks matter.

At Buchanan Optometrists, we take the time to assess thoroughly - and explain everything clearly.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book your eye test.

If you get sore eyes at work, it’s easy to blame the screen - but overhead lighting and glare are often the real culprit...
23/02/2026

If you get sore eyes at work, it’s easy to blame the screen - but overhead lighting and glare are often the real culprit.

Bright office lights can contribute to strain and headaches, especially if your prescription is slightly off, your eyes are overcompensating, or dry eye is part of the picture.

We assess more than just “how many letters you can read”. We look at visual comfort, glare sensitivity and focusing effort - so you get a plan that actually fits real workdays.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book an eye assessment

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

Charles Stone frames are bold without being loud - and they’re one of those collections people put on and instantly feel...
18/02/2026

Charles Stone frames are bold without being loud - and they’re one of those collections people put on and instantly feel “more themselves”.

Lightweight, colourful, easy to wear - perfect if you want something different without going full statement piece.

We’ll help you choose frames that suit your style and work properly with your prescription and day-to-day life - so they look great and feel effortless.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book a styling appointment

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

Dry, watery, gritty eyes aren’t just annoying - they’re often a sign your tear film isn’t working properly.Dry eye isn’t...
16/02/2026

Dry, watery, gritty eyes aren’t just annoying - they’re often a sign your tear film isn’t working properly.

Dry eye isn’t always seasonal. It can flare up anytime due to:

heating or air con

screens and reduced blinking

wind and cold weather

long workdays and fatigue

If you’re relying on drops that only help for five minutes, it usually means the underlying cause hasn’t been identified.

At Buchanan Optometrists, our Dry Eye Clinic includes IDRA tear film imaging, so we can measure what’s happening rather than guess. For suitable patients, we also offer advanced treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) including IPL on our Envision platform, and radiofrequency (RF) eyelid treatment to support gland function and comfort.

📞 Call 01634 757227 to book a dry eye assessment

🌐 www.optometrists.co.uk

William Morris frames mix quality with character. They’re handmade, beautifully balanced and far from mass-produced. If ...
17/12/2025

William Morris frames mix quality with character. They’re handmade, beautifully balanced and far from mass-produced. If you want something classic with a twist, call 01634 757227 to come and try them on.

🏆 The official moment 🏆Sharing the official photo from Saturday’s Optician Awards, where Buchanan Optometrists & Audiolo...
15/12/2025

🏆 The official moment 🏆

Sharing the official photo from Saturday’s Optician Awards, where Buchanan Optometrists & Audiologists were named Hearing Care Practice of the Year.

An incredibly proud moment for our team — and one we’ll always be grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.

Kids spend more time on screens over Christmas - which means more chance of tired eyes and focusing issues. We offer chi...
15/12/2025

Kids spend more time on screens over Christmas - which means more chance of tired eyes and focusing issues. We offer children’s checks that pick up early signs of strain. Call 01634 757227 to book during the break.

13/12/2025

🏆 We are absolutely thrilled to share some amazing news! 🏆
Tonight at the Optician Awards in London, Buchanan Optometrists & Audiologists was named Hearing Care Practice of the Year — a truly incredible honour and a testament to the dedication, expertise and passion of our audiology team.

We’re also immensely proud that Alisdair Buchanan was awarded Runner-Up for Optometrist of the Year, placing nationally as a leader in 17,000 optometrists across the UK. An outstanding achievement and recognition of clinical excellence and patient-centred care.

To receive this level of national recognition means so much to us. Thank you to our amazing team for their hard work every single day, and to our wonderful patients for your continued trust and support — we couldn’t do this without you.

🏆 A night we’ll never forget. Thank you. 🏆

Address

Buchanan House, 56 Malling Road
Snodland
ME65NB

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+441634757227

Website

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