Blink Opticians FAQs

Blink is located at 80 Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4HS, right in the heart of the village. We are just a 5-minute drive from Stirling City Centre and easily accessible from Dunblane and the surrounding Forth Valley area.

Yes, there is plenty of free on-street parking directly on Henderson Street and the surrounding side streets. Our location makes it easy to pop in for an appointment and enjoy the local shops and cafes afterwards.

We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays and local public holidays.

Yes, comprehensive eye examinations are free under the NHS for all residents of Scotland. We recommend having your eyes tested every two years, or as advised by our optometrists.

We pride ourselves on being one of the most technologically advanced independent opticians in Stirling. Our exams can include:

• Optomap Ultra-widefield Imaging: Captures 82% of your retina in a single image.

• OCT (3D Eye Scan): Allows us to see beneath the surface of the eye to detect Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration years earlier than standard tests.

• Slit Lamp Photography: To monitor the health of the front of your eye in high definition.

Becoming a patient at Blink is simple and stress-free. There are no lengthy registration forms to fill out beforehand - simply book your first eye examination with us, and we will take care of the rest. During your first visit, we’ll create your digital patient record, discuss your ocular history, and get to know your unique vision needs.

We offer two easy ways to book your visit to our Bridge of Allan practice:

• Book Online: Use our secure online booking system to choose a date and time that suits you.

• Call Us: Speak to our reception team on 01786 832061.

To help the team provide the best care, please bring:

• Your current glasses (and your most recent prescription if you have it).

• A list of any current medications.

• Your contact lens details (if you are a wearer).

• Any questions you have about your vision or new frame styles!

Yes. We are specialists in Visual Stress assessments and Colourimetry. If you or your child experience headaches, "moving text," or glare when reading, make an appointment and we’ll see if we can help.

We stock a unique selection of boutique and high-end frames that you won't find in big high-street chains. Our current collections include Tom Ford, Woodys, Lindberg, Silhouette, Morel, Etnia Barcelona, Maui Jim, Oakley and Ray-Ban.

Yes. At Blink, we are proud to be Nikon Lens Specialists. We use Nikon’s world-class optical technology to ensure your glasses provide the sharpest, most precise vision possible.

Absolutely. We offer a full contact lens service, including initial trials, fittings, and teaching for new wearers. We stock all major brands, including CooperVision and Acuvue, to suit every prescription

As an independent optician in Bridge of Allan, we aren't limited by head-office targets. This means Laura, Mandy, and the team spend more time with you, providing a truly personalised service in a relaxed, non-clinical environment. You'll see the same familiar faces every time you visit.

If you experience sudden vision loss, new flashes, or a painful red eye, call us immediately at 01786 832061. We have a direct Teleophthalmology link to the Forth Valley Ophthalmology department for urgent referrals and expert advice.

Myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming more common in children. Myopia Management involves using specialist lenses and treatments to slow down the progression of short-sightedness. At Blink, we focus on this because reducing the rate of myopia helps protect your child’s eye health, lowering the risk of serious conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma later in life.

Early intervention is key. If your child is becoming more short-sighted each year, we recommend a consultation as soon as possible - typically from age 6 upwards. As specialists in Myopia Management in Stirling, we monitor your child's "axial length" (the growth of the eye) to determine the best time to start treatment.

We offer the latest evidence-based solutions to slow down eye growth, including:

• HOYA MiYOSMART Lenses: Innovative spectacle lenses that look like normal glasses but use D.I.M.S. technology to manage myopia.

• CooperVision MiSight® 1 day: The first soft contact lenses proven to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children.