Crystal Eye Centre were first out the gate to say “come see us!” when I started this series of buying one thing from every shop on the Crystal Palace triangle, a year ago today.
They also said I don’t have to buy anything but excuse me I think you’ll find I do, it’s all clearly documented in the rules. So I’ve been waiting for my eyes to deteriorate some more before I could take them up on their warm invitation. Good news – they have! 👀
The shop
Crystal Eye Centre is nestled between Rush (hair salon) and Edo (Japanese restaurant) on Westow Hill.
These days they’ve got a new rival just round the corner in R Woodfall, but Crystal Eye Centre has been the area’s local independent opticians since 1993 (under its current ownership since 2007) – so I’m sticking with them as my optician of choice. That said, I will have to cheat on them at some point for this blog. Those pesky rules!
The look of the shop itself is also a bit special, with striking original green wall tiles from its time as a sausage and pie shop, Kennedys, from 1934 to 1993. Wow, such diligent research! (It’s here on their own website).
The people
The business has been jointly owned by Anand Gosrani and Lucy Uddin since 2007.
Anand did my eye exam, and is a gent. A passionate, patient pro with a lovely manner and generous with his explanations and advice. “Better or worse?” You couldn’t ask for better.
Keith, Siobhann and another lady (whose name I didn’t get – will fix it in post) provide amazing customer service and impeccable advice on choosing the best frames to suit your face. As is evidenced by the parade of Beautiful Person of the Week pics on their Instagram.
The machines are impressive too, not least the sci-fi talking Visioffice tower that measures you and your frames up for accurate varifocal lenses.
The many things
Here are a few snaps of the interior. Unlikely to win any Opticians Photographer of the Year awards. For better pics see James Balston’s post from 2012.
The one thing
I bought the ability to see!
Which is technically one thing as per the rules, but in three parts: a pair of varifocals for distance and reading (repurposing the reading glasses they sold me a few years ago), an intermediate pair for screen use, and new lenses in my favourite sunglasses so I’ve got all bases covered.
It’s a cliché – but I had no idea how fuzzy the world had become, and I’m loving how clear and sharp it is now!
The new frames are both Jensen Black, with clear grey rims and arms. I love them, and I’ve had many compliments on them – all thanks to the pro advice of the Crystal Eye Centre team.
Crystal Eye Centre is at 20 Westow Hill, London SE19 1RX.
