GOING to the opticians can often be a thankless task which many people put off in their fast-paced lives.

If getting an eye test too, the duration of a trip can take up to an hour and that is without the long wait that follows for your new glasses.

I once waited more than a fortnight to be sent a text saying my glasses were finally ready to be collected. Imagine if I had lost my previous pair!

A new company in Bradford reckons it can make a new pair of glasses in the time it takes to do your shopping.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Truesmiths Eyecare, in Idle, aims to provide a fresh pair of single lens specs on site in less than 30 minutes.

The 1000sq ft store is in the middle of the Morrisons store in Enterprise 5; the idea being your new glasses could be prepared while you are completing a food shop.

This sounded like a good deal - so we decided to put the service to the test.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by four members of staff who asked about my history.

I had forgotten to bring my prescription so I had to go through an eye test before Truesmiths Eyecare could get cracking.

The company is trialling a piece of tech which means the days of the optician going through a number of lenses to see which best suits you may be a thing of the past. The Chronos is an automated binocular refraction system which allows for a quicker vision test.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Trying out the innovative ChronosTrying out the innovative Chronos

It turns out my sight had sadly got slightly worse from the last time I was tested, so some new glasses would be needed.

Technology has come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of decades. Previously, lenses were fitted into a frame by hand, now machines are used, and you can see this process up close in this store.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A lens being compressed ready to fit the frameA lens being compressed ready to fit the frame

It took about a quarter of an hour for co-manager Laura Pearce to fix me up with my new pair.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Laura has 19 years industry experience, including previously owning a group of opticians practices based in Yorkshire.

Truesmiths Eyecare has only been open a month, but she has high expectations for the company.

Laura said: “From initial design to opening day, we knew our customers would really appreciate what we were proposing. This flagship store holds the definite potential to be replicated in many other towns across the country.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Laura with the strongest lens Truesmiths have availableLaura with the strongest lens Truesmiths have available

“Truesmiths was built from extensive knowledge of what the consumer needs and wants. We provide an optician’s practice that truly fits into a busy lifestyle.

“We believe in honesty, great customer service, convenience and competitive prices. Alongside cutting-edge technology, these values lead the way in a bright future for Truesmiths.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Glasses are from £45 and a two for one deal applies to their £65-£110 ranges. Prescription sunglasses are from £65 and there is no extra charge for anti-glare coating. A free eye test is also available once you have purchased your pair.

In a industry where convenience seems to have slipped, Truesmiths Eyecare have made it their top priority.