Independent Eyewear

We are passionate about independent, original and curated eyewear from around the globe.

No lables. No Logos. No mass-production.

"Your eyewear should not be about just a brand name or logo stamped at the temple/side of a frame, but about a personal statement, a physical enhancement, and a representation of the wearer themselves."

Here at Gray & Bull, for over 200 years we have been striving to bring you the very best quality, style, asthetics and service. Our role is to help you look past the familiar lables, both in terms of eyewear brands and your perception of yourself. Rather than only giving you what you want, we offer unique options you never knew were available and give you something more, something you never knew you wanted. Give yourself permission to be surprised and see yourself in a whole new light.

Our staff of Dispensing Optician, Optometrists and Optical Assistants have years of experience in finding frames that fit each individual's facial features and personality as well as determining the very best ophthalmic lenses for the widest range of prescriptions.

Our expert staff love to share the stories of each of our chosen independent brands. We remain the authority in independent lines in Nottingham.

To learn more, visit, call or email us.

Exclusive Collections by

Anne et Valentin, Barton Perreira, Face a Face, Jacques Marie Mage, Moscot, Mykita, Mylon, Theo

Accoutrements

Customised clip-ons, Cords, Chains, Magnifiers plus so much more...

Still not sure?

We are certain that a visit to Gray & Bull will not dissapoint.

We have put together our "Top Ten Reasons to Choose Gray & Bull". There are more reasons, but we thought that 10 was a nice round number.

To request a FREE link to the "Top 10 Reasons...", please complete your details below.

Or you can call us on 0115 9418121 to request a FREE copy to be sent to you in the post. You are under no obligation to buy from us, but when you see our fantastic frame and ophthalmic lens choices, you will not want to look elsewhere.

So what are you waiting for? Start your journey with Gray & Bull today by completing your details below.

Testimonials

J. Kidd - Sep '17

I chose Gray & Bull as it is local and popular with friends. Excellent sercice - very friendly and efficient.

 

 

I. Jones - Sep '17

I have been coming to Gray & Bull for 50 years and would never go anywhere else.

 

 

R. Ellis - Sep '17

Great selection of frames offered. Much more personal and professional than other opticians.

 

 

R. Skermer - Sep '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their location and the look of the shop exterior. They are excellent. I had great help in choosing my frames and they made me feel at ease.

 

 

L. Wood - Sep '17

They have a great selection of frames. They are really helpful and friendly in helping me choose a new frame. Thank you!

 

 

N. Pacey - Sep '17

I chose Gray & Bull as they are always available. They have a fantastic choice of frames, not the usual high street glasses. They offer a great personal service. Friendly and efficient staff.

 

 

P. Mace - Sep '17

I am a long standing customer of Gray & Bull. They offer a very efficient service. I have never been to any other opticians as Gray & Bull are excellent - nice warm atmosphere and friendly staff.

 

 

D. Melbourne - Sep '17

I have used Gray & Bull in the past - they are brilliant. My overall experience was excellent. Amy was so helpful. I will always recommend Gray & Bull.

 

 

F. Ryan - Sep '17

The range of brands is what drew me to look at the store. Purchasing here was down to the fantastic service received from Amy. Personal touch is appreciated.

 

 

P. Dixon - Sep '17

I am a regular customer to Gray & Bull. They have excellent customer service and a great choice of frames.

 

 

S. Harraway - Sep '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their reputation, quality of service and product range. Amy was friendly and helpful. Much more friendly and personal service. It's nice to be recognised and known by name. It's a great location and a great building. Can't wait to see the refurb.

 

 

T. Gospel - Sep '17

I was recommended by a friend to come to Gray & Bull. Excellent service - Top staff. They are better than the rest. This has been my best experience in an opticians.

 

 

P. Conway - Aug '17

I first started coming to Gray & Bull two years ago after finding the shop when I walked past. I've never been to another opticians since. Great service!

 

 

S. Preston - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of the heritage and reputation of the shop as well as the range of limited edition frames and the quality of those frames. The experience I had was excellent! Great optom and sales support.

 

 

J. Abbott - Aug '17

I have been coming to Gray & Bull for years because it's an independent and gives a personal service.

 

 

R. Forth - Aug'17

I was recommended to use Gray & Bull by A. Berman. The staff are friendly, helpful and give great service.

 

 

N. Tolliday - Aug '17

I have brought glasses and had eye tests before at Gray & Bull. The staff are really helpful and friendly and they have a great selection of frames. I have visited other opticians in London before but Gray & Bull rule. Thank you!

 

 

M. Dennis - Aug '17

I have been coming to Gray & Bull for years, never been anywhere else and never would. They were all very kind.

 

 

A. Thomas - Aug '17

I found Gray & Bull when passing by. They were a great help in finding glasses. The experience was great and they gave great advice.

 

 

A. Longden & M. Longden

We chose Gray & Bull as we were following in our parents footsteps. Three generations have now used Gray & Bull. The experience was very good. Standard of testing and duty of care first rate. Feel looked after, much better than other opticians. The confidence that comes from knowing professional and exacting standards are applied is hugely important when dealing with our eyesight.

 

 

S. Rajakaruna - Aug '17

I was walkin past and saw that Gray & Bull was a very established business. Very good experience.

 

 

A. Berman - Aug '17

Excellent opticians and the best selection of frames I've ever seen including New York City. I love you all! xoxoxo

 

 

J. Parry - Aug '17

I was recommended to come to Gray & Bull by my daughter. They are much more professional compared to other opticians. Good atmosphere.

 

 

A. White - Aug '17

I was recommended to come to Gray & Bull. I have already received compliments on my glasses, having only been wearing them for a few hours. Staff were happy to spend many hours with me while I chose my glasses. The choice at Gray & Bull is far more wide ranging than other high street opticians.

 

 

P. Parry - Aug '17

I was recommended to come to Gray & Bull by a friend. I saw the glasses I wanted and thought they were fabulous and stylish. Excellent customer service. I will definately come again. Gray & Bull is more than JUST an opticians.

 

 

J. G. White - Aug '17

My wife recommended Gray & Bull when it first became obvious that I needed glasses. I have always found the service and attention to detail, excellent.

 

 

C.Shield - Aug '17

I was recommended by various contacts. I found the experience much, much better compared to other opticians. I felt all the staff were interested to make sure I have effective lenses. I will recommend you to others. Thank you!

 

 

K. Henley - Aug '17

Many thanks to the staff at Gray & Bull, Pelham Street, Nottingham for 5 star service. The urgent repair to my glasses was carried out in store with the expertise and friendly help that again emphasizes my choice of Gray & Bull as the opticians for Nottingham.

 

 

M. Thompson - Aug '17

The service given when my daughters bought their glasses was amazing and I decided to buy my next pair at Gray & Bull. The staff knew the glasses that would suit as soon as they met me - they were 100% correct. Much better service than other opticians. I felt the staff listened to me and helped me 100%. All I can say is just "Thank You".

 

 

J. Kobub - Aug '17

Gray & Bull have more helpful staff than other opticians that have I been to. Great service.

 

 

E. Matthews - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their large choice of Ray-Bans in the window. There was so much choice that I had to go to a cafe to think. Great experience. Thank you!

 

 

K. Thompson - Aug '17

They have the best glasses in Nottingham! Amy was very helpful and put up with how indecisive I was. Amazing experience. I felt like they spent time getting exactly what I wanted and made me feel very special. A massive thank you to the entire team.

 

 

M. King - Aug '17

The team at Gray & Bull were great. Very helpful. My experience was fab, it's a great shop.

 

 

J. Bell - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their good reputation. I found the service to be very good.

 

 

P. Turner - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull for the traditional service. They give personal care and attention. I am always well treated.

 

 

J. Garner - Aug '17

Excellent experience.

 

 

C. Bunker - Aug '17

I was recommended by a family member. I found the staff to be very helpful and professional (especially Mark who is always very helpful).

 

 

S. Bacha - Aug '17

I was recommended by my wife. Very good experience compared to other opticians.

 

 

K. Hutchinson - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of the professional nature of the company. They were very reassuring, everybody I dealt with was very friendly.

 

 

T. Scutt - Aug '17

They were very attentive and professional. My partner used then previously and my mother-in-law is a customer also. Extensive eye test and thorough investigation of frames and lenses. I was impressed at the service. All the staff were very knowledgable and helpful.

 

 

L. Thompson - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull as I bought my glasses from them last time and they're really good quality. This time I decided to get my eyesight tested there too. Gray and Bull are so much better. I felt listened to and there's a great selection. Thank you!

 

 

S. Davin - Aug '17

I do not like chain stores and chose Gray & Bull because of the traditional appearance of the practice. They are much better than the multiples.

 

 

S. Clark - Aug '17

I came to Gray & Bull for their personal service and care. They were excellent and extremely helpful when helping me choose the correct frames and lenses. Thanks.

 

 

S. Robinson - Aug '17

I have been coming to Gray & Bull for many years. I chose them because they are an independent practice and they give good advice.

 

 

D. Elston - Aug '17

I chose Gray & Bull as they are an independent and not part of a large chain. I found my experiance to be personal, professional and friendly

 

 

J. Woodward - Jul '17

My previous optician was a small independent business. When he retired I wanted the same. Excellent eye test and efficient service, quicker than my previous optician. I hope to continue at Gray & Bull.

 

 

L. Underhill - Jul '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of the services offered. I wanted an Oakley prescription lens from an independent optician. I found the team to be friendly and helpful. Thanks!

 

 

G. Burrage - Jul '17

I was recommended by friends. Other people love my glasses and ask where I got them from. I found the experiance relaxed, thorough. I was really satisfied. Thank you!

 

 

L. Stafford - Jul '17

I saw the sign for Ray-Ban precription lenses in the window. Great service and a very good experience. I was kept well informed.

 

 

D. Rollinson & I. Rollinson - Jul '17

We have used Gray & Bull for over 25 years. Since Sheeraz took over the frames are better than ever. They always strive to obtain what we want. They have the best selection of frames outside London. Gray & Bull staff are more knowledgeable than any other opticians. Excellent receptionist in Carly, and professional fitting service.

 

 

M. Slack - Jul '17

I was recommended by a friend many years ago and have been coming to Gray & Bull ever since. I am always satisfied with the service.

 

 

D. Franks - Jul '17

Great location and best selection of frames (Tom Ford and Persol). Better personal service and friendly staff.

 

 

D. Holloway - Jul '17

I have been coming to Gray & Bull for several years. They are always helpful and nice to deal with. Family and friends recommend them too.

 

 

S. Williams - Jul '17

I chose Gray & Bull because I knew they sold designer frames. I found the staff were very helpful and they gave good advice in choosing frames.

 

 

P. Conergan - Jul '17

I chose Gray & Bull as I was recommended by a friend. I found the overall experience excellent. Very friendly service. A very pleasant experience.

 

 

E. Parry - Jul '17

I chose Gray & Bull as I have used them before. They have the funkiest frames in Nottingham. I found my overall experience excellent. Very professional, attentive and assured. The assistants who helped me choose my frames were brilliant!

 

 

L. Lacey - Jul '17

I have been a long standing customer of Gray & Bull. My overall experience is all good, very helpful.

 

 

S. Gibson - Jul '17

I've been shopping at Gray & Bull for many years and have never been to another optician (and I have no plans to start either). I'm very happy with the overall service and the quality of the product.

 

 

L. Cashin - Jun '17

rspcts.

 

 

K. Henley - Jun '17

Quality service from quality opticians.

 

 

A. Sargent - Jun '17

My overall experience was wonderful, with each staff member making an effort to cater for what I was looking for.

 

 

A. Tatton - Jun '17

Excellent opticians. Very personal service.

 

 

A. Hama - Jun '17

We have been going for over 30 years! Very good, personal service!

 

 

N. Barrard - Jun '17

I chose Gray & Bull as I have found previously that they do a better range of glasses than other stores in Nottingham. After waiting over an hour to gain someones attention in a rival opticians my husband advised me to go to Gray & Bull. As soon as I walked into the shop Amy was amazing. She helped pick my glasses and was fantastic. I found the service from everyone at Gray & Bull fantastic. Amy was professional, friendly and very helpful and Jon talked me through the lenses. I felt the service was tailored to me. I will never go anywhere else to get my glasses.

 

 

R. Hunt - Jun '17

I saw the lovely range of frames in the window. I found the overall experience with Gray & Bull to be excellent. Great eye test, very personal service and the ladies in the front of house were very helpful and friendly.

 

 

M. Taylor - Jun '17

I came into Gray & Bull for a browse and was very impressed by the stock. I have had loads of comments on the glasses I chose (my 12 year old granson even gave me thumbs up). I found Gray & Bull more personal compared to other opticians and less pushy. The staff were very friendly and helpful and I was made to feel very comfortable.

 

 

A. Sargent - Jun '17

I had walked past the shop and had been attracted to the frames various times. They have a huge variety of frames that you can't find on the high street. Wonderful experience. Lots of feedback from all the staff. Each made an effort to cater to what I was looking for. Thank you very much!

 

 

C. Frake - Jun '17

I like the style of the frames on offer. Great service.

 

 

J. Bethell - Jun '17

I was looking on the internet for glasses that were different, that's when I found Gray & Bull. They gave great customer care (and also a nice brew!). Cheers.

 

 

M. Rathmell - Jun '17

I came to Gray & Bull as I was looking for sunglasses. I found the experiance very good. Amy and the rest of the staff were very helpful. Nothing was too much trouble.

 

 

J. Manly - Jun '17

You get a personal service. They do not rush you through in about an hour (unlike some multiples). I was asked by a friend why I was still wearing my sunglasses inside - they were so comfy I forgot I had them on. I feel with Gray & Bull you are properly looked after by professionals all the way from testing to fitting. Gray & Bull only have the highest quality products.

 

 

A. Davis - Jun '17

I love my glasses. They are the best I have ever seen. Brilliant experience.

 

 

P. Handley - May '17

Thoroughly recommend Gray & Bull in Notts, superb customer service from start to finish.

 

 

P. Edwards - May '17

They sold the glasses that I was after (a very good range). I had been looking for glasses which suited me for 2 years. The service was second to none. Friendly staff and they knew what they were talking about. I would reccomend Gray & Bull to anyone.

 

 

V. Lowndes - May '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their window display of unusual designer glasses. They were great and efficient, professional and courteous.

 

 

C. Ing - May '17

My wife came to Gray & Bull who strongly recommended them. The experience was superb! Very impressed by all aspects of contact with staff.

 

 

G. Flint - May '17

I have been a customer with Gray & Bull for many years. Their eye care & customer service is truly exceptional. Following some recent retinal eye surgery, the excellent teams at both Gray & Bull and John Flynn have helped me immensely. I would like to personally thank both Sheeraz & Mark for all their time, help, patience and much needed expertise. All the staff are extremely caring and professional. I will definitely recommend Sheeraz and his whole team to all my friends and family, especially for anyone who has experienced any type of eye surgery. Many thanks to you & your team.

 

 

T. Boddington - May '17

I like the shop front as it looks different with the stylish glasses on display and the range of glasses. I also like the personal service. It was very interesting to hear about the different manufacturers. The individual customer service was polite and friendly. I wasn't treated like "just another customer". Gray & Bull provided creative solutions to my short sightedness. I have not come across this at other opticians.

 

 

E. Thompson - May '17

I chose Gray & Bull because a family member had a great previous experience. My experience was really great! Personal, informative and they matched the glasses to my face. Thank you!

 

 

H. Morris - May '17

I chose Gray & Bull because of their very fashionable and different spectacles / glasses frames on display in the window. I wore my Anne et Valentin glasses and my friend thought they had black frames at night. But in the daylight they're a wonderful green / blue (teal) colour - amazing. Choosing the glasses was a pleasure - as the girls in the shop were very helpful and truthful - Excellent!

 

 

M. Batty - Mar '17

I wish to convey my thanks and gratitude to Gray & Bull, in particular Mr Jignesh Patel. I chose to visit G&B for a routine eye sight test and Mr Patel suspected I had a cataract in one eye. This was news to me. He recommended I see a specialist, which I did. The specialist confirmed Mr Patel's diagnosis and said that the cataract had probably been there for 10-20 years! I had previously had my eyes tested at the best known High Street opticians and with all of their technology, never spotted the problem. Thank you to Gray & Bull.

 

 

C. Watts - Feb '17

I chose Gray & Bull for their range of frames. This is my first pair of glasses and I found the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks.

 

 

A. Berman - Feb '17

I love my new Face a Face frames and also looking forward to picking up my new Anne et Valentin frames with tinted lenses. Now I just need some sunshine and a good book.

 

 

S. Turner - Feb '17

My new reading glasses are wonderful especially as I thought I was easily getting by without them... what a difference they make!

 

 

J. Watson - Jan '17

Excellent window display.

 

 

K. Henley - Dec '16

Another pair of superb glasses. Many thanks to Sheeraz Janjua and the professional team at Gray & Bull.

 

 

K. Henley - Nov '16

I would like to thank you most sincerely for the help and kindness you gave to me after I made the mistake regarding the frames for my glasses. Yourself and your staff offered customer service and expertise that makes Gray and Bull easily the opticians of choice in Nottingham. Many thanks indeed.

 

 

M. Saxton - Apr '16

A friendly, traditional practice that puts customer care as their first thought, which is very refreshing. Superb range of frames and sunglasses. Sheeraz your team are a credit to you. Thank you.

 

 

N. Donald - Jul '15

Great service, much more personal than the bigger companies! Great test with Sheeraz, new frames delivered to my work address in the time promised. Perfect service.

 

 

A. Berman - Jul '13

Excellent opticians using up to date equipment and absolutely fabulous selection of frames. The service has always been top notch from this independent optician. Miles better than high street chains. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

 

 

C. Smith - Apr '13

Traditional friendly practice offering first class quality service and products, with the best choice of frames I've seen in any opticians. Would recommend to anyone.

#framedbygrayandbull

Happy customers + beautiful glasses = #framedbygrayandbull

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

About Us

We are an independent practice based on Pelham Street (just off Clumber Street) at the start of the fashionable Hockley / Lace Market area within the Creative Quarter of Nottingham City Centre. The practice is located just a few minutes walk from intu Victoria Centre, intu Broadmarsh, Kings Walk and around the corner from Bridlesmith Gate, Wheeler Gate, the Flying Horse and the Exchange Arcade. On street parking is available on George Street and Broad Street (just off Carlton Street) in Hockley. Closest car parks are the Lace Market and Trinity Square car parks.

Focus is always on providing a truly comprehensive and personal eye-care and eye-wear service that offers patients and clients the reassurance that their eye sight and spectacles are being looked after by qualified Dispensing Opticians, Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians) and Optometry support staff (Optical Assistants).

We have been determined on providing a top quality eye-care service in Nottingham since 1806. Originally known as Gray & Selby until 1937, our aim has been to create a warm and welcoming environment within the traditionally furnished surroundings. In a market dominated by larger optical groups we are a practice dedicated to providing patients with a reassuring, individual and professional service.

The team at Gray & Bull are always committed to providing advice on quality, value and service. Professional guidance is provided on eye-care, glasses and contact lenses. Emphasis is always placed on a personal service, correctly fitted frames and accurately dispensed ophthalmic lenses.

We offer both Private and NHS eye examinations. We also offer a complete contact lens fitting and aftercare service.

The largest range of quality branded eyewear in Nottingham can be found at the practice. Designer ranges include sought after brands such as Ray-Ban, Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford.

We are known for the widest selection of frame styles hand-picked from around the world. Exclusive niche eyewear by Anne et Valentin (France), Face a Face (France), Barton Perriera (USA/Japan), Theo (Belgium), Mykita (Germany) and New York's finest Moscot - as worn by Johnny Depp. You will also find CAZAL Eyewear at Gray & Bull. This range was made famous by stars such as Run DMC in the 1980's.

We also stock frames by Silhouette which are the lightest available especially the famous rimless designs. Silhouette acetate frames are also worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Sports eyewear is an important part of the practice. We stock sunglasses by Oakley including ski goggles. These sunglasses were worn by many of the Olympians in London 2012 and Rio 2016. We also stock sunglasses and ski goggles from Maui Jim which offer the best polarised lenses on the market.

We always welcome the registration of new patients.

The practice is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday from 9am-5.30pm.

Home visits are also available for the housebound.