Specsavers vs Vision Express:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Specsavers had more branded searches than Vision Express among opticians in the United Kingdom. Specsavers had about 823,000 branded searches, while Vision Express had 247,000. Specsavers made up 52.2% of all optician searches we track, and Vision Express accounted for 15.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about opticians, Specsavers appeared in all four answers and Vision Express in two. Specsavers was mentioned before Vision Express in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Specsavers, about 3 searches for every 1 for Vision Express
Who does AI mention more?
Specsavers, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Specsavers, named ahead of Vision Express in every answer
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Top opticians in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and one Google AI Overview, Specsavers appeared in all four answers. Vision Express was mentioned in two out of four: in two of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in the Google AI Overview. Specsavers was listed before Vision Express in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Specsavers4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
Glasses Direct3 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
SelectSpecs3 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
Vision Express2 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Boots2 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Cubitts2 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Optical Express0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Bloobloom0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
See every answer about opticians
4 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Where should I buy glasses in the UK?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best opticians in the UK?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best place to buy prescription glasses online in the UK?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“opticians”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Searched Google, AI Overview
“glasses online”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in United Kingdom on October 22, 2026.
Is Specsavers or Vision Express more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Specsavers and Vision Express by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all eight optician brands we track, month by month, from searches in United Kingdom.
Share of searches by month for Specsavers, Vision Express. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Specsavers | Vision Express | Boots | Glasses Direct | SelectSpecs | Cubitts | Optical Express | Bloobloom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 52.9% | 15.9% | 15.8% | 8.7% | 3.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.64% |
| Nov 2025 | 52.9% | 15.9% | 15.8% | 8.7% | 3.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.64% |
| Dec 2025 | 52.9% | 15.8% | 15.8% | 8.6% | 3.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.78% |
| Jan 2026 | 53.4% | 16.1% | 16.1% | 8.8% | 2.6% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 0.65% |
| Feb 2026 | 50.4% | 18.5% | 15.1% | 10.1% | 2.5% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.74% |
| Mar 2026 | 55% | 16.6% | 13.5% | 9.1% | 2.7% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 0.67% |
| Apr 2026 | 50.3% | 18.4% | 15% | 10.1% | 2.5% | 1.7% | 1.4% | 0.74% |
| May 2026 | 50.4% | 18.5% | 15.1% | 10.1% | 2.5% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.74% |
| Jun 2026 | 52.4% | 15.7% | 15.7% | 10.5% | 2.6% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 0.63% |
| Jul 2026 | 51.3% | 15.4% | 15.3% | 10.3% | 4.6% | 1.4% | 1.1% | 0.62% |
| Aug 2026 | 48.9% | 17.9% | 17.9% | 9.8% | 2.4% | 1.3% | 1.1% | 0.72% |
| Sep 2026 | 52.2% | 15.6% | 15.6% | 10.5% | 3.1% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.63% |
How has the Specsavers and Vision Express comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Specsavers was ahead of Vision Express in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Specsavers’ share of searches among opticians in the United Kingdom moved from 52.9% to 52.2%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 823K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Vision Express’ share of searches among opticians in the United Kingdom moved from 15.9% to 15.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 247K.
How did search popularity change for United Kingdom opticians in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Specsavers gained share of searches among opticians in the United Kingdom, from 48.9% to 52.2%.
In September 2026, Vision Express lost share of searches among opticians in the United Kingdom, from 17.9% to 15.6%.
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Specsavers’ and Vision Express’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Specsavers
1 branded search term
- specsavers
Vision Express
2 branded search terms
- vision express
- vision express opticians
Other head-to-heads among opticians
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