Local guide for Gachie, Ruaka and Kiambu
How to Choose an Optician or Optometrist in Gachie & Kiambu
The closest optical shop isn’t always the right one, and neither is the cheapest. This guide covers who does what, the questions worth asking before you book, and the practical things that matter if you live around Gachie, Ruaka, Runda or Kiambu.
For a broader checklist, read our guide to choosing the right optician in Kenya.
The short answer
Choose a practice where a qualified optometrist tests your eyes and tells you exactly what the test covers. They should explain your prescription, quote the full price before you pay, and refer you to an eye doctor when something needs more than glasses.
Optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist?
People use these words interchangeably, but they do different jobs. Knowing the difference tells you who to see.
Optometrist
Tests your vision, measures your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, and refers you on when something points to eye disease. This is who you see for an eye test.
Optician
Helps you choose frames and lenses, takes fitting measurements and makes up your glasses. In Kenya, “optician” is also used for the whole shop.
Ophthalmologist
A medical doctor who specialises in eyes. They diagnose and treat eye disease, including glaucoma and cataract, and perform eye surgery.
Questions to ask any optician before you book
A good practice will answer all of these without hesitation, and the answers tell you more than any advert.
Who will test my eyes, and are they registered?
Your eye test should be done by a qualified optometrist who is licensed to practise in Kenya. It’s fine to ask.
What exactly does the eye test include?
Some tests check vision and prescription only. Others also measure eye pressure and examine the back of the eye. Neither is wrong, but you should know which one you’re paying for, especially if you’re over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma. Our eye test in Gachie page explains what ours includes.
Will you explain my results and give me my prescription?
You should leave understanding whether you need glasses, why, and what your prescription means. Ask for a written copy.
What is the full price, before I commit?
Frame, lenses and any coatings should be added up for you before you pay. If a lens upgrade is suggested, ask what problem it solves for you specifically.
How long will my glasses take?
Common single vision prescriptions can often be made the same day. Progressive lenses, strong prescriptions and some coatings may need to be ordered in. A practice should give you a realistic collection time, not a blanket promise.
What happens if the glasses don’t feel right?
Ask about the warranty and what they’ll do if you struggle with a new prescription. New glasses can take a few days to settle, and progressives can take longer. Discomfort that doesn’t settle should be rechecked.
Will you refer me if I need an eye doctor?
Some problems, such as suspected glaucoma, cataract, or vision that can’t be corrected with lenses, need an ophthalmologist. A good optician tells you so instead of selling you glasses that won’t fix it.
Signs to be cautious
None of these proves a practice is bad, but each is worth questioning:
You’re pushed towards the most expensive lens without a reason linked to your eyes or routine.
Nobody explains your results, or you can’t get a copy of your prescription.
The price changes after you’ve chosen your frame.
Tinted “night vision” lenses are sold as a fix for poor night driving. Evidence doesn’t support them; see our night driving glasses guide.
Practical things that matter around Gachie and Kiambu
Access and parking. A mall location with free parking makes a proper eye test and frame fitting easier than a trip into town. That matters most with children or older parents.
Opening hours. If you work weekdays in Nairobi, check whether the practice is open on Saturdays and in the early evening.
One trip or two. Same-day collection saves a second journey. Ask whether it applies to your prescription.
Children. Ask whether they test children and how. Young children need a different approach from adults. See children’s eye care.
How Ottico Eyecare answers these questions
We’re an optical practice at Westbay Mall on Red Hill Road, Gachie. For our local services and location details, visit our optician and eye-care services near Gachie page. Here are our answers to the questions above.
Who tests your eyes
Our in-house optometrist.
What the test covers
Vision and prescription (refraction). KSh 300, free with glasses. We don’t measure eye pressure or examine the retina; if you need that, we refer you.
Price
Complete prescription glasses from KSh 2,999. See our price list.
Collection time
Most glasses within 3 hours. Some lenses are ordered in, and we confirm the time before you pay. Same-day glasses
Warranty
12-month warranty on glasses.
Access
Free parking, walk-ins welcome, open Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
We see patients from Gachie, Ruaka, Runda, Gigiri, Nyari, Kitusuru, Lavington and Tigoni.
Want a wider checklist for comparing optical practices? Read our full guide to choosing the right optician in Kenya.
Common questions
Should I see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?
For blurry vision, eye strain or new glasses, start with an optometrist. See an ophthalmologist if you’ve been referred, or have a known eye disease. See one urgently if you have sudden vision loss, eye pain or new flashes and floaters.
How often should I have an eye test?
Every one to two years is a common guideline for adults, or sooner if your vision changes. Children’s eyes can change quickly, so yearly checks during the school years are often advised. People at higher risk of glaucoma should have a full eye health exam every one to two years.
How do I know my prescription is right?
New glasses usually settle within a few days, and progressive lenses can take longer. If you still have headaches, blur or dizziness after that, go back to the practice and ask for a recheck.
Is a more expensive optician better?
Not necessarily. Price reflects what’s included, such as the scope of the test and the lens type. Compare what you get for the money, not the number alone.
Where is Ottico Eyecare?
Westbay Mall, 1st Floor, Unit 109, Red Hill Road, Gachie, near Naivas. Open Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Get directions
Ask us any of these questions
WhatsApp us before you visit, or walk in to Westbay Mall, Red Hill Road. The eye test is KSh 300, free with glasses.