Glasgow city centre is getting a new home for eye care. Plans for a Black & Lizars optician at Abbey House, 12 Bothwell Street, took an important step forward this September, when Glasgow City Council approved the signage for our new practice. Our building warrant has also been approved, which means the next stage, the fit-out of the practice itself, can now begin.

In this article, we explain what has been approved, when we hope to open, what you can expect from the new practice, and how to book an eye test in Glasgow in the meantime.

A new Black & Lizars optician on Bothwell Street

Bothwell Street runs through the heart of Glasgow’s business district, a short walk from Central Station, Blythswood Square and the main shopping streets. It is a natural fit for an optician: thousands of people live, work and shop within a few minutes’ walk, and many of them spend long days in front of screens.

Our new practice will sit within Abbey House at number 12. For people who work in the city centre, it means an eye examination can fit into a lunch break or the walk home, rather than needing a trip out to the suburbs.

What has been approved

As reported by the Glasgow Times, Glasgow City Council has granted advertisement consent for five non-illuminated signs at Abbey House. The application was submitted on our behalf by BM Plan and Design and was approved on 17 September 2026.

A few details from the planning documents are worth sharing, because they say a lot about how the practice will look from the street:

• The signage will be vinyl graphics fixed to the inside of the existing windows, at high level.

• No alterations or fixings are needed on the outside of the building, so the character of Abbey House is preserved.

• The signs are non-illuminated. The consent includes a standard condition limiting any illumination to a maximum of 600 candelas per square metre, which protects the appearance of the building and the streetscape.

• The advertisement consent remains in place for five years, and the signs must be installed in line with the approved plans.

Alongside the signage consent, our building warrant has been approved. Together, these approvals give us the green light to start work on the practice itself.

When will the new practice open?

We are aiming to open in early December 2026. Building work has yet to start, so we don’t have a confirmed opening date just yet. As soon as we have a date, we’ll share it here on the blog and across our social channels.

If you would like to be among the first to visit, keep an eye on this page. We’ll publish an update with opening hours, contact details and how to book once the practice is ready.

What to expect from an eye test in Glasgow city centre

The Bothwell Street practice will offer the same standard of care as our existing practices. Black & Lizars has been looking after Scotland’s eyes since 1830, and every practice combines that experience with modern diagnostic technology.

Comprehensive eye examinations

In Scotland, NHS-funded eye examinations are available to everyone. A full examination checks more than your prescription. Your optometrist will look at the health of the front and back of your eyes, including the optic nerve and retina, which can reveal early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Advanced imaging

Many of our practices offer advanced imaging such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans, which give a detailed, layer-by-layer view of the retina. You can read more in our guide, Inside an OCT Scan: Seeing Beneath the Surface. Visit our services page for the full range of examinations and treatments.

Glasses, frames and contact lenses

Choosing new glasses should be enjoyable. Our team will help you find frames that suit your face, your prescription and your lifestyle. Browse our frames to get a feel for the styles and brands we stock.

Why a city-centre optician matters

Glasgow city centre is one of the busiest places in Scotland to work, and many office-based roles involve long hours in front of a screen. Tired eyes, headaches and blurred vision at the end of the day are common, and an up-to-date prescription or lenses designed for screen use can make a real difference.

Having an optician close to where you work makes it easier to keep on top of regular eye tests, and easier to pop in for adjustments, repairs or contact lens checks. If screen time is a concern, our article on screens, strain and the 20-20-20 rule has practical tips you can use straight away.

Need an eye test before we open?

You don’t need to wait until December. Our Glasgow practices in Anniesland, Clarkston, Giffnock and Shettleston are open as usual. Find your nearest practice to book an appointment, or try our online vision check to see whether your current glasses or contact lenses are still giving you clear vision.

A growing Black & Lizars family in Glasgow

The new practice joins our existing Glasgow practices, each with its own team who know their local community well. Bothwell Street will bring that same personal approach to the city centre, with a practice designed around busy schedules.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the new Black & Lizars Glasgow city centre practice?

The new practice will be at Abbey House, 12 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, in the heart of the city centre.

When will the Bothwell Street practice open?

We are aiming to open in early December 2026. Building work has not started yet, so the date is not confirmed. We will announce it on this blog as soon as it is.

Are eye tests free in Scotland?

Yes. NHS-funded eye examinations are available to everyone in Scotland. Your optometrist will advise how often you should return, based on your age and eye health.

Can I book at the new practice now?

Not yet. Until the Bothwell Street practice opens, you can book at any of our existing practices.

Follow our progress

We are excited to bring Black & Lizars to the centre of Glasgow, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Check back here for updates as the work begins, and for the confirmed opening date.