History

In 1948, Gunther Griffen, an Austrian refugee, came to England and founded a small optical practice on Fortis Green Road.  Robert Linsky took over the practice in 1982, upholding Gunther Griffen’s values of honesty, integrity and clinical excellence.  After over 30 years running the practice, Robert passed the helm to his daughter, Michelle Barry, in 2017.

We are committed to ensuring that every patient finds the perfect glasses or contact lenses for them; and to providing expert advice and aftercare.  We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and you will never feel rushed or pressured to buy.  We are passionate about making sure that every patient has the best possible experience.

Our practice

Robert Linsky Optometrists has been caring for the eyes of Muswell Hill and the surrounding area for over 75 years. What began as a small practice founded on Fortis Green Road in 1948 remains just that today – an independent, family-run optical practice where patients come first. We take the time to listen, never rush you, and give you honest, expert advice whether you’re coming in for a routine eye test or something more specialist.

Catrin Mari Dillon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The team at Robert Linsky is really excellent. Everyone is welcoming and friendly, and they always remember little details about their customers. They are helpful and informative and very patient too. All in all, a very pleasant experience from a team that is obviously interested in people. Our family has been going here for years, on a friend’s recommendation, and we never plan on going elsewhere!”

Fact sheets

The practice has kept up to date with advances in eye care, embracing new specialities and treatments.

Refractive error | PDF download

Facts for parents | PDF download

Top tips for healthy eyes | PDF download

FAQs

Cataracts cannot grow back, but usually optical correction is still required after treatment. However, occasionally the membrane-bag in the eye that used to hold the cataract clouds over, mimicking the effects of the cataract. This is called ‘posterior capsule opacification’ and is quite simple to fix with a procedure known as ‘YAG-laser’.

Please contact us if you have any other questions you would like answered, we would be happy to help!

We would advise that all children have a full sight test when they start school, or earlier if any concerns arise.

The NHS recommends that all children should have vision screening, which will identify some eye problems, during their first year at school. While vision screening is very important, it is not a full sight test so we advise that this is complemented by a full eye examination carried out by an optometrist to ensure no problems are missed.

See Children’s Eye Examinations for more details.

Yes – multifocal or monovision contact lenses allow for distance and near correction at the same time, without the need for glasses. Alternatively, you can wear reading glasses over contact lenses if you prefer.

We will discuss which will be suitable for your particular needs, and can provide free trials so you can select the best option for you.

See Contact Lenses for more details.

No, not in adulthood. Wearing the wrong prescription can lead to blurred vision, eye strain and headaches but will not cause permanent harm.

However, as most of our vision develops up to the age of 8 (the ‘critical period’), if a child who needs glasses does not wear them this can impact on their eye sight for life.

  • A dispensing optician is qualified to advise on spectacles based on a prescription supplied by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  • An optometrist (historically called an ophthalmic optician) has a degree in optometry and has passed their pre-registration period.
    (They are both able to perform sight tests to measure a patient’s prescription, advise on spectacles and contact lenses based on a valid prescription, as well as being able to assess and monitor eye health)
  • An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has specialised in ophthalmology in order to perform eye surgery.

AOP Awards 2015

Robert and Michelle attended the award ceremony at the Birmingham NEC in 2015, where Michelle was a finalist for the ‘Newly qualified optometrist of the year‘ award.

Request an appointment

We are confident we can support you with all your eye care needs.