Glasses - where to buy?
Discussion
I had an eye test today and the optician has said that I am slightly long sighted and advised that for working with my computer that I may be best to wear glasses (I do not strictly need them).
So I am going to give them a try, as it may also help with my migraines. Having never bought glasses before, is it best to go to somewhere like Specsavers for them, or online or somewhere else?
Thanks
So I am going to give them a try, as it may also help with my migraines. Having never bought glasses before, is it best to go to somewhere like Specsavers for them, or online or somewhere else?
Thanks
I think frames are something which you need to try on - you can't make a judgement on appearance alone.
I used to use Specsavers - their tests seemed okay, but a couple of times I did the buy two for x offer they inevitably do in-store. On both occasions I found I'd only wear one of the pairs as they didn't seem to have the same prescription.
Now I support our local opticians (we live in a town without many shops left). It costs more, but I only buy one pair at a time and rely on £1 shop pairs as a short term fail-safe).
I used to use Specsavers - their tests seemed okay, but a couple of times I did the buy two for x offer they inevitably do in-store. On both occasions I found I'd only wear one of the pairs as they didn't seem to have the same prescription.
Now I support our local opticians (we live in a town without many shops left). It costs more, but I only buy one pair at a time and rely on £1 shop pairs as a short term fail-safe).
If you just need reading glasses, go to Boots and pick up a few pairs @£20 each in your correct prescription (or just try some on until they work).
I was in the same position last year and spent a couple of hundred quid on two pairs from Specsavers. Managed to lose one pair and break the other within a few months. I find that as I wasn't used to using them and had to keep taking them off to see normally, I continually mislaid then.
They don't need to look amazing as you won't be wearing them unless you're staring at a computer or a book.
Even the £1 reading glasses I found in Poundland after losing my specs on holiday were perfectly reasonable.
I was in the same position last year and spent a couple of hundred quid on two pairs from Specsavers. Managed to lose one pair and break the other within a few months. I find that as I wasn't used to using them and had to keep taking them off to see normally, I continually mislaid then.
They don't need to look amazing as you won't be wearing them unless you're staring at a computer or a book.
Even the £1 reading glasses I found in Poundland after losing my specs on holiday were perfectly reasonable.
Speckyfoureyes.com or similar.
Really don't waste your money on the high street, it's the same stuff but over priced.
Got a pair of sunglasses? Take some frame measurements (width, arm length, etc) and search online. for occasional use in front of a computer, you don't need to pay any more than £25-£50 delivered. And a lot of websites allow you to 'try on at home'.
Really don't waste your money on the high street, it's the same stuff but over priced.
Got a pair of sunglasses? Take some frame measurements (width, arm length, etc) and search online. for occasional use in front of a computer, you don't need to pay any more than £25-£50 delivered. And a lot of websites allow you to 'try on at home'.
Been wearing glasses for about 10 years now, and always been to specsavers*. No complaints from me. For regular everyday glasses I think I'd always want to try them on before buying to make sure they look right.
(* although my cycling & sunglasses were bought online - far better choice)
(* although my cycling & sunglasses were bought online - far better choice)
Tyre Smoke said:
Speckyfoureyes.com or similar.
Really don't waste your money on the high street, it's the same stuff but over priced.
Got a pair of sunglasses? Take some frame measurements (width, arm length, etc) and search online. for occasional use in front of a computer, you don't need to pay any more than £25-£50 delivered. And a lot of websites allow you to 'try on at home'.
Problem with online is you don't get your pupillary distance on a prescription, which is essential to get right in prescription lenses otherwise you'll end up with headaches etc.Really don't waste your money on the high street, it's the same stuff but over priced.
Got a pair of sunglasses? Take some frame measurements (width, arm length, etc) and search online. for occasional use in front of a computer, you don't need to pay any more than £25-£50 delivered. And a lot of websites allow you to 'try on at home'.
It's also good to have a shop to go to if there are problems (loose screw/lost lens etc).
You pay more for the privilege but if your glasses are essential then the peace of mind is worth it imo.
I don't think it's too expensive when Specsavers do 2 for 1 on most of their frames, including designer frames. They have a very good selection too.
Not saying one is right or wrong but just something for OP to consider.
Don’t buy frames online unless you’ve tried them on elsewhere. They’re a very personal thing and some styles and sizes suit different faces better than others. If you just pick something based on a picture you could end up looking like Dame Edna Everage when you actually put them on.
In my opinion go to Boots or a reputable high street independent (or similar). Take your time choosing a frame and get properly measured and fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t scrimp on eyesight, or you might end up looking like a right knobhead and/or half blind
In my opinion go to Boots or a reputable high street independent (or similar). Take your time choosing a frame and get properly measured and fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t scrimp on eyesight, or you might end up looking like a right knobhead and/or half blind
I've done cheap frame and inexpensive generic lenses via the online route.
Then spent proper money on premium thin lenses and decent frames properly measured by an independent bricks and mortar optician.
Well worth the extra £200, From distorted peripheral vision to crystal clear vision as if I wasn't wearing specs at all.
These were varifocals.
Single vision is a lot cheaper.
Go for branded, properly coated lenses.. It's worth it.
Then spent proper money on premium thin lenses and decent frames properly measured by an independent bricks and mortar optician.
Well worth the extra £200, From distorted peripheral vision to crystal clear vision as if I wasn't wearing specs at all.
These were varifocals.
Single vision is a lot cheaper.
Go for branded, properly coated lenses.. It's worth it.
Twig62 said:
I can highly recommend spex4less. They are not the cheapest of the online suppliers but their glasses are very good quality and they have a 100% no quibble guarantee.
What's your strategy for choosing frames when buying on-line ? Do you visit an optometrist and get a test, and then order on-line ?(curious, as I'm not a fan of the process)
Kenny Powers said:
Don’t buy frames online unless you’ve tried them on elsewhere. They’re a very personal thing and some styles and sizes suit different faces better than others. If you just pick something based on a picture you could end up looking like Dame Edna Everage when you actually put them on.
In my opinion go to Boots or a reputable high street independent (or similar). Take your time choosing a frame and get properly measured and fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t scrimp on eyesight, or you might end up looking like a right knobhead and/or half blind
Agree 100%. Eyesight is precious and if you can, don't scrimp.In my opinion go to Boots or a reputable high street independent (or similar). Take your time choosing a frame and get properly measured and fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t scrimp on eyesight, or you might end up looking like a right knobhead and/or half blind
millen said:
-1 for Specsavers. They twice failed to detect a folded up soft contact lens that had migrated to the top of my eyeball for several days. And that was the manager of the local shop, not one of their spotty yuufs.
I only go for my free corporate eye test, and then choose Glasses elsewhere. I've worn Ray-Bans for as long as I can remembers, and Specsavers don't do them. 
TheAngryDog said:
Thanks guys. I also have a slight astigmatism as well, not sure if that makes a difference?
Well it means you will get the best sight by having lenses made to order rather than off the shelf reading glasses from the supermarket. As per the posts above I'd go to your optician/Specsavers/Costco and try some on. For a basic single vision lens, frames and no thinning lenses (not needed really for a mild case) then you should be < £100 and possibly < £50 depending on what kind of frame you want. Ordering online can be cheaper but you are on your own adjusting the frame.If you have a 'strong' prescription which needs thinner lenses, then I recommend ASDA - yes, yes, I know the council thread is over there.
Unlike other opticians, their £x for a frame and lenses includes thinner lenses (and coatings and varifocals) if they are deemed needed - they have a chart in store which sets out what you get at each level of vision - so you pay the same fixed price irrespective of your prescription.
For someone like me with -8 vision and now needing varifocals, they are vastly cheaper than the other High St shops but you avoid the problems you can get online.
Unlike other opticians, their £x for a frame and lenses includes thinner lenses (and coatings and varifocals) if they are deemed needed - they have a chart in store which sets out what you get at each level of vision - so you pay the same fixed price irrespective of your prescription.
For someone like me with -8 vision and now needing varifocals, they are vastly cheaper than the other High St shops but you avoid the problems you can get online.
millen said:
-1 for Specsavers. They twice failed to detect a folded up soft contact lens that had migrated to the top of my eyeball for several days. And that was the manager of the local shop, not one of their spotty yuufs.
They have over 700 stores, your problem is with that person, I have always had decent experiences with them and I've been going for 22 years. Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff