MoneySavingExpert.com/Cheapest way to buy Contact lenses article discussion area

Former_MSE_Dan · 11 July 2005 at 11:31AM

This discussion relates to the updated Cheapest way to buy Contact Lenses article

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Note to Opticians - From Martin

I know many opticians will engage in this discussion (some to help out on the many optical questions, others who don’t particularly like the idea of discounting). If you are an optician and talking about eyes – then do put a little note at the bottom of the post saying you’re an optician (on every relevant post) as I think this would be helpful for people.

However I would caution people to remember there is no way to check someone is genuinely an optician, so take it with a pinch of salt.

robskillz · 11 July 2005 at 6:15PM

The comment about buying lenses from the USA got me thinking. I have bought other items from continental Europe before so decided to check out a Dutch price comparison site that I used once for DVD's, which happens to have a section for contact lenses - http://elcheapo.nl/

I searched for my lenses - Ciba Focus Dailies - and it came up with 3 Dutch shops that sell online. On visiting each, only one of them has the option to send to the UK - http://www.toplenzen.nl/

I ordered 6 months of lenses from toplenzen for €134 + €2.50 postage, which worked out at just over £90 - 25% less than the £120 I usually pay in the UK from online suppliers!

I also emailed another (slightly cheaper, free p&p) store - http://www.lensexpress.nl/ - who replied the same day in English to say that "If you had made the order and then send us an email, we could have changed the country in our system." I'd already ordered with toplenzen by then though.

Ordered Monday evening, arrived Friday with of course no import duties as they were sent from within Europe

Oh yes, and I paid with my Nationwide credit card which was chosen from Martin's review as it has no international usage fees - Thanks ML!

Beware that the sites are in Dutch so you need to make use of Babelfish translation tool to be sure of what you're doing! You could always try phoning the shops up of course.

Now if someone could just tell me how to make the above links affiliated to me...

Rob

robskillz · 11 July 2005 at 6:27PM

Forgot to mention, Toplenzen also give you 5 free pairs of a lenses that you can choose from a variety of types, including coloured ones

They also don't ask for your optician's details to verify your prescription so make sure you get it right when ordering!

Rob

stanmoresaver · 12 July 2005 at 1:39PM

Any Ideas regarding the best value monthly Toric lenses. I have found Specsavers at £15pm (actually its 3 months for £45) including a months supply of all in one solution- anyone beat that?????????

Tadger · 12 July 2005 at 9:10PM

I personally have used coastal contacts as they tend to be the cheapeast for the lenses i buy (extended wear). I have never had problems with them and as long as you order them from http://www.coastalcontacts.co.uk they will be despatched from the UK (near windsor IIRC) and you wont be paying any import duty.

A single pack of my lenses (6x Purevision) cost only £31.98 (inc 4.99 royal mail) vs £49 from others.

triw · 13 July 2005 at 7:47PM

My usual supplier is in Belgium http://www.123optic.com/ English is no problem, and they supply very reliably and with new lenses (some suppliers I have been told, sell lenses nearing their use by date).

My lense, Bosch and Lomb Softlens 1 per day cost €42 for 90 (that is 45 days supply) and if you buy 5 boxes, you get the 6th free.

George_Bray · 13 July 2005 at 8:11PM

The article correctly pointed out potential dangers of wearing contact lens for longer than specified. Yet some people, including me, swear by it, primarily as a money saving measure. I care about my eyes as much as anybody. And I save hundreds of pounds a year. That said, I absolutely do not recommend anybody else to try it. They are your eyes.

Please see the following link for both sides of the story, and check out other parts of the same site for a very interesting read:
http://www.visioncareforums.com/showsubject.asp?MessageID=1553&siteid=vcf

The thread is entitled: "Disposable CL may last longer than the CL makers want you to know".

If you find this link and the Vision Care Forums of interest, whichever side you take, please click on 'Thanks'.

Regards
George

Jill_Roberts · 13 July 2005 at 9:04PM

My local opticians have changed my lens to Mirage Monthly which is made by Sauflon Pharmaceuticals. This company is not on the suppliers list. Can anyone tell me which is the nearest equivalent? :rolleyes:

BIG_G_12 · 13 July 2005 at 10:25PM

This is my first time so be kind,
Costco is by far the cheapest wat to buy contact lenses, Once you have joined and had and eye test and fitting with one year after care included, Which comes to £30, Johnson hydraclear advance two week lenses are £27.50
for three months supply, i have serched on the net and cannot find cheaper,
Also bought a pair of glasses from glasses direct £27.50 including delivery :beer: :beer: :j

robhall1973 · 13 July 2005 at 11:44PM

I used to get my lenses from https://www.lensway.com but last time I visited my optician for a test he said that he would match any online price. So, last week I rang him and said I needed some lenses and told him that I used lensway. He rang back to say that he'd match the price and told me that he was making about £1 on the sale :j

martinwoo · 14 July 2005 at 9:49AM

I get Acuvue daily disposables inc 1 toric lens for £90 per month from my high street optician - and he posts them out to me. I've done the web search and can't find any online suppliers who can better this.

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