Vision Express - extortionate contact lenses?

Skint_Catt

Anyone else experience this?

Never worn contacts before and investigated the other week - the only optician I could get an assessment at before my holiday (wanted them partly so I could wear normal sunglasses) was VE.

Was given one pair of Acuvue Advance (fortnightly lenses) to take away with me last night but they've ordered three months supply for me to pick up hopefully before my hols.

Having spoken to colleagues today they thought the £76 (+£23 for 3 bottles of solution :eek:) I paid for 6 pairs/3 months was extortionate - and now looking at Asda/Specsavers/other opticians schemes this does seem the case - I could have got 8 months at Specsavers prices! I did think it was steep but I was pushed into ordering some and didn't know any different

Anyone else found the same - is there anything I can do about this now? They haven't given me my prescription to take away yet until I go back for my final check in a fortnight.

Thanks

C xx

maz_student

From what it sounds like, it seems as though you've been put on their Direct Debit scheme, (where you basically pay money every month and in return you get contact lenses). Im assuming youre on a direct debit scheme because youve initially purchased the 3 months worth of contact lenses.

Anywhoo, to answer your question, yes it may appear expensive but the direct debit scheme thing which I think youve been placed on isnt that bad. One of the perks is you get a new pair of contact lenses if you accidently rip them. There are a load of other good things about it, (e.g. free sight test, money off glasses, etc) but since Ive never done the scheme I dont know of all the perks, but with regards to contact lenses its meant to work out cheaper.
Very odd, though, because if you are infact on their direct debit scheme, then the contact lens solutions should be free and youre not supposed to pay for them.

This is what i'd do if I were you:
(1)Follow up on this and see why youve paid for contact lens solution if you ARE on their direct debit scheme
(2) If you are on that scheme and arent happy with it, go to them and cancel it.
(3) Go back after the 2 weeks to say youre happy with your prescription. GET YOUR PRESCRIPTION then take it elsewhere and get lenses from another place you're more happy with

Hope this helps

Pssst

Just my opinion but i would advise anyone,especially a newbie to CLs,to be using disposable dailies not extended wear lenses. I use https://www.daysoft.co.uk

love2shopforbargains

My niece swears by contact lenses from the opticians in costco. There is a thread on costco/makro and a lot of people on there recommend costco for contact lenses. The only thing being though you have to be a member or go with someone who is.

love2shopforbargains

Just seen that there is also a sticky thread about contact lenses. Having a look on there may help too.

Skint_Catt

No, I'm not on the DD scheme - I don't know if I'll take to them or wear them that often so bought the minimum order allowe d- 3 months worth. Want to try Specsavers (DD scheme) or Asda postal lenses (where you get a voucher for their opticians for after-care check-ups & eye appointments)

Just thought they were ridiculously expensive.

Yes, read some of the contact lens thread - but it's huge and I can't read it all, sorry.