Putting new eye prescription lens in old frame

Primrose

An eye test today revealed I needed new lens prescription, and I've opted for new frames & new lens as I've been using the same frames for years. But when I enquired whether I could have new lens put into my existing frame I was told this wasn't practical for varifocals. But this optician has done this for me in the past with varifocals perfectly satisfactorily. Is this a bit of a racket, forcing individuals to buy new frames as well, or is there some valid reason why varifocals can't always be fitted into existing spectacle frames?

petergavinblack

There are 2 main reasons why you can't put new varifocals in an old frame. Most commonly if you had just distance or reading lenses before then the frame may well be too shallow to accommodate the new lenses - you need a certain depth to fit in the progression from distance to reading. Secondly the frame may not be in too good a condition and it is not wise to put expensive lenses in a frame that may not last the distance. It is also worth pointing out that it is always wise to keep your most recent glasses as a back up in case you lose or break the new ones.

It is worth remembering that opticians are registered with the General Optical Council who will investigate allegations of professional misconduct or point you in the direction of their Optical Consumer Complaints Service for more retail based complaints.

Money saving tips: Glasses are often covered for free or a small charge on your house insurance, or opticians offer breakage protection cover for around £20 per year which is good value on more expensive glasses. Where I live (near Liverpool) it is possible to buy your glasses with interest free credit over 10 months by direct debit at Conlons Opticians. See their website to see if there's a practice near you.