Buying glasses instore HELP!!

furrypig

Hi

I have asked for help on another thread about buying glasses but unfortunately have not had a response.

Can anyone give me any advice on buying my first pair of glasses in a shop?? I was advised (on MSE) to get my very first pair instore as I don't know what it will be like wearing them etc etc.

I have D & A, Boots, vision express an independant optician and possibly a specsavers within my reach anyone got a recommendation or a don't use that one??? Any good deals or special offers?? If not I might try Boots as I will get some points at the very least!

Many thanks for you help!

lisyloo

Personally I've always been happy with specsavers and they've always been cheap compared to he others.
They usually have a 2 for 1 deal on so you can get prescription sunglasses at the same time.

I've got the "reactions" type that change in the sunlight but they do have some drawbacks.

The main one being that they don't work inside vehicles because windscreens cut out UV light.

Mechanicus

Personally, I would never both with Boots or Specsavers anymore.
I got forced into buying a pair of glasses I didn't really like, and ended up never wearing them.

I went to Tescos Opticians, found a pair I really like, got free prescription sunglasses, and was treated very well.

lolly5648

Be careful with Boots, they seem to take on a lot of 'just qualified' opticians. For your first pair I would go to an independent optician, they are often cheaper than you think, who will be well established, always available if you need help and able to give you lots of advice. I feel with the chains that you don't get any personal service and in the bigger branches it is often difficult to see the same person. I have used Boots, D&A and Vision Express. I now get my prescription from an independent optician and glasses from the internet as I know what I want.

poppyolivia

Mechanicus wrote: »

Personally, I would never both with Boots or Specsavers anymore.
I got forced into buying a pair of glasses I didn't really like, and ended up never wearing them.

I went to Tescos Opticians, found a pair I really like, got free prescription sunglasses, and was treated very well.

It's as if I wrote that!!!! Specsavers forced me (well it felt like that) Into all the wonderful coating etc they had...ended up spending a fortune....tescos all the way:rotfl: and you get clubcard points:rotfl:

Enterprise_1701C

I never found I was pressured at Specsavers, and Tesco's was always good too. One thing I do do though is make sure I take a friend with me, not only to advise me on whether glasses look good (no way I could see in a mirror from any real distance without my prescription) and also to make sure you don't get any assistants hovering around you - they tend to leave you alone if you have someone with you.

jstyles

If its' high-street opticians you're after, I'd go to the small independent practices - for all th ereasons already mentioned. Much better personal care and service - you usually deal with the optician who owns the business!

mousegreatest388

Look and try on lots of glasses.
Feel the weight of the frames

D&A can take a picture of the frames on your face so you can see what they look like.

Take a nice friend to give comments. Preferaably one that wears glasses.

Make sure you buy a pair that you can return if you decide you don't like them.

topmum

Boots do a £30 range of mens and ladies glasses. The 'spend £10 and save £20 on glasses' offer means you get them for £10. Now it is just a suggestion, but this might be a cheap way to start! Making any mistakes cheap ones lol. I am female and got a lovely pair of the men's ones for £10 which I am so pleased with.
If you are unsure about the 'newly qualified' opticians there is nothing to stop you having your eyes tested at another opticians and taking the prescription to Boots.
Taking a good friend is a top tip - someone who will be honest with you. I took my 15 year old daughter who doesnt spare her punches lol.
Good luck and welcome to the speccy world - its greeeaaaatttttttttt lol :rotfl:

lauraaurora

I see you're based in Surrey. I bought my first ever pair of glasses at D&A in Bracknell (might be close to you?) late last year. I got fantastic service, and when they knew I had a small budget they didn't flinch! Happily for me I have a narrow face, even the 'Teen' frames were too big, so I got kiddies glasses! She even helped me with the form for me to get my company to help towards the cost of the glasses:j So highly recommended from me

reggie

I used to live in Surrey - used to use a really helpful optician in a place called Ash Vale, optical centre I think, it's not part of a chain and they're really helpful about choosing styles/frames etc. Not sure about cost.