High-prescription lenses

eryn_kathleen

I had an eye test done two years ago, and my prescription had changed slightly so I needed new glasses. I picked out some frames in the 2 for £99 rack, but when my order was rung up it came to £238 for one pair, apparently because I have a strong prescription. I ran into the same problem at Boots and Vision Express, and in the end I went to America to visit family and had my eye test and glasses done there.

It's about time for me to get my eyes tested again, and I was wondering if there are any places that won't charge extra (or will at least be a bit more reasonable) for strong prescriptions. I'm not sure about ordering online, because pupillary distance is apparently important for strong prescriptions, but is not usually included when the optician writes down a prescription.

My right eye is -8.25 and my left is -9.50 (American; on my British prescription both measurements were above 10 if that's relevant).

seraphin_2

Ive bought loads of glasses off the internet, and never had a problem. I dont have as strong prescription as you, but fairly strong. The pd should be given to you when you have an eye test, if it isent ask for it, they cannot refuse to give it to you, also dont be forced into buying glasses from them.

the average pd is 63, if that helps, the strengh of your prescription is more relevant to the thickness of the lenses, which you will have to pay extra for to get thined down as Im sure you know.

try this site https://www.squidoo.com/glasses, it has loads of on-line sites, even if you just have a look for comparison

eryn_kathleen

Thanks for that! It's so annoying not being able to get the deals, especially since I can't live without my glasses...

melancholly

i get mine at costco... i'm -8.5 in each eye and it gets so expensive.... although that is only because i want the thinner lenses - but i don't want them to be an inch thick! i'm also a bit nervous of doing it online so costco was the cheapest 'normal' retailer i could find (and they did a good eye test too - not everywhere does!)

eryn_kathleen

I'm a Costco member, so I'll try this out!

Do you by any chance remember what the cost for the lenses themselves were? Just trying to budget for this...

lolly5648

Tesco and Asda opticians are also reasonable for lenses and they do the thinner ones. A lot of internet sites don't do the higher prescriptions and I think the worse your eyes are the more important it is to have a personal fitting. Asda did have a free eye test promotion but I am not sure if it still on.

melancholly

eryn_kathleen wrote: »

I'm a Costco member, so I'll try this out!

Do you by any chance remember what the cost for the lenses themselves were? Just trying to budget for this...

i can't.... i didn't get the absolute thinnest, but one less. they had a special deal on them but it was also christmas 2005 so price would be a little out by now anyway. sorry!

sharonr

Hi, I have the same problem. I got my last glasses from Specsavers who charge a standard rate of £60 something, or if you want them thinned down then I think it's £99. (Ouch!)

Cazza

Don't know if your prescription is too much for contact lenses, but if you were to sign up with Dolland and Aitcheson for contacts (my OH paid £14.95 p/m), you get free eye tests and 50% off your lenses and frames. AFAIK, you don't have a minimum contract period on the contacts so you could cancel as soon as you have your glasses. HTH!

DisneyLyn1

I have bought glasses from a site called Specsdot.com and I cannot recommend them highly enough. They do basic and designer frames and will also reglaze existing frames. If you have any queries you can e-mail them and they are really helpful. I had my frames reglazed last week, and was so impressed with the quick service. I sent my specs off on Thursday and received them back on Saturday. And they charged me half the price I was quoted on the high street!:j

ailuro2

Go get a free eye test done and then start looking around only if you need new lenses- in 2 years your prescription might not have changed.Very MSE:D