contact lenses,eye test,advice and trial free

rhodriben

Hi Guys,

I have just had a free eye test, free advice and a free trial for contact lenses and then went elsewhere to get them half price....How?

I have been wearing glasses for over 4 years and wanted to try out contacts and then get some to wear, but not pay!!!!!!

So, I used a free eye test voucher at Boots, went there told them I was interested in wearing contacts and they showed me all sorts of prices (Expensive too, and a years minimum contract..) and options.
They normally ask do you want the good, better or best quality depending on how your eyes rehydrate and suitability.
I work mostly in an airconditioned environment so went for the better ones.
They then book you in for another appointment to show you how to put them in safely etc and give you a free 4 day (only) trial so that you can get used to wearing them and practice putting them in and out.
I took the trial (set) and made the final appointment to make sure all ok and then so they can give the hard sell on the years contract, which they tell you that all tests and follow up appointments are free within the contract, however.....I told them that I was not interested and would continue using glasses.

During the time of the trial I was happy with the advice and the contact lenses so researched on the internet and found an excellent website (www.contactforlenses.com) where the lenses were literally half price. So had ordered them online.

Result.

FREE EYE TEST

FREE ADVICE (WHICH ONES, HOW/WHEN TO USE, HOW TO INSERT ETC)

90 Pairs of lenses £55.00 Boots price £110.00 EXACTLY THE SAME ONES.
NO CONTRACT, JUST BUY AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.

If I were to use maybe 180 pairs over the year (roughly one every other day)
I would SAVE £110.00, NO CONTRACT FOR A MIN 12 MONTHS.

And if thinking about the free tests and check ups,

Use any other free eye test voucher that comes (Nectar, boots advantage, tesco etc send these with rewards) for the test.

I am very happy, and had to tell everyone, thought about contacts for a while but was worried about the expense of advice trials lenses etc...

Good luck, hope loads of other people give it a go, and if you dont even go for the lenses you have lost nothing....

silvercar

I hope it works out for you.

Where will you go if you have a problem with your lenses? Back to Boots?

I'm on the contract with D&A and the benefits really are worth something. Twice I've had a problem with my lens and went in to the store to sort the problem out free. I get free eye tests and half price glasses. If I build up too many lens at home (I don't wear them every day) I can phone them and they suspend the direct debit for upto 6 months every year.

My OH had his eye test recently and was referred to the hospital because the shape of his retina had changed since his previous eye test; something that wouldn't have been spotted if he moved around opticians in search of the latest deals.

What appears a good deal may not always be the best.

olly300

Boots and several other opticians make it clear that if you are not one of their customers then their opticians do not have a duty to treat you. So if you have any problems it's off to your local eye hospital. If it's far away then tough.

You should actually search around as you will find that some opticians (independent or more expensive ones) will give you similar prices to the internet as internet stores are putting them out of business. (They make their money on glasses as if you wear contact lenses you need a pair of glasses.)

Saying that due to Vision Express's inability to put my DD into their system I've ended up purchasing my contact lenses online for 3 years.

lisyloo

I would also re-iterate the warnings.

Many people have problems with lenses initally and have to go back to an optician a few times.

My advice would be to stick with an optician initially (as that's the time when you are likely to need repeat appointments).
Once your precription is stable and you are happy then switch to the other way and pay for check ups.

Boots were pretty snotty with me when I used to pay privately there and get lenses elsewhere but specsavers have been totally cool about whatever you want to do (they charge £20 for a check up).

olly300

lisyloo wrote: »

Boots were pretty snotty with me when I used to pay privately there and get lenses elsewhere but specsavers have been totally cool about whatever you want to do (they charge £20 for a check up).

Boots where ok with me. I was honest with them from the beginning.

BTW specsavers have this: http://www.specsaversdirect.com so they have no reason to be snotty.

lisyloo

Boots where ok with me.

It was a couple of years ago, so I think back then it was a little unusual, whereas now companies are more geared up to cope with it (and as you say sometimes having their own options).

I should have complained as it's not on to get snotty looks or comments from people who are being paid to provide a service IMO.

strawberrysarz

I get my eyes checked with specsavers regulary (costs £25) then buy the lenses via vision direct (going through Quidco you get cashback too).

I would not advise doing this when you first start wearing lenses, I have been wearing mine for 7 years so am fairly seasoned, Specsavers know what I do and they are more than happy to take my money for the checkups only. I make a huge saving doing this even by buying coloured lenses which are lovely!