any opticians on here?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I need a new pair of glasses, however its been a while since I last got a new pair as I rely on contact lenses quite heavily.

Although I'm entitled to help with costs towards some new glasses, I'm not sure what to expect when it comes to the cost of the lenses.

I have a very high prescription, around about -15. I want the thinnest lenses there is on the market, but would like some idea of what I can expect to pay. Also, I would like to try different frames as I'm bored of wearing the obligatory small rectangular frame with wide arms.

If anyone can answer these queries it would be appreciated.

pmduk

Why not have a look at the frames available online? Many sites allow you to upload a photo and try it with frames. Once you've found a frame/shape you like, it'll give you an idea of what to look for. I've no idea about prices sorry - but try the asda/tesco and specsavers sites, surely they'll give you an idea

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Specsavers, Asda ect can't handle my prescription. They are only good for people with lower prescriptions than mine. Have had a pair of glasses from Asda and they were just awful.


My lenses are very thick and heavy, so rely on a good independent optician as they deal with a variety of lens makers.


As for frames, what I should've said was because my lenses are so thick, I'm generally tied to a particular type of frame and was wondering if anyone with similar prescription to mine has found a pair of glasses which look good considering the high prescription.

quality_street

I'm a Dispensing optician in an independent practice so I hope I can offer you a few suggestions.

A complex lens voucher for single vision lens is only worth £14.40 (better than nothing)

with that type of prescription I would recommend a 1.74 plastic lens. It's the thinnest plastic lens on the market and would give you the best cosmetic finish. Frame choice is also important, so ALWAYS ask to see a dispensing optician as we have undergone 3 years of training to be experts in our field.

To give you a "ball park" figure for the lenses, you'd be looking at about £300-350 for the thinnest lens. This is a bi-aspheric design which means that the power of the lens is blended on the front and back surface meaning then you look off centre, you won't experience as much distortion.

Hope this helps!

kirtondm

You could also consider glass go up to 1.9 but not really recommeneded due to the weight and saftey issues.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

quality_street wrote: »

I'm a Dispensing optician in an independent practice so I hope I can offer you a few suggestions.

A complex lens voucher for single vision lens is only worth £14.40 (better than nothing)

with that type of prescription I would recommend a 1.74 plastic lens. It's the thinnest plastic lens on the market and would give you the best cosmetic finish. Frame choice is also important, so ALWAYS ask to see a dispensing optician as we have undergone 3 years of training to be experts in our field.

To give you a "ball park" figure for the lenses, you'd be looking at about £300-350 for the thinnest lens. This is a bi-aspheric design which means that the power of the lens is blended on the front and back surface meaning then you look off centre, you won't experience as much distortion.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the reply.

I did phone a local independent opticians who I know have a good reputation. I asked about lens cost and they said approximately £180. However, I haven't actually spoken to any optician yet, this was via the receptionist.

I have an appointment for an eye test next week, so will ask about the bi-aspheric lenses.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

kirtondm wrote: »

You could also consider glass go up to 1.9 but not really recommeneded due to the weight and saftey issues.

The glasses I have at the moment are glasses and to be honest they are very uncomfortable to wear due to the weight. This has been one of the reasons I rely so heavily on contact lenses.

jenniewb

OP you say specsavers and asda and so on can't cater for your prescription. I know they tend to cost a bit more but have you tried vision express? I have my lenses thinned down there and though my prescription isn't as high as yours (around -5 to -6) it did solve the issue where I was getting dents in my nose and a daily headache due to the weight of the NHS lenses. They aren't cheap but they do a really good job of making a heavy lense both light and thin and in my mind I've not found a better result.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks all.


I have been to my local independent optician and had a full eye test for glasses. However, he has suggested lenses, which when I've looked on the internet I don't like the look of them.


They are blended lenticular lenses and from what I have seen they look horrible. So when I go back to see the dispensing optician I am going to say I really don't think I want those lenses.


If he won't offer alternatives, I'll check to see if there is a vision express in my town.


I'm also thinking about getting a contact lens consultation. I do already wear contact lenses, but could probably do with a new consultation. I'm gathering I'll pay for that?

WeAreGhosts

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Specsavers, Asda ect can't handle my prescription. They are only good for people with lower prescriptions than mine.

I go to Specsavers and they have no trouble with my v. strong prescription. Try a different branch?

GlasweJen

I work for Specsavers and we can definitely fill a prescription for -15.00 glasses, we even have a range of frames called HiRx that are specifically designed for high prescriptions just like this.

If you're wearing glass lenses just now id recommend sticking to glass as the optics through glass are totally different compared to plastic.

Price wise you'll either get £14.40 for a complex voucher or if you're on income based benefits you'll get something in the region of £192.20 (that's the Scottish rate for a D voucher - I don't know what they give you in England)