Contact Lens Cost Cutting article discussion

Ed_Eichman

Hi Ned,

nedmundo wrote: »

The link shows prices for eye examinations and not contact lens checks - the two are very separate services.

Yes, I'm afraid you're right - thanks for pointing out my error. I've heard that 20-30 GBP is normal, and in any case not more than 40 GBP, but have yet to come up with a complete, up to date list. I will keep looking.

Thanks,
Ed

sconch

I read your article about saving money by ordering lenses online, and the potential for extra savings if you buy from the US. I currently pay £27 per month Optical Express Daily Vision lenses. That's £324 per year. Yes, it may include a sight test (I qualify for free sight tests anyway), a contact lens eye exam, and any necessary aftercare throughout the year (I've never needed aftercare, other than the routine annual check-up, in 18 years of lens wear!); but even if I had to pay separately for aftercare etc, I can still make massive savings.

This wasn't through buying from the US though. Those sites came up with prices around £250 for a year's supply, and that doesn't include any taxes or duties that may apply to get them in the UK (do any apply to lenses?). That's still a great saving, but I checked out UK sites, and found I could make a bigger saving still with www.lensway.co.uk. It would cost me £215.28 for a year's supply. This was with Daysoft UV lenses. These lenses were recommended to me by a friend; and although not as well known as the major brands, they're manufactured to equal standards, and she said they were much more comfortable than several major brands she's tried in the past, and their lenses have a UV filter, to help protect your eyes. I decided to see if you can buy these lenses direct from the manufacturer, and I can make EVEN BIGGER savings. A year's supply (maximum 3 months at a time) direct from www.daysoft.co.uk would only cost me £159.92 inclusive of delivery and VAT. It also includes a free 4 day trial pack of your lenses, so you can make sure you're completely satisfied with the lens, before commencing your boxed prescription. If you're not happy after your 4 day trial, just return the boxes unopened, for a full, no-hassle refund. You would pay the return postage cost though.

Pros of buying my lenses from Daysoft directly:

• UK based company
• Lenses meet UK standards
• They match you to one of their two lens types (58% or 72% water content), based on your current brand
• Optometrist available for advice
• Although a change of brand, a good friend highly recommends them, and states they're more comfortable than any major brand she's used
• I've not seen cheaper deals in the major high street opticians
• A saving of £164.08!!!
• RESULT!!!!! :j

Cons:

• Toric lenses not currently available

EmmaJ_3

I just had my first contact lens fitting today and am on a weeks trial now. I'm using Tesco Opticians in my nearest Tesco Extra, I had a clubcard voucher for a free sight test, paid £10 for the contact lens exam, and haven't paid anything else for todays fitting, teaching session and weeks trial.

When I go back next week I expect they'll ask me to buy so many months supply etc, so I wanted to work out what the cheapest online deal was first

I asked for my prescription so I could shop around but it wasn't until I was out of the store that I realised she'd only written down my glasses prescription, not all the numbers relating to contact lens measurements. I do know however that my left eye is a 'Toric' lens wheras my right eye is a normal lens, and I'm having monthly lenses.

I'm new to all this and it's quite bewildering looking at the online options, can anyone point me in the right direction for what I should be looking at? Or do I need more information from the optician before I can find out?

Ed_Eichman

EmmaJ wrote: »

I'm new to all this and it's quite bewildering looking at the online options, can anyone point me in the right direction for what I should be looking at? Or do I need more information from the optician before I can find out?

Hi Emma,

You absolutely need to make sure you have your full prescription details - the health of your eyes depends on you getting exactly the lenses that your optician fitted, following your opticians instructions on care, and getting regular checkups. VisionDirect.co.uk has more information about your contact lens prescription here: http://www.visiondirect.co.uk/page.php?xPage=amex_prescriptioninfo.html.

Happy Holidays!
Ed

suki1964

EmmaJ wrote: »

I just had my first contact lens fitting today and am on a weeks trial now. I'm using Tesco Opticians in my nearest Tesco Extra, I had a clubcard voucher for a free sight test, paid £10 for the contact lens exam, and haven't paid anything else for todays fitting, teaching session and weeks trial.

When I go back next week I expect they'll ask me to buy so many months supply etc, so I wanted to work out what the cheapest online deal was first

I asked for my prescription so I could shop around but it wasn't until I was out of the store that I realised she'd only written down my glasses prescription, not all the numbers relating to contact lens measurements. I do know however that my left eye is a 'Toric' lens wheras my right eye is a normal lens, and I'm having monthly lenses.

I'm new to all this and it's quite bewildering looking at the online options, can anyone point me in the right direction for what I should be looking at? Or do I need more information from the optician before I can find out?

if you are on a weeks trial then you dont yet have a prescription. The lenses you have been given may not be the best for you. Its been my experience they start you on the lowest price ones first and if they are no good they work up. Im now on my 6th pair of trials and still may need another pair. Contacts are not as easy to get right as glasses and a lot of tweaking may be needed

You wont get a prescription until you and your optician are fully satisfied with the fit and vision

EmmaJ_3

Ah, I see. Thanks!

I'm going ok with the trial ones, just about getting the hang of getting them in and out, although not totally sure if my vision is 100% with them, it seemed to be at the opticians (could read the 2nd to bottom line of the chart thingy) but after having them in for a few hours, I found myself squinting at the tv a bit to get it in focus.

Hope I find the right ones before I get through 6 pairs! Has that all been on a free trial Suki?

I'm going skiing in 2 weeks and want them to be right for that, it's the whole reason I decided to try them at all.

suki1964

Yep all free as long as if the time comes and we do find lenses for me, I buy from them. Otherwise its a £20 consultation charge. Actually Ive priced up the lenses it looks like i will be getting and I cant save more then pennies ordering anywhere else so I will get them from specsavers.

If you are having trouble with them, ring and get a new appointment sooner.

Unless you have a simple prescription, you prolly wont ever get the clarity of vision you are used to with glasses which is why it can take so long to get fitted, they aim for the best possible that you can live with. I have astigmatism and all they can hope to correct is my long vision allowing me to drive and get around without falling flat on my face, Im having to use simpler readers on top for close work, not ideal but acceptable to me. Ideally for me there would be verifocal toric daily wears,but technology needs to move along a bit yet

Gemmzie

I wear Specsavers Easyvision one days, how can I find out what they are from another company? I can't really afford £22 a month any longer.

c-m

My girlfriend needs some new rigid gas permeable lenses. She always complains what a rip off they are and so has put off getting another eye-test buying lenses.

I think she pays around £200 for them - she doesn't bother with the after care as all they do take a look at the lense in the eye for £47.

Can these lenses in strength of +9 ,10 be found anywhere?

Also what about the shape, will her perscription have all the details it needs for the lenses to be a perfect fit. Apprently her eyes are less curved than average

wishiwasarichgirl

c-m wrote: »

My girlfriend needs some new rigid gas permeable lenses. She always complains what a rip off they are and so has put off getting another eye-test buying lenses.

I think she pays around £200 for them - she doesn't bother with the after care as all they do take a look at the lense in the eye for £47.

Can these lenses in strength of +9 ,10 be found anywhere?

Also what about the shape, will her perscription have all the details it needs for the lenses to be a perfect fit. Apprently her eyes are less curved than average

She'll need a copy of her contact lens specifications to order RGPs. This should include lens design, lens material, base curve, total diameter and power, but may contain other details as well if her lenses are more complex. I'm not sure if any online retailers sell RGPs as they are a litttle more complex than soft lenses. She may be better to ask a few different opticians how much they charge for a pair.