Boots Opticians

saraih

My OH just came home and he's been convinced to buy varifocal lenses for more than £440 with a tiny amount off as 'managers goodwill'.

I do understand that he has a complex prescription but one pair of glasses for that much shocks me, does this sound about right? frames were £130 which is usual as he doesn't get a voucher any more.

He gets a new prescription every year, is there somewhere we could take the prescription and get it cheaper next time?

edit: just saw the other thread with asda and specsavers recommendations, thanks.

theoretica

If he is getting new frames every year he might save by having an old but good pair reglazed.

saraih

Thanks, I didn't know you could do that. His frames are fine but they didn't suggest it as an option.

It's something we need to do next time for definite, that's a huge amount of money for us and I don't think Boots were very helpful at all.

A_Phoenix_of_Tangerine

Yeah, as far as the opticians part of their business goes, Boots are the worst of the bunch! Overpriced, with non-transparent pricing (in my case, I was even charged by a dodgy manager for what should have been a freebie trial!)

If you're thinking of getting reglazing done in subsequent years, check out Cilary Blue - I seem to remember reading about them being good value and good service on here several years back.

stedwell

While I agree Boots are not good, I also pay a lot of money for my glasses.
My last pair were nearly £500 as my prescription is high. Therefore I always pay for ultra thin lenses.
My prescription sunglasses are the standard thin lense and are OK in a big chunky pair of rayban frames but I would never ever wear a them in a normal frame. It could be that this is what your husband has bought.
I always tend to go to my independent optician because they cater for my high prescription and other problems with my vision far better then the chain shops.

asajj

I always go to my independent optician too and if your prescription is high, charge for the check up is covered. They also cater for the budget and are helpful at payment options. Boots is always overpriced both in opticians and beauty.

Pinkdebster

I've just collected my new pair of varifocals from Boots and they cost £440. However, I was able to use student discount with them and got over £100 off so it was a good deal. I have to say, I've used cheaper places in the past and have had nothing but trouble with them - my local Boots (just an Opticians, not within a store) is really good. Customer service is second to none and there was no hard sell. I chose a higher cost glass because of the discount.

When I'm no longer able to use my NUS card, I'll have to rethink. Just reassuring you that the cost sounds about right.

Tigsteroonie

I've just taken delivery (!) of two pairs of varifocals from Asda Opticians - my prescription is -8.something, so quite bad. The specs are thinned to 1.67 and one pair is tinted. Total cost £99.