Where to get prescription glasses?

eloy7

I have to change my prescription glasses, and need to test my eyes.

Among many possible choices, where do you recommend to go for eye testing and order glasses?

Any tip for saving money or getting better service?

Sorry for a broad question, but I am still new to the UK and do not know the tricks

Stevie_Palimo

Phone an optician up in your area and ask if they do prescription ones, It really is simple as that.

Gloomendoom

You just need to ring an optician and make an appointment for an eye test. The optician will salmost certainly try to seel you a pair of glasses to suit your prescription, however, you don't have to but them. You can take your prescription and buy the glasses from a different optician or order them online.

If you really want to save some money, you could consider having your existing frames reglazed. I believe that there currenty an MSE voucher code for £10 off with Reglazemyglasses.

Lots of other money saving options here...

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/advanced-search.php?q=glasses&searchtype=guides

Pandilex

I usually get my eyes tested at Tesco for free, they've always had by far the best opticians that aren't trying to sell you stuff or rush you through.

I just had an appointment today with specsavers, they were okay but it only cost me 5 quid with a voucher on their website and didn't take long to book.

Frames I have to buy instore, specsavers is cheapest, cos I never know what looks good till i try it... if you can find a style you like in any store though and get the same online then go for it.

For replacement lenses definitely go online they're super cheap, I used cilliary blue iirc for mine.

sheramber

OP's previous thread - he needs a private appointment.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5450023

teddysmum

Pandilex wrote: »

I usually get my eyes tested at Tesco for free, they've always had by far the best opticians that aren't trying to sell you stuff or rush you through.

I just had an appointment today with specsavers, they were okay but it only cost me 5 quid with a voucher on their website and didn't take long to book.

Frames I have to buy instore, specsavers is cheapest, cos I never know what looks good till i try it... if you can find a style you like in any store though and get the same online then go for it.

For replacement lenses definitely go online they're super cheap, I used cilliary blue iirc for mine.

Asda's are much cheaper than Specsavers, though I think the latter's eye tests are more thorough.However, that would depend on the individual optician.

jenniewb

If you're anything like me OP, how your classes look will matter a great deal to you! (If you're not as vain as I am, please ignore my shameful response here!)


I look for frames first- I have to wear my glasses even to see buses at a bus stop I'm waiting at, so I need to feel confident in what I have to put on my face.
I try on glasses I see in retail opticians- most will allow you to do this without an issue, only asking if they can help you with your choice.


From what I understand (and correct me if I'm wrong anyone) I think all eye tests cost the same, so to save two different queues I'd suggest getting an eye test done at the same place you've found your frames. Some may even knock off the eye test fee or reduce the cost in some other way if you do everything in one place.


Having said all that; ask around. I think a lot rides on an optician getting the prescription correct and it all going smoothly- if you have the smallest hint that maybe this prescription isn't right for you, it can suddenly multiply and be leaving you with very bad headaches even if there isn't an issue with the prescription. So make sure you have some faith in who is testing your eyes at the very least.
It really matters I think, where you go not just which brand you are with. Eg I've seen many reports on these boards of Specsavers being a well reputed place to go, yet in my area I've not met one person who has walked away from the brand with a prescription that is correct so ask around with others you know to see how things are in the area you live rather than just going on brand suggestions alone.

kirtondm

I think all eye tests cost the same

All opticians get paid the same by the NHS which is around £20.


They set their own rate privately which can range from £0 to over £100 at some London practices.

Sncjw

Fill out an hc1 form if you have savings under £16k