Opticians - where to go for good value?

SkintMonkey

Hello there

My employer will pay for my eye test and £55 towards a new prescription (which I'm thinking I'm probably going to need).

I was just wondering where I should go that would offer me a good deal and if I do need a new prescription I wont have to pay too much out of my own pocket.

Thanks

SM x

Running_Horse

Most multiples will try to sell you hi index thinner lenses as standard, reagrdless of power, as there is more profit in it. If you only want standard plastic lenses, ask for CR39.

Specsavers tend to be cheaper as their business model is based on high volumes; fine if your prescription is uncomplicated.

Dollond & Aitchison and Vision Express cost more, but have a good reputation.

I would never go to Optical Express.

Boots have had problems since closing their labs and outsourcing all glazing to another company.

Tesco and ASDA are very cheap (loss leaders?).

If you have a complex prescription I would recommend building a long term relationship with an independent qualified optician (not some part time "dispenser" you are likely to see at a multiple). It probably costs more, but you will benefit from their years of training and study.

CrazyDave

Running_Horse wrote: »

I would never go to Optical Express.

Why specifically?

I've just printed off a coucher for a free eye test with them, and would appreciate knowing what makes them so avaoidable.

judyjetson

I have my eye test at D&A and get my specs at Tesco. They quite often have offers on and I got two designer pairs (Gucci & MaxMara) BOGOF for £120 including lenses. They were the most expensive, but there's a good range well under that price.

sallycinnamon99

I used to always go to my local optician and until recently thought he gave me reasonable prices but now feel he is over charging.

I went to specsavers but didn't really like the service or choice of frames, etc. I wear contacts during the day and glasses in the evening so need both.

I visited asda and thought the optician was very nice, thorough and helpful. I didn't feel any obligation to buy anything after my eye test, although I did buy, as they were very reasonable. Ordered my contacts from their website as got 10% discount (was told this by optician which I thought was helpful). Also get quidco cashback.

keelykat

If you want new frames-go to specsavers....ive just had two pairs for the price of one (designer ones-very nice ones). They have loads to choose from (well the one where i go does-i assume all do) and i was very happy with the eye test (ive been wearing glasses since i was very little and im 23 now so i've been to plenty of eye tests!)

Also if you buy contact lenses from them-they offer a good discount if you buy a pair of glasses too (my friend has a pair for certain days when she has a break from her lenses).

The last pair of glasses i brought were from boots though, and i was happy with their service too. There was a special offer on and i got loads of boots points too!

keely.

ailuro2

I've nearly always used Specsavers- it dos what it says on the tin;)

Asda opticians get a good word of mouth name for being cheap but thorough too, but I've not used them yet.

cattie

I get my eyes tested at D&A but now get my specs from www.selectSpecs.com who I wholeheartedly can recommend.

You can save an absolute fortune by getting your specs from one of the cut price online opticians, so maybe you can go down this route?

Horace

Until last year I always used an independent optician - I still visit him now and again when I need some glasses for sailing. I have tried D&A before now but to be honest I wasn't too impressed.

Local to me there is a company that sells glasses (they used to make them for people such as D&A) and they always have a good selection. I don't use them anymore because I have to have my eyes tested at the hospital and buy their glasses which are considerably cheaper.

Good luck with your eye test.

finallydebtfree!!

Hiya! not sure whereabouts in the country you are but these 2 companies specialise in selling glasses at trade prices. Unfortunately they dont do eye tests or prescriptions but you can take your prescription along to them and get your glasses made

Sales Optical Services

8 Ashfield Trading Estate,
Ashfield Road,
Salisbury,
Wiltshire,
SP2 7HL

01722 326860


City Optical Ltd

Unit 28/City Industrial Park,
Southern Road,
Southampton,
Hampshire,
SO15 1HA

02380 631716

BelindaArch

cattie wrote: »

I get my eyes tested at D&A but now get my specs from www.selectSpecs.com who I wholeheartedly can recommend.

You can save an absolute fortune by getting your specs from one of the cut price online opticians, so maybe you can go down this route?

I absolutely agree with you there, cattie. Whilst I never used a high-street chain, I did always go to a high street independent optician. But it was costing a fortune (not just me - all the family, too!). My favourable experience of buying on-line lies with one company, Fashion Specs Direct. However - I've had two less-than-favourable experiences with a couple of others (won't mention their names).

You can indeed save a fortune by buying online. But don't just judge a company on it's pricing. Also bear in mind its customer service quality in case you need to ask them anything before, during and after you've made you purchase.

To me the importance of customer care is at least equal to the cost (low cost!) of the glasses I'm looking to by online.

It takes a leap of faith if you've not done it before, but (in my experience) it has been well worth it!