Boots contact lenses trial

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I just had my first contact lenses assessment yesterday afternoon with boots and I was told due to the fact that I have astigmatism on one of my eyes my lenses would be a lot more expensive than the normal ones. And I was quoted with a price of £25.00 per month for 10 daily lenses (brand not disclosed) if I set up a DD with them! And no other cheaper option was allowed to be discussed as the one selected is the most suitable one for me, in optometrist's opinion.

I did not book the fitting appointment yesterday because their computers were down. I rang to check if I can book the fitting for next week this morning, only being told they will definitely order the lenses for me, and will get back to me with regards to booking a fitting appointment on Monday, as their system are currently still down.

I then went to check how much it normally costs for contact lenses for astigmatism on the internet. To my surprise, it costs a lot lower than what I originally expected/what boots expected me to pay. E.g: In Specsa it costs only £19.00 to have 30 1 Day Acuvue Moist lenses for Astigmatism.... I have to admit it was my fault that I did not check the price for the contact lenses before going for the assessment. I also understand that due to the fact the assessment & trial are "free" I should be reasonably expected to pay a premium for the lenses. However, I honestly was not expected the difference can be so huge! What also worries me is that there was a thread saying that someone was charged during the fitting process because she/he also required special lenses for astigmatism, although I cannot find this on boots terms and condition..

I'm really concerned right now how much it will cost me in the end to get contact lenses. I will just wear contact lenses for a few days per month and after care is not a must for me.

If I continue to have the fitting with boots Will I be able to get a copy of my contact lenses prescription after a few months DD subscription and then use it to purchase the lenses online instead. Or should I ring Boots to confirm cancellation of the fitting process and try with another shop instead as its overall costs might be much lower?

Any inputs would be greatly appreciated!

pmduk

My own choice would be to find a branch of Asda Opticians. They charge a flat fee of £15 for the fitting and aftercare and encouraged me to find the cheapest source for the lenses they prescribed. Their service was equally as good as I'd had elsewhere when trying contacts previously.

GlasweJen

Do you have any idea of how bad your astigmatism is? It's the middle number on your optical prescription if you happen to have that? £25 per month for 10 pairs is very steep unless the lenses are some sort of made to order dailies so I'm wondering if your astigmatism is outwith the range that standard lenses come in.

[Deleted User]

pmduk wrote: »

My own choice would be to find a branch of Asda Opticians. They charge a flat fee of £15 for the fitting and aftercare and encouraged me to find the cheapest source for the lenses they prescribed. Their service was equally as good as I'd had elsewhere when trying contacts previously.

Thank you pmduk!

GlasweJen wrote: »

Do you have any idea of how bad your astigmatism is? It's the middle number on your optical prescription if you happen to have that? £25 per month for 10 pairs is very steep unless the lenses are some sort of made to order dailies so I'm wondering if your astigmatism is outwith the range that standard lenses come in.

Thanks GlasweJen! I just had my normal eye test in early Feb with Boots and the Cylinder is -0.75. Not sure if it is outwith the range the standard lenses come in or not.

silvercar

I'm really concerned right now how much it will cost me in the end to get contact lenses. I will just wear contact lenses for a few days per month and after care is not a must for me.

Aftercare really is quite important, particularly for new contact lens users.

Boots contact lens scheme also gives you 10% off boots products and advantage points on their scheme.

You can also phone up and suspend the direct debit any time you feel you have sufficient lens.

theoretica

When comparing prices, be alert to some places quoting prices for pairs, and others for single lenses.

GlasweJen

-0.75 is the lowest astigmatism that you can get a contact lens in. I'd ask to try both the toric and a compromise spherical prescription (your optician will know what this is but it will be your sphere -0.50 and no astigmatism correction). You might find that you get on fine without the toric lenses and that could save you quite a bit, toric lenses are a pain to fit, can be fiddly to learn how to put in and take out and they're less likely to be a successful outcome compared to spherical fits.

kirtondm

I would also be tempted to try spherical first.

Boots must legally give you a contact lens prescription after the fitting has been completed.

halogen

You have my sympathy. I have hospital prescibed hard lenses that cost me £60 everytime I lose one. which happens 3-4 times a year.

GlasweJen

halogen wrote: »

You have my sympathy. I have hospital prescibed hard lenses that cost me £60 everytime I lose one. which happens 3-4 times a year.

You should really look after your lenses a bit better, I've got an RGP that's 5 years old and still going strong. I had to pay £300 for it, if you were paying £300 a pop to a private optician I'm sure you wouldn't be going back 4 times a year for lost lens replacement.

halogen

GlasweJen wrote: »

You should really look after your lenses a bit better, I've got an RGP that's 5 years old and still going strong. I had to pay £300 for it, if you were paying £300 a pop to a private optician I'm sure you wouldn't be going back 4 times a year for lost lens replacement.

They pop out and ping across the room occasionly never to be seen again. Ive not mastered the art of putting them in and out without dropping them .