Do opticians charge extra if you bring your own frame? 27 September 2020 at 5:51PM in Health & beauty MoneySaving 7 replies 134 views

borderline

This is something that really bugs me. I go to Specsavers and if I bring my own frame they charge me £40 and they also say they are not responsible if they break the frame.
I had an independent optician years ago and didn't charge me if I brought my own frame 

Do high street opticians charge like Specsavers?

t0rt0ise

Yes and they charge a fortune. I have used an independent that didn't say it was charging for my own frame but simply charged a fortune for the lenses. They all make huge profits on both frames and lenses.

Undervalued

Basically they don't like doing it for a number of reasons, so try to deter people.

Most of the online companies will re-glaze your existing frame but charge more than buying new from their basic or even mid price frames. 

So you need to be very attached to particular frame and / or it needs to be an expensive one to justify having it done.

borderline

Undervalued said:

So you need to be very attached to particular frame and / or it needs to be an expensive one to justify having it done.

yes, this is the problem. I don't like Specsavers frames and the ones I like buy the frame on the internet.  My prescription is a bit tricky, I always prefer to have the glasses done at the opticians in case they need to adjust it

Undervalued

borderline said:

Undervalued said:

So you need to be very attached to particular frame and / or it needs to be an expensive one to justify having it done.

yes, this is the problem. I don't like Specsavers frames and the ones I like buy the frame on the internet.  My prescription is a bit tricky, I always prefer to have the glasses done at the opticians in case they need to adjust it

Then I can only suggest finding an independent (not chain or franchise) optician and be prepared to pay a bit extra for a personal service.

Sharon87

With Specsavers if you buy frames your eye test is free, if you don't you have to pay for your eye test. I have both bought new frames and got other frames reglazed. Reglazing is still cheaper than buying new frames depending on how much the frames are. I reglazed my glasses and sun glasses one time and it saved a lot of money.

Novice_investor101

I had new lenses put in my existing frames that were originally from Specsavers. They told me it would be cheaper to buy new frames on BOGOF. 

I still went with my old frames, as i hate wastefulness, & it worked out about £30 more expensive than getting some decent quality new frames. I had normal lenses & tinted lenses to replace. 

I hate buying new glasses. I can never find new frames that suit me. 

MalMonroe

In my experience, frames don't last much longer than two years anyway, which is when all opticians recommend you have your eyes tested, if there are no other problems that is. 

In my case, because I wear bifocals, the lenses are the most expensive part anyway and so generally I just get a whole new pair. Also because I like a change. Two years of wearing one frame is enough for me. 

I used to go to Specsavers but don't really like them - now I use Boots Opticians and have found them fine - to date. . .