Any truly free (fine, reasonably priced) contact lens trials?

QQQ

Never tried contact lens before and noticed Specsavers and Vision Express advertise free contact lens trial, so maybe it's time to try. Booked a slot with Specsavers only to be told over the phone that no matter what their web site says, it's not free (yes, just like that). Tried different Specsavers branch with the same result, so they do have consistency, not the one I would have hoped for. Booked a slot with Vision Express only to be told that yes, the contact lens trial is free but the appointment to teach me how to insert them is £30 and of course I am eligible for a free part only if I pay for a paid part.
Are there any trick-free places to try contacts for free?

EDIT: OK, apparently there are no free places, but how about reasonably priced ones?

MovingForwards

A quick search brings up this:
https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/everclear/free-contact-lenses-trial

QQQ

MovingForwards said:

A quick search brings up this:
https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/everclear/free-contact-lenses-trial

Yes, but then how do I find out my Base Curve and Diameter before I order a trial pack?

Undervalued

QQQ said:

MovingForwards said:

A quick search brings up this:
https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/everclear/free-contact-lenses-trial

Yes, but then how do I find out my Base Curve and Diameter before I order a trial pack?

By paying an optometrist to measure them and also assess your suitability! A short trial of the lenses they prescribe may be "free" but the professional assessment isn't.

Sorry but you are looking at this the wrong way round. If you are going to go around with something in your eyes it is vital they are right for you and that the health of you eyes is closely monitored. You need to find an optometrist that you trust and are happy to see at least every six months. This will come at a cost and you just have to accept that if you want to use contact lenses.

QQQ

OK, but I want to minimise this cost, this is why I am on moneysavingexpert.com forum, not moneyspendingexpert.com
So, what are the cost effective (if not free) ways to get my eyeballs measured to see which contacts will safely fit and get my first pair of them?

newlywed

Vision express trial is free. But at the end of the trial if you want to take your contacts   prescription and go elsewhere, then you will be charged £35 to get the info.

seems fair to me and have had my assessment, am waiting for my “training” appointment before they give me my first ever lenses. I’ve paid nothing.

But I did have an eye test a year ago.

QQQ

newlywed said:

Vision express trial is free. But at the end of the trial if you want to take your contacts   prescription and go elsewhere, then you will be charged £35 to get the info.

Well, in my case clearly it wasn't. Maybe it varies from branch to branch though.

QQQ

So, anyone with an idea better than shelling out 35 quid for a 10 minutes job?

Undervalued

QQQ said:

So, anyone with an idea better than shelling out 35 quid for a 10 minutes job?

Yes, if you are going to be this tight about it I would give up the idea of wearing contact lenses!

It is not a "ten minute job". Your eyes need to be tested (not completely the same as for glasses), the health of your eyes needs to be assessed, then the measurements need to be made and you need to be taught how to easily and safely insert and remove the lenses. Unless they are one day disposables you need to be taught how to properly clean and look after the lenses (very important).

Although contact lenses can have significant advantages for some people there are also risks associated with them. They are not something to be treated lightly or carelessly. Yes, prices vary and the most expensive is not always the best. You need to find a balance between getting proper assessment and aftercare without paying wildly over the odds. To be honest if you are not willing to pay c. £50 twice a year plus the cost of the lenses then stick with your glasses (which you will still need as few people wear contacts for every waking hour of ever day).

QQQ

Undervalued, I hear what you are saying, it is important to do it in a safe and healthy way. But there must be a way to do it safely yet cost effectively.
So... anyone with an idea better than just wearing glasses or shelling out 35 quid for a contact lens trial?

kirtondm

Fitting a new lens properly and teaching you how to put it in and out is going to take at least 2hrs in total.
I would argue that £17.5 / Hour is pretty cost effective.
it could easily take 4 hours depending on the patient.
Some places will do it FOC if you join their plan so your other option would be sign up for a plan and then cancel after the minimum term.

I am not sure how VE could charge you £35 for the data by the way. a request under the GDPR would surely cover that side of things!