Best opticians?

martyp

Hi all,
I'm trying to work out the best opticians to go for as I normally use Boots but they seem expensive possibly? £29 for an eye test then £25 for an advanced photo test and £50 for a contact lens check. Specsavers and Vision Express seem like they might be a fair bit cheaper?
I did pay about £16 a month for their contact lens scheme which included the eye tests, contact lens checks and also 50% off glasses.
Now I'm considering just paying for an eye test and getting the glasses online. I also considered asking at work about getting the eye test paid for by them as I use a computer?

Emmia

Personally I don't consider "cheap" to necessarily be the best thing in terms of eye care.

I go to Cubitts because they have all the latest equipment, a no puff, puff test - and crucially they don't hard sell the specs.

My test results including the pupillary distance is available to me online so I can use it at any glasses provider (including online ones). They don't do contacts though.

HampshireH

Most places have more independent opticians too if you're unhappy with the big names.

Worth seeing if any of your work benefits (if you are working) offer reimbursement for eye tests or glasses. Many do.

martyp

Thanks both. I might see the local options too and see how they compare. My first one was a local one as there weren't any big names in the town at the time and was happy with them. Mind you that was when I was a teenager and my parents footed the bill so don't know how they were price wise.
I believe one local one has won awards as well so might be worth checking out.
I'll check into the work side, see if I can claim it on expenses 😀

Undervalued

martyp said:

Hi all,
I'm trying to work out the best opticians to go for as I normally use Boots but they seem expensive possibly? £29 for an eye test then £25 for an advanced photo test and £50 for a contact lens check. Specsavers and Vision Express seem like they might be a fair bit cheaper?
I did pay about £16 a month for their contact lens scheme which included the eye tests, contact lens checks and also 50% off glasses.
Now I'm considering just paying for an eye test and getting the glasses online. I also considered asking at work about getting the eye test paid for by them as I use a computer?

If you live near a university that has an optometry school they will have a clinic where you will be seen by both a student and their supervisor. You will get an extremely thorough eye test for free with no obligation to buy your glasses from them (although their prices are generally quite reasonable). The downside is it will probably take about an hour and a half and is normally only available in term time.

martyp

Thanks, didn't know about that. I'm not sure if there might be any near me but I'll check.

luvchocolate

Asda for me..I have history of glocoma in the family. 
I have appointment every year and glasses are good prices