Glasses online?

Baldytyke88

Have you bought spectacles online and had a good experience and saved money?

I have had my eyes tested recently and I am getting to the stage where it is a slightly noticeable view with glasses, but I don't need them.

Looking at the prescription, it's rather complicated.

flaneurs_lobster

I have and the problem I found is that unless you are lucky enough to have a standard, symmetrical face then it is likely that the specs will need some adjustment.

If the specs are for reading or occasional use then not so much of a problem but for continual use then the fit is important for correct vision and comfort.

I'm happy to get bendy with £10 sunglasses and a hairdryer but rather reluctant to DIY with something pricier.

Specs themselves were fine, lasted several years of daily use until prescription needed upgrade.

From memory the retailer was Glasses Direct.

Important measure when ordering specs online is Pupillary Distance (PD) - the distance between the centres of your pupils. Often measured by the ophthalmologist as part of the eye test but not usually included on the prescription. There are guides online on how to measure this yourself and I think there's an app designed for tablets that does it too.

badger09

I’d echo what @flaneurs_lobster said.
I used Glasses Direct several times many years ago, never had any problems & saved quite a bit. However since my prescription became more complicated I prefer to use a ‘physical’ supplier. Boots opticians were ok but I now go to local (5min walk) independent. Don’t mind paying a bit more for personal service.

Ib06

I have bought quite a few pairs of glasses from Glasses direct and have been happy with the glasses and their service. I once bought some vari-focal glasses from them and didn't get on with them - they gave me a refund with no quibbles… The important thing is to be happy with your prescription, I bought several pairs 18 months ago and haven't really been happy - but I am sure the prescription isn't quite right - I was retested this year with minor adjustments to the prescription and have been very happy with the glasses I bought from Glasses Direct.

My only quibble with glasses direct is that they have a range of discounts all the time and it is difficult to know if you are getting a good deal, if there is a better discount code or if waiting a few weeks will result in new offers with better (or perhaps worse) discounts.

On the whole I have been happy using Glasses Direct and will do again.

Bettie

I was very impressed with specs4less.com. The prescription lenses were spot on and frames fitted perfectly. It was good knowing that if there was a problem they offer a no quibble guarantee for any reason.. They are amazingly quick too. I ordered some prescription sunglasses and they were posted one day later and received within 2 days. Since I bought glasses from them they have started try before you buy. Not sure how it works as I've had cataract surgery and no longer need glasses.

Albermarle

If you only need (Mens) reading glasses, Costco sell a three pack for £15 ( or did) . Make is Foster Grants, and they look like normal glasses and not cheap thowaway ones. They are very good quality for the price. Spring loaded temples/arms mean they fit different sized heads. I have found they last well over a year. I also have some expensive ones from an optician and the only real difference is that they/the lenses are lighter.

Similar thread from the Over 50's forum

Buying optical glasses on line — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Xenon

I have been looking into this as i want spare backup glasses for reading/computer use.

I have a up to date prescription although finding out my PD number has been a pain (did it online with a webcam - hope it is accurate enough)

I have been looking at Glasses Direct mostly but will check other sites too (have to agree with Ibo6 regarding the ever changing discount deals though…can be confusing to keep track and work out which one is best)

Simply wanting basic glasses with standard lenses - nothing fancy.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82026868#Comment_82026868

My husband used glasses direct for a second pair of specs. He asked for his PD as he was getting measured up for his specs and she gave him it with no problem.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027408#Comment_82027408

Indeed, any reasonable optician's practice should supply this measurement. Problem may be that it's not actually required as part of the testing that's done by the optometrist and is often not shown on the sight prescription (but might be measured anyway).

It's often the person assisting with choice of specs/taking the order who takes this measurement. In a local independent this may well be the optometrist - not usual in Boots/Specsavers.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82026868#Comment_82026868

Normally you need different glasses for reading and computer use.
The reading ones are stronger so you can read small print, but normally too strong for reading a screen.

As you normally have to slowly increase the strength of reading glasses as you get older, I find that the previous strength ones are perfect for looking at a laptop screen.

A good MSE solution!

badger09

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027533#Comment_82027533

I do exactly the same! Though I find the one before, ie 2 prescriptions ago are perfect for laptop screen viewing. And for food prep involving knives😊