Glasses online?

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027549#Comment_82027549

Good tip about using older reading glasses when chopping up food with sharp knives.

I have never tried that but sounds like a good idea.

Yarrows

I bought single vision glasses from Internet Specs a few years back, one pair with the frame and a reading pair as a reglaze. I found them reasonable value for money and I felt their optician understood my (very strong) prescription and gave me good advice, and I've been very happy with the glasses. Other online glasses sites won't accept my prescription as they have lower limits for prescription strength (I'm not sure if they all run orders past an optician?).

Because I'm using varifocals now I haven't had occasion to use them again, but I would be happy to do so for single vision lenses. I've had poor experiences with in person opticians in the past so I was a bit worried about using an online service but in this case it worked out well.

cyberhippy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027549#Comment_82027549

careful with those knives! Wouldn't varifocals solve the "you need different glasses for reading and computer use" problem?

Barkin

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027420#Comment_82027420

I've been getting free eye tests, and using an online service for the actual hardware, for several years now without any problems.

I use Specsavers for the test, simply because they're nearby and convenient for me.

I always ask for the IPD to be included on the little prescription card that they give me, and they've always done so without question.

bob_a_builder

Don't understand why the PD is not included as part of the prescription, since it seems its a fundamental part of the 'specification' for the glasses. Have been refused that information in the past.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82030321#Comment_82030321

It's because the eye test results are a measure of the refractive properties needed to correct your eyesight.

Anything else is specific to a fitting for spectacles and is the responsibility of the person/company supplying those.

Further, if you were opting for contact lenses then such a measurement is irrelevant.

Xenon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82030349#Comment_82030349

Plus they want you to buy from them - if you have your prescription & PD you can buy from anybody.

Baldytyke88

I occasionally wear Asda bifocals. I was thinking about getting standard driving glasses, but as I have no problems with the bifocals, maybe I should get another pair.

The top half of my bifocals allow me to see reading better, so maybe that is enough. I need an app on my mobile to measure my eyes.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82029681#Comment_82029681

@cyberhippy

My optician said that for people who looked at computer screens for work many hours a day, and then had to also read things, then varifocals was a possible solution. However if you are only looking at a screen one or two hours a day, they are probably unnecessary as they are expensive and take some getting used to.