Best spectacle deals
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The process is obviously different with an online store, which is why some of them will send you a handful of frames to try on at home and see which best suits you. With Glasses Direct, for example, you need to notify the firm that you want to return the glasses within seven days of them being dispatched, while Visions Direct offers a day guarantee on all products. Some people qualify for free eye tests. In Scotland, they are free for everyone, while for those in England and Wales eye tests are free if you are under 16 or under 19 and in full time education , over 60, or if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
You need to have your prescription to hand if you plan to order glasses online. The idea is that you go to your cashback site of choice and search for the retailer you plan to shop with. Essentially, the cashback sites earn a referral fee and they pass all or most of that fee back to you. At the time of writing, with TopCashback you can enjoy a return of 7.
Cash in on cashback. Alternatively, check voucher code websites to see if you can secure a bigger discount. At the time of writing, VoucherCodes. Usually there is a free returns process, though some very budget retailers require you to pay for the postage for returns. The Association of Optometrists AOP believes that picking the right pair of glasses, with an appropriate prescription and which fits well and is comfortable, is generally more complicated than it may appear.
The lenses and the fit of the glasses work together towards a good or bad result.
When buying glasses, the things to consider are — purpose, vision correction, quality, fit, comfort and eye health. It is very often better, as well as easier, to have glasses dispensed where the sight test is conducted. That extends beyond checking reviews for its service, but also establishing just where the firm is based; non-UK firms are outside the jurisdiction of the General Optical Council, and may not need to comply with UK law. This may make it tougher to get your money back if there is something wrong with your purchase. As with glasses, the eventual cost will vary significantly depending on what brand you go for.
You may be able to find cheaper deals elsewhere though. For example, with Lenstore. As with anything, if you can afford to buy in bulk, you will tend to save even more. Sam says he knew that he would lose free eye check-ups by going online, but his research had found that a host of high street opticians offer free one-off eye tests, while he could also make use of a money-back scheme offered by his employer for optical health checks.
I settled on Glasses Direct, which also allowed me to trial different styles of frames for free with free postal returns until I selected a pair that suited me, as well as offering decent deals on lenses. Read more about shopping on Moneywise. But since most people find it handy to have lenses in the frames, it would be more useful to quote typical all-in prices, including delivery, plus indicative turnround times? I wonder if anybody could give me some advice, please?
Welcome to Consumer Reports. When you buy glasses from a high street optician, you can try on as many pairs as you like in the store until you find one that you like. Their glasses are designed in-house, which means costs are low and you're able to get quality eyewear on the cheap. As with glasses, the eventual cost will vary significantly depending on what brand you go for. So how can you buy a good pair of glasses without paying too much?
On 19th May this year I bought glasses for reading and long distance. I was advised to have reflective lenses due to the onset of cataracts. I found that my previous glasses were more easy to use and kept trying the other ones out. I returned to Specsavers and it turned out that both my prescriptions were incorrect. Not only did they charge me for a new eye test but I had to buy the cheapest 'no frills' glasses I could afford. Specsavers said there was nothing they could do as I had exceeded their 3 month rule.
Obviously I am very out of pocket with this as I paid for reflective lenses for 2 pairs of glasses which are no good and had faith in the optician thinking I just had to get used to the reflective lenses lenses due to the onset of cataracts. Skip to main content.
10 best places to get a deal on glasses
Home Household finances Shopping Buying glasses? Make the most of spectacular This week's top 10 voucher codes However, shopping online can deliver substantial savings — but there are additional risks to bear in mind. Try before you buy When you buy glasses from a high street optician, you can try on as many pairs as you like in the store until you find one that you like. And if your frames need adjusting, it can be difficult to find a local professional willing to do it, at least at no charge.
These retailers got high satisfaction scores from our members and top marks for the fitting of frames and lenses and employee knowledge. They also received top ratings for follow-up service, although Costco did as well. Another option is to buy from Warby Parker, which sells eyeglasses online and in walk-in stores, which also provide eye exams.
If you have a more complicated prescription that requires, for example, multifocal lenses, things can get pretty expensive.
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And Warby sells only its own brand of frames. So you won't find those designer glasses you want after seeing them at a pricey eyeglass store. Where and how you should shop depends on your preferences and needs. If you're not picky about frames, a discount store may be right for you. If money is no issue, your eye doctor or an independent eyeglass store may be your best choice.
Get Educated Start by going to eyeglass websites such as Eyeglasses. Knowing something about the types of frames, lenses, and coatings can help you understand your options and sense whether a store or website is trying to sell you more than you need.
You might even upload a photo of yourself and use the virtual try-on feature on some sites to get an initial idea of which frames look best on you although you still should always try on a frame in the real world before buying it. For example, a narrow frame may not be able to accommodate your prescription if you need progressives or other multifocal lenses. And rimless and semirimless frames may be a bad choice if you have a strong prescription that requires thicker lenses.
Also discuss add-ons, such as anti-glare coatings. Ask the sale staff for advice about what works best for you. If your examination is at Costco or another discount store and you find a frame you like, you may not need to look any further. A Warby Parker store may be another one-stop option, especially if you need only single-vision lenses, which are included in the prices of the frames. Search the web with the brand and model number of your top picks. Once you have your best price, go back to the walk-in shop where you initially saw the frames and find out whether it can meet or at least come close to your top deal.
And keep in mind that buying your glasses at a walk-in store makes it easier to return them if there's a problem. And you'll be able to get that after-purchase care that a website can't provide, such as frame adjustments. So it may be worth paying somewhat more. If you decide to buy online, you might think twice about adding lenses to your frame order, especially if you have a complex prescription.
One option is to purchase the frames and have the prescription filled at a local discount store. You'll probably have to pay a little extra to have lenses put in frames you bought elsewhere. The store probably will be happy to adjust your new frames, if needed. Report Any Problems Once you get your new glasses, immediately report any problems with the frames or lenses. Some retailers will let you exchange frames that you don't like for little or no cost, even if you ordered prescription lenses.
But if you find a defect in the frame or if the prescription isn't right, you're entitled to a proper pair of glasses at no additional charge. If you bought your glasses online and the frames need adjusting, a local shop may be willing to do it for you, but there may be a charge. Finally, if you need your glasses in an hour or so, be careful.
If your impulse is to run to the national chain LensCrafters, for example, you're likely to pay dearly.
Try before you buy
But if you have an Eye-Mart or Eyeglass World near you, it can often produce glasses within one day for a lot less. And these stores are not too far behind LensCrafters in reader satisfaction. Check the Retailer's Reputation If you're not familiar with the eyeglass shop, whether a walk-in or online store, check it out before buying.
Also, do a web search with the name of the retailer and such terms as "complaints" and "reviews" to see what other customers have to say. Ask About Insurance If you're covered by insurance, find out whether the eyeglass store accepts your plan. Review Warranties and Return Policies You should expect your frames to be covered against manufacturing defects for at least a year.
Some retailers, whose warranties are shorter than that, may try to sell you a service contract, also known as an extended warranty, that covers defects and accidental damage to your glasses.