Yeah - I got new glasses...... kinda!

Kintarō Hattori

It's been almost two years since my last eyetest so I went for an exam with SpecSavers today. It seems there is very little difference between now and two years ago but I elected to get some new glasses as my current ones are quite scratched. So for the first time ever I went for some designer frames!!!

Now I just need to be disciplined and always clean them with the cloth and not whatever comes to hand! It came to €396 for the two pairs as I got both thinned down. Can I claim any of this back from tax?

Moonbeam

Yes,
You can claim some of it back on prsi,they have the forms in specsavers near the tills.

http://www.dohc.ie/public/information/health_related_benefits_and_entitlements/treatment_benefit_scheme.html

I think the rates are €22.80 for your eye test and €45.59 for your glasses.

endplate

Moonbeam wrote: »

Yes,
You can claim some of it back on prsi,they have the forms in specsavers near the tills.

http://www.dohc.ie/public/information/health_related_benefits_and_entitlements/treatment_benefit_scheme.html

I think the rates are €22.80 for your eye test and €45.59 for your glasses.

They are 1 year old rates it's now€23.35 for the eye test and €42.66 for the frames. It's very easy to claim now. Your optician can email Donegal with your name and PPS number and it's usually back in a few hours saying if your qualified or not. Once qualified you get your allowences straight away after filling in a small form.

Kintarō Hattori

Well now that's not too shabby. I must remember to do that when I collect them tomorrow.

Kintarō Hattori

http://www.specsavers.ie/cgi-bin/strudwick.sh/s?langid=3&pfmt=3&siteid=39&pname=offers/offerscurrent.html&offer=188

Looking at the link above to the SpecSavers ireland website it seems that when you buy a pair of glasses from the €99 or above range you get free reaction lenses.
I was there on sunday and no-one mentioned this to me and I didn't see any signs for it. Do you think they'll just do it on the glasses anyway?

What if I get the glasses and they don't have the reaction lenses, would I be within my right to bring the matter up?

Shamanic

no they wont do it anyway, they shouldve explained the offer to you.
The only option you have is to ring and ask about it.

Kintarō Hattori

Shamanic wrote: »

no they wont do it anyway, they shouldve explained the offer to you.
The only option you have is to ring and ask about it.

Hmnn well I have to go and collect the glasses today. I'll ask them about the offer and if they didn't include it on my glasses would I be within my rights to look for new lenses with the reactions option included? Or am I just causing a fuss over nothing.

Moonbeam

If you got the lenses paired down they definately won't be reaction lenses.Th eprice difference is huge.
Normally it is a choice between 2nd "free" frames or reactions lenses in the pair you buy.

Kintarō Hattori

Moonbeam wrote: »

If you got the lenses paired down they definately won't be reaction lenses.Th eprice difference is huge.
Normally it is a choice between 2nd "free" frames or reactions lenses in the pair you buy.

I got both pairs paired down. I wasn't given a choice between the two. So are reaction lenses a little thicker? If you choose thinning you can't then get reactions?

endplate

You can get both on the one lens thinned and reactions. The reaction part in an ingredient in the lens. They are specially made for you by using frame size and your pupil distance to make the smallest possible lens to fit for your frame. Can I ask what is your prescription?

If you want reactions (which btw make you look like an oldie) and you want thinner (or precal as it's termed in the business) you pay extra for both. And if you want the same done to your free pair you pay extra for the second pair too. Specsaver promotions are very cleverly worded. They spend an absolute fortune on promotion and they don't actually give a whole lot away for free afterall they want to make money. For example over sixtys can get a free eye test but they don't get the 2 for 1 offer unless they pay for the eyetest.

Shamanic

its only precal if its a plus Rx endplate, no point in using precal on a minus.
If hes a minus Rx and got his lenses thinned down its just a higher index.
Precal on a minus would just bring the edge thickness closer to the centre, hence thicker, not thinner lenses.
Also precal is brand name for a well knowen company, and tbh your just best off doing the frame measurements yourself and choosing the size of the blank required on a low base as it'll give a better finish and thinner lense. But thats just my opinion!
No offence just for future reference

Moonbeam

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I got both pairs paired down. I wasn't given a choice between the two. So are reaction lenses a little thicker? If you choose thinning you can't then get reactions?

You can get high index reaction lenses but they are expensive,alot more expensive then standard reaction lenses.

You can see their details and prices @ http://www.specsavers.ie/cgi-bin/strudwick.sh/s?langid=3&pfmt=3&siteid=39&pname=options.html

endplate

Shamanic wrote: »

its only precal if its a plus Rx endplate, no point in using precal on a minus.
If hes a minus Rx and got his lenses thinned down its just a higher index.
Precal on a minus would just bring the edge thickness closer to the centre, hence thicker, not thinner lenses.
Also precal is brand name for a well knowen company, and tbh your just best off doing the frame measurements yourself and choosing the size of the blank required on a low base as it'll give a better finish and thinner lense. But thats just my opinion!
No offence just for future reference

Yeah I work in a glazing lab. I'm only confusing myself with the terms. Didn't realise precal was a brand name not a lot to do with optical lenses I see. Guess lens labs like essilor just use the term loosly

Shamanic

no worries dude, i spent a fortune getting my SMC TECH qualifaction so im just picky!:D

endplate

What's that qualification about? Sorry for going off topic