Specsavers quality ?

km79

Just been told I need glasses after an eye test in local opticians . Was then sent
Straight to reception to puck out frames!!! The prices were very expensive so I left.
Am I entitled to call back in and get copy of my test results and prescription ?
I was thinking of calling into specsavers as their prices seem to be good but worried a out the quality of the glasses ?

sibeen99

Absolutely you are entitled to a copy of your prescription and than you can have your glasses madu up anywhere.
Regarding the quality of the glasses like everything you get what you pay for. try to factor in how tough you might be on the specs and the fact that you will probably have them for a couple of years. While specsavers may appear to be cheaper there can be additional cost for different types of lenses/ coatings etc. As its your first pair maybe shop around and gather the info you need before making a decision.

HTH S

km79

Thanks very much for the detailed reply. The glasses will be used for reading and computer work only. I do a lot of reading though at work
the reason I had the eye test was I knew myself I was straining one eye as it is Much stronger than the other. I've put off the inevitable for as long as I could !

km79

One other point. The local optician wants me buy a pair now with half strength prescription and then full prescription in 6 months ? Seems sensible but very expensive

Moonbeam

I don't get what you mean..
He wants you to get 1/2 the strength you need now and get the proper one in 6 months? why?

km79

Correct.
Apparently it would be easier for me to get used to the glasses doing it that way.
It would not be easy on my pocket though
Is that an unusual course of action ?

sibeen99

Sounds a bit strange to only get half the prescription now unless it is very strong or has a high astigmatic correction. Maybe query this again by saying you don't want to be forking out again in 6 months to update them!

km79

Prescription for right eye is +2.5 /-2.75 X117. Left eye only needs slight prescription. Is that a strong enuf prescription to warrant what I mentioned earlier ?

sibeen99

Hi km79,
if you have never worn specs before the -2.75 cyl in the right eye might feel a bit strange at first. Some opticians may drop this power in the beginning to give you a chance to get used to it. Maybe ask them to clarify if this is the reason or ask for them to demonstrate the preescription before you make a decision.

km79

That was the reason given alright to be fair. But it will make things VERY expensive. The anti fatigue lenses alone are 160.
I am going to be using the glasses for short periods each day if that makes any difference

sibeen99

Remember that if you change them in 6 months time you should only need to change that one lens if the left eye is ok. Or you could keep going with them for maybe 12 months unless you are still having difficulty with your vision.

km79

And I cud keep the same frames ?

sibeen99

Should be no reason why you can't

km79

Ended up getting a cheap pair today with half prescription . Going back in 6 months then for full prescription and good pair . Is there any reason why contact lenses have not been mentioned to me. Are they not an option ?

Nick Watson

You don't need to restrict yourself to expensive 'bricks and mortar' opticians. If you really want to save money you should definitely consider buying your glasses online.

There are pros and cons for buying your specs online, but I personally think that the money saved justifies the hassle. I've used several online glasses companies over the last few years, all have been Ok for me. the ones I've tried so far are:-

http://spex4less.co.uk
http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk
http://www.specspost.co.uk

Some do glasses from 12 Euros - that's including your prescription lenses! Others do offers from time to time such as 2 for 1s or Bogofs! Take a look and see what catches your eye. At these sort of prices it's worth a punt (oh I wish we could go back to the days of the punt!) Let me know how you get on.:pac:

Jimoslimos

km79 wrote: »

Ended up getting a cheap pair today with half prescription . Going back in 6 months then for full prescription and good pair . Is there any reason why contact lenses have not been mentioned to me. Are they not an option ?

See how you get on with the specs first. High cyl (astigmatism) I'd guess. Soft toric lenses are pretty commonplace now though and I would have thought might still be suitable with your script or if not then perhaps rigid gas permeables (I'm not an optom tho so don't quote me!)