Buying glasses online - worth it?

[Custom24]

Hi
I need new glasses. Single vision, -4.00 prescription.

This time, I am tempted to try the online route vs the high street.

Anyone got good or bad experiences with online?

Thanks
Mark

 

[vickster]

I did it once with Oakley rx cycling sunglasses as it saved me a fair bit

I don't think I'd bother with normal specs given spec savers do 2 4 1 and I've not had an issue finding frames from them. Ymmv

 

[KneesUp]

My current glasses were £65 online or £180 at an optician.

The 2 for 1 offers are ok, if you want two pairs.

My previous pair I bought as a trial of the online service and were £7 - £12 with postage if I recall correctly. Although I bought them to see what they were like, I ended up wearing them every day for two years, and they are still in the car as spares - not bad value for £12

 

[mjr]

My current glasses were bought from a high street optician and are only just starting to look old after four years. It's easier to check in person things like whether a frame is something like more-hardwearing anodised rather than simply coated, plus most opticians set up the centring and other things which are annoying to do yourself.

Despite that, I've used Glasses Direct with discount codes a few times when there seemed to be no styles I liked available in local shops. It probably works better if you're prepared/able to trial before the lenses are cut and try again if they're not great. I'm not far off -4 and can just about see well enough to try some on with plain glass without having to resort to video'ing myself!

 

[Fnaar]

You could ask, in-store, if they are cheaper than online. Or perhaps not. You don't want to make a spectacle of yourself

(I'll get my own coat...)

 

[Electric_Andy]

I've always bought in store because I'm fussy about specs and need to look and feel them. Plus the ones online always look great on models but crap on me. It also means that they'll be fitted and adjusted properly in a store. Depends on what you want, but Specsavers have a great range in every budget, and 2-for1 might sound OTT but is a great deal if you bust a pair.

 

[steve50]

I get my glasses online, (Glasses direct) prescription with varifocal lenses and chromreactive uv protection £195 delivered, over £300 on the high street

 

[vickster]

I've always bought in store because I'm fussy about specs and need to look and feel them. Plus the ones online always look great on models but crap on me. It also means that they'll be fitted and adjusted properly in a store. Depends on what you want, but Specsavers have a great range in every budget, and 2-for1 might sound OTT but is a great deal if you bust a pair.

I use 241 to get rx sunnies

 

[postman]

Hi
I need new glasses. Single vision, -4.00 prescription.

This time, I am tempted to try the online route vs the high street.

Anyone got good or bad experiences with online?

Thanks
Mark

Never tried online,but i would advise you to read the small print.

 

[Danny B]

Just done exactly what you are thinking of doing, Very similar prescription. Used Glasses Direct and tried there free try four pairs at home free trial. Then selected ones I liked (actually go my facebook friends to vote which looked best). Filled in online form from my current prescription which must be less than two years old. They then phone to check the prescription details and 7 to 10 days later one pair of glasses and one pair of prescription sunglasses delivered. Only had new glasses for two days so just getting used to them but so far so good. I would use them again no questions.

 

[fossyant]

I've used Glasses Direct as well. Even had them put new lenses in some Oakley's.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

I've used glasses direct and they were very good, checking my order was exactly what I needed and a quick turn around. £160 as opposed to £400+ from the optician for my varifocals. The only sticking point is supplying your pupil dimension, which your optician won't give you as they know you're going to go online if they do. You can either measure yourself or send a pair of your glasses for the online firm to measure.
Similarly my wife has used an online firm and they were extremely good, she has a weird prescription and they were Bob on. I think that firm was thinlenses or something.

 

[Levo-Lon]

How can you get a perfect lens position of the net??? And frame set correctly..

 

[steve50]

How can you get a perfect lens position of the net??? And frame set correctly..

when i ordered my first pair of glasses from glasses direct they had me send in my current prescription and a pair of my own glasses to take the necessary measurements of frame etc. I have now had two pairs of glasses from them and they have been spot on.

 

[winjim]

Glasses direct have sent me several pairs of damaged glasses. I won't use them again.