Glasses - specsavers or independent?

[FlingonTheValiant]

I get my contact lenses from an independent, but I've always bought my glasses from specsavers. I want to get a new, decent pair (my prescription has finally settled) and I'm not sure which would be best.

I know specsavers is a lot cheaper normally, but is there a reason for that? Are the lenses not as good?

My power is -8.50 and -8.75, so I suppose I'll have to get them thinned, do you think at that point specsavers would be much cheaper?

I must admit, I like the fact that I'd probably get two pairs for the money from them, rather than the one from my independent.

Is there anywhere else worth looking? There's no D&A near me.

Thanks for any advice :)

[TheVisitor]

Glassesdirect.co.uk. DH buys his glasses from there and they're MUCH cheaper than the high street. You can upload a picture and try frames online. The service we've had has been excellent.

[FlingonTheValiant]

Thank you, but they only seem to go up to a -8.00 prescription, I think I'm going to have to go to an actual shop. Thanks though, they do seem cheap.

[Catsmamma]

Specsavers are cheaper as they are franchises, and all together they have a massive buying power and get good discounts.


I do work for them though! ....but even when I didn't I took the children there for their frame choice.

At your prescription range I'd advise considering a 1.6 lens or preferably a 1.67, that's £40 or £60 on top of your frame price


If you go for a bigger frame then think about the 1.74 but if you go for one of the fashion frames, then you should be fine with one of the first two options.

[JoyceBarnaby]

This is the second time I've posted about Specsavers this week - think I must deserve some commission!!

I get my glasses from Specsavers - prescription -3.75 and -4, so not as bay as yours but still thinned.

I've never found anywhere cheaper or better than Specsavers. I've tried a variety of local independents, Boots and Vision Express. The independents were good on quality but much more expensive (sure this varies from shop to shop, obv). The others weren't even as good quality as Specsavers, but still more expensive.

I get the designer pairs from Specsavers (so their most expensive range) and, depending on the style of glasses, either thin or really thin lenses put in. I also have astigmatism in one eye. I have never tried the various online places for glasses but in terms of actual shops, I just can't find anywhere that even comes close on price for me. In my particular branch, the customer service is excellent, too.

I also take advantage of the 2 for 1 offers - I have prescription sunglasses that actually look like sunglasses as a result of one of these offers!!

Seriously, they should pay me for this, right?!! Still, it's nice to be able to say nice things about a high street chain - usually, I'm pretty critical!!

[FlingonTheValiant]

Thanks all, I think I'll just treat myself to thinned, designer glasses from specsavers.

Catsmamma I was expecting to have to get the £90 thinning, so if you think the £60 will be enough then I'll go for that.

Joyce I've always wanted prescription sunglasses, but I hate it when they look like normal glasses with dark lenses, so if they do some proper ones I might be tempted by them!

Thanks again!

[Catsmamma]

it depends on the frame size and style tbh....a plastic frame and the 1.6 should be fine, the thickness of the frame will hide the lenses, if you go for a metal or half frame then go up to the 1.67 or 1.74

ask the assistant for their advice, cos sometimes your own eye measurements (pd) and the frame choice will be relevant.

[FooffyShmoofer]

I have worked at Specsavers in the past and would say for myself, I wouldn't have mine nor my childrens eyes tested there but for value and range would buy them there. Quality is no better no worse than anywhere else.

Plus everything Catsmamma said

[FlingonTheValiant]

Great, thanks very much for the advice!

[Emily21t80]

Has to be specsavers the prices are amazing and the eye test is free am in Liverpool my local specsavers are doing it for free. And kids I didn't know are free and they get 2 pairs. Every time I've had a problem they have sorted it for free no charge and they do a 3 months money back guarantee. I've tried boots and vision express way to expensive for me. I either go to huyton or kirkby
www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/kirkby my local specsavers near me x

[trader21c]

I’ve tried both Specsavers and the local independent and far prefer the glasses I got from the independent (Zeiss varifocals) but obviously had to pay far more for the Indie. That said I’ve always had a good helpful experience from SS. I used an online optician spex4less for some Oakley sports wrap arounds - they are decent quality, but still not as good as the spex I got from the indie. But they are good for what I want and half the price Vision Express quoted me

[DaveCoachesgavemetheclap]

Independent every time, as I like to support local businesses if I can.

[CMOTDibbler]

Go to Asda - thinning, prisms, varifocals etc are all included in the price - 2 pairs for £120. I've been so happy with the glasses from them, and I have a really tricky prescription. My last glasses before I needed varifocals were over £300 from an independant

[Yogagirl123]

I also used to work for Specsavers, I think they are excellent, particularly the returns policy, they worked hard in the store I worked in to put things right if the customer wasn’t happy. Professional, good prices etc. Many good independents also, your money, your choice.