Where do you get your quality nice glasses at a reasonabal price

[CURIOUSMIND]

I was using contact lens for long time, first two pair of designer glasses were from Specsaver nearly a year before. Both pairs got exactly the same problem at same area, coating came off left a nasty patch.(I didn't use any other material to clean the glasses, only the little clothes.) These problem started a bit after 3 month guarantee period, so I was told to pay for re-coating.I didn't, just still used them anyway. Now I can't bear any more, but don't want to go back to Specsavers ,don't want to use these glasses any more.
Where else should I go to get new glasses, at a reasonable price.
Please recommend.

[mumof3teens]

Asda?

[Madsometimes]

I only ever use an independent optometrist for sight tests, but I don't wear glasses so can't comment on quality. Dh has never had any complaints about his glasses - but they can be more expensive than large chains.

[Bishoplyn]

Hi! I ordered a lovely pair from Boots last week. Because I'm on their contact lense plan, they were half price. They also did me a deal on a year's insurance for £12.50.

[frogspoon]

The best quality glasses I have got all came from independent optometrists. I have had glasses from Specsavers, the quality is just not the same, although they are alot cheaper.

I first started wearing glasses at university, and my first pair came from the independent optometrist at the student union. Because they were based at the university, and catered mainly for poor students, they had an excellent selection of high quality reasonably priced glasses. They were not quite as cheap as specsavers, but far better quality so would last longer.

The optometrist was not just for university students/staff, anyone could use their services (although as it was tucked away inside the student union building I doubt many non-students ever knew it was there). I bought 2 pairs of glasses from them, both were high quality and lasted a long time. I also thought they provided a good eye testing and glasses fitting service.

If you live near a university, I would look at their local optometrists as they may have some good offers which are not just for students. From my experience they offer high quality glasses at affordable prices.

[BikeRunSki]

I had used Specsavers for years and years, but I went to a local opticians for my latest specs (January 2013) and was very pleasantly surprised by the price. £150 ish for thinned down glasses and prescription sunglasses. Would have been nearer £250 at SS.

[caz1010]

I use glasses direct on line. found the order process easy and delivery really fast. prices seem really reasonable.

[TomDudgeon]

I use my local independent
Same prices, better service and quality

[CURIOUSMIND]

Thank you to all, you certainly make me see clearer already.I will follow your ideas and do a bit more research about our local area. Thank you again.

[fuzzpig]

I go to Boots - started because my DH worked there (in the general bit bit the opticians) and got discount, but I still go there since he left. Quality pretty good IMO, and I've had lots of compliments on them :) they often do a two for one offer.

[MasterBruce]

I recommend to use prescription sunglasses instead of contact lenses. It will lessen the hassle for extra unnecessary eye care.

[ifmamaainthappy]

Not sure if anyone knows Vision express do a range at £25.00 hidden in a draw that they only seem to tell you about if you say your not going to bother after a eye test!!!

[chipmonkey]

I am an optom and work for an independant optometrist so am probably a bit biased but have found that in an independant opticians, we are more free to recommend a good brand rather than the chain's own brand. Large chains often have a deal with one particular supplier who will do the lenses at a good price, but not necessarily the best quality. Over the years I have found Essilor and Zeiss do the best coatings and are less likely to lift off than a cheaper coating. Most opticians should be able to order these brands in. The other thing is that if the price seems too much, ask if that's the best price they can do. Sometimes there is a little wriggle room and most people would rather sell something a little cheaper rather than lose the business altogether.

[Fairylea]

I am extremely short sighted (-10 in both eyes with astigmatism) and usually wear contact lenses and I have always been very happy with the price and quality of specsavers. In fact I went somewhere else and then went back to them! (Changed initially due to moving and didn't realise there was one close)..

If you're not happy with the glasses I'd definitely complain. They're usually very good at putting thing right. I had one pair (over a 15 year period with them! ) that seemed a bit off and went back 4 months later and they retested me and changed them no problems.

If you get your contacts with them on a monthly scheme you get free glasses and then if you need thinner lenses or want a better frame than the standard range you just pay a little extra.... my tortoisehell plastic designer frames with ultra thin lenses only cost me £55 on top of the free glasses price which was a bargain for me.