How to stand up to the optician and walk away with only a copy of my prescription?

ineedareasonto · 2026-05-18T09:00:15+00:00

Off for an eye test this morning because I’m getting headaches at work when looking at my computer for long stretches. I do not want to purchase glasses there because they’re extortionate and I’m probably going to get them online. How do I make sure I get a copy of my prescription? Posting here for traffic

JohnTheRevelator · 18/05/2026 17:47

They have to give you the prescription by law.

PinkEasterbunny · 18/05/2026 17:30

I always tell my (expensive) optician that I'd like to take my prescription away with me, as I buy cheap glasses from Boots Opticians (I only wear reading glasses). There's never been an issue. I don't care if anyone thinks I'm a cheapskate!

idril · 18/05/2026 15:08

NotSoLittle · 18/05/2026 10:37

They have to give you your prescription but not your PD measurement as that is measured when they measure for glasses. - if they're not making up glasses for you they don't measure it so don't have it to give you.

You are right they don't but if they've measured it previously and you really want the official measured value (as opposed to using an app) it's considered personal information, so I did a Data Subject Access Request and got it that way.

Particularly satisfying after I'd rung up to ask for it and was refused by a really rude receptionist.

BringBackCatsEyes · 18/05/2026 15:03

nomas · 18/05/2026 14:39

I hate Specsavers with a passion, they try and force expensive varifocals on you and don't offer you your prescription, you have to ask the fuckers.

They are a sort of franchise. Every store is different.

DanaScullysLegoHair · 18/05/2026 14:49

Haven't read the full thread but can highly recommend M&S opticians. Not pushy, spend a lot of time explaining things and really professional. Gave me my prescription with all details. Same with my son.

Original poster

ineedareasonto · 18/05/2026 14:48

nomas · 18/05/2026 14:39

I hate Specsavers with a passion, they try and force expensive varifocals on you and don't offer you your prescription, you have to ask the fuckers.

I’m really glad I didn’t need new glasses from them (I wanted a new pair because the “anti scratch” coating is about as useful as a chocolate tea pot), if I did it’s so awkward!

OP posts:

Juliadiesalone · 18/05/2026 14:47

What have I just read? A grown woman too scared to ask for her prescription. So much so she needs to start a thread asking others how to do it. This is insane

AlexaStopAlexaNo · 18/05/2026 14:45

Good grief some people are wet. Just ask them for it, they legally have to provide it.

nomas · 18/05/2026 14:39

I hate Specsavers with a passion, they try and force expensive varifocals on you and don't offer you your prescription, you have to ask the fuckers.

Crucible · 18/05/2026 14:34

You'll need your pupillary distance. They're not obliged to give this measurement as part of the test. You need it to buy specs online. Just be honest and ask for a pd measure to buy glasses online.

BringBackCatsEyes · 18/05/2026 14:23

I commando crawled down the High Street clutching my Boot prescription to take to Specsavers. I'm sure they have a lookout and a spreadsheet!

Seriously, I make no apologies. I'm a customer and can take my custom where I wish.

tigger1001 · 18/05/2026 14:08

I've never even needed to ask. It's always given you me by optician at the end of the eye test.

i have varifocals so no longer buy online as would rather they are measured by them etc but more often than not, 2 for 1 deals are on in specsavers. So sunglasses and normal frames for one price.

if you don't want the upselling, say no. It's not compulsory. You can get frames with simple lenses fairly cheaply at specsavers. That said, when my prescription was much less complex I bought online too.

worldsgonemadnow · 18/05/2026 14:01

Ive always been given a copy regardless of whether I bought glasses or not.

Selfishman · 18/05/2026 13:54

As others have said, just ask. You pay for your eye test and they should give your prescription in a card. I wanted to buy some glasses online and couldn't remember my details. I just phoned Specsavers where I had my last eye test and asked for my prescription. They emailed it to me and hour later (apparently not allowed to give the info over the phone).

Waitfortheguinness · 18/05/2026 13:52

I usually just say I’ve got to pick someone up and running a bit late already, thanks!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/05/2026 13:30

I always ask if my current specs are ok to drive. If they are, I say “that’s great” and leave.

Ponderingwindow · 18/05/2026 13:29

I just ask for my prescription.

If you need an excuse, my husband gets his glasses from the optician as it’s a very complicated prescription and needs to be checked on him, but he only shops for frames with me because he is so blind. He can’t see himself in the frames he tries on because there is no correction. So he always comes back separately to shop with me. It’s pretty common so they won’t immediately think you are lying.

hellospring26 · 18/05/2026 13:25

Just ask!

Alwayswonderedwhy · 18/05/2026 13:22

I don't think I've ever felt pressured into buying glasses straight after an eye test. If you really feel the need to say something just say you don't have time to look at the moment.

Original poster

ineedareasonto · 18/05/2026 13:17

Krevlornswath · 18/05/2026 13:14

Is there a reason you anticipate this being a battle or even an issue OP? I've never experienced any pushback from making this request, across a range of high street opticians.

If you find being direct about it difficult then I'd just say that I don't have time to select frames today as I'm due back at work (or insert whatever commitment you prefer) so would like to take the prescription away and will return another day. If they pressed I would just repeat myself more firmly and prompt that I'm short on time and would like a copy of my prescription.

I’ve been using them for a while (they’re the only optician in my town), and I’ve always found them really pushy before

OP posts:

gem71 · 18/05/2026 13:16

ineedareasonto · 18/05/2026 12:01

Just bought two pairs for less than the cost of a pair of frames from specsavers

Show quote history

It’s great isn’t it! Had loads of questions about my new frames and it feels like no one has ever heard of firmoo! 🤣 I’ve also used glasses direct before.
Cannot imagine ever shopping in store for glasses now.

Krevlornswath · 18/05/2026 13:14

Is there a reason you anticipate this being a battle or even an issue OP? I've never experienced any pushback from making this request, across a range of high street opticians.

If you find being direct about it difficult then I'd just say that I don't have time to select frames today as I'm due back at work (or insert whatever commitment you prefer) so would like to take the prescription away and will return another day. If they pressed I would just repeat myself more firmly and prompt that I'm short on time and would like a copy of my prescription.

sueelleker · 18/05/2026 13:12

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 18/05/2026 10:02

Just say you need DH to make any decisions, then giggle loudly and leave

This was true un my case, as my sight was so poor I didn't know what the frames looked like on me; so I needed a second opinion!

Babaar · 18/05/2026 13:07

msbevvy · 18/05/2026 10:04

When I bought glasses online they wanted to know my pupil distance. This wasn't on my prescription. I had to go back to the opticians for it and they very grudgingly Told me it.

I order my glasses online, there's an app that measures pupil distance. I'm never paying optician prices for glasses again, although my prescription is very uncomplicated.

WorthySloth · 18/05/2026 12:46

ThisKeenScroller · 18/05/2026 10:48

I understand why the OP does this.

But not the other posters who purchase their glasses from another bricks and mortar optician... in that case, why wouldn't you get both done at the same place?

Because the place I buy from only supplies frames and lenses it doesn’t do eye tests.