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Original poster

How the hell do you choose a pair of glasses?

29 replies

Rapidmama · 10/08/2019 11:42

It takes me hours just to choose a pair of jeans how do you choose something to wear on your face all the time?!

I haven’t been for an eye test for 5 years and I needed reading glasses then but couldn’t choose and just forgot about it.

I have a test in an hour and I know I’m going to need some glasses (I’m doing that holding things at arms length to read them thing)

So how do you choose your glasses?!

OP posts:
lisbet679 · 10/08/2019 11:45

try them on

EleanorReally · 10/08/2019 11:45

i would take help, friend, dh, dd

EleanorReally · 10/08/2019 11:46

price is a good factor as well.

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General health
Bubblysqueak · 10/08/2019 11:46

Specsavers use an iPad to measure your face and then will tell you what shape and size of glasses will suit your face . It really narrows down the choices and helps you to choose.

couchparsnip · 10/08/2019 11:49

They will take pics of you wearing each pair it you like. They usually have assistants that will help you choose and tell you what looks good. I also take someone with taste and honesty with me. Good idea to have a spare pair too, a lot of places do buy one get one free for that reason.

Knittedfairies · 10/08/2019 11:52

You could do what I did; spend almost three quarters of an hour trying on almost every single frame, only to find that the pair you chose at the end of all that was identical to the specs you were wearing to pick out the next pair...

SleepyTraveller · 10/08/2019 11:53

Opticians/assistants are often really good at helping with this. Ask them to suggest some styles that might work so the choice isn't so overwhelming, then try them on, see what you think and ask them for opinions.

mumwon · 10/08/2019 11:53

optician helps advise me & helps to narrow choice to frames that will suit lens shape & shape of my face we than go through to frames & with that in mind (& their help) I choose for colour & style (& thankyou specsaver!)my optician takes photos of me of me with glasses so I can see how I look with glasses on - it takes a bit of time but with their help & advice not as long as it might (& by the way they don't persuade me for more expensive frames either) what you need it a good dispensing optician!

Mabelchiltern1 · 10/08/2019 11:55

I look awful in glasses... got contact lenses.... utter joy!

CaptainMyCaptain · 10/08/2019 11:57

I agree it's really difficult especially if you can't see what's in the mirror as you aren't wearing your glasses! Take a friend.

ScreamingValenta · 10/08/2019 11:57

Drag DH along and get him to photograph me in different pairs. A couple of tips -

  • spend as much as you can afford because, as you say, you will be wearing them all the time on your face.
  • if your prescription is straightforward, you can buy some cheap pairs in different styles online for occasional wear
  • if you want prescription sunglasses, get transitions lenses because they can also serve as an alternative to your main glasses
  • remember that once you have an in-date prescription, you can get your glasses from any optician
  • browse different styles online beforehand to get an idea of what you are looking for - makes it quicker on the day
  • keep your old pair as a spare pair to use in emergencies or when they might get damaged, e.g. painting or dyeing your hair
  • if you have an old pair of frames in good condition that you really like, consider getting them re-lensed.
Beamur · 10/08/2019 12:01

Find some that don't make you look like Dame Edna Everage Grin
Seriously though, the staff will advise you what shape will work best with your prescription and face shape.
There are some really nice frames available that can look great. Look around at other people's glasses and see which ones you like the look of.

UncomfortableSilence · 10/08/2019 12:03

I had an eye test at Specsavers this week. I had already picked out a few frames I liked while I was waiting for my appointment however after he used the iPad thing where they check your face shape and he got me out some glasses that looked so much nicer.

If you can take someone with if your not confident in making a decision.

Fraggling · 10/08/2019 12:04

Take someone you trust with you
Try on loads
Go to different shops (they can print your prescription)

These steps usually successfully lead to me getting some glasses I later realise are almost identical to me existing ones and for £££ more than I intended to spend.

Good luck!

And also, pray you don't need varifocals or its remortgage e time.

Fraggling · 10/08/2019 12:06

Also suggest avoid ones that are funky, loud, out there, express personality etc unless you are 100% sure you will be able to carry them off in 6 months when the fashion has changed.

Some women rock loud glasses but they can be the equivalent of a middle aged man in a lurid bow tie, iyswim. If you are of a certain age. Which I am and have made this error :D

CaptainMyCaptain · 10/08/2019 12:08

Actually the last two pairs I've bought (one of them sunglasses) have been a bit 'out there' and I love them both. So glad I didn't play it safe.

Redcrayons · 10/08/2019 12:09

Try all of them on.

Take my sister with me, she's brutally honest.

@ScreamingValenta where do you buy them online? I could do with a back up pair but don't fancy remortgaging to pay for a new pair. Prescription is relatively straight forward but I need the glass thinned because I'm -5

ScreamingValenta · 10/08/2019 12:15

I use Glasses Direct, @Redcrayons. They usually have a 2 for 1 deal on their cheaper frames and you can try them on and post them back if you don't like them.

I'm -6 in my worst eye and always have my main pair thinned, but I can get away with not having the them thinned if I choose a chunky frame, which cuts the price down a bit.

chatwoo · 10/08/2019 12:23

I got two pairs from Specsavers a couple of years ago. The optician was clearly at a loose end before close of business, and he very honestly and helpfully ran around the store, picking up pairs that would suit me. Was very 'Gok Wan' like with his opinions and what would/wouldn't look good (for a round pale face) - and he was right!!

SinkGirl · 10/08/2019 12:25

The specsavers gadget is brilliant - I have glasses that suit me for the first time ever, everyone compliments them, I look better in them than without.

Fraggling · 10/08/2019 12:36

Captain I bet you look awesome!

I was speaking for myself and sharing experience 😁

Fraggling · 10/08/2019 12:37

That's supposed to be a grin emoticon not an angry monster btw

I like a strong 70s disco vibe and have no fear
I work in a staid industry
I'll leave it at that 😁

Bagadverts · 10/08/2019 12:44

This will be a bit late for OP - did you buy any?

I take someone with me, usually My mother as she’s good at helping me chose. My sight without glasses is rubbish. I also manage to cut out whole sections because I won’t pay the designer prices. Last time I went for Asda as price was great. Remember if you need prescription glasses you don’t have to get them at the place where you get the test.

BolloxtoGender · 10/08/2019 12:46

I chose the near identical pair to the last pair I had. Same brand.

Southwest12 · 10/08/2019 13:24

I’ve just spent an hour in the opticians trying in frames, narrowed it down to two pairs but as I need varifocals now, plus the lenses thining as I’m almost -11 in one eye, plus photocromatic the quote was over £600, which I can’t afford!

I take a photo in each pair and then I can see what I look like when I put my own glasses on, otherwise I can’t see a thing!