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Original poster

Buying spectacles online

34 replies

Scruffalicious · 12/08/2019 12:03

I usually buy from my opticians but this is too pricey at the moment. Does anyone buy online? Where do you recommend?

OP posts:
bloodywhitecat · 12/08/2019 12:05

I buy from Glasses Direct, always had good service from them. DS bought a pair from them once, didn't like them and they remade them for him in a new frame without quibble.

sleepismysuperpower1 · 12/08/2019 12:06

glasses direct x

sugarbum · 12/08/2019 12:08

i always buy online. Ive never had an issue. I use selectspecs (£6 glasses) and wherelight for something a little bit more 'out there'. I'm short sighted so have a mild prescription.

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HelloDoris · 12/08/2019 12:10

Glasses Direct for me.. used them for the first time this year, brilliant service, delivered within a week from order. Can't fault them at all.

BWcastle2000 · 12/08/2019 12:12

I just tried selectspecs because they have an offer on free photochromic lenses. Just over £30 for a pair of distance glasses/sunglasses. Ordering was really easy. They took about 10 days to arrive. I’m really happy with the cost and service.

AllGoodDogs · 12/08/2019 12:17

Glasses Direct 100%. You can have a choice of frames posted to you to try at home if you're unsure of style or fit, then upload your prescription and select the frames. I ordered a few months ago on an offer that was BOGOF plus £30 off for new customers. 2 pairs delivered for around £20 and they're fab.

BigbreastsBiggerbeard · 12/08/2019 12:17

GlassesDirect. Ordered from them many times and never had any problems at all. Also managed to get two pairs of glasses for £25 once! Combined two offers - was well chuffed Grin

rslsys · 12/08/2019 12:19

Glasses Direct! MSE often have a discount voucher to use in conjunction with an existing offer. I have a simple prescription and I bought two pairs for £18 earlier in the year!

ScreamingValenta · 12/08/2019 12:19

I've always had good service from Glasses Direct. You can return them easily if unhappy. Look online (e.g. Daily Mail) for voucher codes as they often have offers, especially for new customers.

lalafafa · 12/08/2019 12:23

Do you ask for your prescription off the Optitians and do they mind giving it out?

ScreamingValenta · 12/08/2019 12:35

They're legally obliged to give you a copy of your prescription on request, lalafafa. My optician hands it out after the test without my having to ask.

AllGoodDogs · 12/08/2019 12:36

@Lalafafa most will give you a copy as standard at the end of your eye test, but you can ask for a copy if not. I had a free eye test when Vision Express were offering them (not eligible under normal NHS criteria), and wasn't under any obligation to buy glasses from them. Some free eye tests are only free if you spend £XX with them on glasses after.

Starlingsarebullies · 12/08/2019 12:39

DS uses Glasses Direct with no problem. I ordered some from Glasses2you - there was a problem with the lenses due to pupillary distance (not on the Prescription) but they have sorted this out

ScreamingValenta · 12/08/2019 12:42

If you have a job where you use Display Screen Equipment for at least an hour a day on a daily basis, your employer is obliged to pay for an eye test once every two years, and for spectacles if they are only needed for work.

FourEyesGood · 12/08/2019 12:43

I usually get my eyes tested at Boots or Specsavers when there’s a £10 offer (sometimes a coupon in the paper, sometimes a Boots till receipt offer). Then I get specs from Glasses Direct. They’re easy to use and very cheap.

gwilt · 12/08/2019 12:48

Glasses Direct. My 2 pairs of glasses with extra thin lenses (because I am very short sighted) cost £69 by combining discount codes and cashback. Would have been £44 with standard lenses. Still going strong 4 years later!

Original poster
Scruffalicious · 12/08/2019 13:32

Thank you, everyone! I have my prescription ready to go, and saw GD on my searches. I'll have a nosey now Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Scruffalicious · 12/08/2019 13:32

Anyone used Direct Sight, too?

OP posts:
rslsys · 13/08/2019 21:27

MSE Glasses Direct offer now on - 2 pairs for £22

No I don't work for either of them!

WaitrosePigeon · 13/08/2019 21:32

Glasses Direct.

Ordered on Thursday arrived following Thursday.

No problems.

Watto1 · 13/08/2019 21:36

Has anyone used Glasses Direct for varifocals? I’ve used them for single vision lenses in the past and I’ve been very happy with them. However, I’ve reached the age where I need varifocalsSad. The pair I have from my optician are great but they were expensive and needed more ‘faffing’ to make sure the reading part of the glasses was in the right place. Can Glasses Direct get varifocals right without ever seeing me?

BlackCatsRule88 · 13/08/2019 21:43

I’ve bought a pair online in the past and they were great value, but do make sure you properly read how long they will take. On the pair I ordered it said something like “delivery in 3-5 working days”, but I missed the bit where it said that’s on top of how long it takes to actually make them first! That was a long 3 weeks without any glasses after I sat on my original pair!

NothingWithoutEffort · 13/08/2019 21:52

How does it work with regard to your interpupillary distance though?

pooopypants · 13/08/2019 21:53

@watto I've used them for bifocals for my gran and she's super impressed (she's notoriously hard to impress too)

Both me and DH have used GD for years now. I'd never go back to paying £100+ for a pair now