Had it with specsavers. Recommend me an online optician that will let me try on lots of glasses at home

[CustardLovingPooPooHead]

I realise we are in a pandemic and the days of trying on glasses then putting them back on the shelf are over. However, I find it impossible to try on specs wearing a face mask. I'm also sick of specsavers but will refrain from ranting here.

I find it really hard to find glasses anyway because a) I'm vain and b) I've got quite wide cheekbones so women's glasses quite often look too small (but men's are too wide).

Can anyone recommend an online optician that allows you to try on lots of specs at home? I'm plain old short sighted, ie no need for varifocals or anything like that.

I've had no trouble trying on glasses at my local Asda. I took my mask off and any frames I tried went into a box to be cleaned before being put back on the shelf.

@TurquoiseDragon that's good to know, thanks! Trying on in person (without a mask) would definitely be better.

Glasses Direct lets you try on and return. I've used them and had no problems.

I bought glasses in lockdown 2 at Vision Express. They asked for glasses that you've tried on to be left on a tray so that they could be sanitized by staff.

Thanks all. I might investigate a bit more with other high street options. My branch of specsavers is quite cramped which is maybe why they said I had to keep my mask on. (To be clear, I don't object to wearing a mask normally- just not for trying on glasses!)

Just to add, my husband got new glasses from Specsavers and was allowed to try them on - he was given a tray to but them back into so they could be sanitised before going back on the shelf.

I'm like you though - find it hard to get pairs that suit my face and normally end up trying on at least 20 pairs before settling for something!

I usually get a 'premium' pair (or 2 for one) from Specsavers with all the lens thinning, coatings etc. and supplement them with online cheapies for occasional wear.

I'm getting to the stage where I need varies, though, so will probably have to brave the opticians soon. You can get varies online but at least for my first pair I'd want to have them fitted in person.

I second Asda opticians - went last week and I was given a tray to put any pairs in after I tried them. I was also told I could lower my mask to get a proper view of what they looked like 👍
I think they are spreading the appointments out do they only have one person trying on at the same time.

Glasses direct are great, can try 4 pairs at home and they usually have good value deals on. You’ll have to have your prescription already though

I've never been too impressed with Specsavers. Last few times I've had glasses from Asda I've been really impressed with the quality. I've got a really strong prescription and they include thinnest lenses as standard. I like Vision Express too but because of my prescription they're way too expensive for me.

Try an independent. Where I work you would be able to make an appointment to come in and try glasses, the ones you try are put to 1 side and put through a disinfectant machine. You would be able to book a double appointment if you explain that you like to try on a good selection of frames. You would be booking to be the only 1 on the premises apart from staff.