Prescription glasses - buying online

[Thisischocolate]

Has anyone bought prescription glasses from the Low Cost Glasses website?

I need new varifocals in Petite size and Glasses Direct don’t do any (well, 5 frames which are expensive and I don’t like them anyway) and Asda’s range is very small.

Or perhaps any other website you could recommend? Thanks.

I haven't used them but have used many other online companies. My favourites are Zenni (I too need small or teen sized frames). They aren't in the UK though, I think they are US based as a business but the glasses are made and shipped from China. I have bought from them many times though and keep going back. I haven't really had any bad experiences with any online company though, Zenni just had a better choice of frames for me.

I’ve only used Glasses Direct which were good.

Please don't buy varifocals online. The fit is absolutely crucial, and needs to be professionally done by a real person.

I wear varifocals, and the difference a slight tweak makes is huge.

I use selectspecs . Really quick delivery ans good quality , have had three pairs from them. The best thing is that you can put in a code from the arm of your existing favourite glasses and it suggests frames the same dimensions so you know they will suit. Just got sent a discount code if you would like it... share.selectspecs.com/x/vIriLK

I use Mister Spex, which is an excellent company and is about 50% cheaper than going to an optician. You can also "try on" your specs (online) before you order.

As a PP said, varifocals online don't work. You need to measure the frame on someone's face to determine the fitting height and then ensure the fit is correct when they're made. Otherwise they don't work.

That's why glasses direct no longer do many of them. (In fact a few years ago, I'd say I was doing one re-test a week from someone who had purchased varifocals online and couldn't see through them.)

I didn’t know that you shouldn’t get varifocals online so thanks for that @RampantIvy & @underneaththeash

My prescription changed to needing varifocals 3 years ago and I’ve needed a new one each year and I’m not prepared to pay £300+ every year when I’m a SAHM (amount quoted by Boots & Specsavers). Our nearest Asda has such a poor selection of Petite glasses that are suitable for varifocals but it looks like I’ll just have to pick some awful glasses yet again (which is what I’m wearing now and it has affected my confidence wearing frames that don’t suit me)

I just bought my glasses from the optic shop, and I’m super pleased - ordered last Thursday, glasses delivered on Monday, cheaper than only the frame would cost elsewhere. My prescription is fairly simple, mind, not sure what the quality of the varifocals is. But they are also proper opticians with high street shops and all, so I hope they know what they’re doing

I know what you mean about having expensive eyesight @Thisischocolate. I am extremely short sighted and at the age where I need varifocals. I also need my lenses thinning and have a small head, so my choice of frames is restricted as well.

As a result my glasses always cost well into three figures. Unless there are other eye issues you shouldn't need new glasses every year. I get my eyes tested every two years. Last time I bought new glasses the best selection was at Specsavers. They were also much cheaper than Boots.