Re using old spectacle frames

[Libertynan]

I am due an eye test soon and in stead of my usual Specsavers am going to a small independent place.

I have loads of old glasses and wonder about using the frames with new lenses. Seems a waste of resources to bin all the old plastic frames.

Has anyone done this?

Or are you an optician? Is there sufficient profit made on lenses etc to make up for re-cycling my old frames and not buying new ones?

I did this recently at Specsavers, saved about £130!

I did this with my current pair at a local independent optician - they were very helpful.

Ah - thank you for the replies

I spend ages choosing the right frames - and am happy with a couple of my old frames so would prefer to use them than send them to landfill.

Depends. I have reused frames. But you have to be pretty confident they won’t break as they put new lenses in.

If you don't need your old pairs, you can donate them to the Lions Club: lionsclubs.co/MemberArea/knowledge/spectacles-recycling/

My independent optician always asks if I want new frames or new lenses in the old ones - no pressure to have new frames. If you want to get rid of any old ones lots of opticians will donate them to flying optician services in Africa.

I hadn't realised that this was in any way abnormal. The only factor that I am aware of is if you have thicker lenses in the new specs.
I hate my current frames and have been wondering whether I can justify new ones when I get tested next.

Oddly our local places charge more to fit new lens in existing frames so cheaper to get new ones...!!

I've only kept a pair once and they fell apart a few weeks after having new lenses 🤷‍♀️

I always do this, I've got five pairs of frames in different colours which I love. I send them to here with my prescription. Really quick turnaround and cheap.

In the past I have posted old frames to Selectspecs to have new lenses fitted. Very cheap, excellent quality and absolutely no issues with them. It was about 15 years ago though.
You may have to ask the optician who did your eyetest for your pupillary distance.
I always think get a new pair from the optician and then get spare pairs online and/or have your old frames reglazed.

I have, and was warned that it was possible that the frame would break in the process of putting the new lenses in. The frame was plastic and about 5 years old. I took the chance and the frame did break, so I then had to pay for a new frame and the job of putting the lenses into the new frame, as well as pay for the work of putting them into my old frame. The time it took meant that they were not ready before I went on a holiday so I had to wear my prescription sunglasses all holiday.

@earsup

Oddly our local places charge more to fit new lens in existing frames so cheaper to get new ones...!!

Yes, my local Boots Opticians charged more to reuse old frames than to order new. I'm going to try an independent one next time.

High Street opticians will always find ways to not re-use old frames.
I've tried before.
Reasons given were:-

If you didn't buy the frames from us then we can't do it.

Your frames are rather old and we can't guarantee the lenses will stay in place

Your prescription has changed and your frames won't accommodate them ( despite buying nigh on identical frames!)

I've done this for every eye test I've gone and needed new lenses. Not to save money but because I love my old frames and can't seem to find ones I like as much.

Luckily, I have 2 which I rotate and I've never had any problem asking them (Independent opticians) to use my old ones, nor with them trying to discourage me from doing so.

@earsup

Oddly our local places charge more to fit new lens in existing frames so cheaper to get new ones...!!

It’s not odd at all, it’s because they’re not making any money selling you a new frame!

My dad used to put the sales side of opticians alongside used car dealers, and I don’t think he was wrong!

My local opticians charges around £65 for this. I ended up buying new glasses for less online instead but I do feel bad about all my old ones. Will need to look into recycling schemes for them again.

I just bought some spectacle frames online so this is a timely thread! I'll get my eyes tested and then use the company @Palosverdesblue helpfully suggested. Their prices seem very reasonable.