How to get designer glass frames cheaper?

[elm26]

Hi everyone

I've got an eye test tomorrow and I've fallen in love with some Gucci frames I saw in store, they're £348 and I was going to treat myself to them but my Aunt mentioned that she gets the frames online as normally can get them £100 or so cheaper than in store but she doesn't do it, her son orders them for her.

Does anyone else do this, how do I buy the frames but get the prescription lenses fitted in them without ordering in store? Do I tell them in store that I am ordering frames online?

I've only had glasses the last 5 years and just paid for the frames in store last time then collected them all made up a week later.

Any websites that anyone can recommend?

I have used reglaze4u before, the service was great.

Just ask the store for your prescription, there is no obligation to buy lenses or frames in store.

There’s all sorts online, mostly probably not current models though, hence the cheaper prices. Some opticians will be unwilling to put lenses in frames from elsewhere though, as if the frame breaks they won’t be able to replace it under warranty. Plenty of online places will do the lenses as well but I’d only consider that for a very basic prescription.

I haven't bought glasses or lenses from a high street optician in 15 years. You just tell them you need a copy of your prescription and they're obliged to give it to you.

Historically, you went to an optician, had your test and bought your glasses but it's not required and they sell limited, overpriced options compared to what you get online.

Some opticians don't like it and might be a bit huffy or try to sell you on the glasses they carry but just be firm. The way I do it is to tell them you have a pair of glasses on order and I need to provide a recent prescription before they can dispense them, that makes it sound like a done deal and they're less likely to go in for the sales tactics. A lot of them are fine, though. They know the score.

Just check the online place to see what they offer i.e. are lenses included in the price? Resizing and protective coating? Add up the cost to make sure it's a saving but in most cases, you'll find that it is.

I found a great brand in Scotland called Iolla who create all of their own styles and it's a flat rate of £90 for everything. I've never ordered anywhere else since - apart from my contact lenses which I get from another site.

If name designer brands are your thing, go for it but if you're up for exploring, you'll find a lot of great styles a lot cheaper online.

Scour the Internet for the gucci make and model then, if you aeasimple rx then lensology or reglaze4u can be as litters £30.
Sometimes tkmaxx has a nice stock of designer frames- I had some Vera Wang a few years ago for £16.

I get mine from PretaVoir.co.uk

Something to keep in mind, when you buy lenses and frames from the same store, they will have guarantee covering both. I.e. if the frames or lenses get damaged in the process of installation, you will receive a free replacement. If you want lenses put into your own frame, should anything happen to frames, the shop is not going to be liable for costs.
I your prescription is fairly uncomplicated, it is probably best to order frames and lenses from the same place online. Mine need to be thinned (my vison is -4,5 and basic lenses are heavy and about as thick as a bottom of a jam jar) and the lenses cost three times as much as designer frames so it's not an option for me.

I use Glasses Direct. The service is quick and I’ve never had any problems, and they have a great range of frames.