AIBU to think I am a total dunce and really should have said, NO I AM NOT PAYING THAT.

[Mrsdoasyouwouldbedoneby]

I had to get my eyes checked, not much difference but need new lenses anyway as old ones scratched and frames looking a bit old now. So I got them done, decided to go for transition lenses (because similar price to my usual ones)... anyway... totted the price up, all ok... went along with it... BUT BOY are glasses expensive, and it's not like I can do without.

All I can say is should'a gone to the OTHER place....

I feel very cross and tetchy with myself now.

FGS £300 for a pair of glasses...a rghhh my gran just said the other place did her varifocals as transitions for £160. ARGHHHH I can't even cancel now.

Very very annoyed (with myself... it might be robbery, but I guess the optician can charge what they like).

OOOps, I realised I never replied to this thread! I think will have to get used to the format a bit more!!

Thanks for the replies, it seems I am not alone... to make it even better the lenses were scratched (i.e I got home and found a tiny scratch on the lenses... and for the price I was not about to ignore it).... so waiting for replacement lenses now! The transitions are great tho! And I had my hair cut to match which WASN'T so expensive... it just took 3hrs to do... so long dh was on the verge of putting out a missing person notice. ;-)

i reckon people with complex sight issues should get dla, i really do. i have one more point to "lose" before i am classified as complex and my eyes are still deteriorating at the age of 29

£360 my last pair of glasses cost me and that was only lenses as well (kept old frames). i do feel bad about getting my eyes tested at my local optician and then grabing the prscrpt and running to the "should've gone to..." but at the end of the day, they are cheaper...

I have just got varifocals...£509.
They are taking a bit of getting used to- seem a bit blurry for close reading but maybe I haven't got used to positioning my head. Feel like a nodding dog.

Had never thought of using an online service for new glasses. Have been wearing them for a good 30 years.

I have warn reactolite / transition lenses for 30 years now. Must have been lucky when I last went (2007) because I was able to get a free eye test (deal at Specsavers) and they were offering a second pair for 30 quid so bought transitions and had second pair for a total of 105 quid.

Must admit that the quality of the specs were not quite as good as from independent opticians, insofar as one of the earpieces fell off (leaving a small metal spike at end of arm!) and the 'plain' pair are now so loose they will fall off if I was to look directly down to pick something up.

Fortunately the prescription had not changed significantly and while my previous pairs are old and a bit scratched, I wear them when going out so if I happen to run for the train, for example, I can be sure they won't fall off me!

Currently keep all four pairs handy - 2 react to sun (or snow, but look a bit of a poser!) and 2 with slight tint/ polarisation but won't leave me unable to see if I go from bright sunshine into a shop (sometimes the photochromic lenses go so dark it leaves me having to adjust when shop lighting isn't very bright).

I need strong lenses (one eye is -11), and most websites don't go strong enough. Have found one called "Exclusive Eyes" and I am waiting for the pair to arrive. Total cost £115, including glass of index 1.74 which should hopefully make them lighter than previous ones are. First time I've used a website.

Did notice all the tricks used by VisionExpress to try and get me to buy in store after the test though. But they're now trying to flog a new type of lens that costs nearly £300, for something that's actually a cosmetic reason.

I go to an independent opticians and are very happy with their service and the cost. I wear varifocals and when I got my glasses just over a year ago they were £250 that was lenses frames etc. I have just had my yearly check up because of diabetes sight has changed fractionally. The optician said in his opinion that unless I wanted new glasses I should keep the ones I had and save myself some money. My neighbour goes to one of the multiples and they try and persuade her every year that she needs new glasses and she believes them although this last time she thought £500 was a bit much.