How long does it take to have new prescription lenses put in frames ?

[gingeroots]

Posting here as well as in AIBU ,as such a boring topic I can't imagine anyone will reply ,and I woold really like to know if this is just normal practice and I'm behind the times ..
The lenses ( varifocals ) cost an arm and a leg ,over £500 and I just can't afford to buy new frames as well ,hence have to hand over my only pair to be fitted with the new prescription .

Optician says it will take 4 hours and as they don't open until 9.30 ,close at 5.30 ,and between 1 and 2pm (and can't do Saturdays or Wednesdays )this effectively means I'll be without glasses for a day .

They seem very "take it or leave it " about it .

Is this just normal practice ?
Am I being unreasonable to be a bit p*ed off with them ?

Opticians knew which frames would be used when they ordered the lenses .

I am a bit out of date but iirc the Lenses will need to be cut to fit the frame and that can only be done with frame. Only an optician with their own cut edge and fit facility could do it in a few hours, most would have to send the frame to the lab so it would be away about 26 hours assuming a daily delivery. Usually the lenses (not cut to shape yet) are made up to order which can be done without the frame as long as accurate measurements are taken, and then the final bit is cutting the lenses to shape and fitting into the frame. Really it is best not to use your only pair of specs have you got a previous pair you like?

I should think it depends who is doing the lab work ( dedicated technician) or a multitasking member of staff who has other essential duties - the latter is likely in a small practice. It's decades since I worked in a lab and it used to be that a different person had to double check all work so that every single pair was double checked.
No excuse for rudeness though! The timings should have been explained to you when the lenses were ordered!

i always thought it was cheaper to go for one of the deals like at Tesco or Vision Express where it's cheaper to have a whole new pair. Only saying this as I was quoted £££ to have new lenses put in mine and i went for a new pair.

In my case I always have a standby pair as i always get new ones. My opticians always have to send them away, same as if i go to a big place.

that sounds pretty bloody quick to me tbh. i've usually had to wait at least a week!

have you ever worn contacts, can they give you a pair for the day? they're normally pretty happy to do that ime. otherwise it might be shuffling around in an old pair of glasses for a few hours.

I recently had to wait 2 weeks!!! I had to wear my very old ones for that time. I was not happy.

I've recently been quoted half an hour to fit new lenses in an old frame - essential if that's the only pair you have and you are reliant on them.

hang on i am confused you have two threads on this. i thought my answer had been removed!

sorry piratecat - yes 2 threads on same ( rather mundane ) subject .
I must be a bit potty ! Sorry .

But the replies have helped me - I think it probably doesn't take too long to fit the lenses in the glasses ,but I reckon my optician must send them away .