Opticians - taking prescription elsewhere

[Whoopydofoxpoo]

Hi ,

I go to an independent opticians and find their service very god but their products are very expensive .

Due for an eyesight test next week and will probably need my reading glasses lenses changed - I will probably use the same frames but if I want a change of frame can I take my prescription and go somewhere cheaper for the glasses - i.e Spec Savers, Boots ?

Is this the norm to do this ?

You can go anywhere you want, you don't have to buy glasses from there.

Yes, it's perfectly fine. I do it all the time.

Yep. I go for eye tests and order lenses online, and there is no reason you couldn't do the same for glasses.

Yup. You can get your prescription and your glasses wherever you like. You aren't obligated to buy from them.

Your optometrist should be giving you your prescription and yes, you are well within your rights to go elsewhere to get your glasses.

However, I find it difficult to do it and always end up getting my glasses (which I do not replace very often) at my independent optometrist/optician.

I think this is how they make their money really as the eye exam is not particularly expensive.

Thanks .

I rarely wear my glasses because I wear contact lenses daily so I do not want to spend much on my glasses. Unfortunately, independent opticians seem to sell mainly top of the range glasses so the last pair I picked was in the cheapest range (which was still £60) but there was little choice and I probably could have some that suited me better at Spec Savers.

I would feel bad if I did not support my independent optometrist/optician as he is excellent for eye exams. I do get my contact lenses online though: I will get a 3 months' supply from him only and then get the rest of the supply myself. I also feel a bit bad about it...

They dont usually like it, but yes you are well within your rights to ask for the prescription and take it elsewhere, Ive done it before!

Yes I know how you feel Rat - I like to support independent retailers but you can see how they could end up pricing themselves out of the market .

I know. Difficult one... Maybe, have a little rummage through their frames and then say you want to think a bit more about it before making your selection... whilst walking towards the door!