Contact lense advice

[MrsWhirly]

Hi all, I've just had a contact lense trial with a major high street chemist. They want me to sign-up for monthly direct debit payments for the lenses but I have also got glasses and want to alternate between the two, so won't need a regular delivery of lenses.

Are their any better options to this?

I'm signed up but for two thirds of the number of boxes because I like tho wear glasses too. It's with my local optician. I like having all the aftercare and sight tests included. When I've had any problems like conjunctivitis they have seen me for free. I think it's worth it.

*to not tho

I used to buy packs of daily disposables but as and when I ran out. I didn't sign up as - like you - they weren't required every day.

Worked out a little more pricey but not much.

In fact DH wears lenses now but not every day. He just buys them every couple of months.

Asda. Get a copy of your prescription and just go buy as you need. Might depend on your prescription though - I use daily disposables, £18 for 30 pairs

Vision direct! Buy as and when you need and 10% off first order. They worked out half the price of my direct debit lensmail.

I didn't realise I could take my percription elsewhere?!

Mine are the 2 week ones for astigmatism.

If they won't let you have a reduced order you can order them as and when you need from an online optician, but it is really important to keep having your regular checkups, which you would then have to pay for, it's worth checking how much these would be and how often with your optician and factoring that cost in before buying elsewhere. Also, as Gunpowder says, if you are on the scheme they will see you any time you have a problem or worry.

I went off my optician's scheme for a few years, mainly because they insisted on it including a bottle of solution every month so the parcel didn't fit through the letterbox and I got sick of traipsing to the sorting office for it. So I stopped it and bought lenses from Asda online and solution in the supermarket, but when I had to change optician I went back on a scheme. I pick them up every three months now (I walk past the shop all the time so very easy) and I like having it all included again. Definitely worth exploring all the options.
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Hi Optom here. Two weekly lenses still only last for 2 weeks, even if you only wear them for half the time. Its due to active contact lens solution degrading the lens. Unopened lenses are kept in saline and heat treated so they don't go off.

If you can get them for your prescription it may be cheaper to get dailies.

I pay £13 a month for my monthly disposals so get 12 pairs a year, plus can get extra free pairs if I go in and ask, and get all the cleaning products and cases. Also get free checkups and glasses, or money towards designer pairs.

I considered paying for lenses as and when I needed but actually found the direct debit scheme to be worth it for the little extras, and now I don't really wear my glasses at all.

I buy my lenses from Vision direct and pay £20 a year for a contact lens check at spec savers. Altogether I pay £160 a year plus solutions instead of the £325 that the optician wanted on a monthly scheme.

I have a dd for the boots scheme as I get free checks and eye tests and a big discount off glasses.

I order the minimum amount which 10 pairs a month. I get 30 pairs every three months and it costs £20 a month.

I also top up as and when I need them from www.contactlenses.co.uk

In the past I have just got my lenses from the above site but like boots reminders for eye tests etc.

lensstore.eu

I pay about £40 pa for my 'daily' disposables