A question about the cost of glasses

[doglikescheeseontoast]

Can I ask what people expect to pay for glasses these days? Today I chose a pair of frames that cost just under £150 - I needed them to have verifiocal lenses (as per a previous prescription), and I was heavily 'encouraged' to have a driving tint to them as well. What would anyone expect to pay for the above?

[RidingWindhorses]

Don't worry OP, my glasses cost £600 all in. I had some expensive rimless frames like this

[Katescurios]

Asda here too £40 total with thinned scratch resistant lenses.

[Giraffesarequitetall]

eggsy I am not sure either, just giving it a go this once. I won’t repeat if I don’t think it is worth it. I pick up the glasses in a week.

[EggysMom]

I wear Asda super-thinned, varifocal specs - 2 pairs for about £120. Never had a problem with them, don't know what better quality / dearer lenses could provide that these don't.

[Giraffesarequitetall]

I do not have a complicated prescription I meant not complaint one!

[Giraffesarequitetall]

If it makes you feel better OP, I have just paid £405 for varifocals lenses only, using my old frames. Again a small independent optician. I do not have a particularly complaint prescription.

I used to go to Specsavers but have had some problems and decided to go for the premium lenses and the optician my GP recommends. I found the optimetrists at our local Specsavers always change and seem very young so fairly newly qualified.

At the other end of the spectrum I buy single vision glasses and sunglasses from glassesdirecf! I just think varifocals need a more personal touch.

Talking to a different independent optician in a non business context, he did explain that he standard of varifocals offered by the big chains are often incomparable quality wise to those you can get from a good independent. Which is why I decided to go for it this time.

[BarchesterFlowers]

Just, I bought the frames I had tried on in Boots online, the best of those I tried on.

Mister specs will send you four pairs of frames at a time to try on before you choose to have your prescription made up.

[BarchesterFlowers]

I have just sent mine off to here for new lenses.

They have a detailed form/info sheet for varifocals but I have thrown it away.

[Pennypie]

Asda for me too - I'm really shortsighted, -11 one eye, -13 the other. I got 2 pairs of varifocals, both really thinned, one pair with a a sunglasses tint, for £119. Less than £60 a pair. That was from their designer range, probably less from their basics range. No contest as far as I'm concerned.

[Justchillaxing]

I think varifocals would be a little difficult .. I think they measure where you look in store?

Ok so ... recommendations for best online glasses store?

Also stores online that will fit new lenses in your own frames?

[NumbNelly]

I only use my glasses for work (at the pc) and I could never afford to spend over £50 a pair.
I pay for my tests then buy my glasses from Select Specs. They let you put your prescription in. They don't feel like the best quality but they do the job if you don't have to constantly wear them

[ownedbySWD]

I don't know about varifocals, but the zenni website has an option to upload your photo and "try on" the frames. I know what frame shapes I generally prefer, and each frame has sizes listed, so it has always been fine.

[sourpatchkid]

I second glasses direct - they’re amazing and so cheap I’ve taken to buying glasses as a new hobby!

[Falconhoof1]

Asda- £45. They're great.

[Justchillaxing]

Those of you who order online, how do you know the frames fit and suit your face and for varifocals that the lens changes are in the right place?

[NUFC69]

Another vote for Asda from me: they do three different ranges, economy, as it were, mid range and designer range. I think mine were just over £100 which are varifocals, thinned, and have reactolite (or similar). DH is on his second pair - we have been pleased with all three pairs.

[itsbetterthanabox]

*thin

[itsbetterthanabox]

Asda opticians do basic frames with any level of thinning included for £45. I'm very short sighted and this is the cheapest way to get thinning. All the other companies add on a lot to think to different levels. So annoying.

[glow1984]

I only ever go to Specsavers. Boots and vision express quoted my upwards of 600 for basic frames plus the lenses I need. This is because my lenses have to be ordered in specially, and cost at least £250 on their own. I am nearly -17 in both eyes.

[TrollTheRespawnJeremy]

I go to an independent optician and all of their frames are £50 each. Depending on the lenses you want (eg costs more for thinning etc) it's about £150 all in and they are very quirky and interesting with no branding.

[BarchesterFlowers]

Must add that the only other very mild pair of specs I have ever had came from a small time independent opticians and cost me about £250 for a frame plus single simple lens.

[BarchesterFlowers]

Mister Specs (European). I did an online order recently with my new prescription and exactly the same glasses (basic reading) that were £230 in Boots were delivered to my home three days after ordering for £120.

[MirandaWest]

Asda include thinning in the cost of the glasses which is good for people with prescriptions like mine

[MirandaWest]

DH has varifocals now and I think paid a bit over £100 for two pairs (one ordinary and one sunglasses)

[teaandcakeat8]

MirandaWest that is amazing - I am going to check it out now - I desperately need new glasses but have been put off by the cost!