Spectacles and prices

[JaceLancs]

I’m really fancying these frames but with astigmatism, complex lenses, custom varifocal and with made thinner lenses that are also transition into sun glasses it’s coming out at around £900
Any suggestions? What if anything should I compromise on?
On the other hand I only buy every 2-3 years so price per year isn’t that bad - I spend more on nails or hair for example

They'll be upselling on every extra feature. Get them to break down every option, they can likely offer it in more than one price bracket .

I used to work in an opticians. Vision express are notoriously expensive. Take your prescription and buy online. I've saved a fortune doing this.

I've searched for the same frame online and lots of online stores do them far cheaper. I need to get my lenses thinned as well and always find the thinning service much cheaper online compared to the high street stores. I also have astigmatism. It's actually very common and I've never heard of an extra charge for this.

www.opticiansdirect.co.uk/glasses/tiffany-tf2223b-tiffany-tf-2223b-8124-ocean-turquoise/size-52+-+16/g34814/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw74e1BhBnEiwAbqOAjNrzeWnfCQgsigpRGDx-SaIjMbQFswduh09G1RdH5ko5hSfiJkikYhoCXIAQAvD_BwE

If the frames are the price it says in the screenshot, then your prescription is coming to about £660? I have what looks like a similar prescription to you and that sounds a lot - I think my last one totalled around £350 and then frames on top. So it might be worth taking your prescription somewhere else. I don't buy frames online but I use an independent optician who are absolute saints and will will get hold of frames I've seen online, with no expectation that I'll buy them.

That said, I always pay as much as I can afford for glasses cos they're on my face for every second of the day I'm awake. So, if you've tried those frames, and they're the ones you want, and you can't get them anywhere else (although it sounds like you might be able to?) and you can pay the price, then personally I'd suck it up.

One other thought - I find that feature where lenses go darker in the sun a bit of a mixed bag. On the whole, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for me but, if I was trying to cut back on costs, that's what I'd drop.

They do not upsell on eye health. If OP needs particular lenses, that's what she needs.
The other stuff such as reactor etc, yes, unnecessary

The op needs varifocals and has astigmatism, it also sounds like a quite high prescription as it needs thinning.
This rx needs measuring on the face whilst wearing the chosen frame. It can’t be ordered online to get an exact measurement etc.
Asda opticians are very good price wise for lenses so you could buy the frame and then have them glazed there.

This is good advice. For varifocals they do need to be measured. Just check the the opticians glazing them will actually do it. Some don't as if the frame is damaged they can't replace it.

I have astigmatism and a strong prescription, -8 in one eye. I got a pair of glasses from Specsavers. The frames were £99 and that's all I paid as they thinned the lenses for free as part of a deal because I was also getting contacts from them. Their most expensive varifocals lenses are £140. That's obviously just one optician but check out some others and you'll definitely get a better deal. £900 for glasses seems far too high.

Everything @allmycats said. I have astigmatism and need varifocals. It would be risky to buy them online without being measured. I wear mine all day every day so it's an investment that's worth it to me.

At least you can get your glasses checked and adjusted in stores. I would rather have that option

Take your prescription to Asda Opticians.

I have varifocals with lighter lenses and frames very similar to these (not a top designer, obviously) and they cost me £100.

Can also make with a tint, as sunglasses for the same price (or 2 pairs for £140).

Did you end up buying OP? I am looking at frames and found some that are eye-wateringly expensive but like you I don't want to buy on-line, not sure whether to just get cheaper frames or if I'll regret it every time I look in the mirror for the next few years!