Best place to get glasses?

[louderthan]

I’ve always used Specsavers in the past and found them really good, however the big branch in my town has relocated to the retail park and it’s a faff to get there. There’s only a small branch in town now and they don’t have the full range.
Where else would people recommend? I’m due an eye test as well as wanting new frames. I have easy access to Boots, Vision Express, David Clulow plus lots of independents.
I’ve heard good things about Asda but again it’s a pain to get there….

Vision express are ok. The main thing Id say though is how easy it is for you to go back if you have problems....I had to go back 3x to get the glasses 'right' as we couldn't quite understand what was wrong and it took a few tries to fix it. If this happens to you and you have to travel miles you're likely to not wear the glasses!

I use Glasses Direct online. They seem to have a wider choice of frames that I can afford, and I’ve had several pairs from them over the last four years.

I use a local independent, and whilst it's generally more expensive than Specsavers, I did come away feeling that my eyes have been thoroughly checked. I've got a pair of glasses with occupational lenses from them, but thought I'd order some cheapies from Glasses Direct to have at home/just in case and they're awful. Thick frames, thick lenses and they don't fit properly at all.

Glasses direct used to be so good! Something happened last year and now they’re terrible. They outsourced customer service overseas and if you need any help it’s the most frustrating thing.

I used to recommend them all the time on here but now I can’t.

I did try Glasses Direct a few years ago, they said my prescription was ‘too complex’! 😂
I’m leaning towards going with an independent, I have a bit more disposable income these days!

I used specsavers in 2 separate towns and would NEVER use them again.

I too had heard good things about ASDA, but its a 1hr round trip from me. I realise that isn't too far, but then thought I'd need the test, then the fitting and then any issues, I'd need to go back again.

I wish I'd gone sooner! I had a quote for 2 sets of glasses/lenses for my 1st pair of varifocals from both specsavers and asda. Both generic frames, not Prada/Chanel etc. Asda was £300 cheaper!!! They included thinning of the lenses, anti reflection, the wider varifocal and other things as standard- which specsavers add on more money for each! For me, it was more than worth any faff in getting there!

Ooh ok, maybe Asda is worth a look! Thanks all!

Your nearest independent. No question.

Asda for sure. Thinned down leses with coatings and/or varifocals for amazing prices. Always helpful and staff are friendly. Mine is a two hour round trip but worth it.

Iolla if there is one near you. Really good value and very nice styles.

Seconded. I have two pairs from IOLLA. Look designer but way cheaper.

I need varifocals - this seems to baffle the online opticians.

Ace and Tate for me.

Are you anywhere near a branch of Cubitts? There are several in the London area and a few elsewhere.

I used the Leeds branch last year. Fantastic service, lovely frames and, for my varifocals, it wasn't much more expensive than Boots. Oh and you get a lifetime supply of lens cleaner, a rather cool cleaning cloth, and a complementary frames MOT after one year.

If you re able to get to Manchester then visit seen.co.uk - ask for Erika. I have a dozen pairs from there. The choice is amazing. I am very shortsighted and the lenses they prescribe are so thin and light I can wear any design.

Not Specsavers.

I got my varifocals (wide areas, extra lightweight lenses, photochromic, anti-scratch) from Glasses Direct in December last year. No problems at all, and they cost about half the amount quoted by the local independent optician who did the eye test.

I go to vision express (it’s very near to my work!), dc1 gets their prescription from specsavers and buys glasses from fermoo online (I think that’s what they’re called?) and dh just makes up what he thinks his prescription would be and bulk orders reading glasses from Amazon and leaves pairs of them scattered about the house - so very different approaches here 🤣

How are people sorting out pupillary distance for online orders?

I changed to M&S, though that may not be an option for you. I just find Specsavers in our town so busy and the waiting around makes me anxious. M&S is quiet and everything is streamlined so you aren't left waiting in a busy waiting room.

If you ask nicely, an optician will tell you.

How to measure Pupilliary Distance (PD) Guide | Vision Express

David Clulow probably have better brands. Jimmy Fairley are good.

Hi
I recently used feel good contacts they took a couple of weeks longer than was quoted but I am super impressed. A good price compared to boots/vision etc
With regard to pupil distance etc there are a few online companies that measure this the same way when you virtually try on glasses. I tried a few and went with the majority
Really impressed

In your circumstances, the closest to you I would say - but only because you said yours is an independent and you have disposal income. You’ll need it lol - I’ve always used Specsavers (about 7 mile drive from us) but last time I switched to Haines & Smith within walking distance. I spent the same - if not more - there on 1 pair as I’d get 2 pairs for in Specsavers. And there wasn’t a lot in the difference of service, plus less choice of frames. I’d say the frames have lasted longer than the Specsavers ones without needing repairs etc but overall not worth the extra expense for me. I want some new prescription sunglasses aswell next time so I’m tempted to try Asda (further away) or will go back to Specsavers.