Where to buy your glasses or contact lenses from???

Where should you buy your glasses or contact lenses from?

Now that you've had your eye test, where do you buy your glasses from? and how do you know that you are making the right choice?

The process of getting new glasses or contact lenses has been broken down into 2 separate processes. The first component is the eye examination, where the eye health check and the prescription for your glasses and contact lenses are determined.
The second component is choosing where to buy these glasses and contact lenses. By law you are entitled to a copy of your prescription once the eye examination is completed, thus giving you the freedom to spend your money where you choose.

So what are your choices:

1.Purchasing your glasses or contact lenses at the store you’ve had your eyes tested at.
This is by far the best option. You have a continuity of care: the optician understands how your eyes work and what your vision requirements are, and as such will recommend products that are best for you. And if  there are any problems with your glasses there is a single point of call where the reason can be easily isolated and corrected. Most opticians will have a wide price range of both lenses and frame prices.

 2.Purchasing from a different Independent or Multiple Store. 
If you were to have problems with your glasses, it is the responsibility of the seller of your glasses to solve any problems. The place you buy your glasses from has to determine whether there is an error in the prescription or the  way in which the glasses have been made. This can end up being be a lengthy resolution process if there are 2 separate parties involved. You may also be passed from one person to the other, if neither are willing to accept responsibility.

 3.Purchasing on-line
This is a new option as you self -dispense a pair of glasses from an online website and can be perceived as a cheap option. However this is by far the riskiest option, as not only do the lenses have to be measured for your eyes and but are usually unbranded/own branded cheaper lenses. The frames also need to fitted and adjusted to your facial characteristics. An ill -fitting frame can causes problems with how well you see especially in patients with high prescriptions or varifocal lenses. The customer service is also restricted to online or telephones.

Points to consider when choosing new glasses:

a. It is best to see who has both the frames you like and and an experienced clinician so you can have the eye test and glasses done at the same store. A good place to start are online reviews.

b. Most stores will be very similarly priced so it is important to look at other aspects like the customer service and how approachable staff are. Don't buy solely on price but rather on value.

c. When choosing glasses don’t be afraid to ask about the different costs and know your options in the price range you are comfortable with.

However, the most important point to consider, is that having regular eye tests does not mean you always need new glasses at every test. It is about making sure your eyes and healthy and safe!


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