Opticians...stick with indie, or go specsavers/supermarket?
Discussion
It's been around 3 years since I last went opticians and I'm wondering whether I should continue with the local independant place that I've gone to... or perhaps try something different and go specsavers or possibly one of the ones inside supermarkets (such as asda).
Any thoughts?
before the 3 year appointment the last time I went was probably 10years ago, so i rarely go as i don't use my glasses day to day. I don't know my prescription, but would like to.
my current glasses - 2 pairs of the cheapest glasses they have. no lens features
my usage - when watching tv, gaming, being on a computer, or driving (haven't driven in years). I WFH so am pretty much on my computer most of the day, and at nights using my computer for browsing/watching YT videos, gaming etc. when I walk away from the screen I take them off
My reason for asking is whether I might get better options/deals or other unknowns from not using my indie. Given that I WFH and spend so much time infront of a screen think an anti glare coating would be nice to have, but as i've never had any 'addons' I've no idea what would be useful. I'd also like to know my prescription, my reasoning being I could buy glasses online that will have all the 'addons' i want for less. At the moment as I don't wear glasses day to day, I don't need something fancy/good looking, something to just do the job. The only time I'd actually take my glasses out with me is to the cinema, or a sit down concert/gig. I'm nearsighted (things far away are a little blurry)
Any thoughts?
before the 3 year appointment the last time I went was probably 10years ago, so i rarely go as i don't use my glasses day to day. I don't know my prescription, but would like to.
my current glasses - 2 pairs of the cheapest glasses they have. no lens features
my usage - when watching tv, gaming, being on a computer, or driving (haven't driven in years). I WFH so am pretty much on my computer most of the day, and at nights using my computer for browsing/watching YT videos, gaming etc. when I walk away from the screen I take them off
My reason for asking is whether I might get better options/deals or other unknowns from not using my indie. Given that I WFH and spend so much time infront of a screen think an anti glare coating would be nice to have, but as i've never had any 'addons' I've no idea what would be useful. I'd also like to know my prescription, my reasoning being I could buy glasses online that will have all the 'addons' i want for less. At the moment as I don't wear glasses day to day, I don't need something fancy/good looking, something to just do the job. The only time I'd actually take my glasses out with me is to the cinema, or a sit down concert/gig. I'm nearsighted (things far away are a little blurry)
My experience having used both independents and the chains, well Boots and D and A before they merged with Boots, is that the local small independent optician will give yiu a better service and better advice relative to your requirements.
Yes, you will probably pay a bit more but in my opinion, it is worth it.
Yes, you will probably pay a bit more but in my opinion, it is worth it.
My experience is the opposite.
I went to a local opticians for some new glasses. We are talking -15 prescription, £800 for the lenses (so serious numbers), and 4+ eye tests per year, including Moorfields, for the last 32 years, so I'm not green to an eye test.
Eye test:
Flickering flouro bulb directly above the chair, affecting vision. Asked if they could turn it off, and was told no, that's not how eye tests work and I didn't know what I'm talking about. By some 25 year old freshfaced t
t.
I told him the test would not be accurate and I wasn't happy with it, again, I was told I didnt know what I was talking about.
Paid, and was told 2 weeks unti delivery.
Delivery:
8 weeks later, after chasing almost daily, the glasses arrived from the "lab". (Which turned out to be a room upstairs).
One eye was 2 diopters out.
And they broke the frame putting the lens in.
Another 4 week wait for replacement lenses and frames, blaming the lab for the delays.
All I got was the thick old women on reception saying "we will call you back" and never did. Meanwhile I'm struggling to even go for a piss without spraying everywhere. -15 is like putting PVA glue in your eyes.
I have never had such poor service from D&A, Boots, Specsavers etc.
Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
I went to a local opticians for some new glasses. We are talking -15 prescription, £800 for the lenses (so serious numbers), and 4+ eye tests per year, including Moorfields, for the last 32 years, so I'm not green to an eye test.
Eye test:
Flickering flouro bulb directly above the chair, affecting vision. Asked if they could turn it off, and was told no, that's not how eye tests work and I didn't know what I'm talking about. By some 25 year old freshfaced t
t. I told him the test would not be accurate and I wasn't happy with it, again, I was told I didnt know what I was talking about.
Paid, and was told 2 weeks unti delivery.
Delivery:
8 weeks later, after chasing almost daily, the glasses arrived from the "lab". (Which turned out to be a room upstairs).
One eye was 2 diopters out.
And they broke the frame putting the lens in.
Another 4 week wait for replacement lenses and frames, blaming the lab for the delays.
All I got was the thick old women on reception saying "we will call you back" and never did. Meanwhile I'm struggling to even go for a piss without spraying everywhere. -15 is like putting PVA glue in your eyes.
I have never had such poor service from D&A, Boots, Specsavers etc.
Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
Remember that the eye test is a separate procedure from buying the glasses.
Pay for the test, get your prescription printed out, and if you don't see a pair of frames you like on the day, there's no penalty for leaving the shop and going to, say, Glasses Direct to get your actual specs.
Pay for the test, get your prescription printed out, and if you don't see a pair of frames you like on the day, there's no penalty for leaving the shop and going to, say, Glasses Direct to get your actual specs.
I've worn glasses for 50 years and have experienced both types of retail optometrist.
A few years ago, having used Boots/Specsavers for 12-15 years prior, with their associated business models, I decide to give a long-standing local optician a go.
I was switching to varifocals at the time and was very clear with him about the types of use I needed to cover. He said he knew exactly what I needed though when he described how they would work, I suggested that I felt he was mistaken in his choice. Sure enough, and despite my protestations, glasses which cost more than twice what I had been paying with the High St retailers were useless. With much resistance, they had to return the frames for different lenses to be fitted.
Specsavers are, in the main, franchise operations. Find a good one and stick with them - they'll be just as customer-focused as an indie (it's their business!) and you'll benefit from the company's buying power. They also, in my experience, have the best eye testing and analysis kit in the market.
A few years ago, having used Boots/Specsavers for 12-15 years prior, with their associated business models, I decide to give a long-standing local optician a go.
I was switching to varifocals at the time and was very clear with him about the types of use I needed to cover. He said he knew exactly what I needed though when he described how they would work, I suggested that I felt he was mistaken in his choice. Sure enough, and despite my protestations, glasses which cost more than twice what I had been paying with the High St retailers were useless. With much resistance, they had to return the frames for different lenses to be fitted.
Specsavers are, in the main, franchise operations. Find a good one and stick with them - they'll be just as customer-focused as an indie (it's their business!) and you'll benefit from the company's buying power. They also, in my experience, have the best eye testing and analysis kit in the market.
Boringvolvodriver said:
My experience having used both independents and the chains,...
.....Yes, you will probably pay a bit more but in my opinion, it is worth it.
I'm not sure what additional service/advice I'd need given i rarely go and only use it for specific things......Yes, you will probably pay a bit more but in my opinion, it is worth it.
OpulentBob said:
My experience is the opposite. ...
.....Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
thanks for the insight. Although i'm my experience on using my indie afew times they've been plesant and very quick. eyetest done right away, lenses ready before the end of the day (using glasses they have). I just do wonder what the 'bigboys' have over the indies......Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
Big Pants said:
Remember that the eye test is a separate procedure from buying the glasses.
Pay for the test, get your prescription printed out, and if you don't see a pair of frames you like on the day, there's no penalty for leaving the shop and going to, say, Glasses Direct to get your actual specs.
its funny. when i went there 3 years ago for for my eye test (before starting a new desk job) i spent a good 15min trying on all the glasses, i didnt like almost all of them. without me knowing i ended up picking the same style as the ones I had previously. which turned out to be a very cheap pair.Pay for the test, get your prescription printed out, and if you don't see a pair of frames you like on the day, there's no penalty for leaving the shop and going to, say, Glasses Direct to get your actual specs.
ambuletz said:
OpulentBob said:
My experience is the opposite. ...
.....Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
thanks for the insight. Although i'm my experience on using my indie afew times they've been plesant and very quick. eyetest done right away, lenses ready before the end of the day (using glasses they have). I just do wonder what the 'bigboys' have over the indies......Locals are good for -1, -2 off-the-shelf scripts, leave the serious glasses to the big boys, IMO.
We both use Specsavers and have done for several years. They have always provided very good customer service and pricewise are very competitive.
My other half has had 3 attempts with varifocals now and each time she has struggled and they have taken them back and replaced with bi focals, and actually refunded the difference in price, no quibbles.
The last time I used Boots I had a 9.00 appt which was the first of the day. As we sat waiting the Manageress was holding a staff meeting on the floor before they opened and we could hear every word.
She was telling staff that they were behind on their sales targets and they had to get out there and sell, sell, sell, pushing the more expensive frames and lenses as hard as they could. The focus on the actual needs of the customer seemed to be very secondary.
I never went back and it has been Specsavers ever since.
My other half has had 3 attempts with varifocals now and each time she has struggled and they have taken them back and replaced with bi focals, and actually refunded the difference in price, no quibbles.
The last time I used Boots I had a 9.00 appt which was the first of the day. As we sat waiting the Manageress was holding a staff meeting on the floor before they opened and we could hear every word.
She was telling staff that they were behind on their sales targets and they had to get out there and sell, sell, sell, pushing the more expensive frames and lenses as hard as they could. The focus on the actual needs of the customer seemed to be very secondary.
I never went back and it has been Specsavers ever since.
I've recently been through this process and went for another eye test 15yrs after the last one. well you can never be too careful can you!
Anyway I went to Asda £19 for the test. Very professional and no pressure to purchase glasses there and then. Just about need glasses for reading and using some for computer sharpens things up. I was given my prescription and when I asked about reading v computer use I was given the 'Intermediate' range as well as the near and far. They won't give you the PD (policy I believe in case they get it wrong) but I was advised I could do it myself by using a service online (Specsavers site it's free and the procedure is explained and with your PC camera it works it out).
so armed with all this I saw that Martin Lewis had a voucher code MSEAUGUST with Glasses Direct where you can get two pairs for £14 with postage! Why not, so gave it a go. First order was a pair of readers, standard lens etc, second (free) pair for PC so I went with anti-glare (£10 extra). Delivered in a week for the total cost of £24 and they are perfect.
In fact so good I've just ordered another two pairs, this time for far sight (slight presciption on one eye that the optician said I'm good enough without but he can sharpen things up). Again sunglasses lens cost an extra £10 and the other (free) pair plain, another £24 all in. Turned up yesterday. spot on.
You can also order the extra (free) pair of glasses a different prescription so two people could get them for £7 each!
Anyway I went to Asda £19 for the test. Very professional and no pressure to purchase glasses there and then. Just about need glasses for reading and using some for computer sharpens things up. I was given my prescription and when I asked about reading v computer use I was given the 'Intermediate' range as well as the near and far. They won't give you the PD (policy I believe in case they get it wrong) but I was advised I could do it myself by using a service online (Specsavers site it's free and the procedure is explained and with your PC camera it works it out).
so armed with all this I saw that Martin Lewis had a voucher code MSEAUGUST with Glasses Direct where you can get two pairs for £14 with postage! Why not, so gave it a go. First order was a pair of readers, standard lens etc, second (free) pair for PC so I went with anti-glare (£10 extra). Delivered in a week for the total cost of £24 and they are perfect.
In fact so good I've just ordered another two pairs, this time for far sight (slight presciption on one eye that the optician said I'm good enough without but he can sharpen things up). Again sunglasses lens cost an extra £10 and the other (free) pair plain, another £24 all in. Turned up yesterday. spot on.
You can also order the extra (free) pair of glasses a different prescription so two people could get them for £7 each!
ambuletz said:
its funny. when i went there 3 years ago for for my eye test (before starting a new desk job) i spent a good 15min trying on all the glasses, i didnt like almost all of them. without me knowing i ended up picking the same style as the ones I had previously. which turned out to be a very cheap pair.
I'm always amazed that with so many frames on display, I usually don't like any of them. It shouldn't be this difficult.It's been 2 years since my last test and I've noticed slight deterioration in my vision so I have all this crap to endure again shortly...
Just been through this for new lenses for the BIL.
He went into local independent and got the prescription and a quote for £465 to replace the lenses in his existing frames. He then went round the highstreet shops and was quoted about £450, £306 & £359 to re-glaze.
We looked on line and found prices for new frames and lenses from £290 upward ( he wanted a particular frame manafacturer) and reglaze prices from about £200.
Went for re-glaze with the online company (reglaze4u(?)). They sent out box to post to them, did the work in 1 week, sent them straight back good as new.
Unfortunately the OH had incorrectly specified Polarised rather than Transitions, so she contacted the company this morning to see if they could do anything and they've offered to re-do the re-glaze with the Transitions at cost for only £120 as they said they'd already made their profit on the first set of lenses.
In summary, get your prescription, then get on line.
He went into local independent and got the prescription and a quote for £465 to replace the lenses in his existing frames. He then went round the highstreet shops and was quoted about £450, £306 & £359 to re-glaze.
We looked on line and found prices for new frames and lenses from £290 upward ( he wanted a particular frame manafacturer) and reglaze prices from about £200.
Went for re-glaze with the online company (reglaze4u(?)). They sent out box to post to them, did the work in 1 week, sent them straight back good as new.
Unfortunately the OH had incorrectly specified Polarised rather than Transitions, so she contacted the company this morning to see if they could do anything and they've offered to re-do the re-glaze with the Transitions at cost for only £120 as they said they'd already made their profit on the first set of lenses.
In summary, get your prescription, then get on line.
Boots (D&A previously) have always impressed me. The eye tests tend to use the latest machines including retina cameras, my wife goes to an indie where the machines always appear to be a couple of generations behind and no offer of a camera. That said, I now take my prescription to Costco to buy glasses after Specsavers, where I had previously gone for many years, seemed hike up their prices a few years back.
For what it's worth, I find Specsavers absolutely fine.
I have quite complicated eye issues which they seem to cope with and make referrals to my GP - hospital as needed. (Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma) Sales staff seem well trained and offer good advice with my quite changing needs for contact lenses and glasses overtime. It definitely is not pressured sales and I always purchase on a second visit. Equipment used is modern. I trust them.
I have quite complicated eye issues which they seem to cope with and make referrals to my GP - hospital as needed. (Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma) Sales staff seem well trained and offer good advice with my quite changing needs for contact lenses and glasses overtime. It definitely is not pressured sales and I always purchase on a second visit. Equipment used is modern. I trust them.
Armitage.Shanks said:
Costco aren't the cheapest though
Warranty/after care with Costco is fabulous though. I tried some varifocal glasses and despite their best efforts and my own, I could not get on with them after 3 weeks. Went Back, spoke to the optician, and refunded in full £300+ without quibble.
What you need is a good optometrist who can get an accurate prescription, and an optician that is able to order what you want quickly, and has the support structure when things go wrong.
I would get local recommendations rather than going by chain. Like driving lessons it's all dependent on who's working there rather than the name of the business.
As a general rule I like the chains as I can browse their frames online (and they have a good selection), have decent offers, and I know I can walk in to a shop if I have a problem and they can usually sort it pretty quickly.
I would get local recommendations rather than going by chain. Like driving lessons it's all dependent on who's working there rather than the name of the business.
As a general rule I like the chains as I can browse their frames online (and they have a good selection), have decent offers, and I know I can walk in to a shop if I have a problem and they can usually sort it pretty quickly.
Monkeylegend said:
We both use Specsavers and have done for several years. They have always provided very good customer service and pricewise are very competitive.
My other half has had 3 attempts with varifocals now and each time she has struggled and they have taken them back and replaced with bi focals, and actually refunded the difference in price, no quibbles.
The last time I used Boots I had a 9.00 appt which was the first of the day. As we sat waiting the Manageress was holding a staff meeting on the floor before they opened and we could hear every word.
She was telling staff that they were behind on their sales targets and they had to get out there and sell, sell, sell, pushing the more expensive frames and lenses as hard as they could. The focus on the actual needs of the customer seemed to be very secondary.
I never went back and it has been Specsavers ever since.
Ignorance was bliss, Specsavers will be the same, only difference is you heard it at Boots…My other half has had 3 attempts with varifocals now and each time she has struggled and they have taken them back and replaced with bi focals, and actually refunded the difference in price, no quibbles.
The last time I used Boots I had a 9.00 appt which was the first of the day. As we sat waiting the Manageress was holding a staff meeting on the floor before they opened and we could hear every word.
She was telling staff that they were behind on their sales targets and they had to get out there and sell, sell, sell, pushing the more expensive frames and lenses as hard as they could. The focus on the actual needs of the customer seemed to be very secondary.
I never went back and it has been Specsavers ever since.
I use Boots for my work safely glasses and they’ve always been excellent (no messing about when trying to use vouchers). Generally I use Specsavers for my own as they were better value but my mum has used Asda and really liked them so they are next to try.
My Mrs did use a local optician but has gone away from them having realised how much she was getting fleeced.
I use an independent and have been with the same one since I was 6. They've always been very good to me and the glasses have always been top notch, although perhaps too expensive for some people's tastes - I'm quite happy to pay £300+ per pair because I use them every day, but the local place in question has options to suit nearly every budget and they're quite happy to go the extra mile to make sure that you get something you're happy with.
As with most fields of care, staff are everything. That's far more important imo than whether it's local or national. I wouldn't rate the other independents in town even though the people I support use them, because I don't care quite so much for the staff attitudes there. Less accommodating towards people with learning disabilities, less personal, that sort of thing.
If you find that the staff where you go aren't interested in you, your eyes or what you'll be using your specs for because all they can smell is your wallet, walk away. Staff which are friendly mean that even if things go wrong with your specs, they're likely to be easier to remedy. Staff which care about your use case aren't likely to recommend the thing with the biggest profit margin. Staff which are interested in you and your eyes, rather than what they 'know' is wrong, are more likely to find something that works for you.
As with most fields of care, staff are everything. That's far more important imo than whether it's local or national. I wouldn't rate the other independents in town even though the people I support use them, because I don't care quite so much for the staff attitudes there. Less accommodating towards people with learning disabilities, less personal, that sort of thing.
If you find that the staff where you go aren't interested in you, your eyes or what you'll be using your specs for because all they can smell is your wallet, walk away. Staff which are friendly mean that even if things go wrong with your specs, they're likely to be easier to remedy. Staff which care about your use case aren't likely to recommend the thing with the biggest profit margin. Staff which are interested in you and your eyes, rather than what they 'know' is wrong, are more likely to find something that works for you.
Very opportune.
Went to my local indi who I've used for a while yesterday. Overly anal on the covid restrictions. Door locked, temp taken, insisted on me wearing their own mask etc.
That aside, eye test was well done but now I need a new prescription on both my designer frames. One varifocal, one varifocal intermediate. Now due to Covid not doing the hour service where they can replace my lenses so it has to be sent away for a week. I can do one pair at a time but the choice is can't drive and can't work for the week. Total price for new lenses in same frame 590!
Went off to Specsavers and had a look through their designer section. Nice pair of Titanium frames plus some Hugo frames. 2 for 1 offer with top lens anti glare etc came in at £400ish. They even advised their tailor made lens rather than the top one as the extra cost wasn't worth it.
On the plus side a mate of mine is quite high up in SS and has promised me a 50% off voucher so bit of a no brainer.
The Indi did have it in the bag though.
Went to my local indi who I've used for a while yesterday. Overly anal on the covid restrictions. Door locked, temp taken, insisted on me wearing their own mask etc.
That aside, eye test was well done but now I need a new prescription on both my designer frames. One varifocal, one varifocal intermediate. Now due to Covid not doing the hour service where they can replace my lenses so it has to be sent away for a week. I can do one pair at a time but the choice is can't drive and can't work for the week. Total price for new lenses in same frame 590!
Went off to Specsavers and had a look through their designer section. Nice pair of Titanium frames plus some Hugo frames. 2 for 1 offer with top lens anti glare etc came in at £400ish. They even advised their tailor made lens rather than the top one as the extra cost wasn't worth it.
On the plus side a mate of mine is quite high up in SS and has promised me a 50% off voucher so bit of a no brainer.
The Indi did have it in the bag though.
Edited by worsy on Thursday 26th August 08:02
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