Opticians

[Caran]

Are local opticians cheaper or dearer than say Specsavers or Boots?

[tonyav]

I have found that the independent opticians are usually dearer ( well they seem to be in my area ), Caran.

[-SharonA-]

I agree and at the same time I don't like Specsavers etc. Too much like being on a factory line!

[Caran]

Thank you tonyav.

[Caran]

Thanks also SharonA.

[Smowball]

I've literally been to my Specsavers a couple of days ago. Third time there and I had to wait over half an hour past my appointment time - standing up- all their chairs were full and they just seemed to have far too many customers at the same time all waiting. Very annoying

[Old_Geezer]

I find my local Specsavers are not so bad. I stopped going to Boots the first time I tried varifocals, and everytime the woman opened her mouth it was to add more to the price and I felt I was being taken advantage of. I think most independent are more expensive, I suspect unable to demand discounts from the supplier. But they tend to try to make it worthwhile with personal service and attention. You pays your money and makes your choice. Or you can buy more cheaply on the Net as long as you have your test results.

[tonyav]

I use Tesco opticians, have always had my appointments on time.

[sunny-dave]

I'm lucky to have a simple prescription - so I buy all my specs online - average cost around £50 per pair (or less).

I can personally recommend

http://www.glasses2you.co.uk/

and

https://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/

[Smowball]

Good to know Tony and Dave x

[Buenchico]

The cheapest are probably Specsavers (with complete glasses from £25), Vision Express (£39) and Asda (£45). Boots can be relatively expensive (but still cheaper than many independent opticians)

The nearest Asda opticians to you, Caran, are in Gloucester, Bristol (Patchway) and Cwmbran.

Vision Express can be found in Monmouth, Gloucester, Abergavenny and Bristol (Cribbs Causeway).

The Specsavers store locator doesn't seem to be working at the moment but there's a full list of stores here:
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/full-store-list

[jno]

I've never had any trouble with Specsavers. Cheap product (or you can have expensive ones if you want), the tests produce the correct results, and I've never had to wait.

[Maydup]

I have found the Independents to be dearer and not always as thorough in their eye testing. Mr M used one in the local market town but next time switched to Specsavers on my advice.

We had an efficient and friendly service from them and they also refered him to the hospital for more tests. To cut a long story short, he has reasonable sight now, but had he not been diagnosed that day, he might not have any at all. Independent tests wasn't nearly as thorough in retrospect.

[mikey4444]

I changed eover to using my local Village optician a year ago, and I was very pleased I did. A much more personal service.

The cost is difficult to decide, as most of my treatment is now free. I also changed over to using daily disposables contact lens, from Daysoft, which is saving me at least £15 a month.

[Caran]

Thank you all for very informative answers.
OH will have to have new glasses after he has laser treatment after his cataract operation.

[ummmm]

My last eye test plus two pairs of glasses £130.

I don't buy expensive glasses as I tend to break them or lose them.

[jno]

he probably won't need long-distance glasses, just new reading ones. If he's lucky he might find ones from Poundland will do the job.

[Jackdaw33]

Near to me is a manufacturer for the trade. Although they do not do eye tests, if you take your prescription in they will make you up a set of glasses. The last time I went there when I'd broken my frames I got a set for £40 for which the High Street optician was charging £150. Whenever you get your eyes tested always ask for the prescription. They cannot refuse you.