'glazing Fee' When Getting New Lenses For Glasses

[koster]

I had an eye test at my local independent optician and my glasses prescription had changed. I decided to save some money by turning down new glasses and just getting new lenses.

I had to pay a 'glazing fee'. Is this normal?

[boxtops]

It's a bit of a cheek, but I suppose you could call it "labour for taking out the old lenses and putting in the new ones" - it's not unreasonable. Depends how much they are charging you, though!

[sunny-dave]

Depends ... it does seem a pretty standard way of inflating the total price - but were you given a fixed price quote for the whole job - if so adding in a glazing fee as an extra is wrong?

Opticians are definitely right up there with Vets when it comes to strange unexpected 'extras' to push your bill into the stratosphere ...

[boxtops]

I don't think it's unreasonable if you are using an old set of frames.

[johnny37]

I think it is unreasonable if the original frames were bought at the same opticians. I have been going to Specsavers for a few years. They have an economy range for £25 and £45. both are fashionable. What I can't understand is they charge £50 for reglazing if they can sell complete glasess for £25. I think it is done to stop people having a sight test plus buying their frames elsewhere.

[Old_Geezer]

You should present your optician with a 'logistics fee' saying you had to come in and bring the frames to them since they didn't offer to come out to you.

Gee, they make profit on the lens don't they ? Darned cheek to charge for a fit too. Should be included. Or say knock the charge off, you'll fit them yourself when you get back home.

[koster]

The glazing fee I paid was £40, so it is cheaper than the Specsavers amount quoted by Johnny37.

The frames were purchased at the same optician and they were one and a half years old.