opticians, what to do

[Marijn]

I've had my eyes checked at my regular opticians i.e Bodys, and I need new glasses. But would it be ok to buy them elsewhere i.e. Specsavers? I'm trying to save money. But if I get them from elsewhere, will I need to oficially change opticians (I don't want to change). And would Bodys be offended if I got them from Specsavers, or is it perfectly ok to do that?

[Mamyalynne]

It is perfectly ok to do that, doubt that your optician would snub you for it. Just stay with them for eye tests if you wish. You do not need to register with an optician as you do with a doctor.

[treetops1]

If you have the prescription you can go anywhere, I think by law they must give you a copy of it.There is a one on line that was featured on tele the other week, he said frames don`t cost alot really.. Bodys wont like it but theres not a lot they can do.

[NazNomad]

You can buy glasses anywhere you like (in the World), just give them your prescription.

[supapapa]

Bodys should give you your prescription, if they don`t ask for it , then you are free to go were you like for your specs. As for Bodys being offended don`t worry about it it.

[treetops1]

http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/

[Marijn]

Thanks everyone. I know you're all saying that I can pick up my prescription from Bodys, and take it to Specsavers to buy the glasses, but would Bodys really not mind? I've been with them for years. Is it normal practice to get your glasses from wherever you feel like, after getting the eye test from elsewhere?

[NazNomad]

Walk up to the desk and say, "can I have a copy of my prescription please".

They can't refuse.

[ixion]

Last bit is about opticians Media URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00z8lmr/Rip_Off_Britain_Series_2_cutdowns_Episode_7/
Description:

[Jan1957]

There was a programme on tv the other night notafish about how expensive glasses are and they said you are legally entitled to a copy of your prescription. I didn't get one last time I had my eyes tested at Boots but will be asking next time as I can't afford £253 again!

[chazza]

your new optician can contact your old one for you, if you buy contacts online this is what they do! You give them the details of your old optician and they sort it for you

[237SJ]

No problem at all and they won`t be offended. I get my contact lens prescription from Specsavers but they don`t do the lenses I want so I get them elsewhere. I get my glasses prescription from them and tell them I`m going to get my glasses abroad when I`m at work. Business is business and you wouldn`t be offending anyone.

[carlton23]

The reason you can go to any opticians is because they may not have the type of frame you prefer, and another one has.

[milly143]

When I got my eyes tested the optician gave me the prescription and I bought a pair online much cheaper. The only thing was he didn't add the measurement of the distance between my pupils (I think that's right) on my prescription. Make sure you check that's on there as I believe it is not compulsary to add it. Although the optician you buy from might just do a quick measurement.

[Old_Geezer]

Once you have the prescription you can get your glasses made up anywhere.

I've not tried them but I understand there are mail order websites that charge 'good' prices.

[Marijn]

Thank you very much for all your answers. I'm very happy with Bodys and like my optician, so I don't want to change opticians. I just want to see if I can get lenses cheaper from elsewhere. I will keep my frames and get two new lenses put in, as I have gone from +1.0, +1.0 to +1.25, +1.50. Although I cant remember which eye is which. Bodys are quoting me £89.50 for a pair of lenses. What do you think?