New Glasses

[bluebird34]

I am now of an age when I have to have my eyes tested yearly and I have bought new glasses for the last 3 years. I suggested the last time that I simply had new lenses put in instead of buying a complete new pair but was told it would cost nearly as much as having new ones. Can someone explain why this is the case or even IF this is the case because I am due to go again and am hoping to ask for lenses only.

[ChillDoubt]

I send my frames to reglazemyglasses.com and they've never let me down yet at a fraction of High Street prices.

[ladyalex]

I use Glasses Direct and have always found their service excellent.
They are much cheaper than High Street Opticians.

www.glassesdirect.co.uk

[Cloverjo]

I think they used to charge separately for lenses and frames. Now it tends to be all in one, but with added optional extras. If it costs a bit less you might as well use your old frames if you really like them. Otherwise, take your prescription and buy cheaper ones online, as the others have said.

[Pete65]

I get my prescription glasses at Tesco Optician.
I pay £20 for a pair. I am happy with that.

[hc4361]

Very often the lenses are the most expensive part and opticians are reluctant to reglaze in case they damage the original frames.
Very often the frames are just not suitable for a new prescription, especially if you need bifocal or varifocal lenses.

Not everyone can use budget opticians. No online optician will fulfil my prescription nor will Tesco or Asda.

[Pete65]

Why is that, HC?

[Mamyalynne]

Not many will touch my prescription either - and most definitely none of the online outfits.

Minus 20 sends them into a spin - I think they order mine from NASA or somewhere, over £200 per lens.

[ladybirder]

Me too HC and Mamya. Costs me a fortune.

[hc4361]

Mine are in the same price range, mamya, and usually have to have a new prescription every year. I buy the cheapest frames that I am comfortable wearing.

People have complex prescriptions for all sorts or reasons.

[Mamyalynne]

Also the stronger and thicker (despite endless promises of thin lenses) they are the more you are restricted to a choice of frame.

[hc4361]

Yes, indeed. No trendy little oblong specs for me

[maera]

my optician will put new lenses in my existing frames, I have Dior frames
which I have used twice, I love them , change your optician they are out to get more money, Persist don't just ask.

[Pete65]

Thank you for your information.
I now realise how fortunate I am to only need inexpensive glasses from Tesco.

[ladybirder]

Enjoy it while it lasts Pete - your time may yet come as your eyes deteriorate. Sorry.

[Pete65]

Goodness, Ladybirder, you have nothing to be sorry about!
What will be, will be!

[bluebird34]

Hi thanks for all your comments think I will definitely raise the matter when i go for appointment. Funny thing tho when I decided i might do this I looked out last years glasses to see if I could manage with them while the others had new lenses put in them and found i can see much better with them!!!

[gingejbee]

Don't forget that you should be offered your new prescription after your sight test, if new specs are needed. Raise the matter then and, if they refuse, say you'll take the prescription to somebody who will do as you've asked. You may find that they change their mind!

[atalanta]

I imagine that chains of opticians which try to keep prices down, have a range of frame-shapes for which their robot-machines are geared up every time the frame-fashion changes. This means that your new lenses ( now no longer in the range) don't suit the frame-robots, and to make a differently shaped lens means resetting a machine, or doing the work from scratch.

[Old_Geezer]

I reached that age at about 4.

I'm unsure why it would cost much the same. Frames are not cheap. But there is the issue of whether your old frame is capable of going another year or two or putting up with the removal and replacement of the lenses.