Eye test and new glasses

I’m overdue an eye test as the last one was over 2 years ago and they’ve def got worse. I only really use the glasses for reading. Last one was with Specsavers and I’ll def need new glasses rather than just new lenses as I’ve dropped them that many times even the frame is knackered.
Who are the best for tests these days and are those cheapo prescription glasses places that do ‘proper’ glasses for something like £10 actually any good (with my new eye test info for them to work with for the correct lenses)?

I rate our local specsavers, just as good as the more expensive boutique place. Due another visit shortly. The testing was spot on and I got perfectly adequate specs at a very reasonable price.

I got a prescription from the opticians and used it to buy  £16 glasses from goggles4u. They’re fine, though I mostly wear contacts. If you have an existing pair of glasses goggles4u give the measurements of their frames, so its good for comparing and buying similar.

Shame their spammy ads are everywhere, cos they are pretty good!

Been a customer of Specsavers for a few years now, initially at Warrington but now Manchester Arndale. Always had exceptionally good service in terms of the options there. Choice was a bit overwhelming but usually found a pair or two to match. Went to Costco with my prescription this time and am very pleased with the results. Not cheap but as I wear varifocals I needed them to be right.

If they really are just for reading then grab a book, wander into almost any shop and try some out. Buy the ones that let you read 🙂

I rather like my £29 specsavers specs, Another thumbs up for Manchester Arndale as well.

I have some specsaver computer glasses I ordered for wearing with my contacts. I knew what I wanted (not close reading), the optician knew why I wanted them, and she tested to see whether there was better vision correcting my double astigmatism whilst reading her computer screen (there was) against no correction (ie cheap off the shelf readers). So I bought a pair and got one free. My normal glasses from the independent cost 10x more.

The independent has better eye scanning equipment for my eye test, but work paid for that! It also showed why I have a permanent floater in by good eye (detached iris ligament)

Who are the best for tests these days

The quality of the test will depend mostly on the quality of the individual performing it.  Personally I’ve never really got on with specsavers – both wife and son have used them because they are cheap (whereas as a “blindy” I will pay quite a lot for something that’s going to sit on my face for 13000 hrs) – it may be confirmation bias but they are back an awful lot getting frames adjusted/tightened etc.

For sunnies etc I will use somewhere online.

Never liked Specsavers here. Felt like I was on a conveyer belt.

Boots for eye tests and then online to buy them.

SelectSpecs for my riding/ or anything really glasses (GM231 model number.) Very curved lense so good eye protection and I just like the look/feel of them.

For ultra cheap PC/TV use etc, Specs4Less  have been fine too.

Wasn’t a fan of Specsavers, was talked into buying Varifocals. I was pretty adamant that I was happy to stick with my bifocals, but ended up going with Varifocals….however I find them really really annoying. They almost make me feel travel sick, hard to explain. But back on my Bifocals purchased from Vision Express who were much better in my opinion.

@rascal

To order online, you ideally* need your PD distance. You can measure it with a cheap measure off eBay or even with a ruler. YT tells you how to do it. Dead easy.

You need another person’s help to do it accurately. Your optician might tell you what it is but Boots were very reluctant to tell me initially! 😂 It doesn’t alter so once you know it,  you know it.

* If you don’t tell them, they’ll assume a generic eye distance which is fine for most people but…

To order online, you ideally* need your PD distance. You can measure it with a cheap measure off eBay or even with a ruler. YT tells you how to do it. Dead easy.

There’s apps you can use, you scan your face with a standard size magnetic card in view and it uses that as a scale to calculate your PD.

I was with Specsavers for years, and they were always very helpful, sorted out my macular degeneration issue with a hospital referral and suggestions about dealing with it, and got me a hospital referral for my cataracts, which has resulted in my no longer needing glasses.

I have used Specsavers for years for bifocals. Most recent visit I got an eye test and ordered two pairs of bifocals. One pair was fine the other pair out of focus/blurred when reading close up. Initially they couldn’t find anything wrong and the manager hinted that I was having buyers remorse on those frames. Eventually  got it sorted. Some sort of alignment fault.

• I will try another place next time. Not especially cheap either. £378 for two pairs bifocals with transition lenses.

There’s apps you can use, you scan your face with a standard size magnetic card in view and it uses that as a scale to calculate your PD.

@theotherjonv

What a great idea, never heard of such an app before. 👍

Mrs and Little Miss both use our local Specsavers, and very happy with the service and care.

I’m still going to Optical Express in Derby as I have since the days they were Lancaster + Thorpe. Actual main optician at that branch is excellent, hence why ive not changed. (Reading  glasses only)

Long time customer if Specsavers here, they’ve always been really good.

That said, the last set of glasses I bought from Boots cos the Specsavers range wasn’t great – but Boots used my Specsavers prescription.

Just ordered my latest set from them though, no issues with the test and they seem to have a better range of glasses now than they did last time.

Boots are as good as any.

I’ve always used Specsavers, since childhood so about 30 years.  It’s worth checking with your employer as if there is an element of computer work most will provide eye test vouchers for a test and Specsavers is often the chosen provider.

Then you get a free eye test, free glasses if long sighted for computer work or a discount if you are short sighted and need them all the time.

You can also swap your free second pair for thin and light lenses with ultraclean which I always do.

They are franchise run so if you are not happy with the service in one branch, try another, I’ve moved twice because of that and now use one near work rather than near home.