Anyone bought prescription glasses/sunglasses online?

VincentHanna · 22 Aug 2023 at 20:49

Usually I get prescription designer sunglasses from Specsavers or Boots, but I could do with a new pair ASAP for holiday in a week and it's a bit tight for time getting them on the high street. I thought I might give some websites a go.

Are there any reasonable sites people can recommend that they've used?

I can't wear contact lenses and normal sunglasses, as my eyes are too dry

cheesefest · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:08

I don’t fancy getting specs online as me having different backs of ears, the optical assistant spends ages adjusting the bottom of the arms.

Plus got a prism in my right lens prescription

Begbie · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:12

Used glasses direct recently and been fine.

Think it cost me £40 for glasses and sunnies. Glad I do tbh, I always end up bending them or losing them. Lost my sunnies messing about in a lake, first time wearing them too.

So it's quite nice that they cost £20. Lost my ray bands last year and it hurt.

Ordered mind 26th Jan and received 3rd of February so you should get it in time.

Rroff · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:13

I've not really seen any difference between glasses made up on the high street and ordered online in time between ordering and receiving them - all take about 7 days typically. If you need them in a hurry you'd have to find somewhere with a lab on site really or somewhere specialised in doing 1 hour services, etc. which are less common these days.

Jonny2284 · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:16

I've used glasses direct a bunch of times, always get decent results. I do get what cheesefest is saying about the arms since I have a similar problem but honestly I have ones with a fairly lightweight wire frame so they're fairly easy to adjust myself.

I did get specsavers to do my last pair of glasses and sunglasses since it was a fairly big change in prescription in the two years since I was last tested, expecting a similar result to when I first got my glasses that the standard lenses pair would be a few hours and the sunglasses would be a week, but turned out both pairs took that time.

Rroff · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:21

Jonny2284 said:
I've used glasses direct a bunch of times, always get decent results. I do get what cheesefest is saying about the arms since I have a similar problem but honestly I have ones with a fairly lightweight wire frame so they're fairly easy to adjust myself.

I did get specsavers to do my last pair of glasses and sunglasses since it was a fairly big change in prescription in the two years since I was last tested, expecting a similar result to when I first got my glasses that the standard lenses pair would be a few hours and the sunglasses would be a week, but turned out both pairs took that time.

I use Glasses Direct to have some cheap backup pairs made to keep in my vehicles - they've always been spot on so far to be fair prescription correct and no problem fitting - I'm not convinced as to the quality of the glasses whether they'd hold up as long as the ones I get from the high street in daily use, but they are usually the cheapest ones that don't look silly so...

MatsyLR · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:22

I used mister spex for my current pair of glasses.
Easy to get frames sent out for trialing before committing.

gingergundog · 22 Aug 2023 at 21:27

cheesefest said:
I don’t fancy getting specs online as me having different backs of ears, the optical assistant spends ages adjusting the bottom of the arms.

Plus got a prism in my right lens prescription

This is definitely the response OP wanted jfc

jpaul · 22 Aug 2023 at 23:28

could get some clip ons ? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zFT3YuNnF6g
not sure if they present any reflection problems, but as a backup setup clips might be useful/cost-effective - non-polarized to work with a car HUD?

for principal prescription sunglasses I think I'd wait and make the investment in a bricks&mortar premises,
although does look like if I was re-purchasing oakley polarized flaks I have, could reliably do that online.

Silenced · 23 Aug 2023 at 08:06

Do you need new frames or is it just a new prescription? I often just reglaze glasses online because it's much cheaper than on the high street, however they still take a week or so to get made

VincentHanna · 23 Aug 2023 at 08:13

New frames, the old ones have started to hurt my ears when worn for more than a few hours.

jpaul · 23 Aug 2023 at 08:19

Oakley's then they never hurt your ears just grip with unobtanium on the side of your head - straight/bowed arms

neojay · 23 Aug 2023 at 08:20

I have used Costco for a good few years now due to their very quick turn around (few days usually) and prices, I know that's only helpful if you are a member though.

lookitsjonno · 23 Aug 2023 at 08:24

Used glasses direct before who were good but I've used https://www.smartbuyglasses.co.uk/ twice this year. It looks and sounds quite scammy because they are based in Hong Kong but I couldn't fault the service or product and literally 1/3 the price of UK

I actually just used them to order some new lenses for my old Oakley's, dropped them an email and even though the item wasn't stocked on the site they were able to fulfil and provide me personal shipment updates instead

M1k3H · 23 Aug 2023 at 09:36

Used glasses direct for my last 2 pairs (maybe 3?) going back at least 10 years.

What I try and do is find a frame I like from a physical store, then order it from glasses direct. Works out much cheaper.
Alternatively, you can order the frames you think you may like, and try before you buy.

I had an issue with my prescription once (3 prescriptions within a week with 3 slightly different measurements in one eye), and fair play to them, they replaced one of my lenses for free even though it wasn't their fault.

Firestar_3x · 23 Aug 2023 at 09:44

Used glasses direct earlier this year, quick turnaround and the designer frames / lens options are as ordered.

Kol · 25 Sep 2023 at 10:33

Hi team, any other suggestions than GD or Smartbuyglasses? The latter have the pair I like for a reasonable price, and the lenses look good. I've found a code which is giving a further 25% off the lenses, not to be sniffed at.

https://www.designerglassesboutique.co.uk/ seem to have them even cheaper, their trustpilot reviews look decent.

Mason- · 25 Sep 2023 at 10:37

Biggest issue is Pupil Distance measurement. It’s not part of your prescription and opticians won’t usually give it to you unless you pay.

Trifid · 25 Sep 2023 at 10:39

Mason- said:
Biggest issue is Pupil Distance measurement. It’s not part of your prescription and opticians won’t usually give it to you unless you pay.

I just read it off the screen as the lady was putting my order in.

https://www.rxsport.co.uk/ has been good for me previously.

Kol · 25 Sep 2023 at 10:43

Yea, my optician didn't give that on the print out of my latest eye test. I'll contact them and see but suspect they won't but doesn't look too challenging to measure with some help.