Do you consider it socially acceptable to get your eyes tested at the opticians, just to get hold of the prescription and buy your glasses online?

Posted by SomethingBrews@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 367 comments

I'm talking about buying from places that are much cheaper than high street opticians, like Goggles4u! Is this acceptable, because you've paid for a test, and we don't owe them anything more than that, and how else can you get your prescription? Or the lowest of the low? Is it even worse if you get a discounted eye test deal?!? What do you think, and do?! And how do you negotiate that awkward, "please give me a copy of the prescription, I'll have a think on the frames" moment?!? 🤣

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367 Comments

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Cultural-Eggplant592@reddit

You take the prescription, walk out and don't give it a second thought. You don't have to make up little stories.

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Practical-Command634@reddit

They avoid giving you all the details. They don't tell you your pupil distance or whatever the focal point measurement is called, I just ordered glasses online and guessed the measurement and the glasses I got seem better than the ones I got the opticians to make for me(Specsavers) the online ones were much cheaper aswell. There's a noticeable difference in the price of designer glasses but the other no name brands are massively cheaper, a fraction of the price. Like £10-£30 compared to £100-£200. The opticians give you "free" lenses but that's for the cheapest ones they do. If you want a non scratch coating or a tint or a more complicated prescription or any of the other expensive add ins they offer you those reasonably priced glasses (from a "reputable" brick and mortar company end up costing 5 or 10 times what you'd pay online for a similar product. Obviously you'll get better customer service and patient after care from an optician but for the markup they charge it's not worth it IMO.

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FarIndication311@reddit

I had this, they refused to give me my PD. I tried measuring it myself, but the glasses I got from an online shop with my measurements were slightly wrong because of it. I ended up having to do a subject access request to get the PD they already had on file. It was a massive hassle, so I also left that optician chain and then exercised my right to be forgotten. The online shop let me replace the glasses for free with my new correct PD.

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aethelberga@reddit

There are tools for it that use your phone's camera.

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likes2milk@reddit

Would like to know more, Care to elaborate?

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TinyPurpleTRex@reddit

I think there’s also one on specsavers website

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Deletion99@reddit

There is an app called eye measure

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likes2milk@reddit

Thank you

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

If they’ve made glasses for you before and therefore have taken a PD before, then you are entitled to know what that PD measurement was. However measuring the PD isn’t a standard part of an eye test and opticians are perfectly allowed to decline to measure it for you.

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FarIndication311@reddit

Yeah they'd measured me before and dispenses glasses to me before. They admitted they had it in front of them on their screen, but they refused to give it.

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

You were already going elsewhere, you wanted the information to buy from someone else.

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jepjep92@reddit

It’s your personal information that you are legally entitled to have (otherwise they wouldn’t have been given it through a SAR).

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

Yes I know, I'm not saying they were right to withhold it but they weren't exactly losing a customer if their intention wasn't to buy from them anyway.

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jepjep92@reddit

To quote OP: 'they'd measured me before and dispensed glasses to me before' - they were a previous customer and could see that on their system. Some people just like to know such information about themselves even if they don't intend to go elsewhere (my parents would be one). They have lost a previous customer (or customers as it seems the rest of the family have also gone supposedly) and they won't return to them in the future.

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

Yes, but the part they make money from is selling glasses, customers who only get eye tests aren't really a big loss to them. Again, I'm not saying it's right not to give the information but they're not losing business really.

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utukore@reddit

So? It was information that they were legally entitled to. Weird hill for an optician to die on, especially for a national chain.

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

It's not weird for a business to try to make money. Even national chains have to be profitable, and branches probably have targets. I'm not saying it's wrong to do and I don't care personally but what is weird is making a big deal about how they're losing a customer when you weren't intending to buy from them anyway.

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Far-Sir1362@reddit

They know that they aren't competitive with online glasses retailers. They're just trying to make it difficult for you so you give up and just buy glasses from them. It's plain to see.

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Nelnardis@reddit

Surely that is against GDPR?

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CavCoach@reddit

Not surely. Definitely.

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MarkB74205@reddit

Not entirely true. The NHS have a section for this on their website. "Your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist is not required by law to include details of the horizontal distance between your pupils (the inter-pupillary distance) in your prescription. The responsibility for ensuring the lenses are properly centred in your frames lies with the person fitting your glasses (dispensing optician), and they'll have to do all the measuring. Any provider of glasses, whether in a shop or online, should have arrangements in place to be able to satisfy this requirement."

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_scorp_@reddit

There is a huge push for it to be part of the test. What's even more amusing, say - that's fine, what's the cost for you to measure my PD please. They won't even offer to pay. So they can't have it as We don't give it you - it's not part of the test. AND You can't pay for it, it's free.

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captain-vye@reddit

I've had to argue to get the PD before. At my last test they agreed to tell me but somehow weren't allowed to write it down? I noted it on my phone and must have been a bit snippier than I realised because when the lad was sorting my partner out he immediately offered to let him note his PD on his phone if he wanted.

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schmerg-uk@reddit

I had this - my eyetest told me I didn't need glasses (which I already knew) but I'd wanted them to tell me my IPD for calibrating my Oculus VR headset, in fact it was my only reason for paying for an eyetest, and they refused to do so without me paying an extra fee, despite the fact that I'd paid for the eyetest and they had the figure but it doesn't form part of prescription.

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Practical-Command634@reddit

I just used the ruler in my phone up against my glasses and guestemated where my pupils were, lol I must've just been lucky.

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Kingreaper@reddit

How much it matters depends on the type of lens you need. If you're just long/short sighted then it's fine to be a bit off center, but if you have an asymetrical eye that needs the lens curve to be different in different places then it can really matter.

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Practical-Command634@reddit

Makes sense. I got varifocals from the opticians but the designer sunglasses I wanted were much cheaper online and also only for driving so I just got a standard lens in them. They seem much better quality lenses than the varifocals, and that was with me guessing the PD. I'm actually gony go back to Specsavers and have a word with them about my varifocals. They just don't seem right. I've given it 3 weeks to see if I got used to them but I'm still not enjoying wearing them.

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Lord-Megadrive@reddit

If you’ve guessed your pupilllary distance, and depending on your prescription you may have induced a prismatic effect into your prescription. Also Varifocals are very different from single vision, most of the time any issues can be sorted by an adjustment to the frame fit. Most people who wear varifocals for the first time try to use them like the old single vision they are used to, I would suggest trying to “move” your eyes down through the lens when trying to read, also with distance you need to move your head left and right more (it’s a very subtle change) than you would due to the peripheral distortion that all varifocals have.

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FarIndication311@reddit

I tried this, even got a family member to double check my numbers, just didnt work for me! The actual numbers I got (eventually) from my old optician were different for each eye, so I know I have an asymmetric face, perhaps that's got something to do with it.

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Practical-Command634@reddit

I noticed when I was filling the online form in it had a bit explaining that some people didn't have symmetrical faces or eyes and might have a different PD number for each eye and in these cases they would be safer to be measured by someone qualified to be sure the measurements were correct.

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Psorosis@reddit

I haven't tested this yet bit isn't the PD personal information and they should give it if asked? I asked for the PD on the basis my employer would supply prescription safety glasses.

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Ok_Weird_500@reddit

Which opticians was it?

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ClickToSeeMyBalls@reddit

I got a £15 burner pair from specsavers and I took a sneaky peak at the computer screen while she was typing in my PD 😏

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Practical-Command634@reddit

I asked cause she seemed quite nice and I thought she'd tell me( I thought no skin off her nose}. Hit me with some patter about every pair being different and them not wanting to be responsible for me getting a pair that I wasn't happy with from elsewhere. All while quickly covering up the prescription she was writing into my file. I suppose they're just as scared as everyone else of losing their job to an automated ordering system when the robots take over.

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Cultural-Eggplant592@reddit

It's on the card. I've never had an issue getting the pupil distance. Been getting glasses from other stockists for years.

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ShankSpencer@reddit

Mine doesn't.

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Fearless-Egg-6646@reddit

Totally agree. You’re paying for the test, not signing a contract to buy their frames. No guilt needed at all.

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Awkward_Chain_7839@reddit

Yep. I asked for a copy of my prescription (they don’t always remember to give it to you here unless you ask), checked if I could still drive etc. with my old prescription (until new ones arrived), went home and ordered new glasses myself.

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Shiroraii8087@reddit

yes, you’ve paid for the exam. on doctify you can pick an optician for testing, then order frames where it suits your budget. just ask politely for the written prescription; it’s normal.

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AnneKnightley@reddit

Yes of course - you aren’t obliged to buy the glasses. I usually do buy from them as they have good customer service but I don’t think it’s a problem otherwise.

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TartanGuppy@reddit

Come North, you don't have to pay for an eye test up here. Not just Scots, anyone resident in the UK plus a few others.

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Virtuous-Patience@reddit

You’re welcome, enjoy the free uni too 😜

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thatscotbird@reddit

“You’re welcome”, Ah cause famously Scottish people *dont* pay tax.

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Virtuous-Patience@reddit

‘The figures also reveal that the ‘notional deficit’ in Scotland grew to around £22 billion, or 10.4 per cent of GDP, more than double the UK deficit of 4.5 per cent of GDP.’ April 2024 for gov.uk here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gers-stats-show-higher-public-spending-for-scotland-as-part-of-uk#:~:text=The%20figures%20also%20reveal%20that,4.5%20per%20cent%20of%20GDP.

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Snooker1471@reddit

I find just saying yeah thanks very much winds them up more which I enjoy more than even trying to educate them lol.

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OneWeirdTrick@reddit

As a Scot, I've been reading these comments with some confusion! Thought NHS eye tests were universal.

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Substantial_Quit3637@reddit

0\_o i paid for the eye test those are my Numbers now and ill buy soooo many cheap frames compared ot thier over priced shit. Know what more? ill take those glasses into their palce to get repaired/Tighted anytime i like. andi ll pay them for the pleasure.

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TheMarkMatthews@reddit

I’m paying the optician to test my eyes , not to sell me glasses.

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corkireland99@reddit

Absolutely yes. You’ve paid for a test only …you could say that you’ve seen glasses online which they don’t stock that you really want to get

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Lost_Statistician457@reddit

Also they have to give you your prescription by law, take it and leave.

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nacnud_uk@reddit

What the fuck would you want to lie for? Lying is better than just asking? You don't owe them an excuse 😂😂 You're all grown up.

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Breadcrumbsandbows@reddit

The staff are paid minimum wage and could not care less about where you buy your glasses.

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InkedDoll1@reddit

I did this last time. First the assistant tried to say I was only entitled to the free test if I bought glasses from them (I'm NHS staff, so my employer pays via a voucher). Then she had to go off and check with someone. Then they spent forever getting my script. Then tried to upsell me eye drops. I felt like they cared.

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bangingDONKonit@reddit

They are on commission.

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OneDai@reddit

Ohh so that's why they were trying to get me buy the more expensive glasses because " it suits me better"

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Humble_Flow_3665@reddit

Specsavers optical assistant salaries are pitiful and the individual bonus systems for each store would make you cry. Take your prescription and go elsewhere. If Miss Manners is a big figure for you, then make up something about not having time to choose glasses today, but you really don't have to.

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Puzza90@reddit

Last time I had an eye test they were very insistent I should buy a pair of glasses from them there and then, wouldn't give it up until I said I couldn't afford them until pay day

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BigFaithlessness618@reddit

That's not true at all. Pretty much all the staff are heavily insensitivised to sell glasses. Saying that you don't owe them anything.

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No_Calligrapher9732@reddit

*incentivised

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stoufferthecat@reddit

*incestivised (it's a family company)

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Hodges83@reddit

Too many generations of that, and they'll have to measure a third pupil...

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pm_me_your_amphibian@reddit

This is untrue. Firstly they’re not paid minimum wage, but also many places will give incentives to sell a certain number of specs, coatings, upgrades etc, and often performance (staff and store) is based on this. The cost of an eye examination in most high street places is *heavily* discounted because the money comes from selling frames and lenses. So yes, they very much do care. Not only that but the vast majority of people I worked with (admittedly a while ago) genuinely did care about doing a great job of solving patients visual problems and making them look good at the same time. Perhaps the movement to online buying is to blame for the terrible state of eyewear these days.

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JohnnySchoolman@reddit

Because they have sales training and if you don't giving a compelling reason they they will run their full sales script on you and I'm in a hurry. Get with the program Percivale.

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nacnud_uk@reddit

I hear that communication and boundaries are not your strong point. It's okay, you can learn. Sales script 😂😂 Fair enough. Your time, your ways.

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JohnnySchoolman@reddit

That's the point though isn't it. you only get the free eye test in exchange to ameaning yourself to the sales pitch at the end. You can try (as I have in the past) saying you're not interested in buying any glasses from them, and they are trained to respond to that. Congratulations, you've suckered yourself in to engaging in the sales process. You're such a statistic you thumb.

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ARobertNotABob@reddit

> You're all grown up Objection !

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Big_Attempt8912@reddit

Sustained 😌 👩🏻‍⚖️

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roze-eland@reddit

It's not a lie though; you saw cheaper options online, the shop doesn't have those cheaper options. Even if you don't have a specific paid in mind it's not a lie, just a way of phrasing something differently. That said, I think it's also acceptable (and more honest) to say that you don't have the budget for the options they sell instore and intend to buy from a cheaper online place. And to answer OP's question so I dont have to comment twice, I think it's nice to support high street in person shopping if you CAN afford to, BUT I'm also not sold on individuals having to pay so much for equipment that allows you to see effectively. There are other areas of life where you can shop led by morality.

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nacnud_uk@reddit

You don't owe them any excuse, is the point.

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roze-eland@reddit

Sure, but also it is okay to say something. Maybe it feels more comfortable for the person to give a reason, why not do what makes you feel better? I am all for people not having to over explain or justify stuff and you shouldn't be pressured into explaining but if the interaction is friendly and casual up until that moment then just saying no and leaving could be jarring and feel awkward on both sides. Depends on the situation though. If they were being rude or there was no friendliness/chatting throughout then my answer would be different probably. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

You get it!

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Tom22174@reddit

You literally just have to say you're not planning on buying frames today. No need to play weird games

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Captain_Kruch@reddit

Exactly. My opticians dont stock the frames I want. Ergo, I have to purchase them elsewhere.

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Friendly_Fennel9577@reddit

Yep, 100% acceptable. You paid for the test, the prescription is yours. No obligation to buy in-store, especially when online options are way cheaper and often have more variety.

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turbo_dude@reddit

Why do you feel the need to explain yourself? “No thank you.” That’s it.

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aldursys@reddit

If you've been fortunate enough to be a guinea pig for students at an Eye University then you'll know that the granularity of a prescription is half a diopter before anybody will notice the difference. One of the tricks that opticians are alleged to use is to vary prescriptions by 0.25 diopter from the previous settings to try and sell more glasses. Really we should have a clean separation between ophthalmic opticians and dispensing opticians, with the former being salaried so they are 'disinterested' in changing the prescription. Loss-leading with the important medical bit is bad for society.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Wow, what an interesting insight! Thank you for sharing! Makes me want to go for a fresh test with someone new with no access to my previous prescription.

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aldursys@reddit

You'll find then they ask for your glasses. Put them on a machine and read the current prescription. That's so they can do the more rapid 'relative' examination.

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PaulWhickerTallVicar@reddit

Not glasses but contacts for me. I got them straight after the eye test because I didn’t realise I could get them for less than half of what they were charging me. Never bought from the opticians again.

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Puddleduck97@reddit

The last time I went to Specsavers they printed off a copy of my prescription and gave it to me without even being asked...

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tucnakpingwin@reddit

Yes, I do. I bought my current frames at my previous test with Vision Express, but at my most recent exam this year, I said outright I want to reglaze the frames instead of replacing them. They got me a price for what I wanted, and I’d already looked online at a company offering reglazing which was way cheaper. So once I had my eye test done I asked for a copy of my prescription and took it elsewhere. I now have new lenses in my glasses. They wanted my pupillary distance but that isn’t recorded on your prescription, so they measured the pupillary distance on my old lenses and went from that. They are spot on.

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nibnangnos@reddit

My old optician once told me they don’t usually issue the prescription unless you buy the glasses with them. It was so shady.

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Sufficient-Egg9524@reddit

I can't do that with my prescription

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Some_Pop345@reddit

Absolutely

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stiletto929@reddit

I don’t buy my glasses from my optometrist’s office cause their selection frankly sucks. But I’m also not going to try buying online because of how complicated my prescription is.

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huskydaisy@reddit

Yeah it's fine. You pay for an eye test and you get an eye test. The only issue is pupillary distance, companies that don't like you doing this will not include the PD on the test card because it's required for making glasses, it's pretty easy to measure yourself though.

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HirsuteHacker@reddit

When buying online from places like Cubitts you can just send a photo of your eyes with a credit card sized card and they'll just work out your ipd from that

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

Or you can ask them for it, I've done that with Specsavers no problem.

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huskydaisy@reddit

I've found it varies. My local Boots were fine, Asda wouldn't give it, Specsavers I had one who gave it and one who didn't, locals never really gave a shit. It's probably a bit of a lottery depending on where you go.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

I'd be logging a complaint if they refused, they should be giving you the full prescription.

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PERMANENTLYANNOYED35@reddit

PDs are not part of prescription, they are part of dispense ! In fact when disoensing your glasses to be made I likely would measure PDs based on computer use /driving /distance only /reading only and very often measure pupillar heights as well in relation to your frames E.g. 22mm in the tortoishell frame but 18mm in the blue one. When I worked in internet ""opticians"" I would do a rough estimate using your photo in photoshop + bank card or 50p coin you hold on your forehead for scale. Or I might be able to use your old lenses to get PDs and heights off if the type of lens ans frame was same /close enough

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pinkdaisylemon@reddit

Can I ask ...when your vision inevitably gets worse over time and you need glasses for driving, what type of glasses are they called? I don't mean nighttime just general daytime glasses so that you can obviously see in sharp focus on the road etc but also look down at your gauges etc without blurring?

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TinksLudo@reddit

Varifocals? My mum has them, not sure 100% but the lenses are gradient so she can look down and read things and look up and see things far away in layman's terms.

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pinkdaisylemon@reddit

Thank you. How did your mum get on with them, I've heard they can be difficult?

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

If you’re below about 45 years old, they’ll be single vision distance glasses (younger than 45-ish and you won’t have a separate prescription needed for near vision); once you’ve got a different prescription for distance vision and reading vision, you’ll need varifocals or bifocals to see both the distance and near clearly.

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pinkdaisylemon@reddit

Thank you. And if your older in 60's, still varifocals?

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I wonder if nowadays chat gpt or ai could do this for us?! Probably with as little as a photo with a ruler on the forehead??? But I'm not so keen on uploading my photo to AI, but in principle I think this could work?!?

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crazycatdiva@reddit

The website I bought my glasses from (smartbuyglasses) had a way of doing it, using a credit card and your phone camera, I think. I didn't need it because when the optician went to get something, I looked at her notes and wrote the PD down. But I thought it was clever that you can do it that way.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

That's interesting to know there are ways around it, sounds kinda complicated if it varies depending on the frame tho.

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PERMANENTLYANNOYED35@reddit

Oh yes, a simple RX is pretty risk free online, but anyone with migraines, high prescriptions, assymetric faces, and high astigmatism should be dispensed in person..a dispensing optician studies for years;.. some of the worst outcomes I have seen in 2020 when invoicing for online lenses were when a patient chose a frame too shallow for a bifocal, too large for their prescription , or an unsuitable hinge / Rimless plugs . those silly mistakes would not happen if they dispensed at opticians instead of DIY. Still during lockdown it made sense to not crowd in clinic.

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huskydaisy@reddit

I appreciate what you're saying but I don't think a complaint would make a blind bit of differnce (pun wasn't intended but now it's here I'll let it stand). I've never had my PD measured as part of an eye test, they only ever do it when I'm being fitted for glasses.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

Oh well I stand corrected then. I guess Specsavers have mine cause I have bought glasses from them before. So kinda makes sense why some would refuse cause they just don't have the information to give you?

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I just replied to another post as it struck me that a subject access request would be effective if all else failed, and more so than a complaint maybe! You have a right to see all the data they hold on you!! Yes, it's extreme and I've never had to do it! But it's nice to know you could!!!

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

I think the issue is they only take the reading when fitting the glasses it seems, so they simply wouldn't have the data on record. But you could request them to measure it as part of your test and I'm sure they would (rather than have you go some place else for the test)

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

For most opticians the sight test is a loss leader, very few people are paying the amount a sight test ‘should’ cost and would cost if the sale of glasses wasn’t making up the shortfall. So saying you’ll get your sight test elsewhere unless they’ll measure the PD isn’t the threat you think it is, they’ll just fill that appointment with someone more valuable to them.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

How is it a loss leader? Most opticians aren't filling every appt slot. The salaries, rent etc etc are all getting paid no matter what. So it's just extra revenue at that point. Besides I'm not suggesting a threat, just a simple request when booking, and if they can't facilitate it, going elsewhere

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

If opticians charged the ‘right’ amount for a sight test to account for things like business overheads, staff wages, etc then we’d all be paying £120 to £150 for a sight test. We aren’t because the tests are priced far lower to get people in the door on the basis of a certain amount of people having a sight test will then buy glasses from that opticians and make up the difference. It’s true that appointment might go unfilled instead, but that’s not much it at all worse for them than providing a sight test to someone definitely not buying glasses.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

I hear what you're saying, but £20-£30 is better than nothing. My local Specsavers has loads of appts available even same day. They definitely aren't getting all taken up, not even close to it.

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The_Sown_Rose@reddit

The company as a whole may slightly prefer that £20, but possibly not as there’s a good chance it would fill with someone else or if not and there are a lot of spaces they’d probably cancel their locum and so avoid paying that fee. The staff in the branch would almost certainly not prefer that £20 because there can be hassle and pressure from higher up about why didn’t more people go on to buy glasses after their test, if they know you’re not going to it’s better for them to not test you.

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huskydaisy@reddit

>I guess Specsavers have mine cause I have bought glasses from them before Yeah that's probably it. I think it's deliberate though (not measuring PD as part of the test) to try and keep you as a glasses customer - it's always seemed a bit off to me.

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

Yeah I guess you can always be upfront about it at the test and request they measure it, otherwise you'll go elsewhere

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Opening_Succotash_95@reddit

Specsavers is interesting because each branch is technically semi-independent. It's a co-ownership model and therefore they can vary wildly in how they do things.

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AnonymousBanana7@reddit

>it's pretty easy to measure yourself though Unfortunately not when you have a lazy eye

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huskydaisy@reddit

Oh yeah, good point.

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HirsuteHacker@reddit

Yeah of course. I've got a big noggin, most high Street optician just simply don't stock frames big enough for me (or they only stock a couple of shite options). I need the eye test, I can't really buy glasses from them though, so what else would I do

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Acrobatic-Ad584@reddit

It's not unusual. You will be charged unless you are exempt and they might try to add a few things on which you can decline. Tell them beforehand you just want a test and prescription as needed.

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sphexish1@reddit

I’m the opposite of OP. I have nearly perfect eyesight and have never worn glasses. I saw a promotion for a free eye test so thought, “I’d best check to see if my eyesight is still good.” They then recommended I get glasses, and I told them they were mad to think I needed some. It was just classic mis-selling.

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Bluenose26@reddit

Sorry what… you went in to check your eyesight, a prescription was found but you’d already decided you have nearly perfect eyesight? Why bother with the eye test at all if you’ve already decided you’re perfect? How do you know your sight is so good?

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audigex@reddit

You paid them for the eye test, you got the results of the eye test. I don’t see the problem If they chose to order a reduced price or free test, that was a business decision based on the fact they know *most* people will just buy glasses at the same optician… you are not responsible for their business model Personally I tend to buy one “primary” pair (and maybe some sunglasses if they have a 2-4-1 offer) from the optician I get my test at, mostly to support having a store locally and so I can take the glasses back there for repairs etc. but any additional pairs (spare, replacement, sunglasses etc) I get online At any given time I try to have 4 pairs - my good pair with anti glare coatings etc (on my face), my good polarised sunglasses (in the car), a cheap pair of spare glasses (in the car in case my good ones break while away) and a cheap pair of sunglasses so I don’t have to go the car if I want to sit in the garden (or forget to put them back in the car)

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jonpenryn@reddit

i have my free eye test at the opticians down the road, he realises i cant afford his frames, gives me the prescription and i got get em made up at specsavers.

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Kyber92@reddit

Yes, especially at a chain like Specsavers. Are there people that don't?

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JavaRuby2000@reddit

My dad gets his prescription then waits till he goes on holiday to Goa and gets his new glasses there.

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0xSnib@reddit

Who pays for a test, they’re free

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Not in England, unless you find a voucher, or have certain caveats, like being over 60 or under 18.

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No-Jicama-6523@reddit

You pay for the test, so why not? What you actually need is the distance between the centre of your pupils.

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Agitated-Tourist9845@reddit

Got an iPhone or know someone that does? Use the EyeMeasure app.

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Academic-Bug-4597@reddit

If you are lucky enough to use Android, you can use GlassesOn. It's much better than EyeMeasure.

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No-Jicama-6523@reddit

It’s not difficult but I’ve seen people panic if they get two different numbers from different methods. It’s not like opticians are using some super accurate and fancy tool.

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Lollie_Runs@reddit

I've often had an eye test and bought glasses elsewhere. Although it is worth mentioning that I've found variable success when buying glasses online. While sometimes the quality has been comparable to the glasses I've bought from the opticians, other times they've been a poorer quality (my current online pair have an arm that keeps falling off after 6 months)

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jajay119@reddit

Yes because you pay them for the eye test.

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Pretend_Score_3745@reddit

I think they know already. The lady I saw last time said “when you buy online make sure you get sunglasses too.”

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Throwawaylife1984@reddit

Get the eye test, get your prescription. If they ask if you want to look at glasses say you want to look around a few sources

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ImHereTooIGues@reddit

You paid to get your eyes tested. You then took the test results you paid for to go and buy glasses. Your transaction ended when you paid for the test.

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nakedfish85@reddit

Definitely, but I don't necessarily buy cheaper goggles online, I usually get something a bit more high quality to be honest

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SlothfulCyclone@reddit

As long as you pay for the test, there's no obligation to buy from them. I go to specsavers and they give you a little booklet with your prescription in so you can leave with it. Not sure why else you'd need it than to order glasses? I can't order from those online ones annoyingly, last few times I've tried, the glasses never seem to sit properly and I get migraines/discomfort. Not sure why

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SpitroastJerry@reddit

Because part of a properly dispensed pair of glasses is accurate fitting and measurements. That can't really be done online.

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

Sometimes they don't allow you to get the prescription as they're wise to this. A workaround is saying you need it to adjust the lenses for a VR headset (or so I've heard).

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SpitroastJerry@reddit

We are obliged to hand you your prescription at the end of the test. If someone is withholding it, report them to the General Optical Council. Pupil distance, on the other hand, not part of prescription.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Now that's a curveball response! In this cost of living crisis, how can they argue with it? Even though I admit I do feel a bit awkward about it, I do think ultimately if you've paid they literally owe you that prescription. And if they refuse, a subject access request would soon sort it as you have a right to your data! Now thankfully, I've never had to go that far!! 🤣🤣🤣

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

They have a business to run, their aim is to make money.

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

Haha, no idea. I did the same thing, though. Got my prescription and then had it filled by a German company called Fielmanns. Had 2 pairs of glasses that had anti fog for £15 (including the postage and import fee). This was about 6 or 7 years ago, though.

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jackgrafter@reddit

Is it socially acceptable for an optician to charge you for a half hour sight test, then scalp you on a pair of glasses that you can buy for a fraction of the price online?

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I love this reframing! You're right, what makes this ok???

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SpitroastJerry@reddit

I've said above, but what most people don't realise is that if we were to try to charge what it costs to perform a test then the public simply wouldn't pay it so we have to subsidise it with the sale of glasses. Would you pay, let's say, £175 for a sight test if it meant specs were £175 cheaper? I suspect not and that's the reality we face. I've got 10s of thousands of pounds of equipment that needs to cover its costs, a locum that charges £450 a day to test (that's the going rate, most optoms don't work full time anymore as salaries aren't as high as day rates), rent, rates, staff, bills, marketing. It goes on. People want high quality eye care but don't want to pay what it actually costs to perform it and then demand we sell them glasses for 6 quid. It's not sustainable.

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TheWyrdSmyth@reddit

My optician is a very small locally owned independent. I get free eye tests for medical reasons, so I always buy a pair - but will get a cheap second hand pair online. My optician actually gave me my prescription with the instruction to buy a second pair online, and gave me all my measurements extra. When I used to have to use Specsavers they used to fight me when I asked for my prescription, and refused to give my pupil distance numbers. Fuck the chain opticians.

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thesunisoftenout@reddit

I work for a small independent opticians and this is exactly my approach. Times are tough and I appreciate there will be people who want to order spectacles online. Making this difficult or awkward for the customer only ensures they probably won’t come back to us in the future. That being said, as you are doing, it is always a good thing to support your local independent practice. We along with almost all opticians don’t actually make any money at all from eye examinations. If we charged what they actually cost in terms of time, staffing and equipment, the price would be so out of reach for a lot of people that they just wouldn’t pay it.

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SpitroastJerry@reddit

This is what an awful lot of people don't realise or won't understand. If I charged in my practice what an eye exam actually cost me to perform and people would pay that, let's say for arguments sake £125, then I could cut the margin on spectacle sales significantly as they wouldn't have to prop up grossly undercharging for the test. But, we live in a world where optics and eye care is horribly undervalued (especially by the NHS) and all the money that's poured into marketing is designed to convince people that looking after your vision should be the cheapest thing in the world. And for all of you saying you're entitled to your PD, no, you're not. You've paid for a sight test and we'll give you your prescription that you have paid for. Anything else is part of a different service. Do you do any element of your job free of charge for someone to go and take their business elsewhere?

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Outrageous_Shirt_737@reddit

Absolutely. I go to Specsavers and if you wanted to get your glasses elsewhere you used to have to ask for your prescription but now they give it to you, so I’m sure they know people are buying them online. Tbf, it’s usually heaving in there, and last time (a couple of weeks ago) I had a long wait to get help with choosing frames, then again when picking them up, so the they are clearly still selling lots of glasses. I usually get one pair from the optician and spares online :)

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CartoonistNo9@reddit

They get paid by the NHS to do free eye tests.

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SkinnyErgosGetFat@reddit

Only in Scotland, in England they don’t get paid unless you’re u16 over 60 or on benefits.

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broketoliving@reddit

yep find a coupon and it’s even free

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ajnabee1234@reddit

Yes. I use Specsavers for my eye tests/ glasses and they try to upsell you everything! Some blue screen tint, thinning of the lenses, that tint that darkens in sunlight. Its endless.

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False_Mulberry8601@reddit

People have been doing this for years, even before Reddit existed. Get some common sense.

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lost_in_midgar@reddit

Yes. I'm paying them for an eye-test, that's it. Don't let them guilt you into buying your glasses from them. You've paid for the service - the transaction is complete. I guarantee the mark-up on the frames you buy in places like Specsavers is outrageous, which is why they can afford to always have offers on them.

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ActAccomplished586@reddit

Yeah my optician wanted to charge almost £300 for my lenses so I asked for my prescription and went elsewhere. Just because you tested my eyes doesn’t mean I’ll accept being price gouged.

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NepsHasSillyOpinions@reddit

As long as I knew exactly what I needed, I wouldn't mind. At least then I could shop around. I can't imagine an optician like Specsavers not at least recommending some of their own glasses to me though. Surely they'd do that, unless they're able to stay afloat from eye tests alone.

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azkeel-smart@reddit

Clever ad.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Really?!? What am I advertising, goggles4u?!? 🤦

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azkeel-smart@reddit

Clearly.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Wow. This is mental! So just because it's the only online company I've used, and therefore the only one I know to name as an example in my post, this is an advert?! When I'm quite clearly feeling awkward about using them?!? I'm disabled with chronic illness, I don't work for anyone, or care to advertise for anyone, or receive anything from them. I can happily declare zero conflicts of interest! I think you ought to review your level of skepticism and trust in the world! It's sad that we have reached this point where normal people aren't believed because of so many bots and scammers.

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KeyLog256@reddit

Don't get wound up by people on Reddit. Most British people on Reddit are this guy - [https://youtu.be/8LeaAljsy7s?si=7w2u\_\_bPEOuUUgyp](https://youtu.be/8LeaAljsy7s?si=7w2u__bPEOuUUgyp)

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Haha, this is brilliant! 🤣🤣🤣 I never heard of this show, gonna dig it out, a lot of very young familiar faces!

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_FreddieLovesDelilah@reddit

Yes that’s what I do! I haven’t paid for an eye test in years either.

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MissionSorbet2768@reddit

I used to work in the opticians in town and back then the glasses where made on site. You'd come in for a test, choose your glasses, get measured up and then come back 2 days later to collect your new set made by the bloke upstairs - any issues resolved by the next day meaning of there was a fuck up, you'd still have it all sorted and be going home with new glasses within a couple of days. Now they send them off to a "central hub" to be made and take a fortnight to come back. My mum needed new glasses last year and took over a month to get them as there was an issue with the first pair, they'd put the left prescription on the right and vice versa. I got my eyes tested same day and ordered my glasses online - received them in just over a week at a quarter of the cost.

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Vivid-Blacksmith-122@reddit

I've done this. My previously lovely local opticians were bought by a conglomerate and I found myself on the end of an aggressively hard sell. It coincided with the cost of living crisis and in our general chat during the appointment I'd mentioned that I'd been out of work for two months but was starting a new job in mid January. This guy still pretended that £500 on lenses was the normal prices these days and that I would injure my eyes if I did spend the extra. (He didn't show me any cheaper options although I later found out there were some he could have shown me.) I went home and found the same lenses for £50 online. It was the week before Christmas.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Good for you! That kind of pressure selling is horrible!

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DazzlingClassic185@reddit

That’s when they charge you for the prescription, so you can get it fulfilled elsewhere. At least, that’s what my local one does

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I hope they are upfront about this before you pay for eye test?!? Because that just seems wrong to me unless it's part of the contract... Otherwise what are you paying for?! A test with no results?! You would be legally entitled to that info under GDPR if you did a subject access request!

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pentiac@reddit

i do this all the time and im absolutely upfront about it, also i need reading glasses as well as distance glasses so always make sure you tell them you want that on the prescription as well (i cant get along with bi-varifocals) it pays you to ask them to measure your focal point (distance between eyes center to center) as this is important when buying glasses on line and makes a real difference to the end result, make sure you do these things because ive had occasions where they havent written my reading and focal point requirements on the prescription, you are paying for a prescription so dont feel obligated to buy from them, i would recommend Boots the chemists in the uk ive always found there optical services excellent and ive never been hassled about just wanting the prescription.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Thank you, this is a really helpful answer!

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MunkeyFish@reddit

I work in diabetic optics and I suggest it to my patients. A lot of them won’t go to an optician because of the expense, so will go years with undiagnosed issues or soldier on with poor vision. Get your prescription and walk out the door.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Exactly, this makes me sad that vulnerable people might be without proper glasses or eye care because of this pressure selling and not understanding the options! Credit to you!

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data90x@reddit

You either get a free eye test with a glasses purchase, or you pay for the eye test. Either way you can ask for a copy of your prescription. I’ve been buying online for years now. Stock up whenever I get a buy one get one free and 50% off offer. Definitely the way to go.

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luala@reddit

I tried doing this but found the prescription impossible to understand in relation to buying specs elsewhere. I get a very ordinary low prescription reading glass though so in theory it should be easy.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I've only ever used Goggles4u and their love chat was very helpful in understanding all this and what to put in. Failing that nowadays you could run it by chat gpt to help you understand y.

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gponter79@reddit

This happens ALL the time and they know it. A few years ago I went for an eye test to get laser surgery. I was there a good hour and had the most thorough eye test I’ve ever had in my life. Afterwards they emailed me this huge pdf doc of all my results and eye health - must’ve been 10 pages long. I didn’t pay a penny for that. However they were going to charge me £9k for the surgery so politely declined but used that test to buy lots of glasses online since.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Now there's a hack!! 😮🤣

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Critical_Pin@reddit

I get free eye tests. I told Specsavers upfront that I just wanted the test and wasn't going to buy any frames and that I wanted a copy of the prescription. They seemed fine with that.

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Select_Grocery_1667@reddit

Depends, small local independent business doing it for free or at discount? it’s shitty. Full price it’s awkward but fine National chain? hell even If it’s free it’s fair game 👍

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Rawrrsica@reddit

You’re absolutely entitled to your prescription wherever it’s from with no back story needed! That said, I don’t think there should really be a distinction as Specsavers are usually franchised so each one is run by one or two local directors. Pick your Specsavers and check their website and you’ll find a pic of the directors for your branch at the bottom. So the ‘success’ of the business mostly affects a local director as opposed to money going straight to the billionaire Perkins family in Guernsey. Also you might be surprised to hear some independent opticians have been bought out by a (not well known to the public but very well known in optics) optical chain which lets them keep they’re original branding. So they run in a very similar way to Specsavers - one local director working under a massive umbrella company.

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LadyGreyT@reddit

Exactly! I worked for an independent that was connected to a Group. They were not at all helpful to people who shopped online. They refused to give PDs to the point that I thought it was info that couldn't be given out under any circumstances. The independent I was at did all sorts of shady shit, they claimed 2 for 1 offers on products from the suppliers and didn't pass the offer on to px's and they would charge people for frames that had been free gifts from frame company reps. Very much profit over people vibe there I moved to Specsavers despite all the negative talk about it from anyone connected to an independent and I've found it to be a far more helpful and moral company to work for. I might be lucky with my directors but it's definitely more focused to people. If I get anyone going online I not only ask if they need a PD, but id ask if they need any advice on frame shape & sizing. Not everyone working in an opticians is sales focused, some of us genuinely care about our jobs and about people having the best from their vision no matter where the glasses are from.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I wish I could come to you!! This is a very interesting behind the scenes look at it, and it makes me realise as a customer, I can't even make a distinction between the good guy and the bad guy, the local company(that might be owned by a secret chain as per the other comments!) or the corporate overlord! If there's no way of knowing when I'm being fleeced, how can I possibly know when I'm being ethical or not?! I think I'm just going to take the prescription without guilt from now on! I will look at the frames and genuinely give them a chance to offer something affordable that I like. Then look online and if their version wasn't better, that's just the way the market goes.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I'm inclined to agree with this take!

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kirkum2020@reddit

If you paid for the test then there isn't the slightest issue. If you didn't it's because they chose a sneaky business model knowing people feel like they have to buy their overpriced frames. I've done it loads of times and the staff never made it awkward.

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-captaindiabetes-@reddit

Or you didn't have to pay because you get it free on the NHS :)

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Plastic_Melodic@reddit

I’d say us glasses wearers are almost required to now, to force down the absurd artificially inflated price of glasses in physical opticians. My mum went to the same local optician for years, she finally got to the point where she was paying some monthly fee for something or other as well as paying at each appointment and her glasses were always at least £300 a time - I couldn’t believe it when she told me! I don’t think I’ve paid more than £30 for a pair of glasses in nearly a decade, and I love to have multiple pairs to choose from so I’ve bought a LOT. I can’t believe they get away with it.

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-Nighteyes-@reddit

I had a free eye test offer, read the fine print to make sure it wasn't contingent on my buying anything then they still tried to charge me for the eye test because I didn't buy anything. They just handed me the prescription and walked off when I said it was a free voucher.

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RichardNotJudy@reddit

I started buying my glasses online specifically because the staff at Vision Express made it awkward. One made a comment when I was looking at glasses, because I said 'I need to check with my wife'. Mate, it's a £100+ purchase. I'm not asking permission but I'll always check in when making a big purchase. I now get them from various online retailers specifically to spite that woman.

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SunShineKid93@reddit

Hey, I'm now looking to get some more glasses. What online shops do you recommend?

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mellonians@reddit

It's not just the price, I'll always consult with my wife about glasses purchase. She's the one that's got to see me everyday and still find me attractive. If it was up to me I wouldn't be involved at all.

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kirkum2020@reddit

I've never actually been to VE. I knew a couple of people who started working there and immediately became snooty cunts so I always had a bad impression. The folks at Specsavers seem almost happy that they don't have to deal with me anymore.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

That's a really good take actually, I never thought of how sneaky the deals are on the eye test to try to sell the frames!

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geeered@reddit

Yes, I have no problem taking advantage of the people trying to take advantage of me! I might pretend to look at the frames for a bit and be like "sure, I'll have a think..." then go and order some 2 for £12 glasses. Unfortunately no free deals these days, or at least not near me.

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Any-Class-2673@reddit

It's completely fine to do that. Specsavers always ask me if I want new glasses so I can choose. Unfortunately, my prescription is too high to order any online!

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digdog69@reddit

Yep. And I told them why. Had test at Vision Express as it’s next door to work. Wanted to recycle old frames as I needed new prescription. They wanted £70 re glazing fee on top of lens prices. I was going full house on the lenses - extra thin, uv coated etc so wasn’t skimping. Told them outright I’m simply not paying that extortionate amount and walked away.

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Ill-Case-6048@reddit

Personally the experience I've had with specsavers are they are morons... I had one who wouldn't give me contact lens test even though I've been wearing contacts for 10 years, wanted me to do a glasses test first told them what for I dont wear glasses. Also told me I need a prescription to buy contacts from there website.. asked them have you ever used the site. Because I know you can.. argued I couldn't so I just ordered my old prescription ... they act like contacts are a illegal substance....

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arioandy@reddit

Why not!

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Roxxxxie123@reddit

I do this every time I need new specs. I am a bit shy and awkward so I just end up saying I'll come back at pay day and leave with my prescription. Yes I am a fully grown adult but I have a hard time saying no, lol.

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lavayuki@reddit

Wait I thought everyone does that? Who buys glasses at the opticians these days

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mand71@reddit

I buy at the opticians. My last pair were from Specsavers and cost under £30.

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noveltystickers@reddit

Some of us are cursed with high prescriptions + astigmatism

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Awkward_Chain_7839@reddit

My mam in law. To be fair she has bifocals and has needed them altered every single time she’s had new ones. I think she needs the different strengths in slightly different areas than standard so it’s easier to get the option to alter them/send them back and forth. You’d think by now they’d just alter them in advance!

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I'm very reassured that this does in fact appear to be the case! 😂

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grafeisen203@reddit

Yes of course. You're either paying for the test or they are being reimbursed through the NHS for it. You have a right to your medical records, to use as you see fit. The only thing they don't have to give you is fitting measurements like pupillary distance.

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Alert-Performance199@reddit

Yes always

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birge55@reddit

Yup. I leave and send my glasses off to get new lenses. I did ask specsavers how much to re glasze my current glasses that I brought from there and are still stocked there but it was more that buying the new glasses with lenses. It’s stupid.

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Chamerlee@reddit

I don’t pay for eye tests 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 And always buy my glasses online. I can get two pairs for like £40 or one pair I don’t like for £90 🤷‍♀️

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_scorp_@reddit

Yes. The high st business model is failing because previously there was no alternative. Now there is, they need to add value to the process other than, hey we are the only people you can buy frames from.

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Designer_Pin4130@reddit

100% acceptable. I think they are wise to it too and they're still making the money on the test, everyone's a winner!

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TorbOn250mg@reddit

Absolutely. They’re a business, you don’t owe them anything.

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the_man361@reddit

No issue, the optician offers an eye test as a service in exchange for money. If this was an issue, the optician would not offer the service of performing an eye test without buying glasses.

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ThisIsAnAccount2306@reddit

It's fine. I do it every time. (Glasses direct). Opticians used to not give you a copy of your prescription so you had little choice. I believe it's now actually a legal right to have a copy for this very reason. I still go through the awkward moment of looking through their frames knowing that I won't be getting them. Not sure why.

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cognitiveglitch@reddit

It used to be that they gave you a prescription but marked up in a way that was hard to read except by other opticians. And they don't give you IPD. They want to keep you to buy their glasses, but you absolutely do not have to.

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stuntlinxo@reddit

Literally had my eye test the other day and when they told me to look at the glasses I just said I don’t have the money to afford them this month. Guy seemed really taken aback by that and dropped it immediately

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Competitive_Pen7192@reddit

I do this because I go to a decent opticians with a trained optician (maybe a doctor even) testing me. Then I'll buy my contacts and glasses online. In the past I've used chains like Spec Savers and the technician has been miles off what my prescription should have been. The big chains want to sell you glasses and contacts rather than focus on testing your eyes properly from my experience but that may depend on the branch.

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Demeter_Crusher@reddit

Yes, of course. You'll have to pay for the test though (unless the NHS or your employer is already paying for your test).

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itsibitci@reddit

I encourage everyone to also do this at the Vets. The markup vets put on animal medication is insane. You can get it much cheaper online with a valid prescription. Also in some cases, human medication works just as well... dogs can take paracetamol for pain for example (but of course be very careful about what you give and the dosage)

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zellisgoatbond@reddit

My general experience is that optometrists find the whole thing awkward as well! Ultimately optometrists are there for the health aspect, not the sales aspect. At least at my local they don't do that thing where you get led out to the wall of glasses, they just give you your prescription and say something like "there's your prescription, if you'd like to pick up some glasses today just speak to one of my colleagues at the front and they'll get you sorted out"

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JaffaCakeScoffer@reddit

Completely acceptable. You’d have to be socially inept to find this awkward.

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caniuserealname@reddit

I mean. The type of people who act what is and isn't socially acceptable on reddit usually aren't those that are social adept.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Haha, and I thought it was bad enough that someone else inferred I'm a c*nt! But socially inept too?! Fine, I'll own it! I do find it awkward, mainly cos I feel a bit guilty!

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Bonzothedoggie@reddit

Opticians know you're going to get your glasses online. That's why they won't give you the PD (Pupil distance), it's the only leverage they have.

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sketchycake@reddit

Yes absolutely that’s fine. They usually don’t provide the pupil distance as standard so you may need to ask them. Alternatively, if they refuse to give pupil distance most online prescription glasses stores will have guidance or software so you can measure it yourself. It’s pretty easy.

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NotSmarterThanA8YO@reddit

I've never been to an optician that didn't just hand me the prescription without having to ask for it. Maybe you should try somewhere that does that if it makes you feel awkward?

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TCates90@reddit

Possibly? The frames at my (independent) opticians are £200, then there’s the extra £200 for thin lenses cos I’m blind af. The worst part is they don’t have the frame colour/design I want. At £400 for a pair of glasses, I’m taking my prescription elsewhere I would feel slightly awkward just going in to ask if they could adjust the arms but that might just be me

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Indigo-Waterfall@reddit

Ofcourse. You’ve paid for the test. That’s their job. Sure they may try to upsell you their glasses, but dont let that make you feel guilty or like you should.

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Flying_worms@reddit

Yes. Every time I go to specsavers I feel like I’ve been robbed.

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SigourneyReap3r@reddit

Yeah, I pay them for the test so.....?

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thelightwound@reddit

Yes, absolutely! People have been doing this for many years. By law they have to give you that prescription and should be fine about you asking. Many places automatically give it you anyway. If there isn’t a paper copy, ask to take a quick photo of the screen with your phone. I’ve worn glasses all my life. High street opticians are very overpriced and they know it. You are perfectly entitled to go wherever you please to buy your frames 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

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Refillious@reddit

I’ve never considered getting glasses online. Any recommendations for decent quality specs?

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SkinnyErgosGetFat@reddit

Personally I don’t, I’m aware the £25 for a 30 minute eye test isn’t enough to keep the opticians lights on and they rely on the revenue from glasses sales. I like my opticians and want them to stay open. To each their own.

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Dry_Yogurt2458@reddit

Whilst this is true. I also like to keep food in my cupboard so a 150 to 200 + pounds difference in price between optician glasses and online makes a big difference.

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SkinnyErgosGetFat@reddit

Yeah everyone’s situation is different. I only need to update my glasses once every 1-2 tests which ends up being once every 2-4 years. It makes spending a little more, a little easier to justify.

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Negative_Flapp@reddit

My last test (5 days ago) was £75 for 35 minutes of effort. That should keep the lights on for a bit?

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SkinnyErgosGetFat@reddit

Even then, tens of thousands of pounds of equipment, overheads and multiple staff isn’t cheap. I don’t know about your opticians but mine has at least 10 members of staff at the front helping with selecting glasses etc. But maybe your spot charges enough to break even with eye tests alone

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

Yeah, if everyone did this you'd have nowhere to get your eyes tested.

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PaulMorrison90@reddit

As someone who has worked in this industry for over 10 years - the optician doesn’t care. However depending on the complexity of your prescription and needs, not having glasses professionally fitted could hinder your visual outcome. The optician is also not obligated to issue you a copy of your pupillary distance which in higher prescriptions is needed to accurately centre the focal point of your glasses. Overall if you have an average prescription and you don’t care about getting the best possible vision out of your glasses then buy online.

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SocialMThrow@reddit

I can only get my glasses online because an "out of date prescription" can't be used. Understandable if the prescription is massively different but mine isn't and every time I've tried new lenses they aren't good and give me tired eyes. I only get tests for health and buy my old prescription lenses online.

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DOPEYDORA_85@reddit

Yeah, so many people pay over the odds for frames

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dizzycow84@reddit

Absolutely. If you use them on a daily basis. However my team at Specsavers know what I like and fix minor things in minutes. They were genuinely confused why my sunglasses turned out red. I'm a bit of an anomaly. https://preview.redd.it/h7foa5eff24f1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f432ae050134ccb66de5f0564af4db347d81e9ac

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Special_Ad_7645@reddit

They give you your prescription for that reason. You are under no obligation to buy frames from them.

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mightyfishfingers@reddit

I think it’s fine but have used three different Boots now for tests and each time they have clearly been pissed off that I wasn’t buying glasses there and then from them. It’s not just the cost saving - it’s the hassle of having to go back into town to pick them up when they are ready. It’s hard enough organising time to go for the test.

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shikabane@reddit

Yes why not? You pay the opticians for an eye test. The glasses is an extra, you don't have to pay them massively inflated priced. My prescription is high so if I went with the usual high street opticians it would cost me well over £300 for a decent pair with all the trimmings. I got a nice pair for £100 online with all the extras - extra thin lenses (relatively, not in an absolute sense, my eyes are fucked), and got all the coatings. So no, I don't consider it socially unacceptable to get my glasses elsewhere, and there should be no expectation.

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tatwink@reddit

I once got harassed by Specsavers for doing this. They called multiple times after I left the store, emailed, text for weeks asking why I didn’t buy. They gave up eventually but Christ, it was intense.

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distraughtnobility87@reddit

The optician at my last eye test was very insistent that I buy glasses from them and not online. Just nodded politely, paid for my test and left.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Shouldn't have gone to Specsavers! 🤣 *Actually very sorry this happened to you, but couldn't resist....!!*

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tatwink@reddit

This made me laugh out loud

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Shawn_The_Sheep777@reddit

I think it’s fine. I went the other day and this old lady was telling the optician where she was going to get her glasses from.

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Nubian_hurricane7@reddit

I do this all the time so yes

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Weird_Influence1964@reddit

Yep! They get paid for the test

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CodeBeginning6548@reddit

Geez, I go in pay for my test, then try on a few pairs and blatantly take pics of the frame codes so I can order on eBay and send to a reglazers (saves £100s). Opticians are a rip.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Haha love this! I have been known to take photos of some frames! 🤣 But I never thought to send to a reglazer. In fact I hadn't ever realised such a thing existed! That's next level! Do they make the lenses too or do you have to buy them online first?

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Pure-Kaleidoscope207@reddit

You'd buy the frames you want from wherever you can get them, then send them to almost any of the discount glasses companies who fit lenses.

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CodeBeginning6548@reddit

You should definitely try it, I have loads of designer pairs for a fraction of the price. I was looking at my Tom Ford frames in Vision Express last week for like £250 without the lenses. I got mine on ebay and sent them away for reglazing all in for £80. I use Specscart as they are super quick and cheap. They will just reglaze any glasses with your prescription 👍

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TheRealGabbro@reddit

“Socially acceptable”. Christ don’t do it, you’ll be an outcast for the rest of your days /s Seriously, stop worrying about what other people think; I do this almost every time I buy glasses.

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BoomSatsuma@reddit

Been doing this for years. Get the sight test and go online for much cheaper glasses. I’m sure high street opticians are aware but it’s their choice to loose money on cheap eye tests.

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RobertGHH@reddit

The terms of the eye test do not require you to buy glasses from them. I pay for a test from Specsavers and then buy glasses from glasses direct. Usually costs me about half the price of getting them from Specsavers.

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ewill2001@reddit

Once you get old and info the world of varifocals and have to work out if progressive lenses work for you better or worse than bifocals you really need the help of a proper despencing optician. And the aftercare of setting up the frames and maybe even changing. You totally can survive if you are skint on a £5 pair of reading glasses and online ordered main pair. But if you want something more it is worth the investment. And the higher cost pays for that second staff member's time.

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k20vtec01@reddit

Yes, I rather pay a fraction of the price for a product that produces the exact same results.

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AnonymousBanana7@reddit

It only costs a fraction because all the hard work has been done by another business.

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controversial_Jane@reddit

That’s why the development of a new drug stays on patent for a period of time to recover those costs. Inventions happen and then that technology becomes the norm. We have companies manufacturing foods, drugs, laboratory tests, computers, televisions etc etc. your logic means that only Heinz should be selling baked beans.

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Logical-Swordfish-15@reddit

Not sure I can explain. Who did you mean by "another business"?

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Salaried_Zebra@reddit

Because in the scenario described, OP already paid for the eye test. That transaction is complete, and you are under no obligation to purchase glasses from them off the back of it. As for the drug company, don't worry they aren't going bankrupt on all that drug development because they're making MASSIVE profits selling it the way they do before eventually generics can be made. They're more than recouping their losses. Meanwhile the progress of science and people's health the world has been slowed and economic growth stunted.

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ohmyblahblah@reddit

Have never actually ordered glasses online. Any suggestions of reputable ones i might try?

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Optimal_Collection77@reddit

I work for Specsavers and have done this. No issues at all

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hallerz87@reddit

If you've paid for the test, you're good. If you're taking advantage of a free test, then its more shady.

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Mroatcake1@reddit

Don't they get reimbursed by the government?

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Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

No, they offer it as a way to get you to buy from them.

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Andurael@reddit

I’d look at it this way: is it socially acceptable for these opticians to mark up glasses frames by 100%-1000%?

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drplokta@reddit

There shouldn't be the awkward moment that you mention, because the optician is legally required to give you a copy of your prescription, whether or not you ask for it (unless they've referred you for further tests).

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messedup73@reddit

I get a free eye test and used to choose the cheapest frame from Specsavers.Last time within six months a lens fell out then the nose pad made my nose sore.I went online and used my prescription and used an app for pupil distance and got my bi focals plus got free sunglasses.The quality was so much better and my glasses have lasted plus I noticed that if you are skint most companies offer Klarna.

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FumbleCrop@reddit

It's no worse than going to the GP for a prescription, but taking it to another pharmacist. Optometrists and opticians are not the same thing. Just make sure you get your pupillary distances measured. That's technically a thing that the optometrist does, but you need it to get your glasses made properly.

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ForeignWeb8992@reddit

Yea, absolutely. However, if you then need adjustments you are kind of screwed

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FruFruMacTavish@reddit

Yes it's fine to do that. Will they try and get you to buy glasses from them? Absolutely.

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H16HP01N7@reddit

I literally couldn't give a flying fuck in space what people do when they buy their glasses, and people can keep their opinions to themselves, when I buy mine. Not everything has to be a social debate, on whether we're "allowed" to do it or not. Like, honestly, if someone tried to say something about how I buy my glasses, I'd laugh them out of my life. This is a childish and moronic thing to worry about.

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ddbbaarrtt@reddit

I’m not sure you understand what socially acceptable means? You’ve paid for an eye test, that’s one transaction. If you buy glasses from them that’s a separate transaction

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SwordTaster@reddit

I've done it. I genuinely could not afford new glasses from specsavers last time I got my eyes tested, but I could afford the cheapest option online.

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Violet351@reddit

I tried to do it but the online company said “please call us for a quote due to your prescription “.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Ohhh, complicated prescription?! Probably still worth calling them though, or trying some other online stores. I'm sure there's still some that can handle it!

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Violet351@reddit

Really short sighted so I have to pay for the thinnest lenses and also get reading glasses. I got bogof on the frames so it only cost me £630 in the end. (I had to get two sets as my old glasses were almost illegal to drive and it takes two weeks to get them when your eyes are this bad!

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benjm88@reddit

Mine was actually more online as the thinning was so much more expensive even though the frames were much less

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Violet351@reddit

I also pay for the thinner lenses

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Last-Deal-4251@reddit

Look at Asda. Some of the online places won’t make lenses for a very high prescription. I took my mum to Asda and they thin lenses that need it for no extra cost.

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cyfermax@reddit

Totally fine. I went to get my eyes tested specifically to buy lenses for my VR headset. No dramas from the opticians at all.

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dearestd0ve@reddit

I work at an opticians and personally could not care less, people do it often, it's no big deal. some optometrists/higher ups may grumble if it affects their figures but that's a them problem tbh 🤷 ultimately you're there to get the service of being tested, what you do beyond that is up to you

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TheOriginalWindows95@reddit

That's incredibly normal and fine.

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LadyNajaGirl@reddit

Yes it’s fine. I’ve got a few frames that are still good and when I got my eyes tested at the beginning of the year, I just sent my frames off and had my new prescription put in online. Some opticians won’t touch designer frames that haven’t been purchased in their store anyway.

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Mighty_joosh@reddit

It's your prescription, about your eyes, for your glasses, part of you The prescription belongs to you Specsavers tried to tell me they "don't give out people's prescriptions" when I was 16 and my dad raised hell

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nacnud_uk@reddit

Yes. Goodness. Mind boggling.

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ohrightthatswhy@reddit

Yeah, no it's fine. You do the test. At some point after the test, usually either before or after paying for the test, they will ask you if you'd like to look at some frames. And you politely say "no I'm okay thank you!" And then you can go.

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seven-cents@reddit

Yes, absolutely.

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thecheesycheeselover@reddit

There’s nothing low about it, you’ve paid for the service. I’ve done it before, when they haven’t stocked the frames I wanted. Didn’t think twice about it, and they didn’t act strange about it either. It seemed like a normal occurrence to them.

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Ok-Kitchen2768@reddit

Yes they don't always stock the glasses you like. That's ... Normal.

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raccoonsaff@reddit

Yes - you pay for the test! I always get my test at like a Specsavers, then buy most or all my frames online - and always my lenses online!

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ShankSpencer@reddit

Given my stupidly close opticians doesn't sell any frames for under £250 after lenses, my morality stopped giving a flying fuck about this issue.

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GarethGore@reddit

No? You've paid for an eye test you've got an eye test. The rest is whatever works for you. I get mine done at the optician as my eyes are royally fucked and the level of thinning and shit for the glasses is huge but you should do what works for you

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RavkanGleawmann@reddit

Yes of course it's acceptable. If their prices weren't absolutely obscene I might consider buying from them, but that's not going to happen.

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Naive_Carpenter7321@reddit

They saw 10 people before you that day, they'll see 10 more after you. They're told to upsell but they really don't care. If it's legal, nobody suffers, and a genuine opportunity to improve your life or make it slightly less worse, take it and don't give a flying f\*ck what Reddit thinks.

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Lost_Ninja@reddit

Yes, considering my last pair of opticians glasses (Specsavers) had visually annoying scratches within weeks (after being very careful to look after the glasses), and the pair I ordered from a really cheap online source lasted with less care a year or so without any obvious scratches (but cost less). I not only plan on doing so but using my NHS free test for the test at Specsavers and taking my prescription to a cheap online optician.

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Wraithei@reddit

Yeh, you pay for the test

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mikolv2@reddit

It's not awkward, just say, I just want a copy of the prescription, I don't want to buy glasses today.

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Easy-Reserve7401@reddit

I did it yesterday. Twice. I'll be sending off 2 more pairs once I get back the ones I sent off this morning. My prescription costs me appx £290 for lenses alone on the high street. I have prisms in both eyes and cylinders over 2, so that cost more. I just paid £138 to get the same lenses online. I just can't justify paying high street prices.

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bluesam3@reddit

Getting two eye tests on the same day seems a little excessive.

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Easy-Reserve7401@reddit

Hook, line, and sinker.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

I really don't blame you, and why should we?!

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hhfugrr3@reddit

Just tell them up front that you're going to buy specs online but you need the prescription. Nothing to be awkward about at all.

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pickindim_kmet@reddit

This is what I did. You can get your prescription over the online chat at Specsavers if you want to avoid the embarrassment of asking in person.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Genius! Do they still stalk you like some other commentors have said?!

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pickindim_kmet@reddit

I've never had problems with them to be honest. I get a letter every two years for a new eye test and that's it.

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KeyLog256@reddit

Yes, 100%. Specsavers or Vision Direct did a "get a free eye test!" thing several years back, and I took them up on it. They do a hard sell on glasses and contact lens "subscriptions" afterwards but just say no. They legally cannot withhold the results as that is your private medical information. So I got my prescription for free, then just entered it in on Lenses Direct. Jobs a goodun. They're a private business, if they can't afford it, their problem.

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Swift_Rz@reddit

Grow a back bone, don't pay for stupidly over priced products because you feel social pressure.

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mach4UK@reddit

Love that I’m not the only one! But I slayed that dragon and walked right out with my prescription and no one blinked an eye

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

You are WINNING at this!! 🤣 🐉🗡️💪📃🚶‍♂️🤓🙌

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frankwittgenstein@reddit

"Can you give me my prescription, please. I am going to buy the glasses online, because it's cheaper."

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ijs_1985@reddit

I wear ray ban glasses and Specsavers don’t sell that brand so I’ve never bought glasses after my test

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Coconutpieplates@reddit

I bought whatever price they demanded from me for years so I don't really feel bad now. And I pay for my tests so I've not taken anything from them.

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TablePanic@reddit

I tend to say i'll come back and choose glasses another day, then go back another day to get the prescription, it feels cheeky asking for it right after the test lol, like i need these fellas to get the prescription but i'm using them so I can spend my money elsewhere so they slowly go out of business :|

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Haha I'm kind of the same though this post has egged me on to be more brazen! 😂

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Opening_Succotash_95@reddit

My local Specsavers just give you the prescription without asking.

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therealdolbydoo@reddit

As someone that use to work in the opticians. It never bothered me. Opticians are more than happy to take other people's prescriptions to sell glasses. It works both ways

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

That's a really good point, and a valuable insight, thank you!

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0rachael0@reddit

paid for a test? you know they’re free right?

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Under certain circumstances but I haven't managed to wangle it! What's your secret?!

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Opening_Succotash_95@reddit

Living in Scotland. As for OP - no, no problem with this at all although it's usually more convenient for me to just get the test done where I buy the glasses. The opticians I used to go to changed ownership and got far too pushy with the sales so I go elsewhere. I don't like buying them online because I always have little services and repairs needed.

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0rachael0@reddit

i guess it’s another England L! sorry had no idea

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NotOnlyMyEyeIsLazy@reddit

Not in England - Sight test: £23.53 (only free in certain cases such as under 18, over 60, on benefits etc.)

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0rachael0@reddit

oh no way. we get a free one in scotland every two years

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Past-Educator-6561@reddit

No they aren't?

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Plot_3@reddit

I do this every time I get my eyes tested. I just need reading glasses, not a complicated prescription. I get my eyes tested and then buy reading glasses online.

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SHN378@reddit

That's what I do every time. They finish the eye test and then just walk you out to the glasses and stand you in front of them, it feels like the next step in the process, but that's just a sales technique. If you have paid for an eye test, then ask them for the prescription to go. Glasses direct are much cheaper and have a huge selection. Pro tip, visit via Edge browser on your PC and then when your ready to checkout, click the coupon icon in the address bar and it'll spam a thousand codes until it finds the maximum savings.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Oh this is a super tip, thank you! I always spend ages searching for discount codes!

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FrauAmarylis@reddit

Yes, but Zenni glasses- I got 4 pair, were obviously far lower quality. So I had a friend take me to Costco. I got so many compliments on the frames and they were much more comfortable to wear.

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TheLightStalker@reddit

Last time I went to specsavers they dumped me out of the test with the prescription card to look at the glasses. The customers service reps were talking very loudy about their holiday and their dogs. I tried to call them over but they were completely ignoring me so I left. It wasn't until I got home I'd realised they hadn't even bothered to charge me in store. So it was completely free.. Don't forget to ring up head office afterwards and have them completely delete all of your customer and personal information.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Wow, that was a win!! ❤️ Lucky you!!

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MelodicAd2213@reddit

It’s what I’ve done the last couple of times after having felt scalped for a pair of specs I need to care for my eyesight by the opticians. Also remember my mum having paid a large amount of money for specs at opticians. If my prescription becomes more complicated in future then I will happily pay for the piece of mind but not until then.

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Original_Bad_3416@reddit

Get the frames and lenses wherever. Please don’t neglect eye health though, it’s not all for the sight. The health of the ole eyes are really important.

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Awkward_Chain_7839@reddit

Yes. I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve had glasses from glasses direct, select specs and speccyfoureyes. Up until recently glasses direct were my go to, but I broke my last pair and when looking to reorder they’ve altered the way lenses work (coatings etc) and I can no longer buy photochromic with the options I want. I’ve ordered 2 pairs of glasses from select specs (bogof) instead because they allowed me to specify what I actually wanted. Just waiting for them to arrive now. Luckily my old prescription is fine for driving etc. (checked with the optician when it last changed because even if I’d ordered from them I’d be without my current prescription for a few days). Two pairs of glasses with photochromic lenses (adding photochromic started at £30 costing options and thinning included) was about £95. That’s with the buy one get one free and free delivery. If I’d gone for the super cheap frames (£6) and paid for delivery (£5 ish) then it would’ve been about £41 for prescription, photochromic lenses in the cheap frames (some were quite nice, but I wanted particular frame bits made of metal and they’re all plastic).

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NurseEquinox@reddit

“No thank you, I’ll just take the prescription today” Nobody will bat an eyelid.

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Western-Victorys@reddit

Yes, Vision Director are usually half the price of the opticians contact lens price.

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Virtuous-Patience@reddit

Totally! They set the price for the eye-test, happy to pay more for the service and skip the pressure selling!

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satanisaniceperson@reddit

I dont have to pay for an eye test but still order online, its cheaper so why not.

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PostSecularPope@reddit

An interaction with an optician is commercial, not social. I’ve bought my glasses online for a decade at this point. Just tell them from the outset you only want a scrip.

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Fleurlamie111@reddit

Yes, I pay for the test, I can do what I want with the prescription!

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Android_slag@reddit

Had mine fine for the first time recently. Had to get them to explain the numbers to me too. All I got was a bit of card. But if you feel awkward just say you'll be back with "whoever" to help chose later.

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No-Insurance3043@reddit

Yes. Opticians charge way too much for lenses if we all did it then they might start feeling like they have to br competitive price wise. Until then they know they're almost unchallenged so will profit of our eye health as much as possible.

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cleverpops@reddit

Yes. How else would people get a prescription to order off one of those websites? So loads of people must do it

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No_Pineapple9166@reddit

Yes. I even said to Vision Express after my last test that I wouldn’t waste their time pretending I was buying their £800 glasses when there was a Specsavers across the road.

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bahumat42@reddit

Yes, been doing it years

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Thistle_Do_54321@reddit

Yes, my husband does this all the time because of his prescription, the optician totally understands. With my prescription there is less price difference so I tend to buy local.

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rockandrollmark@reddit

Go to a big corporate if you’re worried about the harm it might do. Boots in particular take the p*ss with their pricing. I’m so blind don’t even have to pay for eye tests (thank you Mr. Streeting) I’d have to pay north of £600 to get my prescription in some half decent frames at boots. Online I can get the same (e.g. Ray Bans with a 1.74index lens) for not much more than £200 online.

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gribisi@reddit

100% Why pay 250 or 500 for some fancy glasses when I dont care about brand names and can get the same looking glasses for 20-30

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Last-Deal-4251@reddit

After spending years being ripped off by high street opticians, the best thing I ever done is buy my glasses online. I have saved an absolute fortune.

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Equal-Application731@reddit

There is no ‘social’ about it. You purchase an eye test not glasses. Take the results anywhere you like.

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Katharinemaddison@reddit

Absolutely acceptable. You pay for the test. Likewise, I’ll pay vets for examinations and prescriptions if they charge for those and buy the medicine online.

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mattamz@reddit

If you're paying for a test that's all. I had a free test at Specsavers as long as I purchased glasses from them.

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Pale_Slide_3463@reddit

Just make sure you get the right measurements for the glasses online. I ended up with glasses that were way too big for my face 😂

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ubiquitous_uk@reddit

Yes. The glasses I wanted turned out to be over £800 from Leighton's. Paid £500 online and go a free set of prescription sunglasses with the same frames.

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Comfortable-Bug1737@reddit

Definitely

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TheOneMish@reddit

You’re only paying for the test anyway, you don’t have to buy glasses from the same place.

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SeduLOUs1984@reddit

Absolutely yes. I went to one of the high street brands with full intention of buying glasses, but they didn’t have anything I liked so I just paid for the test and left. Then ordered glasses in a different high street shop!

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Swimming_Possible_68@reddit

Of course! You pay for the eye test. They have their money from that

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PitBullCH@reddit

It’s what I’d call a c*nt’s trick.

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SomethingBrews@reddit (OP)

Well then, it's clear what I am! 🤣

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MadBastard69@reddit

Not really. Jesus Christ.

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alchemist615@reddit

I have done this for years

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Jazzy0082@reddit

I assume that a lot of people do it. I will be doing it myself tomorrow, in fact.

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AutoModerator@reddit

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