With inflation continuing to impact the cost of living, consumers across the income spectrum are looking for solutions to help them save money. Consumers need access to affordable eye care that maintains quality. Manveer Seyan, an experienced optometrist, emphasizes the importance of purchasing glasses from a physical optician, where patients can receive personalized measurements and consultations. With more low-cost alternatives being offered both virtually and in-person, people can access lower-cost solutions that are a better fit for their unique circumstances.
The cost of glasses varies widely based on where glasses are bought. Online retailer Specs4Less has great frames from £12.95. It’s just as easy to buy economy single vision lenses from £5! By comparison, Specsavers offers the same basic packages, starting from around £15 for plastic framed glasses that come with a pair of basic lenses. Online retailers regularly tout prices that are as much as 70% lower than brick-and-mortar outlets. Seyan cautions, this is often at the expense of service quality and measurement precision.
Cost Breakdown of Eyewear
The price of eyeglasses is primarily determined by which materials and designs the customer decides to go with. Basic frames are available for less than £10, while high-end designer frames can cost over £500. When choosing a frame, Seyan recommends you think about both style and professional utility.
“Choosing a suitable frame involves finding something that not only looks good but is the right size and, most importantly, is suitable for the prescription issued.” – Manveer Seyan
If you want add-ons such as ultra-thin lenses or special varifocal occupational lenses for use indoors, expect to fork over even more. Additional thin lenses add an average £60 to the overall cost. Occupational lenses are typically subject to a surcharge of £85.
Seyan emphasizes the necessity of accurate measurements to deliver the best-fitting eyewear for optimal comfort and efficacy.
“Not taking accurate measurements and having misaligned optical centres can affect a wearer’s vision and give rise to secondary issues such as eye strain and headaches.” – Manveer Seyan
Eye Exams: Importance and Costs
Before making a decision on eyewear, you want to start with an eye exam. A standard children’s eye test would normally be around £20–30. For example, if you choose a more thorough screening to detect early signs of eye disease, be prepared to pay out-of-pocket. Seyan advises getting your eyes tested about every two years in order to stay on top of your vision health.
“If an optometrist recommends an enhanced eye examination, it would be advisable to have one.” – Manveer Seyan
More in-depth examinations can give people greater insight into their overall eye health and detect diseases earlier on, allowing for improved treatment and recovery.
Comparing Online and In-Store Purchases
It is important for consumers to consider the advantages and disadvantages of buying glasses online as opposed to going through local opticians. Online retailers such as Specs4Less and Lensology regularly advertise their big brand savings. Nonetheless, Seyan encourages small businesses to highlight the benefits of getting tailored service at in-person locations.
Data from Glasses Direct reveals a stark contrast in spending habits: customers spent an average of £109.60 for glasses purchased online compared to £212.90 at high street opticians. As consumers have become more proactive about finding savings, this is an emerging opportunity. This quest can cause some of them to cut corners in order to offer cheaper options.
Ultimately, consumers need to weigh their own values and priorities in determining the best place for them to purchase eye wear. In-store services offer customers personalized fittings, helping them get the right fit for every customer. Further, expert counseling increases overall satisfaction with the end result.