19 Mar 2019

A question about : First time glasses. Advice needed.

Just need some advice about buying my first ever glasses which I will be using for working by computer..
This Martin is saying that it is better to buy glasses online however my wife is adamant to this. Her point is that by not being able to try on the frame it would be impossible to know if the frame is comfortable and of the right size.

Best answers:

  • There are some websites where you can order a selection of frames which they send for you to try before you buy.
    What you will need to know though is the distance between your pupils. A lot of high street opticians won't put this on their prescription (to stop you having all the information you need to buy online), so try and insist you get this at the point you have your eye test done. There are ways and means of measuring it yourself (check online) but it's better to get somebody else to do it for you.
    Personally I buy a 'decent' pair from the opticians to use all day at the screen plus some other cheapies to keep in my handbag, beside the bed etc where I'm not going to be wearing them so often or for as long so if they aren't quite a perfect fit etc, it's not so bad.
  • It is one of those things that I don't go to money saving route as it is important - I'd go and get a decent one.
  • I think you'd be better off getting your first pair from an optician.
    However if you decide to go the on-line route, I can recommend glasses2you, although I last used them a couple of years ago. For a small charge they will send you a couple of frames to try on. I think the charge is refunded when you return them and buy something. Their website explains how to measure the pupillary distance.
    One thing I liked about doing it this way was that their website gives you the dimensions of the glasses so that once you've had a pair that fit OK you can look for something the same size when you need new glasses. I wish high street opticians would display this info - it would save me a lot of time.
    The glasses aren't as sturdy as the ones I have now (I started buying from a local optician when I started needing varifocal) but they did the job.
    Customer service was good - they sent me extra nose rests when I lost one of mine, and when I ordered prescription sunglasses and found that they were not dark enough when I received them, they sent me a new, darker pair of lenses for no extra charge.
  • My computer glasses are from Specsavers- I wear them all day so want them to fit perfectly!
    My other glasses all come from Glasses Direct & they will send you 4 pairs to try on at home & return within 7 days for free. Can't fault their service.
    Get yourself on their mailing list- they frequently email really good offers to subscribers.
    If you are buying computer glasses go with the anti glare coating - money well spent. I found out the hard way not having it isn't a good idea
  • It would better for you to select a good frame for your glasses that improve your personality. I think you should bring you wife with you to select a good frame for you. There comes a variety of glass frames in the markets nowadays ranging from quality to quality.
  • Glasses Direct does a great home trial but they can't do prescriptions over a certain strength. OH has a very strong prescription and GD couldn't do it. Shame really, the frames were fab. Info here
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