Slash Your Eyewear Costs: Smart Tips to Save on Glasses and Eye Exams!

At 39, it was recommended that I begin wearing glasses for tasks like driving and working.

This revelation brought with it a myriad of choices, each associated with different expenses.

Beyond the eye examination, there was the cost of frames, which ranged from roughly £20 to £200 at the optician I visited, and the decision on additional features like anti-glare coatings or lightweight frames.

A majority of individuals (86%) purchase their glasses at the same optician where they get their eye tests, as per findings from the UK’s General Optical Council (GOC), although only 8% opt for online purchases despite the cheaper prices. I was curious to explore if shopping around could lead to savings and if higher costs might translate to better eye health.

Examining Your Eyes

A standard eye examination generally costs between £20 and £30, and it’s advisable to have one biennially. Most opticians also offer a more comprehensive eye test. These tests provide a deeper look at eye health. The cost for these can vary significantly. Specsavers mentions that an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which creates a 3D image of the eye’s interior, might add about £10, while certain Boots locations might charge an additional £60 for an OCT scan along with an “optomap” eye scan.

Manveer Seyan, a senior lecturer in optometry at the University of Hertfordshire, notes that a standard eye test is generally sufficient for most people, but thorough exams can detect early signs of eye diseases, often before symptoms start to show.

“These scans are also crucial for tracking any developments in retinal conditions,” he explains. “If your optometrist suggests a detailed eye exam, it’s wise to follow their advice.”

Certain individuals are eligible for free eye tests through the NHS, such as those on specific benefits. Employees who use screens at work may also be entitled to a free eye test, and some employers might help cover the cost of glasses if needed for work.

Breaking Down the Cost of Glasses

When you purchase glasses, you’re essentially paying for two components: the frames and the lenses.

Frames: The price varies based on the materials used and the design, with the most affordable starting under £10 and luxury designer frames exceeding £500. More expensive options are usually made from durable, lightweight materials like stainless steel, while less costly ones might use heavier materials like plastic.

Lenses: Typically, lenses make up the bulk of the cost, especially if your prescription is complex. Basic single-vision lenses are the cheapest, whereas multifocal lenses like bifocals and varifocals are pricier due to their complex prescription needs.

Varifocal glasses come in various price ranges depending on their design, which is tailored to support different prescription needs within one lens. Occupational lenses, also known as office lenses, are a type of varifocal specifically designed for indoor use, perfect for those requiring clear vision at close and intermediate distances.

Opting for upgraded lenses can increase costs. Here are some enhancements available (prices quoted are from Specsavers).

• High-index lenses: Thinner and lighter, these are ideal for those with strong prescriptions who would otherwise need to wear heavy glasses. Choosing extra-thin lenses might add about £60 to the price.

• Sun tint and UV protection: A permanent tint in various colors can ease eye strain and soften intense light, including UV protection, typically adding around £30 more.

• Enhanced scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating: Most glasses come with a basic hard coating to prevent scratches, but you can opt for an upgraded version to minimize glare, costing about £35.

• Photochromic lenses: Known as transition lenses, these are clear indoors and darken in sunlight, generally costing an extra £85.

• Mirror lenses: These enhanced lenses for sunglasses reflect light and reduce glare, starting at £60.

• Polarised tints: Available for sunglasses, these tints help reduce glare, starting at £70.

Affordable reading glasses are available on the high street. While handy as a backup, Seyan cautions that their “one size fits all” nature may mean they don’t fit properly, and the lenses may not have the same power, which might not be ideal unless your eyes require the exact same prescription.

Savings Online

While traditional stores like Specsavers, Vision Express, or Boots Opticians offer in-person services, numerous online options exist for frames and lenses once you have your prescription.

For those with straightforward prescriptions, online prices for frames and lenses tend to be lower. A 2023 study by Glasses Direct, a prominent online retailer, indicated its customers spent an average of £109.60, compared to £212.90 at traditional opticians.

Online shopping has additional advantages; you can browse at your convenience, and comparing prices between different retailers is faster. Online stores claim to offer the same level of advice as physical stores, either over the phone or via email, and many utilize technology that allows you to virtually try on different styles.

Neil Perry, operations manager at online retailer Lensology, notes that prices can be up to 70% lower online than in physical stores.

He suggests that customers at physical stores might feel pressured into making quick decisions on frames and lens options, potentially leading to spending more on extras that weren’t thoroughly considered.

However, not all frames are available online—varifocals and bifocals, for instance, can only be purchased in-store at places like Specsavers, and you might miss out on professional advice to ensure a proper fit.

You might also need to account for delivery costs, which aren’t always included in the listed prices.

Seyan recommends purchasing glasses from a physical optician because “selecting the right frame involves more than just aesthetics; it’s about finding the correct size and suitability for your prescription. Dispensing opticians or trained staff can offer tailored advice, which isn’t always available online.”

Specific measurements are required to align the lenses with the wearer’s pupils, and additional measurements are necessary for more complex lenses like bifocals.

“Incorrect measurements and misaligned optical centers can impair vision and lead to issues like eye strain and headaches. When you order glasses online, these measurements are often approximated, which can cause problems,” Seyan adds.

Keep in mind that many deals and discounts are available both online and in physical stores, such as savings when purchasing multiple pairs.

Whether you choose to shop online or in-store, it’s crucial to visit an optician registered with the GOC. These businesses must adhere to specific standards, and they can face sanctions if they violate these standards.

The public can check the GOC register to confirm if a business or optician is registered.

Financial Assistance for Eye Care

You might be eligible for a free eye test or vouchers towards glasses costs if you receive benefits such as income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, or universal credit, among others.

Other eligibility criteria include being under 16 or over 60, registered as partially sighted or blind, diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or advised by an eye specialist to undergo a test (a comprehensive list is available on the NHS website).

Finding the Best Deals

We looked at the starting prices for basic single-vision frames at various retailers to see where the best values lie. Remember, your employer may also provide a voucher to help cover costs:

SelectSpecs (online): starts at £6, including basic single vision lenses.

Glasses Direct (online): starts at £9, including 1.5 index prescription lenses.

Spex4Less (online): starts at £12.95 for frames only. Basic single vision lenses begin at £5.

Specsavers (online and branches): starts at £15, including basic single vision lenses.

Vision Express (online and branches): starts at £25, including basic single vision lenses.

Boots Opticians (online and branches): starts at £50, including basic single vision lenses.