Opticians “ add ons”. Are they worth it?

I only need glasses for distance, which means, mostly, driving. I have reactolite lens with anti-glare coating. i do not need vari-focals, but my mother had several bad falls when wearing varifocals, so stopped wearing them

I wasn't satisfied with the eye tests at our local Specsavers so I went to an independent optician in my town. I decided to push the boat out and have bought a pair of rather Pru Leith type frames. I am having varifocal/reactions lenses as I can't be bothered with sunglasses.

Paid a lot for varifocals, anti glare/scratch resistance prescription sunglasses.
I just couldn’t get on with them. Felt sick & dizzy. I had them made back into distance glasses, only thing I look like ‘Deidre Langton’ when driving as they are huge.

I like the lightweight lenses but don't like anti-glare.

My husband does.

It's only "worth it" if you like it!

it was my own fault for not realising what their offer meant

No it wasn't your fault.

I find I need a hearty breakfast before a visit to a well known high street Opticians. They try to sell you all sorts of nonsense.

I’ve just had second cataract surgery and now should only need reading glasses. Before surgery I had varifocals which were thinned and had reactolite. I thought SpecSavers deal of 2 foe 1 was good but misleading I realised only the 2nd pair of frames were cheap or free the cost of everything else thinning, prescription, any coatings is added on so all that’s free are the frames. Maybe I was a bit dim assuming ‘free/cheap’ east exactly that.
I have the extra scan though and I will go back to SpecSavers for my new glasses as it was my own fault for not realising what their offer meant.

I bought the 2 for 1 including sunglasses instead of having the Reactions lenses which I normally have. Big mistake as its a pain to keep swapping glasses! Luckily they could be charged within 100 (?) days so I had the lenses changed.

Definitely have the extra scan for £5 - I had one yesterday and it showed a detached retina - on my way to Moorfields now for laser treatment. If I hadn’t had the scan who knows what might have happened.

I have distance and reading glasses. My distance have anti glare as bright lights can set my neurological condition off. Because of my disability. I can't have bi or varifocals .I always go to Specsavers have there 2 pairs for £70 range and buy 2 readers and 2 distance . Plus have the extra test on offer. Which found I was in early stages of cataracts . Have to go yearly for eye test.

It's like going to the hairdressers', innit?

They push mousses, gels, shampoos, conditioners, volumising gunk, stuff "specifically suited to your hair type", anti-split ends tripe, etc, etc.

They'd mercilessly stab you with their scissors if you said "and how much commission do you make pushing this rubbish?"

I skipped on the smear-proof coating once, and regretted it. I was always cleaning my glasses.

I have varifocals no problems with them at all. I previously had bifocals with antiglare and tint. I didn't find any benefit at all. I suggest just go with prescription don't have tinted lenses either. I have prescription sunglasses too

I had the whole works - varifocals, anti-glare, can’t remember everything - cost £250 I think -