Buying specs online.

I have used Glasses Direct, and found them good, but they are not anywhere near as cheap as the headline prices suggest.

I wear varifocals, which obviously increases the cost of the lenses. On your first varifocal order they ask you to hold up a credit card (a loyalty card is fine) so they can measure your pupil distance, and that measurement is kept on file afterwards, so you only need to do it once. They have 2 for 1 offers like the High Street stores, and often have money off deals. Overall, they are a bit cheaper than somewhere like Specsavers, but not massively so.

What I like about them is that there is a good range of frames, and as they aren't on the high street you are less likely to see others wearing the same ones. You can also wear the glasses for 30 days (90 for varifocals) to see if you like them, and if they aren't working for you you can return them.

It's really worth shopping around. I was horrified when I found frames that I'd bought from Boots at a fraction of the price in a small independent opticians. Do you have your prescription? If it's not too complex would it worth trying an online site?

Thanks @Doodledog that's very helpful. I like the idea of not seeing anyone in the same glasses. I came across a 12 year old boy in mine and really had to stop myself commenting because I realised he would be mortified obviously. (I usually have to wear children's specs because of my very small nose!)

Aveline, that's a good idea actually. I suppose I assumed Boots wouldn't be too pricey (and I'd get my points) but i do know an independent opticians in town I think. Worth a look. I have my prescription now as I asked for it from specsavers yesterday and they printed it out for me.

Another thumbs up for Glasses Direct. I’ve been buying from them for 6 years and have had several pairs in that time. I have complicated varifocals and tried Glasses Direct when Specsavers messed up big time and kept trying to tell me I’d ‘get used to them’ when I knew the lenses were at fault. Glasses Direct got them right first time and every pair since have been perfect.

Suspiros that's very good to know. The prices they advertise seem far too low to be true, but if they do a good job and I get some specs I might wear again that are too much of a rip-off, then I'll be happy enough.