Boots

I’m sure a reputable firm like Boots would sort out any issues.

I think a lot of companies now want upfront payment for cash flow as finances are tighter than ever.

Both my husband and I have had various niggly problems with Boots.......whilst we also find they have a different Optician each time you visit..... even if its in the course of a few weeks.
Though,to be fair, they have always sorted out our issues promptly.

I go to Vision Express. I have always found them helpful and my present optician ( moved areas) is exceptional, so lovely. I have always had to pay it all up front, thought that was the norm

They also always tell you of any offers in order to try and make it cheaper for you

I have always had to pay the whole lot up front at Vision Express. The specs are ready in a week so I never thought it was an issue. They put any issues right straight away. DH thinks I should be going to Specsavers like him and saving money - he is always dissatisfied with his glasses and goes back time after time. I am always 100% happy and have no problems. DH always buys cheap everything and has to buy twice or thrice! I rest my case.

I agree about the changing opticians Panache I had to wait a little longer for my appointment because I wanted their regular optician and not a visiting one.

My examinations have always been thorough, the staff are friendly and helpful but I believe that whether it’s building work, having curtains made etc etc the final payment should be made when the customer is satisfied. I probsbly wouldn’t think this way about opticians if it wasn’t for the experience of my friends.

We get our eyes tested at the opticians and then buy our spectacles online.
You type in the details of the prescription, there is an option to send a picture of it if it’s difficult to read and if they think it’s wrong or a bit strange, they always contact you to double check.
The first pair we tried cost about £15 and we sent for them just to see what they were like, after all the important part is the actual lens, there is plenty of choice though for the frames.
They were excellent and meant that DH could have a pair at the office, a pair in the car and still have a pair on so that he can lose them around the house....
They take around 3 days to arrive and we certainly wouldnt go back to paying hundreds of pounds for glasses. The prices range from around £12 up to £50.

My DH and I get our glasses from Asda. They always charge up front and in full, but always very good value.

I always use Asda. Never had an issue with my varifocals, and they are far cheaper than Boots or Vision Express. I got two pairs of glasses for £130. Wouldn't go anywhere else.

DH went to Asda last time he needed new spectacles. He was very impressed. I usually go to Specsavers, but I'm thinking of trying Vision Express next time as I've read that they have a payment scheme whereby you can pay in installments. The last time I had new glasses they were £230, which is a lot in one go as I'm retired now.

I've used my local optician for over 25 years now so my file is very thick due to my complex eyes - I've always had to pay for my glasses in full up front and as well as my contact lenses. The latter went onto monthly direct debit some years ago but as they're changed annually I don't know if I'm paying for them up front or in arrears. Not sure what will/would happen if we moved! Very worrying really as my last glasses were nearly £450 just for the lenses and my lenses are £25 a month and I'm likely to be retiring in a couple of months.

I use Boots opticians and despite a biannual eye check I’ve never needed to upgrade my glosses in 7 years. So they don’t try to sell you new glasses if you don’t need them