Best Place to Buy Glasses Online? (and Help with PD Numbers)

Madao on 19/04/2022 - 14:25
Last edited 19/04/2022 - 14:26

Hi

So I had an eye test today at the local OPSM. All good, the person who did it was actually really great. My eyes are knackered, always have been, at -9.5 and -10, but good news is there's no significant change in prescription (one eye is actually a bit better) and even thought I've tipped 40 years old no need for progressive lenses etc.

Anyway, current pair of glasses are looking a bit tired so I chose a pair of frames and, as always, go with the 1.74 high index lenses this time with transition tinting. $755 after a $100 discount for a current promo they are running.

Now, I know you can order glasses online but I never have. I got home and had a cursory look and found I could get the same frame and 1.74 high index transition lenses from Smartbuyglasses.co.nz for only $616. Even better, with a coupon code it takes it down to $560.

Called OPSM and challenged them to come to the party with a better discount / price match. They weren't interested and have refunded me over the phone.

All good, I got my prescription and PD's from them when I was there this morning.

So, I'm trying to order online but the PD bit is catching me out. My PD's are 32.7 and 31.4 but the closest they have in the Smartbuyglasses dropdown boxes when ordering is 32.5 and 31.5.

Any optometrists on here who can offer advice on this? I've read you can add the two together to get a single PD but then it talks about knocking 3mm off for a near PD. Presumably I don't need to do this as I'm not after reading glasses so can I just add the two together and go with that or choose the closest they have using the two PD numbers?

Also, any suggestions of other good online glasses places to cross check pricing?

Cheers

General Discussion

Comments

  • smurfee on 19/04/2022 - 14:33

    HmmYepNah made a comment a while back which was definitely a good deal, but I haven't bought anything from there since I have heaps of spare glasses already.

    I highly recommend https://ezyglasses.co.nz/ if you're looking for cheap prescription glasses. I need glasses for driving, watching tv etc, and I've used this crowd quite a few times over the years, their prices start at $29.95 for complete sets of glasses (used to be $19.95) and if you don't like your glasses for any reason you can return them for a 100% refund so it removes the worry of things you order online not being right for you. $29.95 includes basic no frills lenses but you can upgrade them for $40 ($20 per lense) to their "Ultra lenses" that are 40% thinner and have scratch resistant, anti-UV and anti-reflective coatings.

    • Japo32 on 19/04/2022 - 14:44

      Yeah I'm keen to give this a shot myself. just need to get an updated prescription. paying nearly a grand for a pair of specs is highway robbery! you'd expect some additional features (bluetooth, wifi, gps) for prices like that.

  • Ytrewq on 19/04/2022 - 14:39

    Zenni's good and significantly cheaper than most places, takes 2-4 weeks to arrive though.

    • Madao on 20/04/2022 - 06:46

      Thanks. Had a look and they don't go up to the super high index lenses. Cheap as though.

      • CheapAzChips on 20/04/2022 - 08:44
        +1

        I have an almost identical prescription to you and have been ordering from Zenni for years. You do have to choose carefully to make sure the glasses will fit your face, but I still highly recommend them.

        The slightly lower high refractive index glass they use does mean the lenses are slightly fatter, but usually only by a mm or so. You can hide it with fatter frames or narrower lenses - the narrower each lens the thinner it is at the edge.

        If you are unsure, you can actually buy several pairs with no lenses (they will be about 2/3 the listed price with no lens, around $5 for the cheapest styles iirc), check they fit your face and see which you like the best, then order two or three pairs with the highest index lens you can, anti-reflective coating, etc, etc. Should come to around US$70-90 per pair with all the add ons. You could buy 4-5 pairs and still be ahead of OPSM.

      • CheapAzChips on 20/04/2022 - 09:06
        +1

        Also, check out my comments here about ordering glasses online:

        https://www.cheapies.nz/node/31464

        As for PD, last time I ordered I got two pairs: first was full prescription with the distance PD, second was a pair for computer use where I reduced the prescription by 0.75 for both eyes (regardless of what it was to start), and reduced the PD by 1mm. The reduced prescription will put your maximum focus at about 0.8m, so when you're looking at a screen your eyes aren't constantly straining (you'll thank me later). I also added their optional "Blokz" high index (1.67) lenses which cut out blue/UV. Couldn't be happier with both pairs.

        PM me if you want to discuss in more detail.

  • boldbilly on 20/04/2022 - 15:48
    +1

    I bought my last couple of pairs from "Eleccion Official Store" on AliExpress and have been very impressed.

    I paid USD 14 for the frame and USD 20 for bi-focal lenses. They also answer questions promptly. Free delivery will take about a month, or DHL a week or two for about NZD 45.

    Progressive lenses seem to be NZD 89 at the moment (based on a quick look just now).

    I'm just a satisfied customer. This is not an affiliate link.

    https://m.aliexpress.com/store/3171040

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