COMMENT
Prescription Glasses - Getting Better Value

A couple of weeks ago I went for a sight test because my eyes had been going a bit fuzzy in recent months. My last check-up was in December 2003 so it was clearly time for reassessment and a stronger pair of glasses.

It's astounding how much it all costs! Although the sight test only cost £12.95, my replacement lenses were £69 - £81.95 in total. And that didn't include the £75 frames that the optical assistant tried to persuade me to buy! Just because my eyesight has worsened doesn't mean to say my frames have too!

The UK eye care industry is estimated to be worth about £2.4 billion a year and I'm not surprised. At those prices they're raking it in! According to the Association of Optometrists much of the cost is tied up in overheads for staff and premises as well as the fact that more people are opting for expensive designer glasses made by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci. But considering it reportedly costs just £7 to make a standard pair of glasses you can't help wondering whether the industry is taking the mickey.

Thankfully, you can now buy glasses over the internet for as little as £15 as long as you've got your prescription details (and opticians are required by law to provide you with them).

Although I had my eye-test and bought my new lenses from the high street at a cost of more than £80, I made my optician spell out the formula so I could order extra pairs of glasses online. At the moment I only have one pair and, believe me, it's a pain when you put them down somewhere and have trouble remembering where!

Armed with information that looked thus: Right Eye:  + 250 / - 0.25 / 10 etc, I toddled off to order some extra glasses for my bedside table plus a pair of prescription sunglasses so I can comfortably read my newspaper while sitting outside in blinding sunshine. The cost was £35.90 for both pairs via Optical4less (based in Hong Kong) although closer to home, there is also Glasses Direct and Directspecs. All three websites have been used and recommended by Fools on our Living Below Your Means discussion board.

It's worth remembering that the under-16s, the over 60s and people with a low income should qualify for vouchers offering a free eyesight test and a contribution towards the cost of a pair of glasses. They range in value from £32.90 to £181 depending on the eyesight deficiencies. Alternatively, if you use a computer at work, you may find your company offers vouchers too.

It's unfortunate that I have different readings for each of my eyes. My husband's eyes both have the same prescription reading so he picks up his glasses at the supermarket for a mere £12.99!