Glasses

I think it is the lenses that can be the most expensive part of the whole thing. It seems with people like Specsavers, they almost throw in the frames for next to nothing. It often seems to be not worth using the old frame.

The past couple of times I have needed new glasses, the frames all seemed to be small rectangles which are useless for varifocals.
I haven't thought of having new lenses in old frames, but that's a good idea.
I need large frames because I can only see out of one eye so need as big an area as possible to see. I do not like wide arms as they restrict my peripheral vision.
Thanks, Jenny, for giving me an idea. Although my glasses only have one lens which I can use, the balance lens costs as much. My last pair cost over £500. I do not think I can afford that again.

I have a collection of old glasses with perfectly good frames. I'm due for an eye test now and if I need new lenses, I will recycle a pair of frames. Good idea.

Yes they do just "clip in" but they have to be made to your prescription before hand. I'm assuming this is where the cost comes from.
I have recycled frames in the past because I couldn't see any I liked more than those I already had.

Sorry, I realise this post may sound patronising. I don't know how else to word it.

The lenses only 'clip in' once they have been made, measured & cut to fit each individual frame. The technician's time has to be paid for as well as the other overheads involved in running a business.

Sometimes it is more cost effective to buy new frames as any offers or discounts are priced on the basis of buying frames. You also have the usual consumer rights attached to a new purchase which you probably wouldn't have if you were using an older frame.

I would ask for the costs for each option.

Good bit of insider knowledge there from Baubles. One of the great benefits of Gransnet is that we have in-house 'experts' in almost every topic.

Thankyou for you comments I understand comments about technical side but rang spec savers and they charge £35,00 I was grumpy cos I had to wait will make appointment next time ,anyway it may have to be new frames next time I get them checked every year I have cataract in both eyes he thinks it maybe 2years before I had op but when I put my glasses on everthing was shiny and brand new

£50 sounds like a bargain to me - I have had to pay £400 for my lenses before now!! - high index, varifocals, difficult prescription.

Just recently I have managed to get the price down a bit. I had a specsaver deal - a Golden Ticket.

I have had frames re-glazed. I have done it online too and the orice has been pretty reasonable.

I think £50 is normal - I had a detached retina 2 years ago and had to replace the lenses in my bi-focals.
I don't really understand why you were grumpy because it took an hour - my optometrist sends things away to be done and it takes several days!