Buying Spectacles Online

If you’re thinking about purchasing your spectacles online then take a moment to read the following;

In 2016, the College of Optometrist carried out some research which concluded that overall consumers prefer spectacles purchased in UK optometry practices to those bought online. 

Researchers from the University of Bradford and Cardiff University compared 154 spectacles bought online with 155 spectacles from optician practices. They tested the accuracy, visual performance, quality and perceived acceptability and safety of the spectacles using input from consumers and dispensing opticians.

Key finding included:

  1. Spectacles purchased from a high street opticians practice fitted better. Particularly the case for varifocal/progressive lens designs.
  2. 30% of spectacles purchased online failed the optical tolerances (see British tolerance for optical lenses).
  3. There was a higher rate of online spectacles with incorrect measurements of pupillary distance (also known as PD).
  4. Online spectacle purchasing supported previous research findings on reasons for avoiding eye examinations.
  5. Seventy-eight of those spectacles perceived as unsafe were bought from online suppliers (primary reason being fitting of the frame).
  6. More online varifocals were deemed unacceptable by the researchers.

Some of the reasons patients and consumers generally purchase online include convenience and cheap prices. In most cases online purchases are purely transactional and usually automated.

According to our understanding, consumers are usually looking for a value for money proposition rather than the cheapest price, putting it simply. Ask yourself, how many times have you purchased something because it was cheap. Let’s take food, clothing, transport or even housing for examples. In many financial decisions in life, we must balance the cost with the benefits to gain an appreciation of the value for our money.

Buying your spectacles from Sydney Goldwyn

At Goldwyn Opticians, we offer a value for money guarantee. We supply our patients with high-quality products that go through rigorous quality controls. When you compare like for like products and services, we come on top with our value for money offering.

Being in healthcare we consider spectacles a medical appliance that are usually prescribed to correct a defect in sight.  We believe the full process from start to finish should be under the direct care of eyecare professionals. This is what we are trained to do. 

As members of the College of Optometrist we also endorse the following advice issued:

‘You have a right to have your prescription dispensed wherever you choose. However, as prescribing and dispensing of spectacles are closely linked it is best to have your spectacles dispensed where you have your eyes examined. It is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have with your spectacles when prescribing and supply are separated.’

In summary, when it comes to your sight invest the time and money to be dispensed and fitted with a pair of spectacles that meets your requirements. Cheap online transactions are not comparable to the personal service, expertise and quality of the product that is being supplied by a registered practitioner. When it comes down to it, you want to be sure you’re getting value for your hard-earned money. And that, is what we do best!

Finally, if you’re adamant to buy cheap spectacles online then we will not send you a reminder letter for your next eye examination.