FAO Glasses wearers / contact lens folk

[Broccers]

Point to note on daysoft I use classics as the silk I didnt get on with at all. They will change returned lenses when your prescription alters too.

[NGRhodes]

Just be a bit wary of ordering varifocals online. Its tricky to measure the path of the center point of focus (not sure what the proper term is) as you look down and your eyes point in. I ended up having to go back to specsavers where it required an optician (rather than the assistants who normally take measurements) to take measurements where they found my eyes move inwards in asymmetrical manner rather than the presumed symmetrical. One set of replacement lens later and they are perfect.

[davecG60]

Just be a bit wary of ordering varifocals online. Its tricky to measure the path of the center point of focus (not sure what the proper term is) as you look down and your eyes point in. I ended up having to go back to specsavers where it required an optician (rather than the assistants who normally take measurements) to take measurements where they found my eyes move inwards in asymmetrical manner rather than the presumed symmetrical. One set of replacement lens later and they are perfect.

My wife has said much the same. When we went to the original appointment at Specsavers they explained about the different sections (of the Varifocal lens) which show the sharp vision. Measuring points on the eyes and frame fitment appear to affect the position of the Varifocal sections.
Not sure how accurate they would be after me measuring with 1 eye and a tape measure

[davecG60]

Had my follow up appointment for contacts last Saturday. They seemed to be more organised this time and not as rushed, which is a bonus.
Had an hour sat with the lens specialist going through different options and a few more tests.
After the hour I was advised to only go down the "dailies" route to keep the risk of infection to a minimum and therefore look after my 1 good eye. Totally in agreement with this as if my good eye gets knackered I'm basically fucked!
They've given me 3 different lenses to try - all different prices and manufacturers, and then I need to "review" each set and report back in 2 weeks.

Apparently as I only have 1 eye worthy of a lens I can save money and make the subscription cost go twice as far
Was very surprised that the lens specialist told me to grab some cheap readers from Poundland rather than trying to sell me another pair of glasses though!!

Third day of wearing this set of lenses and I'm a bit disappointed so far. They take a while to settle down and rest on my eyes properly and also the distance vision isn't as sharp as I'd like (and am used to with glasses) , early days yet though. And it's a pain having to carry around a pair of reading glasses as well!

Score wise I'd say 6 Googly eyes out of 10

[Swervin_Mervin]

I really would recommend an independent optician who will measure your eye etc. They will assess your eye shape and give you the best idea of which ones will suit you best. You shouldn't have to find out for yourself by trial and error FFS!

And I'm sure they would recomend dailies - they probably make more ££. I'd still vouch for peroxide cleaning myself, having had GPC in the past and allergic reactions to some solutions. That peroxide will kill any nasties - to the extent I don't worry about dropping mine at all. They could fall in the bog for all I care, the peroxide will sort them out

[Mito Man]

I've been to Costco opticians my whole life, haven't got any complaints really apart from their designer brand frames can take up to a month to manufacture so they're a no go in an emergency if you need something same day. I like it though as I'm usually in the store once a fortnight and if my glasses need any alterations or adjustments because a goat has rammed me in the face they do it for free.

[davecG60]

Costco ? Never thought of going there. Problem of course is that I'll end up buying commercial sized stuff that I'll never use or end up eating chicken wraps and 18" pizzas all day

[davecG60]

I really would recommend an independent optician who will measure your eye etc. They will assess your eye shape and give you the best idea of which ones will suit you best. You shouldn't have to find out for yourself by trial and error FFS!

And I'm sure they would recomend dailies - they probably make more ££. I'd still vouch for peroxide cleaning myself, having had GPC in the past and allergic reactions to some solutions. That peroxide will kill any nasties - to the extent I don't worry about dropping mine at all. They could fall in the bog for all I care, the peroxide will sort them out

The doubtful chance I'll end up with contacts then I think it'll be dailies - I think any chance to lessen the risk of infection/loss of my 1 (decent) eye the better.
I am back at Specsavers in a week or so to give the feedback on my trial. Think I'll be going back to glasses as I can't be arsed flipping glasses on & off all day just to read a letter or my phone. Once I've been back then I'll have a proper look at glasses and visit a local indy optician.
Not sure if after I've been measured for varifocal glasses I can take the measurements away and use them to purchase glasses online ?
Cheers for the feedback

[Explosive Newt]

I had good experiences with specsavers for years, used to get my contacts from them when I wore them. Staff seemed to have loads of time and were great.

I recently switched to an independent optician as I moved and they were just down the road from me. Few more bells and whistles like they did retinal photography etc but otherwise it didn't seem that different.