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I need spectacles!!!
I've gotten to that age where the old eyesight is letting me down and have resorted to buying the cheapo ones from the supermarket. How do you go about getting your eyes tested here? Do I need a referral from my Dr or can I just go and get my eyes tested and get a pair of glasses?
My vanity is preventing me from doing this but there comes a time.. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Pennywell
(Post 7316517)
I've gotten to that age where the old eyesight is letting me down and have resorted to buying the cheapo ones from the supermarket. How do you go about getting your eyes tested here? Do I need a referral from my Dr or can I just go and get my eyes tested and get a pair of glasses?
My vanity is preventing me from doing this but there comes a time.. Huh...good luck Blind Pugh typing without glasses;) |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
LOL we are all loosing our sight. I'm due for glasses this summer.
You don't need a referral, if you have Optical insurance make sure the office you go to takes it. We go to the local optician, nice office nice people, and we've been very happy with the glasses and eye exams so far. Good luck |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
If you don't have insurance, go to some place like Lens Crafter. They'll test your eyes and make and have the glasses available within an hour after you order them. If you don't like them, they'll replace them for you with different frames and/or lenses at no extra charge.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Costco do a good service. Even if you get your prescription elsewhere, having your glasses done at Costco can be cheaper than having them done anywhere else, even though Costco don't take any insurance. Be sure to get a copy of your prescription if you go to a 'local' optician; they are obligated to do so, but seem reluctant to without a request or two.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Caveat emptor.
I wish that I could go to crappy places like Costco or Lenscrafters to get my glasses. I don't have that strange of a prescription, but it's hard to find decent optometrists and opticians. My glasses typically cost 700-800 dollars. It's worth it though because a) I can see through them, and b) they last. My current primary pair were made in 2000. If you buy shit, don't expect them to last. I have wasted $$$ going to cheap places. I've learned a good bell-weather in gauging competency in spectacles is to ask about ABBE values. If the person looks like you're talking a foreign language, go elsewhere. Currently wearing Spectralite lenses with a high ABBE value. There's a hint. PS, Steerpike, you're right. Coming out wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Your experiences served me well, and for that I am grateful. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
When choosing a first pair of frames note that stainless steel frames are lighter than plastic ones. Flexible hinges are good as frames do take a bit of wear and tear putting them on and off every day and silicone nose pads are much softer on the skin than the harder pvc ones.
Don't be conned into buying expensive lense cleansers or wipes either. A quick wash under a running tap with a little mild detergent is enough and a soft cloth to dry lenses. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Lorna at Vicenza
(Post 7316791)
When choosing a first pair of frames note that stainless steel frames are lighter than plastic ones. Flexible hinges are good as frames do take a bit of wear and tear putting them on and off every day and silicone nose pads are much softer on the skin than the harder pvc ones.
Don't be conned into buying expensive lense cleansers or wipes either. A quick wash under a running tap with a little mild detergent is enough and a soft cloth to dry lenses. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
True - but much more expensive.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316749)
Caveat emptor.
I wish that I could go to crappy places like Costco or Lenscrafters to get my glasses. I don't have that strange of a prescription, but it's hard to find decent optometrists and opticians. My glasses typically cost 700-800 dollars. It's worth it though because a) I can see through them, and b) they last. My current primary pair were made in 2000. If you buy shit, don't expect them to last. I have wasted $$$ going to cheap places. I've learned a good bell-weather in gauging competency in spectacles is to ask about ABBE values. If the person looks like you're talking a foreign language, go elsewhere. Currently wearing Spectralite lenses with a high ABBE value. There's a hint. I've gone to the most expensive places, and to Costco. The glasses from Costco have been every bit as good as those from the more expensive places. But I do try to give my local opticians the business. This last go around, I paid over $300, AFTER insurance, by the time I got done with high index, anti-scratch, anti-reflection, blah blah blah. And I've taken them back 3 times, and I'm still not happy ... I'm just trying to find the time to go back again. The latest issue seems to be something to do with 'base curve'. The first two attempts at my lenses resulted in glasses that only gave me clear vision 'straight ahead' - if I looked through them 'off center', the image was blurred (and these are NOT progressives). On the third attempt, they modified the 'base curve' and magically the problem went away. I don't think my prescription is particularly strange, though I do have some astigmatism. This is the third optician I've been to in the past 5 years. I tend to go to Costco every other year, and am generally moderately pleased by their performance.
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316749)
PS, Steerpike, you're right. Coming out wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Your experiences served me well, and for that I am grateful.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316804)
Meh. Titanium is the only way to go for frames.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Lorna at Vicenza
(Post 7316791)
...
Don't be conned into buying expensive lense cleansers or wipes either. A quick wash under a running tap with a little mild detergent is enough and a soft cloth to dry lenses. * For some time, I used a can of pressurized air ('Dust Off' or similar) to blow off the water drops, until I discovered the low-flow technique. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Steerpike
(Post 7316818)
My eyesight has been deteriorating steadily for the past 20 years or so, and my prescription has changed each year - so new glasses each year for me, sadly. The thought of one pair of glasses since 2000 - chance would be a fine thing!
I've gone to the most expensive places, and to Costco. The glasses from Costco have been every bit as good as those from the more expensive places. But I do try to give my local opticians the business. This last go around, I paid over $300, AFTER insurance, by the time I got done with high index, anti-scratch, anti-reflection, blah blah blah. And I've taken them back 3 times, and I'm still not happy ... I'm just trying to find the time to go back again. The latest issue seems to be something to do with 'base curve'. The first two attempts at my lenses resulted in glasses that only gave me clear vision 'straight ahead' - if I looked through them 'off center', the image was blurred (and these are NOT progressives). On the third attempt, they modified the 'base curve' and magically the problem went away. I don't think my prescription is particularly strange, though I do have some astigmatism. This is the third optician I've been to in the past 5 years. I tend to go to Costco every other year, and am generally moderately pleased by their performance. ?:confused: An optician is not the person who tests your eyes. That's the optometrist. The optician is the person who fits your glasses. The most important thing is to have them measure the distance between pupils, and to mark the optical center on your spectacles. I too have strabismus and astigmatism. In my experience, it's rare to find a place where they have both a good eye doctor and, more importantly, a really good optician. When you find one, stick with them. I commute a good distance to see mine (no pun intended). As for the coming out reference - come on SP, you don't have to pretend about your partner any more. ;) = You're posts have helped me come to terms with cravings to live in San Fran. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316749)
Caveat emptor.
PS, Steerpike, you're right. Coming out wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Your experiences served me well, and for that I am grateful. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Cape Blue
(Post 7316848)
Steerpike! you never said, I could have sworn you had previous posts mentioning a girlfriend. :lol:
The more you know! http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy...e_you_know.jpg |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Redundant post is redundant.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Cape Blue
(Post 7316848)
Steerpike! you never said, I could have sworn you had previous posts mentioning a girlfriend. :lol:
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
I also have to confess to having poor eyesight. I didn't realise how bad my eyesight was until I tried on someone elses glasses and suddenly felt like the blind man miraculously cured by the touch of Christ.
Suddenly I could see no more fuzzy images, everything was in crystal clarity, the colours were so vibrant and real. I could read a book without having to hold it 4 inches infront of my face. I was amazed and feeling almost reborn.....until I picked up an abandoned copy of The Guardian....after 2 pages of that bollocks I realised I'd rather be blind that have to endure their liberal PC fairytales. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
I had the same experience when I put on glasses for the first time a yr ago, couldn't believe now clear everything was it was like going from a crappy fuzzy TV to something in HD. :thumbsup:
Anyway quick q about glasses, are prescriptions the same in the US as in the UK i.e if I take my UK prescription to them will it make sense? Also ppl mention above the best place to get glasses, would contact lenses also be advised from these places? Sophie |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by yorkieuk
(Post 7317108)
Anyway quick q about glasses, are prescriptions the same in the US as in the UK i.e if I take my UK prescription to them will it make sense?
Sophie :rolleyes: |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Dear Steerpike,
Denial; it's not a river in Egypt. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Another reminder I've been putting off officially wearing glasses by using the cheapies for reading. Could be because my OH looks at me like he thinks they are some kind of role playing accessory, or maybe he is always looking at me like that and I can't tell till I have the glasses on.:unsure:
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Optimus Prime
(Post 7317237)
No. Glasses and contact lenses in the US make you look skinnier than you are and makes everyone else look like they have bad teeth.
:rolleyes: Please supply the name of your optician to this 'fat lady with bad teeth'? all my friends need new ones! |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
I'm over due for new glasses but will probably end up getting contacts lenses next due to having a 6 month old who thinks it's hilarious to grab my glasses and put them in his mouth or bend them. I don't know why vanity would come in to it though, I quite like having the ability to change my appearance by putting on different frames despite my wife preferring me without my glasses on. I guess I watched too much Superman growing up.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316749)
Caveat emptor.
I wish that I could go to crappy places like Costco or Lenscrafters to get my glasses. I don't have that strange of a prescription, but it's hard to find decent optometrists and opticians. My glasses typically cost 700-800 dollars. It's worth it though because a) I can see through them, and b) they last. My current primary pair were made in 2000. If you buy shit, don't expect them to last. I have wasted $$$ going to cheap places. I've learned a good bell-weather in gauging competency in spectacles is to ask about ABBE values. If the person looks like you're talking a foreign language, go elsewhere. Currently wearing Spectralite lenses with a high ABBE value. There's a hint.
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7316804)
Meh. Titanium is the only way to go for frames.
You'll get what you pay for. In the US there are three levels of optical care. Top tier is the Ophthamologist - a medical doctor who specializes in the eyes. Next tier down is the Optometrist - not a medical doctor but a vision specialist who went to a specific optometry college. Lastly we have the Optician, the person who fits your glasses. My wife's had the laser surgery, so she sees an Ophthamologist every year. I get a yearly checkup with an experienced Optometrist, and I get my glasses from an independent Optician who does a very good job. I'm not going back to the bottom feeders who compete on price. To the original poster, I suggest you seek out a good Optometrist for a checkup. Many of them can also provide a decent selection of frames and lenses. Otherwise, find a good optician. Avoid Lenscrafters et al. if you can. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Optimus Prime
(Post 7317237)
No. Glasses and contact lenses in the US make you look skinnier than you are and makes everyone else look like they have bad teeth.
:rolleyes: If only. Anyway, US shoe sizes, clothes sizes, ring measurements etc all seem to be different from UK measurements so how was I to know prescriptions were any different :sneaky: |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
I have to see an ophthalmologist each year, not specifically for glasses although he gives me a new prescription. When you have cataract surgery, there is an amazing improvement, with mine, they set my lenses, with the implants, one for long distance the other for reading. But then a membrane grew over one of the implants, not unusual, but twenty clicks on a lazer and it's gone. I went from looking through a thick fog in that eye to frighteningly clear vision almost instantaneously.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Bill_S
(Post 7318036)
I'm now wearing specs that cost about $700 (titanium frame made in Japan, short-corridor progressive lenses with coatings).
Wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to get laser surgery? :) |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
I suppose this is as good a time as any to come out of the closet and admit that I need glasses. I hate my 40's.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Optimus Prime
(Post 7318170)
I suppose this is as good a time as any to come out of the closet and admit that I need glasses. I hate my 40's.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Optimus Prime
(Post 7318170)
I hate my 40's.
I have no sympathy. :sneaky: Although welcome to the word of the visually impaired. :thumbsup: |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by yorkieuk
(Post 7318190)
I realised around by 24th birthday I could no longer see clearly in the distance.
I have no sympathy. :sneaky: Although welcome to the word of the visually impaired. :thumbsup: |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Optimus Prime
(Post 7318170)
I suppose this is as good a time as any to come out of the closet and admit that I need glasses. I hate my 40's.
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Stuff the glasses and contacts....laser surgery is the way to go. :thumbsup:
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
(Post 7318207)
Stuff the glasses and contacts....laser surgery is the way to go. :thumbsup:
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Re: I need spectacles!!!
Stay well clear of Lense Crafters!
Try Sams Club, I was happy with the glasses/eye test I got with them. |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by yorkieuk
(Post 7318158)
:blink:
Wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to get laser surgery? :) Also, to the lasik crowd - what are you going to do when you get older?... |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by Octang Frye
(Post 7318230)
Yes and no. I value my eyesight to much to let people uck about with it.
Also, to the lasik crowd - what are you going to do when you get older?... What do you mean? :confused: |
Re: I need spectacles!!!
Originally Posted by bevinva
(Post 7318185)
I can't read the labels at the supermarket anymore, I would need longer arms, glasses might be an easier option.
Originally Posted by yorkieuk
(Post 7318190)
I have no sympathy. :sneaky:
Although welcome to the word of the visually impaired. :thumbsup:
Originally Posted by Ray
(Post 7318203)
You wait until the sixties.. I started wearing glasses at 44 ..
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