Let's face it, needing prescription glasses can be a real pain, especially when you see the prices! I've been wearing glasses for years, and I've always felt like I was being ripped off whenever I needed a new pair. The cost of frames and lenses can be astronomical, and it always felt like there had to be a better way. So, I embarked on a mission to find more affordable options for getting my prescription glasses in Ireland, and I want to share what I discovered.
I remember the last time I went to get new glasses in a high-street optician. The frame selection was limited, and the prices were simply outrageous. I was looking at easily spending hundreds of euros, and that's before even considering any lens upgrades! It made me wonder if there wasn't some sort of hidden cost or a monopoly at play. After some digging, I discovered an article discussing how one company effectively controls a huge portion of the global eyewear market, which explained a lot. No wonder prices are so high!
Knowing that traditional opticians weren't giving me the best deals, I started looking into online retailers that ship to Ireland. I was a bit hesitant at first – how could I be sure the quality would be good, or that the prescription would be accurate? But the potential savings were too tempting to ignore. I decided to take the plunge and try out a few different online stores. One of the first places I tried was recommended by a friend. They had been using them for years and raved about the prices and quality.
I tried a few different online stores, with varying degrees of success. One option I explored was homepage. I noticed their selection was quite diverse. I also found a few other online retailers that offered decent prices, but the selection wasn't always the best.
However, I also wanted something with a touch of style. While browsing online, I stumbled upon a pair of frames that really caught my eye: the 55791 Vintage Luxury Brand Acetate Glasses Frame. I was looking for something that would last, and the acetate frame seemed durable. Plus, the vintage design was right up my street.
I decided to give them a shot. Ordering was easy enough – I just needed my prescription and pupillary distance (PD), which I got from my optometrist. The glasses arrived within a reasonable timeframe, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. They felt sturdy and well-made, and the prescription was spot-on. I felt I found a good option at Mozaer to get my vintage glasses.
While I didn't personally try them, I've heard good things about Ace & Tate. They are known for offering stylish frames at reasonable prices. They might be a bit pricier than some of the ultra-budget options, but they seem to offer good value for the quality. If you're looking for something a bit more fashionable, they're definitely worth checking out.
If you're on a really tight budget, SmartBuyGlasses might be worth a look. I've heard they sometimes offer incredibly cheap frames, even as low as €8 with free postage! Of course, you're probably not going to get the highest quality frames at that price, but if you just need a spare pair for reading in bed, they could be a good option. I ordered a basic pair from them as a backup and they serve their purpose. Just don't expect them to last forever.
Based on my experience, here are some tips for buying prescription glasses online in Ireland: