Eyeglass prices, New Zealand

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369 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#2016247 15-May-2018 12:13

I have just ordered my first pair of glasses in specsavers in 10 years, ended up paying around $400 mark, which is much less than what OPSM would've charge with a similar lenses and frame, which would be around 7-800 $ mark.

Service was pretty good and helpful, and they seem to be more open with their prices. They have a brochure with all the lens variation and add-ons listed with prices.

ech3lon

369 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#2016250 15-May-2018 12:19

And if you're willing to pay over $1000 for one pair of glass, you could just buy a return ticket to an asian country for $800, get a nice 'branded' pair of glasses with lens fitted for $200, and enjoy the holiday.. just saying.

It's amazing how a lot of kiwis put up with over-inflated price of everything.

</rant>

GazzaGazza

61 posts

Master Geek

#2016253 15-May-2018 12:26

I've been using Selectpecs for a number of years. Budget range glasses with coated lenses cost me about $30 a pair in total. I have a pair of bifocals which are great, cost $70. You couldn't fault them in terms of lens or frame quality.

https://www.selectspecs.com/

dryburn

430 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2016263 15-May-2018 12:32

How could we order from online stores and claim from Southern Cross?

kingdragonfly

11196 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2016273 15-May-2018 12:58

Probably need to call them and ask.

Here's a list of companies SouthernCross discounts and offers

https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/for-members/member-discounts-and-offers

timmmay

20580 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2016281 15-May-2018 13:24

Handsomedan:

Just clicked the link and read a bit about these guys...I love the buy one-give one ethic...

Shame they're not in Auckland...I'd use them for sure!

He can work from a prescription, if you have one.

GazzaGazza

61 posts

Master Geek

#2016309 15-May-2018 14:14

GazzaGazza:

I've been using Selectpecs for a number of years. Budget range glasses with coated lenses cost me about $30 a pair in total. I have a pair of bifocals which are great, cost $70. You couldn't fault them in terms of lens or frame quality.

https://www.selectspecs.com/

Footnote, this is a UK company but they do mail order worldwide.

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Rikkitic

Awrrr
18660 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2016318 15-May-2018 14:33

I vote for the holiday option. A few years ago I was in Thailand anyway, so I popped into an optometrist and stocked up on glasses. I don't remember exactly what I paid for two pairs but it was less than $200.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#2016338 15-May-2018 15:01

A few years ago I wanted a specialised set of glasses with progressive lenses for kayak fishing.

I went in to a local optometrist explained the situation and he charged me the usual fee for an exam.

Mike

Starlith

208 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#2016426 15-May-2018 16:58

I don't know if you guys actually realize this but the Optometrist profession is basically a dead end career to being a salesman even though they have to do 5 years and part University Med to be able to qualify. Companies such as OPSM, Specsaver etc put pressure on their optometrists to reach their KPI's of how many sales they have made. And they sometimes don't get enough time to see their patients to ensure everything is clear.

Now what optometry as a profession core role does it to identify and diagnose problems of the eye or through the eye such as, brain issues, retinal detachments etc that a standard GP wouldn't have a clue about. Then they would either prescribe medication or refer them if needed or urgent. Hence why the need for an eye exam.

Glasses were made to help people with vision weakness, it doesn't mean you can't live life without them though it helps much like running shoes and running, both get harder with old age and other abnormalities. Treat your eyes like a muscle and give them regular exercise of near and distance and rest then you should generally be good for the long run.

Its like seeing a physio to help with your walking/running issues and the physio starts trying to sell you some running shoes or a gym membership.

Back on topic I'm not surprised about the prices of specs as that is how these companies make money and how they can afford their fancy equipment.

GazzaGazza

61 posts

Master Geek

#2016437 15-May-2018 17:29

The problem is the current focus on free or cheap eye exams and big profit glasses. The high margin model was OK in the past, but now all of the optics are made in China and are very cheap. Over recent years the cheap Chinese optics have allowed the likes of OPSM and Specsavers to make big money on the glasses. However, cheap optics in China also means that in a competitive market that opportunity will leak out and disrupt the status quo.

I have my eye exam at Specsavers, and am upfront with the Optometrist about my intent to buy overseas and willingness to pay for the exam. I ask for a script to take away. Usually these people are Asian graduates, and they totally get what I am doing...

The online model will reshape this industry.

Starlith:

I don't know if you guys actually realize this but the Optometrist profession is basically a dead end career to being a salesman even though they have to do 5 years and part University Med to be able to qualify. Companies such as OPSM, Specsaver etc put pressure on their optometrists to reach their KPI's of how many sales they have made. And they sometimes don't get enough time to see their patients to ensure everything is clear.

Now what optometry as a profession core role does it to identify and diagnose problems of the eye or through the eye such as, brain issues, retinal detachments etc that a standard GP wouldn't have a clue about. Then they would either prescribe medication or refer them if needed or urgent. Hence why the need for an eye exam.

Glasses were made to help people with vision weakness, it doesn't mean you can't live life without them though it helps much like running shoes and running, both get harder with old age and other abnormalities. Treat your eyes like a muscle and give them regular exercise of near and distance and rest then you should generally be good for the long run.

Its like seeing a physio to help with your walking/running issues and the physio starts trying to sell you some running shoes or a gym membership.

Back on topic I'm not surprised about the prices of specs as that is how these companies make money and how they can afford their fancy equipment.

timmmay

20580 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2016461 15-May-2018 18:56

I do find the good quality lenses better than the cheap ones - Zeiss.

Lastman

306 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2016545 15-May-2018 22:09

So many of us baby boomers need eye glasses these days that there are cheap stands of them in most shops that sell sunglasses. Even Briscoes I saw the other day.

Backlit screens (phones, tablets) seem to exaserbate the decline in vision for fine detail, books etc

MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#2016630 16-May-2018 08:29

Lastman:
Backlit screens (phones, tablets) seem to exaserbate the decline in vision for fine detail, books etc

Blue filter helps reduce this.

Mike

MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#2016632 16-May-2018 08:31

The thing I don't get with online purchasing of glasses is how people choose frames that suit their face?

It normally takes me ages to choose a pair of frames as every few of them suit me. For everyday glasses I can't imagine buying them online.

Mike

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