The despairingly poor state of optometry retail in NZ

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#1047409 18-May-2014 12:24

Kyanar:
As a life-long customer of John O'Connor from back when it was just his Henderson store and the optometrist was just John himself (he's retired now, still owns the stores - used to be a Visique franchise), I can say that the staff there are always great, spectacularly helpful, and I've never had them try to make a pointless upsell (didn't even try to sell me Transitions, though they did recommend the different materials when it was clear my prescription was close to a centimetre thick) Lenses are quality ones by Hoya and frames range from the standard cheap all the way up to pricey designer, but I've also never had them try to spin a yarn to get me to buy the designer frames. I note their way of protecting themselves from this costing too much is to limit it to prescriptions between +6 and -6 - I wouldn't even be able to use this deal (-7.75)

I too was once a client of John O'Connor's. Around 7 years or so ago my work occasionally took me out to Henderson and one day, out of the blue, I decided to replace my glasses and John tested my eyes. Great guy and it was very obvious that he cared a lot about patient health.

Wasn't too impressed with the staff member who helped me chose my ultimately uncomfortable and poorly fitting frames, however. In the end I had to abandon that pair of glasses inside a year. That combined with JO not being that conveniently located for me meant that I haven't gone back. JO actually was one of the optoms that I phoned to price up my lenses and they quoted a staggering near $600 figure for what two other places quoted at around $350 for exactly the same things (1.61 Hoya hi-index with AR coating and transitions). The explanation (to be fair I am not 100% sure if I have remembered everything) was that my lens would have to be custom cut and my Oakley frames would be difficult.

Realistically speaking, from what is physically apparent on the outside, Oakley semi-rimless seem to work no differently to others. Yet I noticed a persistent pattern of many optoms claiming that there would be extra work and how it's complicated etc to deal with Oakley lenses to justify the higher costs. Yet the four places that I received definitive (i.e. optometrist confirmed) reasonable quotes and helpful service out of (Milford Visique, Eden Quarter and Visique Henderson) all confirmed that they could see no issues and would not charge anything extra beyond what their lenses were sold for at retail prices if I desired no significant custom alterations beyond adding or adding to lens depth in terms of the demo lens shape. My little adventure suggests to me that a lot of perceived brand name chasers (I really am not one -- it's just that O offers a unique blend of my preferred styling and almost perfect fit ever time) are taken for a ride by many places that think of us as well-to-do and too stupid to ask around.

I have to say the optom/owner at Visique Henderson also came across as a wonderful chap.

dejadeadnz

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#1047517 18-May-2014 17:24

TwoSeven: I must admit I am a bit cheap when it comes to glasses. Because I ride a motorcycle I like to have frames that flex a bit, so I just use some Ray ban frames (aviators) - these can be gotten online for about nz$100. The lenses I have are plastic this time around, but I have the max transition and an anti-glare coating on both sides - also have them set so I can see detail quite a long way away.

I usually never buy a complete set of glasses at the same time - I have standard shaped lenses, so easy to just take them out and put them in another frame. If I need new lenses, can order them from anywhere once I have the prescription. A good optometrist can shape lenses to fit if required - I did this years ago when I got some titanium wraps and they just charged me a small fee for the service.

Next time around I will just get standard non-transition lenses with anti-glare and a separate pair of sunglasses (same style frame but different lenses).

I've been given prices up to $800 for a set of glasses (frames and lenses) but realistically much over $300 and one should be shopping around (unless one want the special frames).

Nah, that's hardly cheap -- just sensible. Plastic is very scratch resistant and if you look after your lenses well and they can be fixed onto your new frames, why not? I probably wouldn't reuse photochromic lenses that are over two years old though, since the coating's performance will deteriorate. My experience definitely suggests that it pays to shop around. Anyone who doesn't is crazy IMO.

Incidentally, I am interested in knowing why you won't be getting Transitions again next time? Is it because it doesn't get dark enough quickly? One of the reasons why I insisted on getting Transitions 7 is that the latest technology means the lens are definitely more UV sensitive (it still generally speaking won't get as dark as dedicated sunnies) and will fade back more quickly. Compared to my colleagues' T6, my lenses are night and day in terms of the naturalness of colour and better performance. Don't think I'll ever wear non-Transitions lenses again.

rayonline

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#1047530 18-May-2014 17:48

I got glasses from HKG once, they were ok gave me headaches that I got used to but then after a few yrs the coating wore off it was like looking thru a coke bottle, it made the glare a bit stronger, seriously it was ok you could use them but if you were driving and you had late afternoon glare I couldn't see but given my glasses I coudl still drive without them so once I took them off - but eventually they snapped anyway on the bridge so I got a $650 pair in NZ some euro titanium frames with a not needed hard plastic lens (for my prescription). The NZ lenses never happened - gotten scratches. I am now wearing this pair since 2006 pretty much scratch free with some carbon deposits on it. I could glasses less than that but I have have standard vision. Even in 1997 I recalled $120 lenses (plastic) + eye test + frames. At spec savers / budget eyewear I think you can get a set for $200NZ but they are not the best frames but it is do-able for those with standard lenses. More recently I got prescription sunnies from Malaysia and they are fast I mean you can come back the next day and it is ready maybe $120 all up the eye test was a quickie 10mins they used my old glasses to get a startup point. But the frames are your low cost Asian brand, FBI brand or something. I guess if you wanted international brands you can by goign to select stores but they would probably cost a lot more. I have no idea of those lenses in my $120 set also ...

My prescription - single vision lenses. -1.00/-0.75 x 180 and the left is -1.00/-1.25x170. If contacts they are both torics but I have not used them in 10yrs. Might some some dailies now, had perms before for say sports.

timmmay

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#1048378 19-May-2014 20:20

Guys, I'm trying Zenni for some glasses, one standard frame, one half rimless. Given that price isn't an issue should I go with the recommended 1.5 standard plastic (CR39), mid index, trivex, polycarbonate, or high index. These are for +0.75 reading glasses so the thickness is much the same for any of the frames, as thin as you can get basically. My main concern is optical quality, with weight being a small factor .

Any thoughts on anti-reflective coatings too? You can pay $5, $9, or $15 for standard, easy to clean, and fingerprint resistant respectively.

trig42

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#1048383 19-May-2014 20:25

Anyone that has bought from 39dollarglasses.com. How long do they normally take to make and get out for delivery?

timmmay

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#1048385 19-May-2014 20:29

trig42: Anyone that has bought from 39dollarglasses.com. How long do they normally take to make and get out for delivery?

Yes, ages ago. I wasn't impressed by the lenses, pretty average at best, not that clear. Can't remember how long they took to arrive sorry.

trig42

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#1048431 19-May-2014 21:55

I've ordered some sunnies from them, haven't had any communication. Only been a few days though. My prescription is pretty weak (sub 1.0) so not too worried about thickness of lens etc. was sub $100 for polarised glasses so am looking forward to seeing how they work out.

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jonathan18

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#1048454 19-May-2014 22:34

timmmay: Guys, I'm trying Zenni for some glasses, one standard frame, one half rimless. Given that price isn't an issue should I go with the recommended 1.5 standard plastic (CR39), mid index, trivex, polycarbonate, or high index. These are for +0.75 reading glasses so the thickness is much the same for any of the frames, as thin as you can get basically. My main concern is optical quality, with weight being a small factor .

Any thoughts on anti-reflective coatings too? You can pay $5, $9, or $15 for standard, easy to clean, and fingerprint resistant respectively.

I'm just ordering a pair of prescription sunglasses off Zenni right at the moment; they're currently doing 20% off polarised and (I think) transition lenses (the lens component only, mind you). Still, all-up including shipping for a pair of polarised sunglasses - US $65!

I've just gone with the standard lenses, given these are supposed to just be a spare pair to leave in the car so I'm not too worried if they're a bit thicker than my current ones (my lenses are -1.25 and -1.75 with astigmatism in both eyes). I've also elected to go with just standard AR coating, primarily as my wife thinks the additional "protection" is a have - I would be interested in any experiences that suggests otherwise. (I did come across one post from a user saying it's not worth it).

Interestingly, after getting my eyes tested at Specsavers yesterday I asked about getting my current frames updated with new lenses - they argued it would be cheaper to start from scratch. Given my script hasn't changed too much I think I'll just stick with the current ones rather than replace them completely as I still like the frames.

Edit: also just ordered a pair of standard glasses from Clearly; given it's my first order I got them for $39 all up. Thought it was worth a go trying them out, considering they have the 30-day trial period. Half of that cost was for the coatings, which seems tad expensive given the reported actual cost of these.

dejadeadnz

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#1048465 19-May-2014 22:53

timmmay: Guys, I'm trying Zenni for some glasses, one standard frame, one half rimless. Given that price isn't an issue should I go with the recommended 1.5 standard plastic (CR39), mid index, trivex, polycarbonate, or high index. These are for +0.75 reading glasses so the thickness is much the same for any of the frames, as thin as you can get basically. My main concern is optical quality, with weight being a small factor .

Any thoughts on anti-reflective coatings too? You can pay $5, $9, or $15 for standard, easy to clean, and fingerprint resistant respectively.

For the full-frame, it's pretty easy: plastic will do at your prescription - the thinning effect that you will get from the higher quality lenses will not be too apparent anyway, provided your frame isn't excessively large. Nonetheless, Long-sighted people have their lenses thickest in the middle so seeing that the mid-index plastic is free, you might as well go for it. In THEORY the optics aren't as good as 1.50 but optoms I know generally say that the difference isn't huge.

For the semi-rimless, especially in view of the fact that there will be inevitable compromises in terms of the quality of the labour and materials due to the price, plastic is absolutely out. The bottom of the lenses are at risk of chipping and during the drilling process, dodgy labour might mean that the lenses could be compromised near the drill hole. You also should stay well away from polyCRAP due to their proneness to scratching and absolutely crap optical quality (if you insist on getting it, the best possible AR coating is a must). Trivex will be lighter than polycrap, is more scratch resistant (and far more chemical resistant - important for those who insist on grabbing whatever seemingly unsuitable cleaning agent to hand to clean your glasses), and has optical quality quite close to normal plastic (1.50). Hi-Index plastic (1.61) should be thinner and probably lighter than Trivex but once you go hi-index, most reputable optoms agree that AR is a very good idea. At 1.67 or over, those lenses' optical quality won't be as good as trivex and AR is definitely a must. High-index lenses are more durable than normal plastic but still less shatter proof than polycrap and trivex. If I were in your position, I'd probably get trivex.

So you're probably noticing a theme about the AR coating: on some lens choices, you really should get them. On others, depending on whether you've had AR before and how much you value it, it's optional (basically on hi-index lenses the plastic is especially moulded so that less material is used to bend the light but due to this the light is more prone to going "all over the place" so to speak, hence the advisability of AR coating). However, bad AR coating will almost certain "craze" (google it) over time and lead to very annoying visual effects. I'll be blunt: even the best that Zenni offers is unlikely to be great. But at least pay a bit more and hope for the best if you do get AR.

timmmay

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#1048506 20-May-2014 06:47

Thanks Deja, I placed the order and it's a bit late to change to trivex now. If they're not right when they get here I'll return them for replacement and I'll upgrade then.

I got the good AR coating on both. If these glasses are good I'll get another pair at my real prescription (I wear contacts most of the time) and I'll try the lower AR coating on them since I wear them about twice a year at most. When I was considering which AR coating I decided a coating which in theory makes the lenses more scratch resistant and costs less than one days lunch is worthwhile.

MikeAqua

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#1048649 20-May-2014 11:00

I had a positive experience with spec savers. I need magnification and also correction of astigmatism that is different in each eye. I previously had reading glasses and another pair of glasses that make driving at night or watching movies more comfortable.

The SS examination was very thorough. The recommendation was consistent with my previous prescriptions, but with increased magnification. This stacked up as I felt my reading glasses were no longer working well for me.

The dispensing optician who helped me choose my frames was very helpful. When the glasses arrived she also was very thorough about fitting them to me.

I got two pairs of progressives - one pair multi-coated clear lenses and one pair of designer (Tommy someone or other) sunglasses for $900.

I could have saved money as I choose the second to top progressive grade and there were certainly cheaper frames available. I'm under 40. The clears look good on me, but not perfect. The lenses are really a little bit deep for my face shape, but you do need deeper lenses with progressives. The sunglasses suit me better than any pair I have ever owned. Fantastic for driving.

Three months after purchase I think the prescription is bang on. Reading is never uncomfortable and I have regained clarity of vision at long range.

Mike

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#1048675 20-May-2014 11:23

SS is currently doing 50% off on glasses $199 or over (if I remember correctly). If your prescription is reasonably bog standard and you stick with full frame glasses, there's a very real possibility that you can pick up a decent bargain. A colleague (who like me isn't exactly their biggest fan) picked up a reasonably stylish backup pair for less than $210 all up and that was inclusive of AR coating. She did say that the lenses were clearly not as good as her Hoya on the main pair but otherwise pretty fine.

dejadeadnz

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#1048720 20-May-2014 12:10

For those who buy glasses online, do you measure your own PD?

timmmay

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#1048725 20-May-2014 12:16

Optometrist included mine with my prescription. Since you need a prescription and they can't withhold information just ask your optometrist.

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#1048730 20-May-2014 12:19

dejadeadnz: For those who buy glasses online, do you measure your own PD?

Given that the PD was absent from my prescription from Specsavers I had my wife do it. Interestingly, the "ruler" I printed off from the Zenni website was out by quite some margin - assume this was down to my printer - but it meant we ended up using a ruler. Why would this information not be included in the prescription?

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