Prescription sunglasses

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nate

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#154857 10-Nov-2014 20:25

I need to get my better half's prescription sunglasses replaced as she graciously donated her last pair to the sea off Takapuna Beach.

Supplier suggestions appreciated.

(don't suggest Specsavers, tried there and they wanted $200+, when they did an eye check and two pairs of glasses for $300 originally)

tieke

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#1172422 10-Nov-2014 20:38

I think the cheapest pairs start at around $50-70 from ClearlyContacts and they often have deals on, so you could well get it cheaper from them. I know that I have bought some adequate plastic-framed prescription sunglasses from some random overseas site for about $40 delivered, but can't find where at the moment - I'll have a search through some old e-mails.

tieke

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#1172424 10-Nov-2014 20:47

Note that with ClearlyContacts and many other stockists, you can often choose a standard frame style and then selecte a tinted lens rather than just looking at their sunglasses options. For instance, this is the first pair listed under their "cyber event sale", but don't show up under the sunglasses section. Sometimes the straight grey tint isn't any extra, but it's usually an additional $50 for polarised lenses. (as well as whatever additional coatings you want), but at least shipping is included.

timmmay

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#1172426 10-Nov-2014 20:54

Zenni Optical are decent, cheaper than clearly, though even with the same prescription that works fine everywhere else (including a dodgy little optician in Thailand) the lenses don't seem quite right. I've gotten a few pairs from Clearly, but haven't kept any, for various reasons I wasn't happy with them. If they're for really regular wear then buying in NZ is best - I have a few pairs from various places overseas but both pairs of my main reading glasses (home/work) I bought the frames elsewhere then got my optician to put lenses in for $250 or so.

oxnsox

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#1172436 10-Nov-2014 21:15

+1 for Zenni
You'll need her script including her PD, but that's all well explained on their site. (Even tells you how to measure your own)
Used them last month, order took 10 days from order to door which is longer than previous orders

farcus

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#1172443 10-Nov-2014 21:43

timmmay: Zenni Optical are decent, cheaper than clearly, though even with the same prescription that works fine everywhere else (including a dodgy little optician in Thailand) the lenses don't seem quite right. I've gotten a few pairs from Clearly, but haven't kept any, for various reasons I wasn't happy with them. If they're for really regular wear then buying in NZ is best - I have a few pairs from various places overseas but both pairs of my main reading glasses (home/work) I bought the frames elsewhere then got my optician to put lenses in for $250 or so.

Never had a problem with Zenni. Bought about a dozen pair off them over the years and every one of them has been optically correct (as per prescription)

Geektastic

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#1172514 10-Nov-2014 23:02

nate: I need to get my better half's prescription sunglasses replaced as she graciously donated her last pair to the sea off Takapuna Beach.

Supplier suggestions appreciated.

(don't suggest Specsavers, tried there and they wanted $200+, when they did an eye check and two pairs of glasses for $300 originally)

I got Maui Jim's from my independent optician.

Expensive ($1200 I think) but astonishing. The lenses are made in Japan and have the correct prescrip everywhere across the lens curves!

timmmay

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#1172572 11-Nov-2014 07:37

farcus: Never had a problem with Zenni. Bought about a dozen pair off them over the years and every one of them has been optically correct (as per prescription)

I just switched (2 seconds ago) from my NZ prescription to my Zenni prescription. I can still see fine, but I have more eye strain, and I have trouble wearing the glasses for an extended period. Not sure why, they have the same prescription as everyone else, and I've had glasses from many places from that prescription. Maybe bad luck, but I have 3 pairs the same prescription and they're all the same.

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nate

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#1182025 24-Nov-2014 11:14

Seems her prescription that I have expired a month ago. Is this a problem? Do I need to get her eyes rechecked and get a new prescription?

wasabi2k

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#1182031 24-Nov-2014 11:23

nate: Seems her prescription that I have expired a month ago. Is this a problem? Do I need to get her eyes rechecked and get a new prescription?

As I understand it - it is good practice to as your vision can change over time, but your eyes won't explode if you don't.

But if you are about to buy new glasses from a shop you may as well get a free test and glasses.

Otherwise OPSM do free eye tests for Southern Cross (but you may have an awkward exchange about getting your prescription) and SpecSavers do free checks for AA members.

ckc

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#1182069 24-Nov-2014 12:16

Should get your eyes checked every two years. I get the money back through insurance, so I do it every year.

For my sunnies, I tend to buy the frames elsewhere and then get my opticians to fit them. It's cheaper than buying the frames at the opticians, and the guys I go to are really good and put up with my persistent whining.

Hoofhaarted

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#1182103 24-Nov-2014 13:06

I got the free eye check at SpeckSavers through having an AA membership.

Rather than sunglasses I used their 2 frame deal to get one pair of transition lenses. Might be another option.

I use Contacts and normal sunglasses for playing cricket etc.

Jaxson

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#1182110 24-Nov-2014 13:26

Normally it doesn't change too much, but then maybe it has. You won't know unless you get it checked.

My sunglasses are from 69 glasses or whatever the call them. I went polarised and I'd highly recommend that to reduce glare/reflection from the dashboard onto the windscreen for instance. Horrible for LCD screens though.

Anyway, sent my prescription through and they arrived a while later by mail. All good.

Only issue I have is the frames are fairly tiny on my head, so I'd pay more attention to those sorts of details next time around. Lenses though are really good. I could easily recommend prescription sunglasses through them.

johnmo

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#1182150 24-Nov-2014 14:06

NZ based and just started up. Pretty fancy.

http://www.lensmaneyewear.co.uk/