Buying Glasses Online
If you've been reading my blog for any prolonged period of time then you'll know by now that I'm rarely seen without a pair of specs framing my face. I like to save the contact lenses for when I'm planning to go heavy with eye makeup, usually on a date night or night out.
For the last four years I've been buying my glasses online. Initially, I was drawn to the obviously larger range of specs that shopping online offers and as an added bonus I've almost always managed to get my glasses (lenses and protective coatings included) much cheaper than I would have had I gone with buying in store. To begin with I was a little wary of going online to purchase and fully expected to run into some sort of problem with the fit and prescription but I found that when I did run into one (a sizing issue... someone's got a pea head *ahem*), the fix was quick and simple thanks to the store I used.
I have always purchased my spectacles from Glasses Direct and have encouraged lots of friends to do so in the past. The best thing about these guys is that they offer a completely free trial which is especially useful if you are buying for the very first time. I've made good use out of this service, as I wanted to make sure that my first pair of glasses were spot on. I initially ordered a pair of thick rimmed spectacles that were way too big for my face, I sent these back completely hassle free and went off of their measurements to find a smaller pair that I would ultimately be more suited towards. I ended up with the pair of John Lennon glasses that you see me wearing in almost all of my posts (these are almost an exact match, the only difference being the embellishment on the arm) and I have grown so attached to them. I even ask my optician to change the lenses when my prescription changes.
For the last four years I've been buying my glasses online. Initially, I was drawn to the obviously larger range of specs that shopping online offers and as an added bonus I've almost always managed to get my glasses (lenses and protective coatings included) much cheaper than I would have had I gone with buying in store. To begin with I was a little wary of going online to purchase and fully expected to run into some sort of problem with the fit and prescription but I found that when I did run into one (a sizing issue... someone's got a pea head *ahem*), the fix was quick and simple thanks to the store I used.
I have always purchased my spectacles from Glasses Direct and have encouraged lots of friends to do so in the past. The best thing about these guys is that they offer a completely free trial which is especially useful if you are buying for the very first time. I've made good use out of this service, as I wanted to make sure that my first pair of glasses were spot on. I initially ordered a pair of thick rimmed spectacles that were way too big for my face, I sent these back completely hassle free and went off of their measurements to find a smaller pair that I would ultimately be more suited towards. I ended up with the pair of John Lennon glasses that you see me wearing in almost all of my posts (these are almost an exact match, the only difference being the embellishment on the arm) and I have grown so attached to them. I even ask my optician to change the lenses when my prescription changes.
Glasses Direct recently asked if I'd like to review a pair of glasses from London Retro's 'Retrospectiv' collection. Considering I'm a fan of their service and was planning on writing a post like this anyway, I went ahead and chose the 'Loren' glasses in shiny black. I'm a fan of dark, thick frames and think that they can look really stylish. I've always wanted a nice, subtle pair of cat-eye style glasses and the Loren glasses provide the perfect take. The frames are lightweight yet sturdy and needed no adjustments when I received them. I've got a feeling I'll be sporting these beauties whenever I have the chance to. They are an instant classic! What do you think?
My Top Tips for Buying Online
1: Ask for an up to date copy of your prescription from your optician. They can not withhold this from you. My optician is lovely and I've never had any trouble obtaining mine from him, so hopefully you won't with yours either!
2: Your prescription should provide all of the neccesary information required to order online. You should have information on sphere, cylinder and axis for each eye. In some cases, you may have also have been provided with your pupiliary distance.
3: At check out, check and double check that you have entered your prescription into the order form accurately. I've made this mistake before and was walking around with a slightly off prescription non-the-wiser for weeks. Cue lots of headaches, a visit to my optician and a lesson learnt!
4: Look at the dimensions in the item description. This way you'll be able to find the perfect fit for you.
5: If buying from GlassesDirect, definitely make good use out of the free home trial if you're not 100% that your frames are going to be perfect.
6: Finally, consider anti-scratch or anti-reflective coatings for your lenses.
I hope you find this post helpful! x
My Top Tips for Buying Online
1: Ask for an up to date copy of your prescription from your optician. They can not withhold this from you. My optician is lovely and I've never had any trouble obtaining mine from him, so hopefully you won't with yours either!
2: Your prescription should provide all of the neccesary information required to order online. You should have information on sphere, cylinder and axis for each eye. In some cases, you may have also have been provided with your pupiliary distance.
3: At check out, check and double check that you have entered your prescription into the order form accurately. I've made this mistake before and was walking around with a slightly off prescription non-the-wiser for weeks. Cue lots of headaches, a visit to my optician and a lesson learnt!
4: Look at the dimensions in the item description. This way you'll be able to find the perfect fit for you.
5: If buying from GlassesDirect, definitely make good use out of the free home trial if you're not 100% that your frames are going to be perfect.
6: Finally, consider anti-scratch or anti-reflective coatings for your lenses.
I hope you find this post helpful! x
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