Quick Guide to Buying Spectacles Online
Not sure how to begin? Here is our quick guide to buying spectacles from Faversham Optical.
1. Have your eyes tested
If you haven’t had a sight test within the last two years, visit your local optician for a sight test and ensure they give you a copy of your prescription when you leave.
Your prescription is still valid if you have had a sight test within the last two years. If you have a copy, then proceed to step 2. If not, then ask your optician to supply one. They will not give it to you over the phone, but they could post it or email it if you cannot collect it in person. They may ask you for a small fee for a copy of the prescription.
2. Choose a frame
See our choosing a frame guide if you need help.
In brief, men’s frames tend to be larger, more rectangular and in more sober colours. Ladies’ frames are smaller, more oval and often in brighter colours. Many of our frames are suitable for men and women. Suppose you see a frame you like – don’t be put off if it’s listed as a men’s frame and you are a woman. These are guidelines only.
There are two other things to consider. If you have a high prescription, say higher than +/-3.00D, a narrower (width) is better as it will allow us to keep the lenses thinner.
Secondly, if you need bifocals or varifocals, a deeper frame is best, as it allows us to get the reading area in. If a frame is too shallow, you cannot select a bifocal or varifocal lens from the options.
3. Choose your lenses
See our choosing a lens guide for more information.
We sell all types of lenses just like your local optician, but at a fraction of the cost—bifocals from £30 extra and varifocals from £50 extra.
4. Second pair?
If you need a second pair for reading or perhaps some sunglasses, this is the best time to add them, as the postage remains the same no matter how many pairs you choose.
5. Fill in your details
We must collect basic information about you, such as name, address, DOB etc., just like your local optician would. You can check out without starting a new account, but if you choose to open an account, we will save all your details for next time.
6. Enter your prescription
You can either send us a photograph of your prescription or complete the details using our form.
You must enter the details exactly as it is written. See our understanding your prescription guide for further information.
Be very careful with + and – signs. If you are unsure, enter +0.00D and send us the prescription by post or email. (A photo with a smartphone is usually sufficient) If we spot something that doesn’t look right, we will contact you before placing the order, but ultimately, we cannot be held responsible if you enter incorrect prescription details.
7. Await delivery
Some spectacles can be despatched on the same day as we have a stock of lenses here, but we will send out most distance, reading or intermediate prescriptions within a few working days.
Bifocals and varifocals may take about ten working days to be posted out.
8. Adjustments
Your spectacles will often fit you straight out of the box; however, if they don’t, see our adjustments guide for further advice. If you are unsure or unwilling to make adjustments, your local optician will usually help. Some opticians may make a small charge for adjustments, but this is unusual.
9. Tell all your friends
Let everyone know you got your new glasses from Faversham Optical.
Thanks
Chris