Cheap designer specs??

[Glamourcide]

I decided to post this one in Health/Wellbeing rather than Fashion/Beauty, hope I'm on the right track
So I've been getting horrible headaches and straining to read small print at 'long' distances (ie on TV), and getting less confident in driving after dark as I can't see well enough, so off to the optometrist I went to get checked out. And sure enough, Glam needs some glasses! I tried on a few pairs at OPSM this afternoon but I can't see myself spending $250 + $93 for each lens (so nearly $200 just on lenses alone) on a pair of specs that I'm really only going to wear around the house anyway (normal vision totally fine, just getting a bit strained with TV/computer etc).

Where did you four-eyes get your glasses from, how much did you pay (I have no PHI so everything will be cash up front, full price) and where can I get the best deal on some cute frames? I have a penchant for designer ones and all the nice ones I've seen are $200-$300, I don't know if DH will let me spend that much

TIA for any advice

[PumpkinZulu]

SPECSAVERS!!! You've seen mine on fb, I really like them! I got the frame and lenses for $69! The frames were actually in the $99 range but I talked them down to the one below. Definately go in for a look, great value for money.

[allycat06]

I have the exact same eye issues as you! Do you have a Specsavers nearby? I got 2 pairs of FCUK glasses for $400 (well $200 as I have PHI) but they have a few different price points (from $59 to $399 I think). I think the designer ones are mostly $150 and above but you get 2 pairs which is handy and price includes lenses (bit extra to get the reflective coating on them).

ETA: Optical superstore is another one...they have designer frames and the 2 for 1 one thingo to compete with Specsavers and Big W do glasses now I believe.

[misty]

Do you have a specsavers near you?? If so I would recommend them highly. I have had great service from all of them, and they have a great range at cheap prices. Otherwise "budget eyewear" may have some cheaper but still decent looking glasses.

FYI - think yourself lucky you only have to pay for normal lenses - I am so shortsighted that I have to pay approx $300 for my lenses and then pay for the frames on top of that.

[Miss.September]

They just had a story about specsavers on ACA - they showed brands like FCUK, etc, so maybe give them a go. I'm going to next time I need a new set - which is exactly two years ago

[Beach Mama]

I got my DKNY's from OPSM but I don't mind spending a bit more coz I wear them all day most days, but mum and I looked at Big W vision and there were a few there that were great and mum got 2 for $170 or something. Def worth checking and they had Vera Wang and s few other designers as well.FWIW it's worth asking if there are discounts on them at opsm because mine should have been around $600 but came down to $400 with $180 lenses.

[Glamourcide]

Thanks heaps, ladies Knew I could count on you all to help a girl out! I'm just looking online after checking the ACA/TT sites (they both had stories on discount specs tonight!) and it turns out there are none in town, but Rocky has 3 or 4, Specsavers, Optical Superstore and I think Budget Whatsershop... looks like DH and I are due for another trip up lol He needs some prescription sunnies!
Yeah Misty, I'm looking at $93 for each lens and then whatever frames cost, I feel your pain!! They're only single-vision but the optometrist highly recommended getting the reflective coating as one of my problems is with driving and I can't even sit near a window on a sunny day without wearing sunnies, the glare hurts too badly (maybe I just need to get outside more lol) So that's about $80 to get that But I figure it'll be worth it for what I will be using the glasses for.
Thanks again ladies I will drag DH up to Rocky with me asap and tell him you've all advised a trip to Specsavers et al instead of shopping in town and paying a fortune!

[allycat06]

The reflective coating was $50 at specsavers if I remember correctly. Definitely get it if your going to drive with them on. I got it on one pair and it makes a HUGE difference! I had the wrong glasses with me the other day and drove at night time, all the headlights and traffic light reflections were bouncing off each other. It was like looking into a prism whilst drunk!