A new pair of glasses can easily cost more than a weekend away, yet some of the biggest savings have nothing to do with discount codes.
Glasses are one of those costs most of us never question. You have your eye test, someone walks you over to the frame wall, and by the time you’ve added thinner lenses and a coating or two, the bill has crept well past what you meant to spend.
A fair chunk of that is optional. Some of it shouldn’t be coming out of your pocket at all.
In this guide:free eye tests, what your employer owes you, your prescription rights, buying online, lens extras, reglazing, one pair versus two, and when to buy.
Are you entitled to a free eye test?
Check this before you book. NHS eye examinations are free for everyone living in Scotland. In the rest of the UK you’ll usually qualify if you’re 60 or over, claim certain benefits, are registered blind or partially sighted, or have diabetes or glaucoma. If you’re 40 or over and a parent, brother, sister or child has glaucoma, you qualify too.
