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The Dangers of Buying Glasses Online: Why Going to Your Local High Street Optometrist is Crucial

10 October 2024

In today’s digital age, convenience is king. The internet offers an incredible range of products at the click of a button, and this includes glasses. However, while it might be tempting to purchase glasses online for the sake of convenience and often lower prices, there are significant risks involved that could affect your eye health and overall well-being. As a high street optometrist, I want to highlight the dangers of buying glasses online, emphasizing why visiting your local optometrist remains the best choice for your eye care needs.

1. Incorrect Prescription Measurements
One of the most critical aspects of getting the right pair of glasses is ensuring that your prescription is accurate. When you visit an optometrist, you undergo a comprehensive eye examination where not only your vision is tested, but precise measurements, such as pupillary distance (PD), are taken. Many online retailers provide tools for measuring your PD, but this often leads to inaccuracies.

An improper measurement can result in discomfort, distorted vision, and even headaches. When you buy glasses online, there’s no professional guidance to ensure the measurements are correct, which can lead to a subpar vision experience.

2. Lack of Professional Guidance
Choosing the right frame, material, and lens options is more complex than it seems. Several factors, such as your face shape, skin tone, and personal style, should influence your choice of glasses. When you opt for online shopping, you miss out on the expertise of an optometrist or dispensing optician who can provide personalized recommendations based on your visual needs and lifestyle.

In addition, if you have specific requirements such as higher prescriptions, progressive lenses, or special coatings, a trained professional can guide you through the best options available. Online shopping often lacks this crucial personalized touch.

3. Quality Concerns
Not all glasses are created equal. Many online retailers might offer glasses at a fraction of the price of local optometrists, but the lens quality and frame materials may be significantly inferior. Some lower-quality lenses can scratch easily, distort your vision, or cause eye strain. Additionally, inexpensive frames often lack durability, leading to replacement costs that can add up over time.

When you purchase glasses from a high street optometrist, you can expect a certain standard of quality assurance. Reputable stores provide warranties and guarantees, ensuring that you’re investing in quality eyewear that serves you well for years to come.

4. No Post-Purchase Support
Wearing a new pair of glasses can require some adjustments. Whether it’s fine-tuning the fit or adjusting to the new prescription, support post-purchase is vital. When buying online, this support can be minimal or non-existent. You may find it challenging to make adjustments, such as tightening loose frames or aligning lenses, which can lead to discomfort.

In contrast, local optometrists offer full post-purchase support. You can return for adjustments or advice at any time, ensuring that your glasses fit perfectly and provide the best possible vision.

5. Limited Return Policies
While some online retailers do offer return policies, they can be complicated and often come with many stipulations. If the glasses aren’t right for you, navigating the return process can be frustrating and time-consuming. You may find yourself without a functioning pair of glasses while dealing with shipping back and forth.

Buying from a local optometrist allows for immediate satisfaction. If something isn’t right, you can often resolve the issue on the spot. With a quick adjustment or a professional eye, you’ll walk away with glasses you love and can see clearly with.

6. Eye Health Monitoring
Regular visits to your optometrist aren’t just about getting prescriptions for glasses; they are about monitoring your overall eye health. Your optometrist can help detect early signs of serious conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration during a comprehensive eye exam. These conditions can go unnoticed until they lead to more severe issues if you’re not vigilant.

Online purchases do not provide you with the opportunity for ongoing eye health assessments. You might have perfect vision today, but without regular check-ups, you could miss significant changes and risks down the road.

Conclusion
In summary, while buying glasses online may seem convenient, the dangers far outweigh the benefits. An accurate prescription, professional guidance, quality assurance, post-purchase support, hassle-free returns, and regular eye health monitoring are all paramount to effective vision care and should never be compromised.

Next time you need a new pair of glasses, consider making an appointment with your local high street optometrist. Investing in your eye health today means a clearer, more comfortable vision tomorrow. Your eyes are worth it!

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Christopher Young

Christopher Young

Optometrist

Chris qualified as an optometrist virtually before time began. He has worked in the practice since it opened in 1986 and now specialises in Vision Therapy. In his spare time he is a member of the local Masonic Lodge and enjoys sailing, watching rugby and cricket as well as sampling Single Malts and red wine.

Rebecca

Rebecca

Optometrist and Dry Eye Specialist

After finishing a degree in Biology at Southampton University Rebecca went on to study Optometry at Cardiff University and completed her pre-registration at Williams & Parry Opticians in heart of the Welsh valleys.

Rebecca still keeps a strong affiliation with Cardiff University and has returned as a part-time clinical supervisor and also as an organiser/participant in the ‘Returning Vision Moldova Project’. This non-profit University associated project involves visiting remote and impoverished communities in Moldova and providing eye exams and glasses to those in need.

Always keen to expand her knowledge Rebecca has consistently completed extra accreditation in optometry since graduating; most recently the post-graduate certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists.

After meeting a particularly charming West-Country man 6 years ago Rebecca migrated across the Severn bridge and has resided very happily in the Mendip area ever since. Of course being Welsh she is an avid Rugby fan and during any international match she is easily recognisable at her local pub for sporting the only red shirt in the house!

Tracy

Tracy

Manager & Eyewear Advisor

Tracy worked for Tesco on the customer service desk for many years before joining us in 2014. In her spare time she enjoys walking and travel, particularly to the USA.

Nikisha

Nikisha

Audiologist and Hearing Aid Consultant

Nikisha has been a fully qualified audiologist for more than seven years, having graduated from the University of Bristol in Summer 2012. After gaining her degree, she worked as part of a fantastic NHS team in Bath for two years, which greatly developed her clinical expertise.

Following her time in the NHS, Nikisha wanted to broaden her knowledge further, and so five years ago moved into the private sector, where she has been able to continue to build her extensive skillset.

“I decided to venture out and join the team at The Hearing Care Partnership because they are renowned for delivering great customer service and great technology to their clients, which is something I wanted to be part of. In addition, working alongside optical practice teams was an intriguing proposition, and a whole new experience for me.

“When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my daughter. I also really enjoy a good mystery or crime book – Harlan Coben is one of my favourite authors!”

Kay

Kay

Optical Assistant

Kay has had many years of customer service, both in retail and Doctor’s surgeries. She is happiest when walking in the Somerset countryside with her dog.

Eloise

Eloise

Eyewear Stylist and Dry Eye Technician

Eloise joined us from another High Street Optical practice. She has been trained as an optical assistant and clinical technician and is supporting Tracy with Styling Consultations as well as helping to run our Dry Eye Clinics