You’re being framed29
Specs sold by big high street opticians 134% more than web
HIGH street opticians are ripping off patients with eye-watering prices for specs that can be bought online for far less.
Mark-ups as high as 134% on frames are being pushed by top firms, a Daily Mirror investigation revealed.
But we also found a simple trick to save you a small fortune on eye health bills.
Almost two-thirds of Brits wear prescription glasses or contact lenses regularly in a £3billion-a-year market – and 95% buy from Boots, Vision Express or Specsavers.
Yet many are unaware the big three and other high street rivals must give customers a prescription after an eye test – so you can shop around before buying. The top saving we found was on tortoiseshell Jimmy Choo glasses priced £310 at Boots.
The same pair with singlevision lenses were available for just £141.97 on Spex4less – a saving of £168.03.
MoneySavingExpert.com deals editor Gary Caffell said: “If you’re willing to research you can make great savings on specs by shopping online instead of on the high street.
“Prices are as low as two pairs for £20.
“And some sites even let you upload an image then mock up what you’d look like in the new frames.”
The big three opticians all issue prescriptions but stressed the benefits of in-store services tailored to customers’ requirements using qualified specialists.