BUY BARGAIN GLASSES ONLINE

Sick of paying over the odds for specs? Try online instead

– you can take your prescription anywhere.

● GET A FREE EYE TEST If you work on a screen, you can claim the full cost of a standard test from your employer. If you need glasses for your job, they should either pay for basic glasses or contribute – ask HR.

● CHECK TERMS AND CONDITIONS Found a great offer? Check the small print – does it only offer certain lenses or frames? Will you have to pay inflated prices for coatings?

● MEASURE YOUR PD When ordering specs online, you need to measure your pupillary distance (PD) – the distance between the centre of your pupils. Specsavers has an online tool, or you can buy the little ruler at selectspecs.com for £1.50. ● TRY AT HOME Not all sites let you try them, so only buy from sites where you can. Some also have helpful “best fit finder” and frame fitting advice, too.

● POOR SIGHT? PICK THIN FRAMES If your prescription is stronger than +/- 3 but less than +/- 5, high index (thinner) lenses will be a better choice.

● GET MONEY OFF Check if the website has live voucher codes, deals for first-time buyers, or if you can buy them from a cashback site.

● HAVE A LOOK AT THESE SITES: Glassesdirect.co.uk, misterspex.co.uk, spex4less.com, selectspecs.com, smartbuyglasses.co.uk, specscart.co.uk, findyourbirds.com.