Some stores have buy 2 get 1 free promotions or multi-pair discounts, yet the cost becomes expensive after adding prescription lenses
https://www.oscarwylee.co.nz/
https://www.specsavers.co.nz/
https://www.curtisvision.co.nz/
https://baileynelson.co.nz/
https://drspecs.co.nz/
https://theopticalshop.co.nz/
Looking for Recommendations: Where Do You Get Your Eye Test Done and Get Prescription Glasses ?
Cheapiesuser on 13/02/2026 - 13:31
Comments
We do exactly the same.
Zenni
This.
Search Zenni Optical on this site for earlier discussion, I've shared my thoughts on it a couple of times and I won't buy glasses from anywhere else.
The only caveat is that you must have an accurate pupillary distance measurement and most opticians conveniently leave this important detail off the written/printed prescription. I've never had one include PD without asking for it.
You can measure it yourself and there are webcam smart tools that can do it for you (eg. on Zenni's website), but it's best to get the optometrist to do it as it has to be accurate, especially if you have a strong prescription.
So yeah, get your cheap or free eye checkup and ask for your prescription with PD, but don't get sucked in by the persuasive salespeople trying to sell you two pairs of average glasses for $199 or whatever. You can get 4-6 high quality pairs with extras (anti-reflective coating, clip on polarised lenses, higher index lens, etc) delivered for less than that on Zenni.
If you're on cheapies but buying from optometrists, you're doing it wrong.
To add to this, go to an optometrist and try on a few pairs to work out what fits you best. Then look on the arm of the glasses and look for the number printed on it like 54-18-145. This is the lens width, bridge size and temple length. Make a not of this information and make sure what you buy from an online store matches this.
You also need you PD which you don't typically get with an eye test, but there are plenty of apps that help you measure this. Try a few and take the average or get someone to measure for you.
I've bought from Zenni and Eye Buy Direct. Both great glasses, loaded with all the the extras.
Work pays for eye tests and glasses up grades every year, so I usually go for the 2 for 1 at specsavers. Computer and everyday pair with transitions or driving sunglasses.
Got eye tests and frame done at OPSM about 2 yrs ago. Work insurance covered it.
Opsm have a 50% sale on prescription glasses sometimes, which is when I got it too.
If you are based in Auckland, Costco also has eye test. Glasses are expensive though.
Specsavers for prescription and whole family buys from Zenni
I get free checks at Specsavers (I'm happy with their testing and recording of potential issues). I can get copy of results and use an online service. Last time zenni. I found the cheap glasses deals at Specsavers and others were only for low power lenses. So a $99 (or whatever) deal didn't apply and my glasses would be $500. So, online it was. Never paid more than $100 online.
My comments about having success with "Merry's official store" on AliExpress were unpublished. Maybe this will work without a link. Shrug.
I got frame and progressive lens for USD 76 in 2021.
Just talk to them via chat. Very helpful.
Other stores are available.
PS. How to link to an AliExpress store and not trip up angry-bot?
PS. How to link to an AliExpress store and not trip up angry-bot?
The answer seems to be to paste the "share" link provided by AliExpress into a browser, wait for the redirect, then take the resulting URL and chop off all the trailing parameters.
I hope…
I hope…
The link doesn't work for me - I just get a mostly empty page with some background graphics, but nothing specific.
Weird. Just search for *progressive lens" and you'll find stores
@boldbilly: I just tried it again, and this time it re-directed me from the above URL to:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/home.html?shopId=1100550397
That URL shows me what appears to be a store called "Merry's".
Maybe it was just a transient issue before.
Thanks!
Similar to Zenni but I've used smartbuyglasses.co.nz for my last few pairs. My prescription is up around -9 and no issues with their high index lenses.
Free eye test at OPSM or Specsavers and harrang them in to providing the PD along with the prescription. Try on the pairs in store to see what suits, note the frame number/size and you're good to go to order online.
@spam: It shouldn't matter that you got it free I don't think. It's your health information. If they have a PD on record for you, they must give you that information. You could try citing the Health Information Privacy Code and if they still refuse threaten to complain to the Privacy Commissioner.
https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-17-…
"Free" one from AA membership, so perhaps there's that.
Specsaver refused to give PD stating they only measure when getting new glasses and won't give the one on record and wont accept responsibility if buying elsewhere
Interesting. Did you pay for the eye-test?
If so, then at least next time, you could ask if they will include accurate PD (and any other sizes) measurements as part of the test, but if after the fact, then I'm not sure there is much you can do.
The other alternative (no use now though) is just never go there again, and try elsewhere next time.
Specsaver refused to give PD stating they only measure when getting new glasses and won't give the one on record and wont accept responsibility if buying elsewhere
We use either Specsavers or Opsm - due to benefits from other membership (eg AA & health insurance). You can then take your prescription anywhere/where ever has the best deal at the time.
Originally I got some glasses from Clearly but the quality was a bit meh of both the frames and the lenses. Since then I have grabbed glasses at Opsm/Specsavers and been much more satisfied.