SpecSavers - has anyone?

[rustic101]

used or heard of their service, skills etc.

I seriously need to replace my existing glasses and am not paying over a grand again if I can get two pairs for well under that.

Cheers

[Smokin]

Yeah, My Mrs went in to get some new specs sorted out because they had a good deal going, really happy with the glasses and the prescription sunnies but she came out scratcing her head after the cheap price crept up to a whisker over $600. She was really surprised how much clearer her vision is now and she won't be going back to her old optometrist.

So +1 for specsavers.

[Hitcher]

SpecSavers is a classic upselling rort. I'd be interested to know how many people who go in on the promise of cheaper eyewear actually walk out having made a minimum purchase. Very few I suspect.

Cheap is as cheap does. If you want a proper eye examination from a qualified optometrist who isn't on an hourly quota, then I would recommend that you go to an independent practitioner rather than to a supermarket. There's more to an optical examination than just getting a set of corrective glasses or contact lenses. Your eyes are reasonably important. I suggest that taking good care of them is possibly worth a bit more than a cheap pair of specs.

[Oakie]

From a newspaper article I found through Consumer:

Buying new glasses has traditionally been a budget-breaking affair, but experts say the arrival of online discounters and large retail chains is transforming the $280 million-a-year industry.
Consumers are enjoying more variety and cheaper prices since Specsavers opened its first stores 18 months ago, according to the British-owned retailer.
But independent optometrists claim they offer better eye care and warned customers "you get what you pay for".
Pete Campbell, general manager of Visique Optometrists, said: "The bigger picture of eye health is more important for us. We offer comprehensive eye examinations. We sell quality lenses made by the best in Europe."

He said over the past 12 months Visique has seen a lot of people "go on a discovery to see what is out there and come back to us".
Meg Browning, a dispensing optician from Vigil Eyewear, said cheap deals and discount ranges wasn't its market.
"Our focus is customer satisfaction and making sure people leave happy. All our staff are fully qualified, unlike some bigger chains which have retail staff on the floor."

But Specsavers' New Zealand managing director Graeme Edmond said its service would match any in the industry.
"We have massive buying power through our 1200 stores internationally. We often buy from the same factories in Europe and Asia as our competitors.
"All of our stores have the latest equipment to provide professional eye examinations. We might organise things differently and run it more efficiently but there is no difference.
"For too long Kiwis have been paying too much."

But people out shopping for glasses in Auckland this week had mixed feelings about whether cheaper was necessarily better.
Nita Wetti, who bought two pairs of designer glasses for $389 from Specsavers, said she was happy with the price.
"I came in because of the free eye test. I was so overdue. It's an amazing deal. In the past I would have paid at least $500 for one pair of glasses."
However, Megan Robinson was more doubtful. She is in the market for a new pair of glasses but said she would try to avoid the cheaper options.
"I just feel more comfortable at some of the more traditional stores. I don't mind paying a bit more when it comes to my eyes."
Consumer New Zealand advisor Maggie Edwards said Specsavers had brought an element of competition and there had been very few complaints.

[huff3r]

To be honest i paid good money for my glasses to find a style that suited my face, fitted well and looked nice. For that i had to go with some ADIDAS frames, so yeah i definitely did not go with specsavers. What ive often found with discount shops of any variety is the 80/20 rule. 80% of their stock will be right for 20% of those who come through the door, and the other 20% will be priced to the extreme!! (Damn you all if your in the 20% where its right!)

[yachtie10]

try them and see
I personally think most optical outlets in NZ are a rip-off due to lack of competition
hopefully now we will have options like in other countries
you get what you pay for but sometimes you pay a whole lot more for the same thing

[vindy500]

Have good experience with em, Im a very part time glasses wearer though

[marty]

just spet $600 on my daughter's specs @ Specsavers. coated lenses, really nice frames. similar set at usual optometrist would have been $8-900. frames were cheap. lats pairs were FCUK frames - $300, and Diesel frames - $200. Unbranded @ specsaver (but daughter loves them and they 'feel' really nice) $10. Frame warranty is the same as FCUK et.al.

[onearmedbandit]

My girl recently got her eyes tested and prescription changed there. Their prices are great (2 for 1 deal) with everything from $129 no name brands through to some very nice glasses (FCUK, Diesel, etc etc). She had one pair sorted immediately, and the other pair were sent to Austraia for the non-reflective coating. She is rapt with the service and price, and her eyes are feeling a lot better.

[rustic101]

Interesting comments -

Oakie, I read the same thing when I logged onto consumer but it was just a herald article.

I guess a qualification is a qualification though, the acid test will be if they apply their practices and processes with respect to the testing.
Have decided to get my eyes tested, a quote then go to OPSM and apply the same process. They charged me $1600 for a Burberry frame, multi focal, progressive lens, with an anti scratch type film thing on the lens (which did not work). I will compare apples for apples around the frames, using a fcuk frame as the sample, so as to get a true comparison. Will post feed back and a review of the overall experience once completed next week.

P.s Never allow a fat arse American bulldog to sit on your glasses; if you do don't try and fix them with your Gurber, again if you do, don't get pissed off when they are twisted beyond repair and certainly never, never throw them your ute rather hard with a bit of force, then swear and curse because they are facked.

[pete376403]

try them and see
I personally think most optical outlets in NZ are a rip-off due to lack of competition
hopefully now we will have options like in other countries
you get what you pay for but sometimes you pay a whole lot more for the same thing

Guy I worked with got his prescription from an NZ optician, took the 'scrip with him when he went home to Vietnam for holidays. Got two pair of glasses with quite acceptable frames for the equivalent of $NZ25 each.

Bit like the Fred Hollows foundation can repair cataracts for $20 - 30 overseas, but to get the job done in NZ is in the multi thousands

[Ooky]

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[Mom]

A friend of mine, a full time specs wearer, went to the local Visique and had her normal, comprehensive eye examination for the normal price. She then asked for, and after a bit of a battle got her prescription and went to specs savers to get the glasses made up. She got her 2 pairs of glasses very cheaply there and would never go back to Visique to dispense again.

[The Pastor]

there is a site i know, cant find it now where you can get glasses for NZD $30 shipped to your door from hongkong!

[Logpot]

After 3 pairs of glasses from OPSM I decided to try Spec Savers for my next set. I got a full eye examination and the optometrist was very thorougher even taking the time to explain a possible cause for my eyesight problem. I ended up getting two pairs of glasses for the same price as one pair from OPSM and I couldn't be happier with them. The prescription was spot on and the range of frames was as good as OPSM.

One of my new sets was involved in a lethal accident on the weekend due to being left on a seat. I took them in to Spec Savers expecting them to send them off to be repaired. They took a set of new frames and popped my lenses in to these at no cost.

Most impressed. :yes:

[wysper]

SpecSavers is a classic upselling rort. I'd be interested to know how many people who go in on the promise of cheaper eyewear actually walk out having made a minimum purchase. Very few I suspect.

.

I agree with this one, I know of two people that went in for their cheap two for one deal and ended up spending at least as much as they would have at a regular optometrist.


A friend of mine, a full time specs wearer, went to the local Visique and had her normal, comprehensive eye examination for the normal price. She then asked for, and after a bit of a battle got her prescription and went to specs savers to get the glasses made up. She got her 2 pairs of glasses very cheaply there and would never go back to Visique to dispense again.

I use visique in Ham, have for many years - aside from a very crap experience with a pair of puma frames - the staff at visique were great trying to sort it for me. I have only had good experiences. Continuity with the optometrist, same guy for years. Good prices, similar to spec savers with out the cheap feel (at least to me) The last frames I bought were last years style LOL like I care. So currently I am wearing Gucci frames with new lenses in them for $199. Sweet.

[spajohn]

I only wear glasses for use in front of the computer at work...basically minor sight correction, and mainly for glare. The were cheaper because they use plastic lenses for the type of frame, where as the OPSM people wouldn't hear of using plastic because of the half frame. Figured I would go Spec Savers as they will only be used by my desk, and not get bashed around. Both pairs had chipped lenses when they arrived, didn't spot it on the first pair, but while the others were being remade I did, then they replaced them when I picked up the other set. So 100% failure on getting it right first time, however no problems with getting it resolved.

[rustic101]

Introduction

For the record I am not in their industry. But have been a customer of OPSM for four years. Recently my glasses suffered a lethal accident and required to be replaced. I considered buying of an international website, however now know that this may be cheap but you need some exact eye measurements like distance between pupils etc.

I had heard of Specsavers and was very dubious, as it almost sounded too good to be true. I know if that’s the case then it’s more than likely some sort of rip off. After some research on-line and questions in message boards I was left with what seemed to be a 50/50 split for and against.

Initially it was my intention to compare the two optical services using the apples for apples principle. Unfortunately or fortunately in my case I never proceeded with the comparison. The reason for this will become clear.

I never got the chance to test out my apples for apples, as I was very impressed with Specsavers this despite some shortfalls around customer management. Yes their marketing is technically correct; I got two pair of glasses cheaper than I had previously paid. I say technically as it’s not a true saving as such more of a bonus of getting an extra pair for free. That aside, if you do only choose one pair then you do actually save twenty five percent again comparing this with my previous cost at OPSM I would have saved around $125. I believe where Specsavers make their money is buy trying to get you to choose more expensive frames, and also buy hard selling the benefits of the added extras you get.

So why document this? In reality my experience to date with them has been nothing but positive and I genuinely want people to at least consider them as an option. My flatmate has just spent $900 ish at other opticians in Wellington and is ‘gutted’ she could or should have gone to Specsavers.

Listed at the base are some Pros and Cons and tips which may benefit you.

Making Contact

I made an on-line booking at Specsavers in Lampton Quay. Initially I was never called back. I did the same at OPSM and three days later am still waiting. After 24 hours I called Specsavers Lower Hutt and booked an appointment. An hour after contacting them I was called by Specsavers in Lampton Quay. I choose to stay with Lower Hutt.

Arrival

I arrived early as I wanted to view the frames to get a feel for what was on offer. I was greeted by a friendly attendant who reported me in on finding out the purpose of my visit. She immediately came back but I became frustrated when she switched between customers. There were several other attendants standing around who could have assisted them.

My perception was that there were two people working and four others chatting around behind the counter. From my point of view this did not look good.

The Pre Screening Test

My name was called and I was told to ‘follow me’, no introduction or reason why. Once I rounded the corner I was told to sit down as a test for Glaucoma would be done. I was told to put my head into a machine, look at a little house then I would feel a puff of air. There was more than one puff by the way.

I was then instructed to sit in the next chair and they would test for something, I still do not know what that was as the chap mumbled and he did not seem too interested. He made very little eye contact with me and personally I felt this a little unnerving.

Next the chap passed me a small A5 card and told me to hold this out or pull it closer until I could read the top line. Thank goodness I have long arms as I was almost at full arms reach when I was able to read it in focus. When I was fairly happy I could read the message he placed a long ruler against my head and measured out to the card.

Right you’re done...

The Actual Eye Examination

Again my name was called and I was instructed to ‘follow me’. Yet again no introduction was offered so I was left to figure out for myself the guy I was with was the Optician. His name badge on his chest matched the certificates on the wall so that was a good start.

In fairness the Optician did explain every test and what he was doing and why. He asked many questions about my work and lifestyle as it related to my vision. I have never been asked some of these questions before, however I felt these allow him to provide even more detail about the results and what I should be doing to maintain my vision.

After the tests I was thanked and told a ‘consultant’ would be with me soon.

Selecting Frames

One point that really annoyed my friend who came to help select the frames and I was you had to select the frames before you could see a consultant for the correct lens. Not all of the frames met or suited the type of lens/ prescription I required.

What would have been good was being told that; ‘based off your prescription, you require X type of lens, so should be selecting Y type of frame. The importance of this is that the frames in the cheaper range did not suit my required lens/ prescription. I felt this wasted a lot of time as I actually liked some of the cheaper frames. Also when I arrived earlier I had wasted my time looking at the wrong range.

The Consultant

Again the attendant we though we were dealing with was not actually the Consultant. Once we had selected the right frame that I liked, that suited my lens/ prescription we were ushered over to talk to yet another person. Again; no introductions or explanations as to who he was, or what was about to happen.

In a nut shell I have progressive lens and was given four choices:


PENTAX
Premium PENTAX
Elite PENTAX, and
Tailor-made

Each of these types is, excuse the pun, progressively better and sharper in outer visibility from the centre of the eye. Obviously as technology advances so too does the quality, at a cost with the difference between the standard and top of the line being $250. However, in all honesty the Consultant summed it up by saying that you never look directly at an object using the corner of your eye. i.e, if you see an object out of the corner of your eye you turn your head to look at it. He also said that they have been making the ‘standard’ (PENTAX) lens for years’. I took this to mean that if it’s still being made then it must still work.

There are also other ‘add on extras’ you can get, at a considerable cost. This is where the dollars start to climb. I opted for the ‘ultra clear’ anti reflection and scratch resistance protection option at $75. The other options will vary dependant on your needs, personal choice, and cost etc.

This aside if you want all the whiz bang ad ons, and can afford it then by all means go for them.

The Cost

There are two options pay in full or pay thirty percent and the remaining balance on arrival of your glasses. I opted to pay up front.

I also opted to get the deal offering ‘Two for One’. My rational for this is I choose two frame types of equal value, however with different functionality. One pair for work and professional the other for play.

The Pros


Explained the complete end to end process
Questioned about my current need
Given a number of available periods for examination
Contacted back 24 hours before the appointment to confirm
Cost of examination quoted as $60 but paid $10
Very professional exam with the Optician
The overall cost I saved my self a little over $900 dollars
Very good web site

The Cons


I had to ask the cost of the examination
Was initially never contacted back by the preferred provider
I got frustrated with staff standing around chatting and laughing while I needed assistance
The attendant switching between customers was frustrating
No introductions which I found unprofessional
No initial explanations of a pre-screening test
No explanations during the pre-screening test
Up selling on the lens options
Being told to choose a frame before I knew the lens requirements
Cost of examination quoted as $60 but paid $10


Tip – if you get the two for one deal make sure you get frames of equal cost.
Tip – If you get two fairs for one price try a work / play combination
Tip – your employer my pay half or a specified cost which also heaps with the overall cost
Tip - If you do not need and added extra it do not get it.

Example, I ride a motorcycle and struggle with glare during the day. I could have got a fixed tint cheap but this would render my glasses useless at night. The next option is a transition lens at a higher cost. However a simple answer is to put my helmets internal sun visor down in high light conditions or get clip ons. What sealed the deal not to get transitions was that the ultra clear treatment actually decreases the amount of glare anyway.

[roogazza]

Just under $385 for two pairs for me. Frames the same but 1 pair readers. Trendy and small and the distance jobbies fit nicely into my Shoei X Spirit. Eureka ! I didn't realise my eyes were so buggered.
Anyway, $60 for the test and a bit more for a glare coating. I could have made it a lot more expensive if I had listened to the sales pitch. I think the frames are the key in keeping costs down.
Can't fault the service and I had done my homework before going to Specsavers. They have taken over in Aust (opsm) after expanding from England. I believe the aim is to do the same here. I'm happy. G.