Good place to buy prescription glasses.

[Sparkles]

11 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

 

I got an eyeglasses prescription at Chiang Mai Ram from an optician who seemed very competent and took her time doing the exam rather than rushing thru it.

 

Unfortunately and surprisingly she didn't sign her name to the Rx I now notice.

 

I should be able to get it later this week and will post it.

 

 

If Vision Center charges for the eye exam it's outrageous not to release it.

 

Vision Centre doesnt charge for extensive eye examination. Over 12 years I have bought 3 prescription,graduated lense. glasses from him. He is recognised even by hospital specialists as the best and most experienced in CM for eye testing outside of their own ,yes I have asked.

 

The last time he said my frames were stil in good condition so no need to change them.He then scanned the frames and ordered the lenses to fit.Could anyone be more honest than that ?

 

The reason he doesnt release the prescription NOW is because many foreigners come in get the eye examination and then order online ie just using his expertise.

 

I did ask him "Why dont you charge for eye examination ?" His answer "'Ive been in business for many years I dont want to change my procedure.His business,his decision.

 

He ,on the last vist said "No point in me making new lenses your eyes will not notice the diffrenece you have advanced cataracts and I recommend you see Dr Winai.

 

I followed his advice op was done at Siriphat Hospital and for the first time on 30 years I now only need glasses for close up work,perfect vision mid to  long distance night and day.

 

We are indeed lucky to have Vision Centre.Most optical places are just franchises with the priority to sell ,sell ,sell.I went once arriving in CM .The glasses were so poor,prescription, obviously wrong. and they wouldnt even consider a refund that's how I finished up at Vision Centre

[CanuckThai]

One thing to keep in mind, for most (if not all) opticians and places that sell glasses in Thailand: the lenses are manufactured offsite, and Thainess can come into play, if you're not comfortable with the lens result.  I guess I've been spoiled by "western" optical stores that have their labs onsite, and manufacture/repair/replace within a couple hours.  

 

I ran into a situation last year, ordered a new pair of glasses (lens/frames) and also new lenses for current frames, for a new prescription/eye exam (progressive) I had at the store.  The prescription was accurate, very happy.  The glasses took a week to receive.  One set was great, one set was intolerable (same prescription).   The invoice was paid at the time of my order (b30k+).  No amount of explaining, or negotiating would have to store optometrist adjust the one set of lens/prescription to remedy the situation.  I ended up having replacement lenses made on a trip back to the west, and an explanation as to why the lenses were causing grief.  Perfect.   But no way that anyone would admit there was an issue or offer a solution here...

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, Sparkles said:

Vision Centre doesnt charge for extensive eye examination. Over 12 years I have bought 3 prescription,graduated lense. glasses from him. He is recognised even by hospital specialists as the best and most experienced in CM for eye testing outside of their own ,yes I have asked.

 

The last time he said my frames were stil in good condition so no need to change them.He then scanned the frames and ordered the lenses to fit.Could anyone be more honest than that ?

 

The reason he doesnt release the prescription NOW is because many foreigners come in get the eye examination and then order online ie just using his expertise.

 

I did ask him "Why dont you charge for eye examination ?" His answer "'Ive been in business for many years I dont want to change my procedure.His business,his decision.

 

He ,on the last vist said "No point in me making new lenses your eyes will not notice the diffrenece you have advanced cataracts and I recommend you see Dr Winai.

 

I followed his advice op was done at Siriphat Hospital and for the first time on 30 years I now only need glasses for close up work,perfect vision mid to  long distance night and day.

 

We are indeed lucky to have Vision Centre.Most optical places are just franchises with the priority to sell ,sell ,sell.I went once arriving in CM .The glasses were so poor,prescription, obviously wrong. and they wouldnt even consider a refund that's how I finished up at Vision Centre

 

Thanks for explaining.

Makes sense why he won't release the Rx in that case.

 

Impressive recommendation.

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, CanuckThai said:

One thing to keep in mind, for most (if not all) opticians and places that sell glasses in Thailand: the lenses are manufactured offsite, and Thainess can come into play, if you're not comfortable with the lens result.  I guess I've been spoiled by "western" optical stores that have their labs onsite, and manufacture/repair/replace within a couple hours.  

 

I ran into a situation last year, ordered a new pair of glasses (lens/frames) and also new lenses for current frames, for a new prescription/eye exam (progressive) I had at the store.  The prescription was accurate, very happy.  The glasses took a week to receive.  One set was great, one set was intolerable (same prescription).   The invoice was paid at the time of my order (b30k+).  No amount of explaining, or negotiating would have to store optometrist adjust the one set of lens/prescription to remedy the situation.  I ended up having replacement lenses made on a trip back to the west, and an explanation as to why the lenses were causing grief.  Perfect.   But no way that anyone would admit there was an issue or offer a solution here...

 

I read a similar Thailand story - a guy bought an expensive pair of unbreakable frames with a guarantee somewhere from a smiling friendly staff.

 

Of course eventually they broke and he went back to the store.

Suddenly the staff was no longer smiling and friendly.

After a lot of runaround, he was told the guarantee covers everything except the point where it broke.

 

 

 

 

[simoh1490]

+1 for Vision Centre.

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, CanuckThai said:

One thing to keep in mind, for most (if not all) opticians and places that sell glasses in Thailand: the lenses are manufactured offsite, and Thainess can come into play, if you're not comfortable with the lens result.  I guess I've been spoiled by "western" optical stores that have their labs onsite, and manufacture/repair/replace within a couple hours.

 

Vision Centre makes their own on site and told me it takes about an hour.

[amexpat]

3 hours ago, Vacuum said:

 

Why?

Why did I go back? 

I returned five years later (full disclosure: I guess that's why the *cost was lower back then).  I thought there might be a problem with the coatings wearing off because I had to clean them so often.  He did the full exam and showed me the lenses had tiny scratches that caused the problem. He recommended I just live with it a while rather than spend *4200 for new ones. No charge. 

[simoh1490]

I've had my current two pairs of Vision Centre glasses for far longer than I should but my prescription hasn't changed, the frames however are hanging on by a thread, cheap charlie that I am sometimes! Currently, in the UK I went to Specsavers and asked them to replicate the two pairs, one regular glasses and one sunglasses, both varifocals. They said they couldn't, the spead of vision in the lenses was far wider than anything they could produce but after some persuasion they did try and they produced two pairs of copied spectacles, how's that for a reversed trend, Brits copying Thai's! I literally couldn't see out of the right lens so of course I didn't take the glasses, I'll be back at Vision Centre when I get back home in about two weeks.  

[Vacuum]

2 hours ago, Sparkles said:

He is recognised even by hospital specialists as the best and most experienced in CM for eye testing outside of their own ,yes I have asked.

 

.....and I have tried him.

[Vacuum]

48 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

The glasses were so poor,prescription, obviously wrong.

 

Why didn't you noticed this when he/her did the eye exam?

[simoh1490]

1 minute ago, Vacuum said:

 

Why didn't you noticed this when he/her did the eye exam?

Often it's not the prescription itself but instead it's the way the lens is configured, I had the same thing in the UK (see above)

[JimmyJ]

2 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

 

Why didn't you noticed this when he/her did the eye exam?

 

I was quoting someone else's post.

[Vacuum]

7 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

 

I was quoting someone else's post.

 

.....and I didn't quote you.

[orang37]

I'd like to recommend Khun Chaiyo at Chaiyo Optics in Airport Plaza, a small friendly shop, where I have found prices much lower than the other shops mentioned here.  090-325-1414

 

His English is adequate for what he does; I've referred a few non-Thai speakers to him, and they had no problems.

 

He does have up to date high-tech equipment for examinations and prescription specification, and he makes the lenses himself on-site.

 

Directions:

 

1. in the lowest floor, with Tops on your left: exit the main  building via the exit passageway to the right of the Bangkok Bank branch.

 

2. head left 15 degrees and continue about 20 meters toward the parking lot: there will be small shop-fronts on your right; Chaiyo is the last one.

 

cheers, ~o:37;

 

 

[moontang]

22 hours ago, amexpat said:

 

I bet you weren't talking with the owner/main man.  I have bifocal computer glasses with all the filters, bells, and whistles for

about 3000.  I've returned some time later to see about an update to the rx.  He gave me the full exam and found my vision

hadn't changed enough to warrant new lenses.  NO charge.  Also had another positive free experience with Vision Center. 

 

To me, hoping to get the right fit online and waiting three weeks seems like choosing the hard way.  Up to you, Thailander. 

 

Going to a shop where 90% of the stock won't fit a European nose doesn't seem like much of a plan.  

[sandmonster]

I have used a number of opticians in CM including Vision Centre ( who incidently got my prescription wrong as I recently found out in the UK and at Owndays in Central Festival ).

 

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Owndays over Vision Centre now. Full eye tests on site, most prescriptions made on site if under +-4 within the hour. Very professional all round with excellent english. A huge selection of frames which are excellent quality for the price. They are a top chain from Japan but are expanding all over Asia v. fast. I think they are a new breed of "retail disruptor" with top value, speed and levels of service and aftercare. Check out their website first and pay a visit to Central Festiaval. Global Japanese retailers are usually excellent and Owndays is no exception.

 

[YogaVeg]

8 minutes ago, sandmonster said:

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Owndays over Vision Centre now. Full eye tests on site, most prescriptions made on site if under +-4 within the hour. Very professional all round with excellent english. A huge selection of frames which are excellent quality for the price. They are a top chain from Japan but are expanding all over Asia v. fast. I think they are a new breed of "retail disruptor" with top value, speed and levels of service and aftercare. Check out their website first and pay a visit to Central Festiaval. Global Japanese retailers are usually excellent and Owndays is no exception.

 

2 questions:

-How much were those glasses?

-Do they give you a copy of your rx?

Thanks!

[JimmyJ]

On 10/1/2018 at 8:05 PM, MamaSan said:

Anyone know a reputable place to get a correct prescription ONLY?  Vision Center will not release it - so you're stuck having to buy frames there as well...

The Optician who did my eyeglass Rx at Ram Hospital is Wannee Dechakum.

Her English is very good.

 

She did not use a machine but switched lenses manually.

 

I then ordered the glasses at Vision Center and Sit did the free eye exam to doublecheck.

 

He used a machine mostly and a tiny bit of manual lens switching at the end.

 

He came up with the same Rx as Wannee did (different in each eye).

 

I went back to Ram a few days later for the Opthamologist to check my eye progress.

I also saw Wannee who checked my new glasses lenses, and found them both to be 0.50 more in each lens than the Rx.

 

Went back to Vision Center, he checked it on 2 of his 6 automatic machines and both showed the lenses to be correct to the Rx.

(He motioned me around to his side so I could see the reading on his machine).

 

To settle it I went into Charoen Optical on Moonmuang near the Somphet Market (a store to avoid IMO- horrible manager attitude and at least some junk frames- my 2nd time in there)  and their finding agreed with Vision Center's.

 

So if you use Wannee, let her know her machine which reads lens strength  is off by + 0.50.

(Sit had speculated that it may be a manual setting machine rather than automatic so it was manually misadjusted).

 

Obviously this didn't affect her Rx, which as stated agreed with Vision Center's.

Edited October 5, 2018 by JimmyJ

[sandmonster]

On 10/4/2018 at 1:39 PM, YogaVeg said:

2 questions:

-How much were those glasses?

-Do they give you a copy of your rx?

Thanks!

The price of frames include up to 1.67 lens + UV + anti-dust coasting. A set varies in price from about 2000 to 4000bt ( high end ones are made in Japan ). No sneaky extras. 

 

They do the same set of eye tests as at Vision Centre and give you all the readouts to take away. It was nice of them to compare the readings with my 3 current sets so I could see how they all varied. Shows its probably not an exact science as my eyes are stable.

 

I actually bought a semi-frameless titanium set for about 3500bt which is in their upper ranges, and as there was an offer on a 2nd set, I bought a cheaper steel set for 2000bt which is dual use, takes snap-on optional different colour shades.

 

As one of my readings was bigger than -4, they had to order in from BK but usually they can do a set in 20mins on site. Took 3 days for mine. All perfect still after 2 months of daily use.

 

[moontang]

That Japanese themed franchise in one of the older malls was a joke.  Also made an appointment at RAM and it turned out to be a 13:00 cattle call....doctor showed up about 14:00.  I bailed, and will never go to RAM again.  Haven't met anyone yet who can do better on random distance tests..me using  Zennis and a seven year old prescription from Arizona.

[Trujillo]

Zenni

 

 

[sandmonster]

On 10/6/2018 at 3:10 PM, moontang said:

That Japanese themed franchise in one of the older malls was a joke.  Also made an appointment at RAM and it turned out to be a 13:00 cattle call....doctor showed up about 14:00.  I bailed, and will never go to RAM again.  Haven't met anyone yet who can do better on random distance tests..me using  Zennis and a seven year old prescription from Arizona.

Umm.. I think you need your eyes tested again ? Owndays don't and have never existed in any of the older malls.

CM 's only branch recently opened at Festival.

[moontang]

16 hours ago, sandmonster said:

Umm.. I think you need your eyes tested again ? Owndays don't and have never existed in any of the older malls.

CM 's only branch recently opened at Festival.

Ummm....is that the only Japanese themed optician in CM?  Ummm..no it isn't.

[stament]

On 10/2/2018 at 3:16 PM, orang37 said:

I'd like to recommend Khun Chaiyo at Chaiyo Optics in Airport Plaza, a small friendly shop, where I have found prices much lower than the other shops mentioned here.  090-325-1414

 

His English is adequate for what he does; I've referred a few non-Thai speakers to him, and they had no problems.

 

He does have up to date high-tech equipment for examinations and prescription specification, and he makes the lenses himself on-site.

 

Directions:

 

1. in the lowest floor, with Tops on your left: exit the main  building via the exit passageway to the right of the Bangkok Bank branch.

 

2. head left 15 degrees and continue about 20 meters toward the parking lot: there will be small shop-fronts on your right; Chaiyo is the last one.

 

cheers, ~o:37;

 

 

How much were the glasses approximately? 

[orang37]

9 minutes ago, stament said:

How much were the glasses approximately? 

As in any other shop prices will vary with type of frame, lens type, etc.

 

Since I was having glasses made with one clear lens, and one prescription lens, that's an odd case. Visit a few shops and compare prices. The price Khun Chaiyo charged me was 500 baht less than a "major chain" shop in Airport Plaza quoted.

 

good luck, ~o:37;

[CharlieH]

I havnt read the previous 4 pages, but just to say I recommend Zenni, if you have your prescription. Great value and service in my experience, just ordered again yesterday as they have a 20% off promotion running. ($150 for 2 pairs inc.shipping)

[stament]

9 hours ago, orang37 said:

As in any other shop prices will vary with type of frame, lens type, etc.

 

Since I was having glasses made with one clear lens, and one prescription lens, that's an odd case. Visit a few shops and compare prices. The price Khun Chaiyo charged me was 500 baht less than a "major chain" shop in Airport Plaza quoted.

 

good luck, ~o:37;

Ok so not a great deal of difference. 500bht

[JimmyJ]

What about contact lenses?

 

Perhaps this needs its own thread but will try to throw it in here:

 

In the US I buy soft contact lenses (Acuvue) from 1800contacts.com. Sent to me by mail out of Arizona.

They'll match any legitimate price on the internet plus an additional 2% off, no postage charge.

 

Has anyone compared prices in Thailand to US prices and/or internet prices?

 

Where do you buy your contacts in Thailand?

 

Deciding if I should load up in the US, or wait till I'm back in Thailand.

Edited November 28, 2018 by JimmyJ

[sandmonster]

On 10/12/2018 at 3:36 AM, moontang said:

Ummm....is that the only Japanese themed optician in CM?  Ummm..no it isn't.

Ummm.. so one japanese themed optician bad implies all are bad ? Ummm... no it doesn't.

[moontang]

14 minutes ago, sandmonster said:

Ummm.. so one japanese themed optician bad implies all are bad ? Ummm... no it doesn't.

no, but it has been indicated that there are at least two different Japanese eyeglass outlets in CM that are not up to par.