Seems like the vast number of people in Thailand go into a Top Charoen or wherever and sit down for 3 minutes while the staff do a few simple tests to print out a prescription.  Assuming you don't have any complex issues, is this method practical?  I went into a local eye doctor to get a more thorough exam done and was told to just go into a store to have it done.

14 minutes ago, Jaymatheson said:

Seems like the vast number of people in Thailand go into a Top Charoen or wherever and sit down for 3 minutes while the staff do a few simple tests to print out a prescription.  Assuming you don't have any complex issues, is this method practical?  I went into a local eye doctor to get a more thorough exam done and was told to just go into a store to have it done.

My best guess, it was one of the cheap chain stores, and no Dr. 

 

Where are you located? I got one store with an optician in Hua Hin, and also one in Pattaya who have done proper testing, and also have upto date equipment. 

17 minutes ago, Jaymatheson said:

Seems like the vast number of people in Thailand go into a Top Charoen or wherever and sit down for 3 minutes while the staff do a few simple tests to print out a prescription.  Assuming you don't have any complex issues, is this method practical?  I went into a local eye doctor to get a more thorough exam done and was told to just go into a store to have it done.

 

I go to hospital and have the Optomerist there exam my eyes and give me the prescrition.... then buy glasses from Zenni.

Several years ago I eliminated the need for eye glasses by opting for Super Sight eye surgery at BHP.

 

 

2 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

go to hospital and have the Optomerist there exam my eyes and give me the prescrition.... then buy glasses from Zenni.

 

This is best practice. The highest quality and yet cheap.

 

The OP, if they're in Bangkok, should attend Rutnin Eye Hospital. They have a large area for eye examinations for a simple fee.

 

Then get the prescription and order it online with Zenni.

7 minutes ago, Gaccha said:

 

This is best practice. The highest quality and yet cheap.

 

The OP, if they're in Bangkok, should attend Rutnin Eye Hospital. They have a large area for eye examinations for a simple fee.

 

Then get the prescription and order it online with Zenni.

Thanks, will check it out. 

1 hour ago, Jaymatheson said:

Seems like the vast number of people in Thailand go into a Top Charoen or wherever and sit down for 3 minutes while the staff do a few simple tests to print out a prescription.  Assuming you don't have any complex issues, is this method practical?  I went into a local eye doctor to get a more thorough exam done and was told to just go into a store to have it done.

 

Typically the chain stores, and some private, won't give you a prescription unless you agree to buy the glasses from them.

I have had multi-focal lenses for many years, one pair from KT Optic using Essilor lenses were almost Bht 30k. Then used the same prescription several times at Zenni. Having to always look out of the top part of the lenses to watch telly when in bed, or when driving,  I ordered some single long distance specs from Zenni. Absolutely perfect, and now I can do almost everything using just these, even read my phone.

I suspect some of the Chains say you need progressive lenses to get more money in.

1 hour ago, BigStar said:

 

Typically the chain stores, and some private, won't give you a prescription unless you agree to buy the glasses from them.

I got burned by a chain.... 2 for 1 deal.

cost for progressive lens glasses was 12k... I thought I was geting two pair.

second pair was just same frames with clear lenses.... that fine print written in Thai is a bugger !

 

I now buy from Zenni, 1/4 of the price and delivered within 2 weeks.

On 12/19/2024 at 4:43 AM, G_Money said:

Several years ago I eliminated the need for eye glasses by opting for Super Sight eye surgery at BHP.

 

 

How much?

I had a thorough eye test at an Opticians in Pattaya at Lotus Thepprasit.  My 2nd pair I visited Boots in UK.  Though the 2nd visit was some years later, the specs cost 30% less than the Thai price.

If you have a general idea of what distance correction you need try a basic progressive reading glasses at Lazada before you shell out 10-30,000 for a local pair… 

 

11 hours ago, 3NUMBAS said:

How much?

About 200k baht for both eyes.  Including overnight stay for observation.

On 12/19/2024 at 11:40 AM, Ralf001 said:

 

I go to hospital and have the Optomerist there exam my eyes and give me the prescrition.... then buy glasses from Zenni.

If you go to a hospital ophthalmology department it's important you clearly specify you want a "Vision Test" and a prescription.  If you say "Eye exam", you are likely to end-up getting a physical medical examination of your eyes, not a vision test.

BTW.  For progressive lenses, OP's prescription needs to include the PD (pupillary distance) 

I've been buying glasses online from Zenni for about 7 years and have had excellent results for surprisingly low prices.  Delivery to Thailand usually takes about 2 weeks.

1 minute ago, dddave said:

If you go to a hospital ophthalmology department it's important you clearly specify you want a "Vision Test" and a prescription.  If you say "Eye exam", you are likely to end-up getting a physical medical examination of your eyes, not a vision test.

BTW.  For progressive lenses, OP's prescription needs to include the PD (pupillary distance) 

 

Yep, I told my doc in general medicine dept I wanted to buy new glasses so needed a new presciption so she sent me to the eye dept.

 

Doc there did his thing including me walkng around for 1 hour with these weird glasses thingo on.

 

all good got the prescription including PD, order from zenni that day and the glasses arrived in 2 weeks and are perfect.

Any customs hassle when ordering from Zenni?

14 minutes ago, minotaur said:

Any customs hassle when ordering from Zenni?

I've had multiple glasses from Zenni over the years. No problems with Customs. As already stated 2 weeks delivery.

On 12/19/2024 at 11:43 AM, G_Money said:

Several years ago I eliminated the need for eye glasses by opting for Super Sight eye surgery at BHP.

 

 

 

I also had surgery to remove the need for glasses but it was tri focal lenses.

I had cataracts and needed lens replacement anyway.

BrightView Centre at BHP were excellent (and a tad expensive) but I will not need glasses for the rest of my life. (I am in my early 70's.)

One exception - sunglasses. The world is sooo bright now! 😎

2 hours ago, norfolkandchance said:

I've had multiple glasses from Zenni over the years. No problems with Customs. As already stated 2 weeks delivery.

When was your last order? I think I read they started charging VAT on imported parcels recently. Don't mind paying 7% too much but hate the bureaucracy.

52 minutes ago, minotaur said:

When was your last order? I think I read they started charging VAT on imported parcels recently. Don't mind paying 7% too much but hate the bureaucracy.

6 months ago. Still much cheaper then Thai prices if that's the case.

58 minutes ago, minotaur said:

When was your last order? I think I read they started charging VAT on imported parcels recently. Don't mind paying 7% too much but hate the bureaucracy.

 

I ordered a new pair 2 weeks ago, delivered this morning.... no VAT.

I ordered a pair of polarised sunglasses from Zenni, using my usual prescription. Arrived in a week, look great.

Wore them for driving first time and, bloody hell, rainbows in the sky, and on the road in front. WTF I said to myself. Stopped and looked at the sky from outside the car = no rainbows. The glasses were interacting with the film on the windscreen. Chatted with Zenni, saying that it was distracting from my driving. Full refund minus $10 postage. 

21 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I ordered a pair of polarised sunglasses from Zenni, using my usual prescription. Arrived in a week, look great.

Wore them for driving first time and, bloody hell, rainbows in the sky, and on the road in front. WTF I said to myself. Stopped and looked at the sky from outside the car = no rainbows. The glasses were interacting with the film on the windscreen. Chatted with Zenni, saying that it was distracting from my driving. Full refund minus $10 postage. 

Interesting.  I just bought a car and was considering ordering  prescription sunglasses for driving.  Maybe I'll just stick with my hokey clip-on's.

17 minutes ago, dddave said:

Interesting.  I just bought a car and was considering ordering  prescription sunglasses for driving.  Maybe I'll just stick with my hokey clip-on's.

It was only because I ordered Polarized lenses. Normal sunnies do not do this rainbow effect. 

If cip=ons work...use them. I shall order some soon.

On 12/25/2024 at 12:19 PM, Ralf001 said:

I ordered a new pair 2 weeks ago, delivered this morning.... no VAT.

Just got my specs with attached VAT invoice - 14 baht. Easily paid via QR scan