About Us

Who are WantGlasses.co.uk?
What experience has WantGlasses.co.uk got in the industry?
Why are your prices so low?
Are the frames the same quality as the High Street?
Why does my optician discourage me from buying online?
What are the benefits from buying from WantGlasses.co.uk rather than from my optician?
Can I get advice from a ‘registered optician’ at WantGlasses.co.uk?

Your Prescription

How do I obtain my prescription?
How do I read my prescription?
Do I require Distance, Intermediate or Near lenses?
What is Pupillary Distance or PD?
Can I measure my own PD?
What if I haven’t got my PD?
How strong a prescription can you cater for?
Can you read my prescription from my existing glasses?
Can I use my contact lens prescription for ordering glasses with you?

Your Lenses

What lens options are available?
Do you sell high index (Thin) lenses?
Do you sell prescription sunglasses and tinted lenses?
What is the best lens tint colour to use?
What is the best lens tint density to use?
What types of coatings do you offer?
What are your lenses made of?
Are your lenses quality assured?

Your Frames

Can I trial the frames first?
How do I know the frames will be fitted correctly to my prescription?
Can I order frames/ lenses with no prescription in them?
What frame style/s will best suit my face shape?
What colour frame will best suit me?

Ordering

What information do I need to be able to order?
Is it easy to order online?
How do I order?
What if I make a mistake on my order?
Can I order by telephone?

Payment

When do I pay?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Do you accept NHS vouchers?
Do you offer a VDU Scheme?
Do you take EyeCare Vouchers?
Is your payment method secure?
What if I have a special offer or voucher code I want to use?

Delivery

How quickly will I get my glasses?
What are the postage and packaging costs?
What if I’m not satisfied with my glasses or they need adjusting?
Do you offer order tracking?
How do I send back my ‘Try at Home’ frames?

Support

Our privacy policy
Terms and conditions
Contact us

About Us

ˆ top

Who are WantGlasses.co.uk?

WantGlasses.co.uk are a team of experienced optometrists, dispensing opticians and laboratory technicians, offering customers the choice of buying their prescription glasses online at low prices.

ˆ top

What experience has WantGlasses.co.uk got in the industry?

WantGlasses.co.uk has been developed from a traditional family optician’s business that has been operating since 1902. Our expert staff hold relevant qualifications as well as having professional experience in High Street multiples.

ˆ top

Why are your prices so low?

We can offer the best deals on glasses by operating as an online shop without the added costs of High Street property prices. This reduces our overheads and we can then pass these savings back to our customers in the form of lower prices.

ˆ top

Are the frames the same quality as the High Street?

Yes. Our prescription glasses are exactly the same quality as those you see in High Street shops. Our laboratories work to approved government standards.

ˆ top

Why does my optician discourage me from buying online?

Your optician may discourage you from buying online because they will not profit from a sale if you buy elsewhere. There is no reason why you should buy in-store as all the information we need to produce a perfect pair of glasses for you should be contained on your prescription. Don’t feel obliged to buy prescription glasses from your opticians. Remember, they can often come with something like a 1000% profit mark-up for the optician!

ˆ top

What are the benefits from buying from WantGlasses.co.uk rather than from my optician?

- You can shop and buy whenever it is convenient to you 24/7, not just 9am-5pm.
- Shop from the comfort of your own home, free from sales staff.
- Hassle free process, as you’re not having to drive, park, catch the bus, fight the crowds, etc.
- Glasses are much cheaper than on the High Street so you save money.
- We offer a wide range of over 1,000 frames.
- A fast and efficient service – often much quicker than the High Street.
- Try before you buy scheme.
- 14-day money back guarantee

ˆ top

Can I get advice from a ‘registered optician’ at WantGlasses.co.uk?

Yes. At WantGlasses.co.uk we have a designated call centre for you to be able to speak to registered opticians about any queries regarding your glasses order.

Your Prescription

ˆ top

How do I obtain my prescription?

Following your eye test, your local optician is obliged by law to give you a clear, legible copy of your prescription. We strongly recommend that you also ask your optician to include your pupillary distance measurement in your prescription.

ˆ top

How do I read my prescription?

Reading your prescription could not be easier. If it is written in the format below, you can proceed to ‘placing your order’ as you have all the required information to hand. Simply enter the prescription values. Leave blank any fields that are blank on your prescription.

If your prescription is in any other format, or you are having trouble understanding your prescription then please contact us and we can advise you. We may need to contact your Optician for clarification or alternatively you can ask your Optician to provide the prescription in the format above, ie:
1/ Distance prescription
2/ A near add power (also known as addition) if applicable
3/ An intermediate power, if applicable.

Please let us know if you need your glasses for general use or just for reading.

Any information written on your optical prescription must be passed on to us through the website, mail order form, or over the telephone – don’t leave anything out! If PD (pupillary distance) measurement is provided this should be used as well.

Your prescription gives us your optician’s recommendations for your vision. However, please check to see if your prescription is within our laboratory range. If it is not covered by our prescription ranges on our website, simply contact us and we will endeavor to accommodate your prescription needs.

ˆ top

Do I require Distance, Intermediate or Near lenses?

To be able to see clearly in the distance choose the ‘distance’ option, for clear reading and close work choose the ‘near’ option, and for intermediate viewing for example computer screens, there is the ‘computer’ option. Your Optician will be able to advise you as to which option you require, when you have your eyes tested.

ˆ top

What is Pupillary Distance or PD?

PD is a measurement needed to process your order, and make sure the positioning of your prescription lenses in your new frame is accurate. The centre of each lens aligns with the centre of your pupils. The pupillary distance measurement ensures that this happens. When you get your prescription, make sure your optician also gives you your PD measurement.

ˆ top

Can I measure my own PD?

Get someone else to measure your PD for you. It is the horizontal distance between the centre of the pupil of one eye to the centre of the pupil of the other eye, (as shown below).

ˆ top

What if I haven’t got my PD?

If you don’t know your PD then this presents no problem to us because our professional team of experts will assess your individual prescription. Alternatively your Optician can provide the PD when you obtain your prescription.

ˆ top

How strong a prescription can you cater for?

The maximum prescription we offer is ±8.00 SPH (sphere) and ±4.00 CYL (cylinder). We always advise you if our professional team thinks you would benefit from a high index material. Always remember that the cosmetic appearance is so much better with a high index lens. We usually consider that any prescription great than – or + 4.00 often needs this type of lens.

ˆ top

Can you read my prescription from my existing glasses?

Yes. Send us your glasses with a mail-order form and we will be able to tell your existing prescription. We charge an extra £10 for this service, and we will return your old glasses. If you use this method, you must certify that you have a written prescription that’s less than two years old and that the glasses are made to this prescription. You will be able to certify this on the form.

ˆ top

Can I use my contact lens prescription for ordering glasses with you?

No. This is because contact lens prescriptions vary considerably to regular glasses prescriptions. You must have a regular glasses prescription less than two years old in order to purchase glasses.

Your Lenses

ˆ top

What lens options are available?

We supply prescription lens powers of between +8.00 and -8.00 spheres and +/-4 cylinders. For all powers and prescription options beyond these ranges please call us. You may order prescription free frames by selecting the non-prescription (‘Plano’) option in the power ranges.

There are three main lens types available, single vision, bifocals and varifocals. We offer a large variety of frames to accommodate varifocal lenses.

Single vision lenses are suitable for people who want spectacles for distance only or near vision spectacles for reading only. These are the lenses of choice for people not wanting bifocals or varifocals. Bifocal lenses are required by people who want the convenience of distance and near powers, all in one lens, (i.e. two powers in one).

Varifocals are similar to bifocal lenses, but without the visible segment.

ˆ top

Do you sell high index (Thin) lenses?

Yes. High index materials are thinner than standard lenses. Thinner lenses require less material. Lenses made from high index material are often lighter than the same lenses made in conventional plastic, so they're more comfortable to wear and of course improve the look considerably.

High index lenses are recommended for:
• People who prefer a thin and comfortable lens option
• Prescriptions for a higher power range to give a better appearance
• Rimless frames as they provide a superior strength

For example, a 1.60 index lens is approximately 25% thinner and a 1.74 index lens. 40% thinner than a standard index lens

Thin Lenses = 1.60 refracted index
Super Thin Lenses = 1.67 index
Super Super Thin Lenses = 1.74 index

Please note that high index lenses are a special order and may take an extra few days to produce. Please also note that we are experts in this type of lens.

ˆ top

Do you sell prescription sunglasses and tinted lenses?

Yes. We offer a wide variety of tints, available in many colours; or photochromic lenses that automatically tint under sunlight and filter out harmful UV rays. You can add any of these options on our lens customization page. Always remember according to the World Heath Authority even on a cloudy day in the UK there is harmful UV radiation.

ˆ top

What is the best lens tint colour to use?

Brown and grey are the most popular tint colours. Brown is the best colour overall, because it allows the wearer the widest light spectrum through to the eye, while blocking blue light and offering optimum contrast. Brown is great for applications where distances need to be constantly judged, like tennis, golf or skiing, or other sports requiring acute visual perception and contrast differentiation. Brown is also best for lower light situations, like fishing in the late afternoon or early morning. Grey tint is best for bright light situations like water sports because it blocks out the brightest of the sun’s rays. Other colours like green and blue are used more for fashion purposes than for utility. Yellow is used to heighten contrast without blocking too much light, and it is commonly used for shooting and skiing on cloudy days. Please find our lens colour guide below:

	GREY D reduces the maximum amount of visible light and allows for true colour recognition. Good for bright sunny days and heavy glare situations. Best uses include driving, deep-water fishing and general use.
	GREY A is a lighter shade of grey lens. Transmits colours evenly and allows for true colour recognition. Good for partially sunny to bright sunny days. Can be used as a base for creating custom colours.
	BROWN D provides excellent contrast and improves visual acuity and depth perception. Good for bright, sunny and varying conditions. Reduces blue light. Best for driving, golfing and shallow water fishing.
	BROWN A is a lighter shade of brown. Improves contrast and depth perception. Good for partly sunny to bright sunny days. Can be used as a base for creating custom colours.
	VIOLET increases contrast and dampens certain backgrounds. Violet is often used by shooters in average or bright conditions. Also used for skiing and golfing.
	BLUE is used in partly cloudy to sunny conditions. Good for tennis, golf, snowmobiling and shooting at green targets. Blue lenses let in the maximum amount of blue light.
	GREEN has slightly better contrast than the grey colours, but is not considered a high contrast lens. Green maintains true colour balance and is a good choice for varying light conditions. Used for tennis, driving and golf, as well as an all-purpose colour.
	Clear lenses may be tinted to create custom colours for every need or request.

ˆ top

What is the best lens tint density to use?

Tint density is defined as a percentage, where 0% is completely clear, and 100% permits no light to pass through (solid).
We offer three tint densities:
• A 20% tint that is used as a ‘fashion’ tint.
• A 50% tint is used as a general all round tint for outdoor protection from the sun but not extreme light situations such as midday sun on the water. These would be more suitable for driving conditions.
• An 80% tint is used for bright light situations and provides maximum protection from the bright sun especially for those sensitive to the bright light.

Photochromic lenses that fade indoors and darken with sunlight are also available. Photochromic lenses are often not suitable for use inside cars when driving, as some windscreens absorb the UV-light used to make photochromic lenses work.

ˆ top

What types of coatings do you offer?

A selection of different coatings is available at a nominal cost of £10 for each coating. Coatings include Anti-scratch, Anti-reflective (MAR), UV 400 protective andsunglass tints (colour range available, as described above).

Scratch resistant/hard coated lenses
This coat protects lens from everyday excessive scratching that can lead to decreased vision and a reduced appearance. These coats increase durability and protection of your new spectacles.

Anti-reflection (MAR)
This coating helps to protect the lens surfaces from scratches and reduce distractions, such as glare and surface reflections. Normally, these front and back surface reflections can reduce the amount of light reaching the eyes, thereby enhancing your vision in low lighting levels and glare situations, such as driving and computing. Your spectacle/eyes appearance is also improved. The coating makes the lenses almost invisible by reducing the front surface reflectance, making your eyes the focus of attention and not your glasses. Furthermore, photographic and video reflection of your spectacles is reduced as are the annoying reflections from your own eyes.

Ultra violet / UV
UV coatings help protect the eyes from harmful damage caused by the sun. We recommend that you add these coatings on to your lenses. Ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun is invisible radiation that can cause damage to your eyes with long term exposure. The ever present danger of UV damage is further enhanced by the earth’s thinning ozone layer, which increases the possibility of harm.

UV radiation can lead to numerous eye disorders, such as, cataracts and macular degeneration, two very common visual impairment disorders around the world. Everyone is at risk from UV damage; and people working in direct exposure to sunlight are at greatest risk. A UV-absorbing coat provides the greatest means of UV protection available, helping shield against UV-A and UV-B rays.

Polarised lenses offer the maximum protection from reflectance glare, UV rays and improve visual clarity, thereby providing enhanced ability to perceive contrast and improving depth of perception. Particularly useful for sun wear, driving, sporting and water; activities, improving natural colour contrast, improves definition whilst playing golf and target sports shooting. Polarise lenses are available for single vision and bifocal prescriptions.

Photochromic lenses are great all-round lenses, offering everyday use with fantastic visual acuteness. They provide 100% UV protection and glare reduction are achievable because the lenses adapt to changing sunlight. Darkening in sunny conditions and lightening up with indoor use, they reduce the inconvenience of carrying around an extra pair of prescription sunglasses. They are available for single vision, varifocal and bifocal prescriptions.

ˆ top

What are your lenses made of?

Most of our lenses are made from lightweight plastic (CR39). In our experience, plastic lenses are far more durable and are less likely to scratch or break when accidentally dropped compared to traditional glass lenses.

ˆ top

Are your lenses quality assured?

All orders are checked personally by our one of our fully qualified staff before dispatch. Laboratory Technicians monitor and check all aspects of frame and lens manufacture ensuring only the highest quality of prescription eye wear is dispatched to you. Our laboratories work to approved government standards.

Our complete spectacles come with a hard case, cleaning cloth, and are safely packaged for delivery. Should your glasses not reach you in perfect condition we will adhere to our 100% guarantee returns policy, and refund the full cost of the spectacles to you, provided that you inform us of any defect within 5 working days of receipt.

Your Frames

ˆ top

Can I trial the frames first?

Yes. You can trial up to four pairs of frames at once. There’s a non-refundable payment of £3.75 per pair to cover postage and packaging costs. To take advantage of this service, you can place your order via WantGlasses or call us on 0845 2591 151. You must return all pairs of glasses within 14 days of receipt, and can then place an order for the frames you liked the most. (Please note we currently do not offer this service on the designer range.)

ˆ top

How do I know the frames will be fitted correctly to my prescription?

Frame Adjustments
Most frames should fit well and most adjustments can be performed by any optically qualified person. All of our frames are pre adjusted on dispatch. If you have any other problems, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Frame Measurements
All our frame measurements are clearly labeled to help you choose the right or similar sized glasses to the frame you already have. Look at the side of your glasses and on one of them; you’ll see three small measurements and a little rectangle. These numbers represent the lens diameter [ ], the bridge width, and the arm length. If you are comfortable with the way your existing glasses fit, then use the same measurements.
The size measurements can be interpreted as follows:

Frame Width
We have included frame widths to help you to choose the correct size of frame. The categories are small, medium and large head width, and are based on the width of the spectacles at the point where the sides fit the ears.

ˆ top

Can I order frames/ lenses with no prescription in them?

Yes. Many people, who do not need to wear glasses for sight correction, choose to buy them for an ‘intelligent look’ for job interviews or as a fashion statement. If your eyesight is fine but you’d like some designer or fashion glasses, you can order frames with ‘Plano’ lenses. Just choose ‘Plano’ under Sphere and Cylinder menus for each eye when you fill in the prescription form.

ˆ top

What frame style/s will best suit my face shape?

Whatever shape your face, there will be a frame style that enhances it. Use our mini-guide below to help you select the most flattering frames for your face shape:

Oval
With this face shape you really can wear any frames, although do consider scale – a petite face will suit smaller frames and a larger facial structure will benefit from a more dominating frame

Round
Opt for angular frames, particularly with bold side edges. These will help to lengthen your face and add a contrast to your rounder features.

Square
Angular features can be very attractive for a masculine look, but may need softening for women. Choosing glasses with a slight oval shape will soften angular features. If you choose a squarer frame, look for one with rounded edges.

Long
Glasses that only have emphasis at the top or bottom of the frame will suit your face.

Heart
If you have a triangular or heart-shaped shaped face then you will want to avoid too much emphasis across the temples. Frames with strong or heavy top edges are best avoided.

ˆ top

What colour frame will best suit me?

Frame colour is an important consideration and we offer a wide range, from ‘barely there’ rimless styles to bold statement frames and strong colours. Take the following colour advice into consideration before ordering your frames:

Brown/ black hair
If your natural (hair, skin and eye) colouring is strong and dark you’ll easily be able to carry off darker, bolder and brighter frames. They’ll compliment your dark hair and eyes. Black or dark brown frames in plastic or heavier metal will enhance your features, and although striking, the glasses are unlikely to dominate your face.

Blond / light brown hair
Dark bold frames will be a big style statement on pale colouring. Whilst they can look fabulous, beware, as they will dominate your face. Opting for rimless or more delicate frames or caramel or tortoiseshell colours should compliment your natural colouring better.

Grey hair
Silver, pewter or rimless frames can look fantastic with grey, silver and white hair tones. As you loose colour from your hair you also loose colour from your skin and your complexion is generally paler so ensure your glasses don’t dominate your face too much. Keep lens tints very gentle otherwise they’ll look dated. Darker or more tanned and sallow ageing complexions can get away with more dramatic coloured frames or rich bronzes and golds.

Ordering

ˆ top

What information do I need to be able to order?

All you will need is an up-to-date prescription. This can be obtained from any local optician. If you already have a prescription you would like us to use, please make sure it is no more than two years old.

ˆ top

Is it easy to order online?

Yes. Ordering your glasses couldn’t be easier. Once you know which lenses you require, just follow the simple steps below.

ˆ top

How do I order?

Single Vision – Click here
Bifocals – Click here
Varifocal – Click here

STEP 1/ Once you know what lens type you require, it really is simple to order! Find a great frame you love from our wide range of standard, or designer frames and check to see if it suitable for your lens type. (All frames are suitable for single vision lenses.) You can also use our indication icons to help you which are shown on all of our glasses frames.

STEP 2/ Select your frame colour, and any additional lens options you may like. For instance thinner lenses (recommended for higher prescriptions) or maybe you would like your lenses to darken when you step outside into the sun!

STEP 3/ Then enter your prescription, followed by your payment details and that’s it!

If you prefer however you can always talk to a human being by calling us on 0845 259 1151 and one of our customer service team will talk you through all the options available, take your prescription and place your order for you. Easy!

Just fax a copy to us on 0808 280 0317 along with a contact telephone number, or email it to us at help@wantglasses.co.uk, and we¹ll give you a call back.

ˆ top

What if I make a mistake on my order?

If you make a mistake on your order form, contact us immediately. We can change a prescription, but only up to a certain point. If you realize you have supplied the wrong information or ordered the wrong frame, please tell us straight away. We process orders very quickly, and once we’ve glazed your glasses, they can’t be altered. If you need to get a hold of us, all of our contact details are here.

ˆ top

Can I order by telephone?

Yes. If you really don’t want to order on line please do just pick up the phone and place your order with us on 0845 259 1151. You will need your prescription, your chosen glasses reference number from our website or catalogue and your credit card details.

Payment

ˆ top

When do I pay?

Payment is taken when you place your order.

ˆ top

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, cheques, POs, NHS and eyecare vouchers. Please be aware that due to clearing times for cheques, your glasses may take a few days longer to arrive than if you were to pay by credit or debit card.

ˆ top

Do you accept NHS vouchers?

Yes. If you are eligible, you can use NHS vouchers with WantGlasses.co.uk. Check the back of your prescription to see if you’re entitled, or ask your optician. If you send your vouchers to us, please ensure that you have completed the declaration on the reverse of the voucher correctly. We will also require your National Insurance number for processing purposes. One of our staff will contact you to obtain this if it is not supplied.

ˆ top

Do you offer a VDU Scheme?

Yes, many companies are happy to provide financial help towards the cost of your computer glasses. The health and safety occupational health regulations allow you to claim up to £90.00 towards your glasses providing they are used for VDU use. We will be happy to provide a VDU certificate that is EU approved.

ˆ top

Do you take EyeCare Vouchers?

Yes we do take EyeCare vouchers as payment towards your new glasses.

ˆ top

Is your payment method secure?

We take payment security very seriously and use one of the most up-to-date encrypted security systems on the market to ensure all of your details are safe and secure. Our SSL certificate meets the demand for safe interaction over the net so you can be sure all your details are secure to the highest level.

ˆ top

What if I have a special offer or voucher code I want to use?

Simply enter the code into the appropriate box on the order form and your discount will be applied by our automated system.

Delivery

ˆ top

How quickly will I get my glasses?

We'll start processing your new glasses immediately after receiving your order. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery of normal orders. Whilst we always aim to deliver within 7 days, please allow up to 28 days for special orders or complex prescriptions. Your glasses will be sent to you via Royal Mail.

ˆ top

What are the postage and packaging costs?

Postage and packaging costs are £3.75 per pair of glasses. We send all of our glasses by first-class packet post. You can request special delivery on your glasses at a charge of £6.50.

ˆ top

What if I’m not satisfied with my glasses or they need adjusting?

On the whole, most frames should fit well and most adjustments can be performed by any optically qualified person. Alternatively your Optician may choose to charge you a minor fee for this service. If you have any other problems, please contact us and a representative from WantGlasses will be happy to help.

ˆ top

Do you offer order tracking?

Yes. If you order by special delivery, you will receive a confirmation email that supplies you with an order tracking reference number. Simply follow the instructions to track your order.

ˆ top