HARD TIMES:You can buy almost everything else online, so why not glasses? The bargains to be had are amazing, but there are also many potential pitfalls.
You will need an up-to-date prescription from your optometrist including sphere, cylinder, prism and the distance between the centre of your pupils.
Some sites ask you to fax or e-mail your prescription to them to ensure it is done correctly.
Choosing the right frames is also very important. Some sites allow you to look at the choices in a 360 degree view from all different angles.
Regardless of where the site you use is based, your prescription is likely to be made up in Asia.
This saves hugely on labour costs and helps you get a bargain so long as you’ve entered all your details correctly and chosen the right frames for you.
Online sellers include www.goggles4u.com, www.zennioptical.com and www.framesdirect.com.
There is a forum on the online glasses trade at www.glassyeyes.blogspot.com.