What we compare before recommending a retailer
We compare the finished buying situation: total pair cost, lens suitability, fit support, delivery, returns and aftercare. A cheap frame only wins when the whole order still works.
Buyer-first comparison principles
We compare the finished buying journey: the frame, prescription lens choice, thinning, coatings, delivery, returns, support and fitting risk. A retailer can be useful for one buyer and a poor fit for another, so our pages explain situations rather than declaring one universal winner.
What our comparison is designed to do
UK glasses shoppers rarely compare like with like. One retailer may show a low frame price, another may include a basic lens, and another may offer stronger fitting or store support. Our job is to slow the decision down enough that the buyer checks the full order before clicking through.
We write for everyday buyers: people replacing a pair, trying online glasses for the first time, comparing prescription sunglasses, deciding on thinning, or wondering whether to reglaze existing frames. The site is information only. It is not optical, medical or dispensing advice.
Total order cost
We look beyond frame price and consider the basket after lenses, coatings, thinning, delivery and discount terms.
Lens clarity
We check whether lens choices are explained clearly enough for a shopper to understand trade-offs.
Fit and prescription risk
We flag when PD, frame size, strong prescriptions, varifocals or child fitting may need extra care.
Delivery and production
We separate dispatch language from made-to-order lens production where that affects expectations.
Returns and support
We check whether the return or remake route is clear, especially for prescription lenses.
Reglazing suitability
For reglazing, we focus on frame condition, postage, turnaround and what happens if a frame is unsuitable.
How we read retailer information
| What we check | Retailer terms, delivery pages, returns wording, lens menus, product categories, support routes and published guidance. |
|---|---|
| Why it matters | Most buying problems happen after the headline price: lens upgrades, measurements, production times, returns and support. |
| What can change | Prices, codes, stock, delivery estimates, discount exclusions and return wording can change quickly, so shoppers should confirm live terms. |
| How we update | Commercial pages and comparison tables carry a checked date. We update pages when source checks or corrections show a material change. |
How affiliate links affect rankings
Some retailer links may earn commission at no extra cost to the visitor. Commission does not buy placement, and a retailer can be mentioned without an active affiliate relationship. The commercial test is still buyer suitability: who might the retailer suit, who should be cautious, and what should be checked before ordering.
Where a link is commercial, we use neutral wording such as "Check current prices", "Visit retailer" or "Compare before ordering". We avoid pressure language because prescription glasses are a fit and suitability decision, not a quick impulse purchase.
What we do not do
- We do not provide optical, medical or dispensing advice.
- We do not guarantee live prices, voucher codes, delivery dates or stock.
- We do not rank retailers only by cheapest advertised frame price.
- We do not recommend online ordering where the buyer needs professional fitting or clinical support.
Corrections and source checks
If a retailer page is out of date, a retailer or reader can send a correction through the contact page. We look for factual evidence such as a current policy page, support page or product page. Corrections can change wording quickly, but they do not automatically change editorial judgement.
Use the methodology with the comparison
Read the scoring approach, then compare retailers by the buying situation that matches your order.