We are a leading provider of prescription eyewear in the UK. Our range of spectacles includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, designer eyewear and sunglasses.

FAQs

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How do I order my glasses from specsdirectory?
Ordering your glasses could not be easier
1.	Select your desired frame and lens options from the specsdirectory
2.	Complete your prescription and address details
3.	Make your payment and relax. Your new glasses are on their way!
You must be over the age of eighteen and not be registered either partially sighted or blind and you must have a prescription less than two years old to order from specsdirectory.

How do I obtain my prescription?
Under the UK Opticians Act 1989 your optician is obliged, under law, to give you a clear copy of your prescription for your own records. You are under no obligation to purchase your glasses at that particular store and should feel under no pressure to do so. Instead log onto specsdirectory and save £££’s. We strongly recommend that you ask your optician for your Pupillary Distance (PD).

What is my Pupillary Distance (PD) and why is it so important?
Your PD is the distance from the centre of the pupil (Black Dot) in one eye to the centre of the pupil in the other eye. It is a simple measurement required to ensure the correct positioning of your prescription lenses in your new frame. If you do not know your PD then specsdirectory will use an average value of 63mm for single vision distance and bifocals and 60mm for single vision reading. We strongly recommend that you ask your optician for your pupillary distance.

Why are your prices so low?
Our prices are significantly lower than High Street retailers because we do not incur the expense of renting prime location retail premises or paying for the upkeep of expensive eye testing equipment. This keeps our operating costs down and enables specsdirectory to pass these savings directly to you.

What payment methods do you accept?
For your convenience we accept all major credit/debit cards. Visa Delta, Mastercard, Solo, Electron and Switch. Alternatively specsdirectory also accept cheques and postal orders made payable to specsdirectory Ltd. These should be posted along with the completed order form that can be downloaded here.

Is the online payment system secure?
Our payment system uses LloydsTSB secure online credit card payment service, which is secured with 128 Bit SSL. Our SSL enabled web server is enhanced with 128 bit encryption from GeoTrust. SSL is the leading security protocol on the internet, and along with 128 bit encryption, which is the strongest possible encryption on the web, you can be sure that any payment made online is secure.

What are the postage and packaging costs?
Postage and packing costs £2.50 for each frame ordered. Your glasses are sent via recorded delivery so you have piece of mind they are secure. We also offer a special delivery service for a cost of £7.50 which includes up to £500 insurance against loss or damage. We recommend this service on all orders over £60.

How long will it take for my glasses to arrive?
We process all orders on the day they are received. Our Terms and Conditions state that delivery can be up to 28 days. However, normally you will receive your glasses within 10 working days depending on the complexity of the prescription and coatings required.

What does my prescription mean?
Following an eye test, your optician will give you a copy of your prescription. It contains the precise measurements of the type of prescription lenses you need. But what do the numbers and words mean. The SPHERE value is the amount of long (+) or short (-) sight you have in each eye. The higher the number then the stronger the prescription lenses required. The CYLINDER value is the amount of astigmatism, or visual distortion caused by an irregular shaped cornea. The AXIS is the direction of the astigmatism, measured in degrees. The ADD value is the amount of additional correction required to focus at close distances. If you have this measurement on your prescription then you have different prescriptions for distance and reading. You could choose a pair for each or select Bifocals if required. The PRISM value is if you have a muscle imbalance between your eyes, prism lenses will provide the correction you need. Specsdirectory do not supply prism lenses. The BASE value is quite simply the direction of any prismatic condition.

Near, Intermediate or Distance prescription?
If you prescription has different values for near, intermediate and distance then proceed as follows: If you require Bifocal then enter measurements for all categories. For single vision lenses that will be used for reading and close work then select near. If you require your glasses for seeing objects far away then select distance. Choose the intermediate if your glasses will be used for working on a computer, painting or reading music.

What if I cannot read my prescription?
If you have problems reading your prescription then please telephone customer services on 08456 52 20 20 (local rate). Alternatively you can post, fax or email your prescription to us, along with your contact details. It will be returned with your new glasses.

How do I fill the prescription details correctly?
Please take great care when completing your prescription details. ALL details from your prescription must be entered, including any dashes or dots. Please see below for an example of a typical NHS prescription. If you have any queries about any part of your prescription then please do not hesitate to contact specsdirectory for help.

What if I entered some information incorrectly?
You must notify us immediately via telephone or e-mail. We process orders very quickly at specsdirectory and it is for this reason that we ask you to ensure that all information supplied to us to complete your order is correct.

Can I order glasses with my contact lens prescription?
Your contact lens and spectacle prescriptions may appear similar but there are differences. You must have your eyes tested by an optician for glasses or use your existing prescription, so long as it is less than two years old, before ordering your glasses from specsdirectory.

What sort of guarantee do you offer?
Before dispatch each pair of glasses is inspected to ensure the accuracy of the prescription as well as correct alignment of the frame. All of our products come with a 10 day no quibble guarantee. If your glasses are not completely to your satisfaction please return them within 10 working days via recorded delivery, at no cost to specsdirectory, together with all packaging, case and cloth and we will either exchange them (once) for another frame making any price adjustment or refund your money. If you have ordered optional extras such as coatings or High Index lenses we will still have to charge you for these. Your glasses are guaranteed for 12 months against any defects. This does not cover damage from accident or misuse.

What lenses do you use?
For most of our glasses we use CR-39 lenses. These are durable and lightweight and can be hard coated free of charge if required. We also supply High Index lenses which are thinner and lighter than the standard lens, ideal for all Rimless frames and for prescriptions over 3 dioptres. A 1.6 High Index lens is approximately 25% thinner and a 1.67 High Index lens is 40% thinner than a standard index lens. As well as being stronger and lighter High index lenses are more reflective than standard lenses and so we also recommend an anti-reflective coating with all High Index lenses. We can also supply polycarbonate lenses if required. Please call customer services on 08456 52 20 20 (local rate) for details.

Do you sell bifocal lenses?
Yes these are available if required for an additional £20. You should only order bifocals if your optician has recommended them. We advise a distance of 11-12mm from the eye to the back surface of the bifocal lens, (Back vertex distance). Please ask your optician to complete your prescription with this in mind. The standard Bifocal lens we use is D28. These are 28mm wide ‘D’ shaped segments positioned vertically 3mm below the lens centre. D35 bifocals are also available with a wider 35mm ‘D’ shaped segment. Executive bifocals that stretch across the whole lens giving a sharper look are also available. If you require either D35 or executive bifocals then please call customer services on 08456 52 20 20 (local rate) for a quote.

Do you sell varifocal or progressive lenses?
Specsdirectory do not take orders for varifocal or progressive lenses.

Can I just order frames without prescription lenses?
Yes simply chose ‘Plano’ or ‘Infinity’ for the sphere strength on the prescription order for plain lenses.

Do you sell prescription sunglasses?
Yes we do and as well as prescription sunglasses we also sell Bolle non prescription designer sunglasses. Please note if you require prescription sunglasses with non prescription lenses then simply chose ‘Plano’ or ‘Infinity’ for the sphere strength on the prescription order.

Do you supply tinted lenses?
Yes we have a range of tints available in varying densities. We also supply photochromic lenses. These are clear in normal lighting conditions, but tint in sunlight and include a UV400 filter.

How are the frames sized?
The frames are sized as follows. On one of the arms of your glasses you will usually find three measurements, the first two separated by a rectangle. The first measurement is the lens diameter, a matter of choice depending on what style you are looking for. The second measurement is the bridge width followed by the third measurement which is the arm length. These measurements do not need to be exact, but the closer they are to an existing pair of glasses then the better they will fit. If you have any further questions or need further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact specsdirectory by telephone, e mail or fax.

Contact Us
Specsdirectory Ltd Shaw House Peglar Way Crawley West Sussex RH10 7AF Tel : 08456 52 20 20 Fax : 08456 52 20 20 Email : info@specsdirectory.com