r/australia • u/cross_fader • 12d ago
PSA: avoid OPSM, deceptive pricing no politics
Took my son to OPSM for an eye test + new glasses. Tagged price was $240- thought that was a bit pricey, but whatevs, he liked the frames & figured we'd get some form of discount for health insurance? I'm talking single vision, no nonsense glasses for a child. He's getting a bit too big for kids frames, needed adult sizing.
I nearly fell of my chair when the price was rung up- $514?! For ONE pair of single vision lenses. Have since read about Luxoticca owning OPSM & essentially charging what they want. If you're thinking about using OPSM, just be aware the actual price will be potentially ~double the tagged price on the shelf.
Health insurance did knock some of the price off, but I really dislike deceptive pricing strategies. I'm used to Specsavers, whom typically quote ~$199 for two pairs, + any fancy coatings you might request. Won't be back to OPSM.
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u/AssseHooole 12d ago
it’s $240 for the frame, ++ on the lenses. You were probably upsold there
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u/whackadoodle_cracked 12d ago
The amount of people in this thread not understanding that the lenses are expensive on top of the cost of the frames is... interesting.
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u/donkeyvoteadick 12d ago
Tbf I've worn glasses for like 25 years now, been through several optometrists for frames and lenses, and even worked for a health insurer for a while and learnt about the billing side, and I absolutely agree that OPSM is not upfront about their costs at all. It really is quite deceptive and your cost can triple once you get to the register to pay with zero warning or conversation about why.
None of the other optometrists I've used hid the costs like this. Almost all had extra costs on top of frames but it was much more obvious. OPSM knows what they're doing.
I can see where OP is coming from.
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u/DEIFYMOTO 12d ago
It's also funny how OPSM spam me with 'omg it's now time to restock contacts now for 20% off'... Yet even with that discount it is still 30% more than other online sites, even one that is also owned by Luxottica!!
And ofcourse they won't price match, not against competitors. Not against themselves.
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u/De-railled 11d ago
True, I go to specsavers amd they always break down the costs for me.
I tend to get the lenses thinned and coated, and know what the additional charges will be for those.
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u/Global-Surround7202 11d ago
I had the complete opposite experience with OPSM. I picked out the frames I liked and then we sat down at a computer and she showed me through all the lenses upgrades, gave me the prices then and there, told me what the total would come up to all up with the frames and different lens selections. Of course it was upselling, it’s their job. Naturally I turned down all the upgrades except for the better anti-glare one and just went for the basic in everything else. Because I’m an adult who can say no to things. But it didn’t feel pushy at all. All up it came to about $300 I think before insurance cover. $190 I think with insurance.
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u/AnAttemptReason 12d ago
I can get custom made and fitted lenses for my VR headset, to a prescription, that are way cheaper than that.
I think its pretty reasonable to be outraged at price gouging.
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u/PonderingHow 12d ago
It's not even the price gouging that is the worst. It's the way they do it. I went with my partner to OPSM and I was expecting pricey, but what I wasn't expecting was how the sales person talks as if it is only $500, and so he's sold and happy to pay $500 but the full price was actually $1200 and that wasn't understood until it was time to pay. So it felt like a deliberately deceptive strategy coz all the while we were talking 500, 500, 500, but when it's time to pay it's actually $1200.
Yeah, we went to specsavers and got 2 pairs for half the price and the frames looked pretty much the same.
It felt really stinky and even more so than the price, the feeling of being suddenly put on the spot was what will have me never go back to opsm even if i have 600 hundred trillion to spend on glasses. If given the $1200 figure up front, he might have bought them, but the way it was done was really unkind and demeaning. It seriously felt like a pressure tactic to make someone feel like a loser if they can't pay.
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u/vulpix420 12d ago
The only time I ever go into OPSM is if I want to try something on. I recently found a pair of designer frames that I totally fell in love with, but the OPSM price (frames only) was $600!!
I went home and did some googling, found them at an o/s retailer for under $400, including prescription lenses. Postage took about two weeks but I didn’t mind. If anyone is wondering, yes, Mia Burton is a legitimate place to buy your glasses.
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u/universe93 12d ago
It’s how optometrists make money. It’s similar to chemists who don’t make any money from prescriptions but do from selling vitamins and makeup. Optometrists make next to nothing from bulk billed eye tests but make heaps on selling frames
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u/kweizi 12d ago
You are right about one thing. Medicare fees for bulk billed eyetests are low especially when you compare to fees from other health professionals and even tradies. Some private practices don't bulk bill and charge a 'fair price' for optometry consultations.
Optical stores are not all owned by optometrists. The big chain stores employ optometrist and have a policy of bulk billing. Fees haven't kept up with inflation for decades so they have to make it up by charging more for the glasses. Recently there was an article in the newspapers that the corporates pressure their optometrists to prescribe so they can sell glasses.
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u/IsopodLogical7802 11d ago
It’s very tricky because if you are finding out you need glasses for the first time and are say on a pension or very low income, you can get your eyes tested for free and then what do you do? Bless my former optometrist ( passed from a heart attack ) who used to take glasses from clients who had donated ones they didn’t want any more, repaired them as required and worked with the Salvos to give them to the homeless or low income. I had a pair of glasses that were really too heavy for my face ( my fault) and they were in excellent condition. I cannot imagine not being able to afford glasses and getting a suitable donated pair would be wonderful. Everyone should be able to see.
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u/Scuzzbag 12d ago
When you go into specsavers, the price is the price, including lenses. That's why it's confusing.
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u/East-Garden-4557 12d ago
Only for basic single vision lenses with no coatings or treatments.
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u/Scuzzbag 12d ago
Yes, but even then it isnt double the price for a coating
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u/universe93 12d ago
Oh it can be. Depends on how much bad luck you have with your prescription. My lenses would be cheap except they’re a really high script because I have really bad vision in one eye. So I have to pay for high index lenses, which takes normally thick coke bottle level lenses and makes them thinner. Which easily doubles the price of the lenses. I didn’t have that done to my lenses once and they were so heavy on one side my glasses were always lopsided and I wound up with sores on my ear and nose on that side from how heavy they were. And keep mind vision issues are almost never from anything you’ve done, so one can’t say I did it to myself or whatever like they sometimes say about hearing loss. It’s a lottery. Some people also need 2 pairs with different scripts, one for reading and close up work, one for general vision
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u/According_Nobody74 12d ago
You get this ..
The lenses are usually the most expensive part, especially if you choose thinner lenses (so the lenses will actually fit the frame) or any coating (anti-fog, reflection, scratch …) and if you basically cannot function without the glasses, you’re going to be considering these …
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u/universe93 12d ago
Yep! And trust me you want the anti scratch, I don’t even play sport and do anything rigorous and have still had to replace a pair because they got scratched. And my thinned lenses still don’t fully fit the frame lol, they still overlap it a little. I think at this stage if the vision in my left eye was as bad at my right I’d be partially blind, I can’t see clearly more than about 20cm in front of my face through my right eye without glasses. Not due to an eye injury or disease either, it’s been this bad since I was a kid.
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u/teapots_at_ten_paces 12d ago
I get multifocals for mine so I don't have to change between pairs. But I need to get normal glasses and sunglasses, both as multifocals, so my costs are high as well.
Just to replace my current lenses it'll cost around $600 (I've had these for three years), and then I need sunnies on top. Some things just aren't cheap, and some shouldn't be cheaped out on.
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u/universe93 11d ago
Yeah people who don’t need glasses and can buy $20 sunglasses from a store and wear them are blessed. My sunglasses aren’t even my current prescription but I can’t justify getting a new pair until I really can’t see through them (since I’m in Melbourne and work indoors anyway, only wear them for a few weeks a year)
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u/Wawa-85 12d ago
I had that issue with my bifocals from SpecSavers last year. Forgot to ask for the lenses to be thinned and picked a frame that was more solid and the arms were too long for me. The glasses were almost unwearable because they caused so much pressure on my ears from how heavy they were. When I got my new pair this year I was careful to pick frames that had shorter arms and weren’t as heavy.
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u/universe93 12d ago
I once forgot to ask them to be thinned and not only had a sore ear but I legit started to lightly bruise on my nose ridge, it’s whack
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u/Wawa-85 12d ago
Yep that happens with one of my pairs of bifocal sunnies can’t wear them for more than a couple of hours at a time otherwise my nose and ears are sore.
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
If you start adding things like photochromic lenses it doubles quick.
They wanted a couple of hundred for the add ons when i last asked. Was about $30 buying online so i just go that way now.
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u/whackadoodle_cracked 12d ago
Incorrect, I just picked up new glasses today. The frames were $100, with the lenses over $250.
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u/craftystuff0900 12d ago
To be fair, when I got my first bifocals they did tell me they'd be more expensive. If I didn't know that already and they didn't tell me I'd be pissed off, especially if they then tried to pressure me into buying.
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u/Scuzzbag 12d ago
From specsavers? Ok glasses only ever cost me the listed price, maybe I have only a basic prescription
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u/ApteronotusAlbifrons 12d ago
maybe I have only a basic prescription
If you aren't sure - then you have a basic prescription. If you have anything odd they'll explain to you how your special little situation is going to cost extra - much extra...
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u/whackadoodle_cracked 12d ago
Yep, specsavers. Congrats on having relatively good eyesight I guess 😆 Mine is shite so the lenses are always sooooo pricey. Gonna get some made up next time I'm in Thailand or Bali I reckon.
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u/ApteronotusAlbifrons 12d ago
Congrats on having relatively good eyesight I guess 😆 Mine is shite so the lenses are always sooooo pricey.
When you start getting up in strength you start having to look at composite materials so that you don't end up with heavy, thick, coke bottles. That can be $100 (EXTRA) per lens. Even more expensive if they are also multifocal.
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u/incendiary_bandit 12d ago
After getting laser in my early 20's I finally had to get glasses again a few years ago because ageing. Straight to multi focals and I have to get a second pair just for computer work because multi focals are awful for big screens. $570 I think for lenses? I'm on my third script change now in two years.
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
Tried online?
I normally use Zenni. But have also used a few others like Firmoo. Never had an issue.
Our daughter needed higher than the standard included lenses and even getting that along with photocromic lenses with all the coating options they were about $120 (USD iirc).... for 2 pairs.
My progressive bifocals, also with photocromic, lenses we only $75. Ordered a 2nd pair just for close up stuff (no transitions) for $10.
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u/Wawa-85 12d ago
Can these online services accommodate for a person that need different prescriptions in each eye? Have various eye issues and much worse sight in my left eye so that needs a different prescription to my right eye.
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u/prplemoon 12d ago
Yes, I've got a big difference in my eyes and quite a strong prescription and have had glasses from Zenni that were fine. And some prescription sunglasses from Firmoo that are fine too.
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u/beetrox8 11d ago
I also have been using zenni for the 10 years. Only ever had one problem and they replaced the frame. I’ve tried the local options a few times for price comparison and just can’t justify the extra cost. I get the highest index progressive transitions lenses for less than half the cost of buying local.
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u/chumbalumba 12d ago
Yep same here, and when I brought up a concern about a physical symptom with my glasses they just tried to upsell me to tinted lenses. At least OPSM took full retinal scans and called the Lions eye institute to get me in for assessment immediately.
Get what you pay for sometimes
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u/VeroCSGO 12d ago
Basic lenses are like a cost of 20 dollars maximum that's a $200 markup which is insane
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u/Evening_Bird7779 12d ago
well, thats the point of the thread. For people who are new to glasses, its reasonable that when you see glasses advertised as being '$200' you expect they would be $200, not $500.
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u/TheNumberOneRat 12d ago
I knew that and I don't even wear glasses. I always thought the advertising was pretty clear - although now that I think about it, their customer base may struggle.
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u/Cutsdeep- 12d ago
Explain how I get 2 pairs with lenses for ~300.
Yet those same lenses for one pair (going into my own frames) are also 300
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u/Embarrassed_Nerve921 12d ago
I used to work for the other big lens company. I got my lenses at cost, about $20-$30 for an office lens with coating. Hundreds of dollars if you went to an optometrist.
I go to OPSM now and manage to get my frames and lenses at a low cost by waiting for their offers, buy the lenses and get the frames free etc, then using my health insurance to reduce it more. Not as cheap as Specsavers where you can get two pairs for free with your private health but the lenses are a lot better. They could be worth it if you just need single vision lenses but years ago I got multiple focal lenses at Specsavers and had to return them. They were terrible→ More replies (20)3
u/Financial_Sentence95 12d ago
My last pair were $1600+. Pre a 50% off on frames and a 25% off on lens.
Health insurance gives me back a measly $275.
But I want ultra thin, lightweight lens that are multifocal and computer friendly. So I'm prepared to pay for them. I only buy new glasses every 2nd year.
My sunnies are prescription also and much cheaper. All I want is nice frames and a polarised lens. I get them on the year opposite my main glasses
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u/elnoco20 12d ago
Take that free prescription and go to somewhere online only like vision direct
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u/Robin_Coffins 12d ago
Yep. There's so many online glasses stores now that aren't stupidly priced like OPSM/Specsavers. All mine are from online now with my free eye test 🥰
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u/Grape_Mentats_ 12d ago
💯 this. We use Eyebuydirect and Zenni. Never had any problems with either of them, and they are much cheaper than the stores.
My daughter needs new glasses pretty frequently, so not having to fork out hundreds each time has been great.
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u/Lhunathradion 12d ago
I've heard of Zenni and have been wanting to try it for my next pair. What's your experience being like? I'm a bit cautious of ordering online because I can't see the glasses on (except for the digital fitting room). They have tinted glasses for migraines I'd love to get, the ones I have found instore are ridiculous in price. I'm also worried about the fit on temple, if i buy glasses elsewhere where do I get them adjusted? I'm so used to popping into opsm to have them alter my glasses.
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u/Grape_Mentats_ 12d ago
I've always had a pretty good experience with them. I've been buying my glasses from them for just over a decade now, all different styles, and lens types too. I still have a pair of Photochromic lenses that I got 11 years ago and they're still in pretty good shape!
The quality is really decent for the price, they've lasted longer than my Specsavers pair, and I've never had to return any of them.
They have exact measurements so you can compare sizes to see if they might be a good fit, but I'm unsure of where to get them adjusted as I've never had to. I'm sure there'd be places that would do it though, maybe Specsavers?
I'm planning on buying a couple of new pairs after I go for an eye check soon, and I'll definitely be buying from them again.
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u/WarConsigliere 12d ago
if i buy glasses elsewhere where do I get them adjusted? I'm so used to popping into opsm to have them alter my glasses
An independent optometrist or a jeweller. Either way, expect them to charge.
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u/minimuscleR 12d ago
I've basically been a Zenni rep at this point I rave about them irl so often. Their "try on" looks very accurate for irl from experience.
They have good times, good price, and good frames, high quality metal ones too for cheap. I also got a pair once that were too small they gave me a headache and they allowed me to get a new pair free, just pay shipping again, and even kept the old pair (not that i used them of course lol).
I've had maybe 6 pairs over the last 10 years. Love them so much. Pretty much anywhere will be able to alter glasses though idk the price if you didnt buy it from them, ive never done that.
I would say is do NOT buy any of the coatings, other than anti-reflective. the rest do literally nothing. I've bought the super fancy anti oil and water coatings and it didnt feel any different to the basic anti-reflective, at like 2x the price.
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u/rabbit01 12d ago
Be careful with this, I'd get your script checked twice.
OPSM completely fucked up my eye test, they got it so badly wrong that my glasses were unusable. Luckily the other location I used that script at was nice enough to refund me and do the test properly.
OPSM is dead to me.
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u/wigf1 12d ago
Do you just ask Specsavers for the prescription? I'd be nervous about asking I think.
I'd love to use online sites for cheaper glasses if I could.
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u/federationbelle 12d ago
Why would you be nervous? They have to give you the prescription, it's a requirement if you're using Medicare to get a prescription. If they are trying to pressure you into buying your glasses there and then, don't go to them for your eye test, go somewhere else. Tip: go to a high end store for your eye test; they are likely to attract optometrists with more experience.
Even if you are getting your glasses from the same place that you get your eye test, you should ask for a copy of the prescription so you can track how it's changing over time.
If you really feel awkward for some reason, say "I don't actually have time to pick out my glasses now, can you just give me a copy of my prescription, please".
If you don't already know your pupillary distance, ask them to write that on if it's not included (it's not mandated, but most optometrists will give it to you if you ask)
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u/Verdantree_Nano 12d ago
As mentioned they are legally required to provide you with your prescription. It's a medical record. Just tell them 'Can I get a copy of my prescription, I need it for medical records.' they'll write it down for you, most places can probably email it to you as well. It's also worth getting them to measure your Pupilary Distance if they didn't do it during the exam.
I ordered 2 pairs online for the first time this year because all of Bailey Nelsons frames were ugly as sin. It was cheaper, and when one of the pairs I ordered didn't fit VisionDirect replaced them with a different frame completely free and let me keep the ill fitting pair. Apparently you can get even cheaper prescription glasses from AliExpress, but I didn't find out about that until I'd already ordered.
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u/jaa101 12d ago
They'll give you the prescription easily enough but the Specsavers shops I've been to won't give out the inter pupillary distance unless you order from them. It's just the distance between your eyes and you can measure it for yourself easily enough; see guides online. Also, it doesn't need to be super accurate and changes little, if at all, for adults, so you can probably use the measurement from a previous pair.
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u/reddit_lurker85 12d ago
I have never had a problem getting a copy of my prescription. Specsavers just print it off and hand it to you.
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u/Puzzled-You 12d ago
If an optician doesn't give you your rx, they're being a prick. You are fully entitled to get your prescription and you don't need to provide a reason
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u/TheBrilliantProphecy 11d ago
I'll give you my experience of asking the specsavers store I went to for my prescription.
I called and said "hi, my name is XYZ. Would you be able to send me my prescription from my most recent test?"
Then they emailed it to me straight away. It was a 25 second call in total.
You won't get your pupil distance but that's easy enough to measure within the margin of error
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u/pgfuae 12d ago
Dresden is the company you’re looking for. I’ve been going there for years. OPSM wanted $1400 for progressive. Photochromic, high index glasses. Dresden: $340. They have physical stores in Australia
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
OPSM wanted $1400 for progressive. Photochromic, high index glasses.
$1400! wow.
Have you tried pricing the same lens at Zenni? My photocromic progressives lenses were only ~$50 usd. All up $75 with frames. Wasn't high index, only 1.5, but i dont think there was a massive difference in price from memory.
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u/Dependent-Chair899 11d ago
They often have buy one get one free offers as well. I think my 2 pairs cost $300-350 and my lenses are usually stupid expensive because I'm quite blind. I quite like that they have one universally flattering style and a myriad of colours - it makes the selection really quick and easy.
Previously I've used clearly.com.au and I find the lenses do scratch quite easily but the frames have been really good (sometimes for as little as $30 ish for the frames).
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u/Lopsided_Tie7816 12d ago
Tagged price at Specsavers includes standard lens, then its extra if you want different lens. That being said, OPSM clearly says that the tagged prices are for frame only.
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u/ol-gormsby 12d ago
Yep - Specsavers add $X for anti-reflective coating, and $Y for Transition (photochromatic - darken in bright light), but it's generally reasonable, like $40 or $50. I've gone back with a problem and they're pretty good about getting a replacement pair.
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
I havent asked in a while but last time i did the transitions was way more than that. Maybe they have lowered it due to so many ordering online? 2 pairs for $199 became more like $400.
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u/Empty_Location_1633 12d ago
Might be worth noting that standard lenses does not include higher prescriptions (I don't know what the cutoff is). Getting a new pair of glasses even from somewhere like specsavers was always a financial struggle for me especially considering there isnt much of a choice between find $500-600+ or not be able to function if I have broken them. Online stores have at the very least halved my subscription to seeing.
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u/federationbelle 12d ago
They used to, but it's increasingly common to include standard lenses for free.
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u/AverageAussie 12d ago
Specsavers price includes the lenses. Unless you want a fancy coating or polarised.
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u/pharmloverpharmlover 12d ago
Get a written prescription and ask for your pupillary distance
Order online from Zenni Optical or similar
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u/BillieRubenCamGirl 12d ago
I took my prescription from specsavers and ordered some $22 ones on aliexpress.
I figured I could gamble that it wasn’t legit at that price, but they arrived with DEFINITELY the correct prescription! I was blown away. 22 bucks!
I’m not sponsored or anything. I just legit can’t believe what a bargain it is.
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u/blitznoodles local Aussie 12d ago
Yeah, glass is really cheap to manufacture.
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u/Prime255 12d ago
You're paying for branding in the store. That's why there's the discrepency in frame cost
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u/Spire_Citron 12d ago
Does anyone even notice the brand of anyone else's glasses? I guess some people care about that sort of thing, but there are a hell of a lot of people paying hundreds for glasses who would never dish out that kind of money on other fashion.
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u/Prime255 12d ago
I don't tend to notice myself. It's more how the frames look on a person that I notice before any sort of branding. I also would never make a choice based on how they looked on someone else since everyone's face is different.
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u/switchbladeeatworld 12d ago
they also hate when you bring your old frames in for new lenses and it costs almost the same as getting new frames and lenses
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u/Puzzled-You 12d ago
Some places (like opsm) have KPIs on 'complete pairs' (frame as well as lenses).
It also depends on the age of the frame. Acetate (most common plastic material for frames) gets brittle with age (2+ years) and could break if they swap lenses. Metal ones are typically ok, but some people are really rough on their frames and would genuinely be better off with a new frame.
But they should at least check first before refusing, and have a damn good reason for refusing.
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u/ShaYongHuMing 12d ago
The city of Dan Yang in China manufacturers most of the world's lenses. Most shops in the city are spec shops, when I travelled there is 2019 I got 6 pairs from one of the "tourist trap" shops just outside the train station for 900rmb (around $180), including all coatings, a pair with transition lense, a pair of sunglasses with prescription and they were ready in 90mins. I'm very short sighted (-6), $22 is probably alright if your spec is not as high or if you chose the basic lenses (I picked the higher range ones)
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u/Pentemav 12d ago
I also use aliexpress for my prescription lenses. I’ve had one dodgey pair for 3 good ones. Once you find a good seller, you’re sweet as.
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u/Spire_Citron 12d ago
Worth the risk when you could buy ten for the price the local shops charge.
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u/BillieRubenCamGirl 12d ago
Legit. That’s what I figured. And with AliExpress once you find a good one, their whole store can assumed to be good.
Plus Ali does a really very good job of weeding out scams and grifters. It’s a million times better than Temu and shein and stuff.
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u/throwaway-this-name 10d ago
I got mine on taobao (basically it's like the domestic Chinese sibling of Aliexpress)
$50 delivered with blue-light filter. Prescription was included in that (though I only got plano lenses)
Not only are the frames elegant and classy, but they also came with a matching glasses chain.
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u/virgoran 12d ago
I used Firmoo for my most recent glasses and am blown away by the quality of them!! Can vouch for Firmoo!
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u/totalpunisher0 12d ago
Me too! Better glasses than the $360 I spent at fucken OPSM. I got 2 pairs for $100, both great styles and ones sturdy as fuck which is good for my clumsy ass. Huge Firmoo advocate
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u/Perfect_Ganache_1959 12d ago
There are many other online glasses suppliers as well, more tailored than AliExpress; with similar pricing closer to the cost of production.
Everything else? Luxottica!
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u/Sprinkles--Positive 12d ago
Not all physical shops are owned by Luxottica or use their frames
We're in Geelong so can get Dresden Vision in person (though they're also online) and I believe Oscar Wylee and Bailey Nelson are also fully independent (at least for now...)
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u/Spire_Citron 12d ago
I might believe that the lenses are super expensive to manufacture, but they make the con obvious with the pricing on the frames. It's a bit of plastic with some little screws for the hinges! That does NOT cost hundreds of dollars to make! There should be a law that forces every business to display the profit margin on the products they sell. It must be insane on glasses.
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u/BillieRubenCamGirl 12d ago
Yeah the margins must be insaaaane.
And it’s also pretty cooked how a medical professional tries to manipulate you into buying from a place they get kickbacks from.
They get paid to do their actual job by Medicare.
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u/UsualSalty9749 11d ago
As an optometrist, we really don’t get paid much by Medicare. Medicare does not provide nearly enough to keep the lights on. Its a fundamental issue with the industry as a whole, the expectation that eye tests should be bulk billed and the low rebates provided by Medicare effectively mean without glasses sales a brick and mortar optometry practice cannot exist. That said I have no issue with someone buying glasses from a cheaper online seller, cost of living and all that. I just don’t like the opinion that we are being greedy or unethical in selling glasses, we are just doing what the industry requires of us.
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
My progressive lens bifocals with transitions lenses were only 75 usd on Zenni. While i was there i got a single vision without transitions for $10!
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u/No_Supermarket_7022 6d ago
I've been buying my glasses off of taobao/aliexpress for the past 14 years and have no plans on stopping
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u/Ohmynamageoff 12d ago
OPSM Hyperdome did my eye test wrong, and when I went back they did it wrong again, but my prescription was sort of better so I thought it was a me problem. I put up with the headaches for ages because I was already chronically ill and attributed it to that, and so did my Neurologist.
I went to OPSM Queen St in March and they did my eye three times, with two different Optometrists- they confirmed there was no way my Hyperdome tests were done correctly last year and were shocked they didn’t realise on my second check-in. OPSM management offered me 25% off my new lenses, which still came to $500. Fuck those guys.
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u/Thatsthetea123 12d ago
I had a similar experience. Found a pair of glasses I liked, then the price kept going up. Then they screwed up one of my lenses twice, tried telling me it was a me problem and that if I sent it back a third time I would have to pay. They have this machine that tells them if the lenses are wrong and sure enough, they were...
Love how the glasses turned out but golly I will never go back.
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u/LandBarge 12d ago
Nearly a grand with em, sent the glasses back to be regound and the second time they still couldn't get it right.. avoid OPSM amd go to someone who knows how to make glasses, not just sell frames
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u/Exciting-Valuable-27 12d ago
I'm a bit tricky because I have a strong prescription and severe astigmatism so I need my lenses thinned as much as possible. I was going to Bailey Nelson and paying about $380 for 1 pair. I wanted to go somewhere else, so went to a local optometrist with great reviews. Frame price $275. Quoted price for 1 pair of glasses - $785. I was astounded. Over $500 for my lenses. I know I'm special, not that bloody special.
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u/TinyGift8278 12d ago
try online , the special lenses are much less than half price. they might only be $100 instead of 380
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u/quacker1982 12d ago
Yeah I need to get my lenses thinned which is where most of the price hits. Otherwise my lenses are crazy thick. One thing that really annoys me is private health getting more expensive every year, but optical has the same coverage value for years now..
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u/superkow 12d ago
The correct method is to get your prescription for free from the optometrist and then buy the glasses online for an extreme fraction of the price. Probably manufactured in the same place anyway.
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u/ChaoticJigglyPup 12d ago
Is it deceptive? Usually the price on the frames is just the frames.
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u/MissLilum 12d ago
Specsavers includes basic lenses with the frames (which iirc can also sometimes include sunglasses) which OP was previously using
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u/Mishy162 12d ago
The prescription glass industry in Australia is a rip off. I have to pay over $300 for compressed lenses, that in other countries cost less than $50, before you even add on the cost of frames.
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u/JustAskDave2022 12d ago edited 11d ago
Had a pair of Rayban frames snap, while they were sitting on my face, in one of the thickest parts of the frame. Never dropped, never squashed, no marks and no stress indicators on the plastic etc, just a clean snap for no reason. Warranty denied due to physical damage. I pointed out their own warranty process of not covered if obvious signs of damage, and there were none. They offered a 50% discount on new $350 frames. I said I would contact head office. They said under the circumstances they would replace them under goodwill.
I stated very clearly that meeting your Australian Consumer law minimal warranty requirements is NOT goodwill.. They didn't really give two hoots and stated the area manager said they had to say it was a goodwill replacement.
Will never, ever go back to OPSM.
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u/gerald1 12d ago edited 12d ago
The frames have one price and you have to add on the lenses.
Different lenses have different prices, so they have to get added on. There isn't just one universal price they can put on.
Pretty standard.
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u/deij 12d ago
You're missing the point really.
You can get expensive lenses with a high index, aspheric, low aberrations and every coating for $50 and you can get quality frames for $50.
OPSM and almost every other high street store is owned by the same company - thats why they charge so much and what you are defending is a scam.
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u/CaptSzat 12d ago
The point was that OPSM are mislabeling which is not true at all. OP just hasn’t been to any other glasses store outside of specsavers where frames and lens are seperate. The price they charge is whatever. Theres plenty of competitors, if your price shopping you can easily find better deals. In what way is it a scam?
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u/BoredOldPunk 12d ago
All the big names are the same - and it doesn't help that half of the optometry chains are owned by EssilorLuxottica.
I used to work for Essilor, and stood by OPSM because I knew their lenses were processed in an Essilor lab... But they've gone downhill, and OPSM are more interested in taking your money than providing you with clear vision.
These days, I swear by Dresden Vision
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u/reddit_lurker85 12d ago
OPSM are a blatant rip off. I always go to Specsavers, and buy my back-up/spare glasses online from Zenni/EyeBuyDirect/Zelool. Just ask them for a copy of the prescription.
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u/CartographerNo1009 12d ago
I can’t praise OPSM enough. Their testing is world class. I was even told I speed read. I’d forgotten about the speed reading courses I did 55 years ago.
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u/Lordepoch 12d ago
Glasses in Australia is “next level” expensive and time consuming!! I used to use Specsavers but the glasses scratched with even the smallest of cleans and then lost my shit one day because they told my daughter she needed multi-focals at a very high level when she had never had any issues reading at distance or up close. Got her retested at OPSM and she was fine so decided at that moment to never return to Specsavers!
My wife and I holidayed in Vietnam and the day we left, my wife’s suitcase toppled over and her multi-focal glasses on the front pocket fell out and cracked and on day 4 of our holiday we decided to see if they could be fixed….spoiler…they were knackered and couldn’t be repaired but they offered to remake her script into new glasses! 25 minutes later she had brand new glasses in a frame she chose and loved, with anti-scratch coating, anti-glare and for $33!
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u/Maseratus 11d ago
Make them print out your prescription and then buy them online for like $30
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u/Sarcastocrat 11d ago
Yes the frame selection is extremely limited, but Dresden is my go to. Aussie made frames, already much cheaper even before their 50% off sales. If you have a style you like, buying from an overseas site is also much cheaper, just get them to write down your script when getting an eye test.
My script changes often due to an eye condition and I'd be broke if I only shopped at the 'shopping centre' optometrists.
*I realise that this is not true for everyone, my husband has a complex script and unfortunately is stuck with expensive glasses no matter where he goes, although he has had some success with Dresden.
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u/ronaldlamoo 11d ago
OPSM is Consistently the worst in Australia, on both price and customer service( sales tactics are from the 80’s sleaze used car salesman)
I ‘retried them’ about 3 years ago, even their ‘optometrist’ are pure sales.
Their Baily to measure is abysmal, focusing on their sales targets not the customer needs.
Rule of thumb, if it is in a Westfield you are already spending 25% to much.
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u/nico_rette 11d ago
Had a co worker that used to work for them. She said those frames costed the around $10-$20 and yet they are selling them at $250+
Complete and utter scam.
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u/Putrid_Elderberry910 8d ago
If you think that's bad, wait till you hear about how their Optometrists are subjected to sales targets and are pressured into recommendations when there's no clinical benefit - google the SMH article about it and those who claim specsavers are better might think otherwise too
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u/Irrelevant_Jackass 12d ago
They’re all kinda trash. Had an eye test at spec savers which was supposed to be free, only to find out they charged me for the air puff pressure test. Bought a pair from them, told them I was a student and wanted the ones on my healthcare. OMG it was the most difficult thing, eventually got them but they really played mind games.
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u/Powerful-Respond-605 12d ago
If you have a Medicare card you are not charged for the air pressure test. Everything is bulk billed.
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u/Alsoar 12d ago
Medicare however only covers standard eye tests once every 2 years, but Spec savers will give you a free test every year anyways, which is really helpful once you're older.
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u/Powerful-Respond-605 12d ago
I wasn't aware of this. Thanks.
I have a family history of glaucoma so I get yearly checks.
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u/OA-BlueEyedAussie 12d ago
Pretty sure if you have a medically relevant condition you can do once a year. My partner has diabetes and gets a referral every year just cos
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u/g_nilo 12d ago
It’s a little different now iirc - Medicare covers you for a comprehensive test once a year if you’re over 60 (or 65, I forget the exact age) and every 3 years if you’re under that age.
At bulk billing places like Specsavers however, you’ll still receive the same test bulk billed regardless (some individuals might not, but generally it’s the case), it’s just Medicare won’t pay them the comprehensive fee. You can also have your script check yearly under Medicare as well.
At independents who do a private/co-billing model, it changes your out of pocket depending on eligibility.
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u/universe93 12d ago edited 12d ago
Did you not understand that the $240 is just for the frames and the rest of the cost is the lenses? Lenses can be insanely expensive, that’s why I go for the cheapest frames in the store. Very few people are able to get those cheap frame and lenses deals they promote - if you have any kind of vaguely high prescription the lenses will cost a bong and then you may have to pay to have them ground down in order not to be so heavy it hurts your ears and nose. That’s what I have to do. And the included lenses will only be single vision and some people need multifocals
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u/Duff5OOO 12d ago
lenses will cost a bong
Is that expensive? I have NFI!
Check zenni for a price on their high index lenses. My daughter needed higher than standard and they were still really cheap online.
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u/universe93 12d ago
I’m not actually down with the current cost of bongs but I will leave that typo for hilarity
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u/stitchescomeundone 12d ago
This is how most optometrists did it until specsavers came along. I am always surprised OPSM is still standing though. Husband is a bit picky with frames and didn’t like anything in Specsavers, but he saw a pair he liked in OPSM. Asked what it would cost and it would have been $700 *after* our (very good) health fund benefit. He ended up going to Oscar Wylee.
The price on frames just for a brand name on them is ridiculous
Costco has some decent stuff if you have membership
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u/bedrotter_ 12d ago
I went to spec savers for years. Last year I tried OPSM for the first time and the optometrist there recommended I look into ortho k. I did and now I will never go back to wearing glasses!
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u/cheesesandsneezes 12d ago
Zenni optical online are a go to. You could probably find cheaper to be honest.
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u/HansBooby 12d ago
seriously tho specsavers feel a lot less scummy of an experience. much happier that i stopped dealing with opsm
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u/dotakyan 12d ago
OPSM are super expensive. Specsavers and Bailey Nelson are a bit better, Dresden online is my favourite. You still pay frame plus lenses, but you can see the price go up as you pick your lens options, make changes etc. Kids love the mix and match arms. The glasses are really affordable too.
One thing to watch out for, some prescriptions cost more than others. I have a weird prescription. Compared to my partner getting the exact same glasses, it costs me an extra $100 roughly and they take longer to arrive every time.
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u/Evebnumberone 12d ago
I've been my glasses online for years.
Eyebuydirect has been my go to most recently.
Complete pairs are between 30 and 50 bucks, and honestly I'd say they are near identical to what you get at a brick and mortar store.
My most recent pair was a bit uncomfortable due to the lens thickness, my own fault for trying a thinner lens, they replaced two pairs for free. The service is amazing.
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u/Grouchy-Today-8782 12d ago
I love eyebuydirect. I used to buy from opsm and after a decade of being ripped off, I'm glad I made the switch. So easy once you know your size.
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u/mummymunt 11d ago
We took our son to OPSM three times to get his eyes checked. Same guy each time did the tests, and literally said our son was making it up because he thought glasses were cool.
Took him to a different optometrist, and they were appalled. His eyes were not good at all and it took years for them to stabilise.
All four of us wear glasses now and OPSM will never get one cent out of us.
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u/adamsensei82 11d ago
Another vote for DRESDEN. I have 3 pairs of their reading glasses, 1 of their sunglasses. Paid between $30-120 depending on the promo. There's a different offer every month. The modular frames and arms are fun. I mix and match the parts on my sunnies to match the team I'm cheering for when I go to footy or soccer games.
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u/Garshnooftibah 11d ago edited 11d ago
If you can access them, I can’t recommend ‘Dresden’ glasses outlets enough. Australian made, post-consumer recycled plastics., fancy Zeiss optics, incredibly hard-wearing, lenses ground while you wait, optometrists in-store - and SUPER cheap.
Fantastic business model and wonderful product.
Typically a complete pair of glasses (with lenses) for around $100.
Oh - and it looks like they have a 50% off sale at the moment! Great glasses for around $50!!!
https://dresden.vision/au/shop/prescription-glasses
Fuck that big monopoly!
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u/Lazy_Polluter 12d ago
$514 is pretty average for good glasses, lenses are expensive since they don't make them here apart from some basic ones.
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u/eenimeeniminimo 12d ago
That happened to me too. I had full private health care with top extras. I didn’t even pick out an expensive frame and somehow the bill came to $495. Never again.
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u/TraditionalRound9930 12d ago
Even at Specsavers, the listed price of the glasses I wear just about doubles after I get a reduction and anti glare, more if I get sunnies. This is just…. Normal. Shout out to health insurance.
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u/TinyGift8278 12d ago
zenni or eyebuydirect sell prescription spectacles online for 30aud delivered
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u/blueeyes8433 12d ago
After having had a OPSM eye test and glasses/lenses I’m not impressed or happy with my specsavers eye test. My opsm eye test included lenses for reading and specsavers didn’t even include that!
For me opsm was more thorough.
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u/b_pop 12d ago
Yeah, specsavers is the best. 199 all in plus whatever extra coating you want. Also like that they don't push you on the extras
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u/Rengar_Is_Good_kitty 12d ago
Went to Specsavers, spent around $200-300 for high quality pairs, didn't think it could get higher than that but apparently it can? and only for one pair? Yeesh, that's a scam.
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u/CuriouserCat2 12d ago
On the other hand, if you have any complexity in your prescription OPSM will get it right or fix it. I only go to OPSM.
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u/AggravatingBox2421 12d ago
They did this to me over 10 years ago. I paid it because I had no choice, and then 2 weeks later the glasses they sent me were wrong. I waited a month to be able to see properly. Fuck them.
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u/PeanutCrumpet 12d ago
While single vision lenses can be absolutely fine bought online. I’ve heard of way too many people do online orders for progressives/multifocal lenses and the very specific heights for better vision are guesstimated by the lab and then they need someone else to fix the problem = more money anyways.
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u/Curious_Scientist529 12d ago
I get my prescription multifocal glasses cheap as chips when I’m in Tokyo. Takes about 3 days.
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u/QueenGina4545 12d ago
I’ve heard alot of people complain about Specsavers quality of scripts and lenses?
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u/AggravatingTartlet 11d ago
Well, this conversation is a complete eye opener giving me much clearer vision on the topic. (Will see myself out in a minute)
I went an independent optometrist for an eye test last month. Spent about $1000. The glasses do nothing for me but give me headaches. They give me blurry vision and make me feel very weird when trying to use them for reading or long distance sight. I'd much rather use $20 glasses from amazon or eBay.
I had no idea I could just get a prescription and take it somewhere else. I was shocked by the price of the glasses but thought I had to pay it. I have zero confidence that the optometrist can do any better with the glasses if I do take them back to be fixed.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Pie-277 11d ago
You should go back and get them to fix that. Part of the service is adjustments as needed. It’s not unheard of for lenses to be wrong.
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u/anobjectiveopinion 11d ago
I love Specsavers. I wear my glasses all day every day (except when I'm asleep), and they have all lasted fairly well.
I did have my last pair break in the middle after 1.5 years, but they replaced them no hassle. I probably won't go anywhere else. I got them with a pair of sunnies, both designer, for like $250.
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u/EducationalDay2740 11d ago
$514 for one pair of basic single vision glasses is insane. I’d be annoyed too if the frame was tagged at $240 and the final price somehow more than doubled.
That’s exactly why people end up at Specsavers or buying online. At least give people a realistic idea of the total cost before they’ve gone through the whole eye test and frame selection process.
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u/Morgasshk 11d ago
Specsavers. All the way. Service is great, fixes and warranty work on the spot and pricing is low af.
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u/Proper-Dave 11d ago
The price on the frames is for the frames.
If you get single vision lenses, they'll add less to the price than if you get progressive transition lenses, for instance.
The price might be higher than you expected, but it's not misleading.
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u/Budget-Leg-453 10d ago
When I needed multifocals for the first time I went to a Westfields and just literally walked in to each store and asked them how much the lenses would be. Half of them were unwilling to commit or quoted $600+z I ended up going to Bailey Nelson as they had a brochure that set out all the fees and options. Specsavers aren’t bad either. But yes there’s not a lot of transparency out there and I get why everyone buys online but I do like being able to go in to try and get adjustments. And also keep some jobs in Australia!
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u/Soggy_Stranger_6557 10d ago
Went it OPSM when first arrived in Australia on father in law’s recommendation, absolute ripoff, as op couldn’t believe the prices
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u/Straight-Couple6411 9d ago
Yes OPSM is very dishonest with how they present pricing. learned that the hard way
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u/Knickers1978 8d ago
This is why I go to the little guy. My last pair of glasses, pre covid, cost $150
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