Why Shop With Shade Station
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We understand that buying prescription eyewear online may be unfamiliar to some, so our Customer Services team has created a helpful guide called 'Top Tips for Buying Glasses Online' to assist customers in making the best decision. We’ve put together our guide by listening to all the questions we get asked most often:
Q. Do I need a prescription to buy glasses online? And does my Optician have to give me a copy of my prescription?
A. Yes you will need to send us an up to date prescription from your Optician (usually within the last 2 years) to order your glasses from us. The prescription provides us with the information necessary to make up your prescription glasses correctly. You have a right to receive a copy of your prescription from your Optician either on paper or via email.
Our Top Tip – Get your eyes tested regularly to maintain good eye health and to avoid long term problems with your eyesight.
Q. I usually get my new glasses fitted and adjusted by the Optician – how does this happen if I buy my glasses online?
A. Getting the right fit is important for comfort and optimal vision. For the vast majority of our customers the frame doesn’t need any adjustment – but if the glasses do need adjustment all we ask you to do is take a photo of yourself wearing your glasses and return them to us for adjustment. Alternatively you can always contact us (via phone, email or chat) and we can advise how to make minor adjustments yourself.
Top Tip: When choosing your glasses online check the size of your existing frames (it’s usually marked on the inside of the frame arm) and choose a similar sized frame, every frame on our website has all the size details.
You can also order a selection of frames to try on at home before you make up your mind – simply select the frames you are interested in and choose ‘Buy Frame Only’ – we will send you the selected frames without prescription lenses. Once you’ve tried them on and are happy with your choice simply return the frames and order the lenses. We’ll send you a refund for the unwanted frames less any additional cost for prescription lenses.
Q. What happens if I have problems with my new glasses?
A. Don’t worry! On the very rare occasions that our customers can't get on with their glasses for whatever reason we will sort it out. Firstly we will endeavour to identify what could be causing the problem and resolve it to your satisfaction. We are so confident that you will be 100% satisfied with your new glasses we offer a Full 14 Day No Quibble Money Back Guarantee and our frames come with a 2 year Manufacturers Warranty.
Top Tip: To avoid problems, take some time to choose the frames that will suit you and the correct lenses for your prescription. If you need any advice choosing the best frames or lenses simply contact us via phone, email or chat to speak with one of our experienced Optical Assistants. Sometimes it can take a few days for your new glasses to feel right – it might just be because your prescription has changed and your eyes might take a few days adjusting the new lenses. But if you have any doubts at all simply contact our Customer Service Team.
Q. How do I pick the right frame to suit me?
A. We have over 30,000 frames in stock so yes the choice can be a bit overwhelming! You can use our amazing ‘Virtual Try On’ facility – it’s just like a virtual mirror so you can pick a frame and see what a frame looks like on you!
Top Tip: In addition to using the ‘Virtual Try On’ check out our excellent online guide to Choosing the right frame for your face shape >>
Consider face shape, lifestyle and comfort when choosing your frames.
Q. My High Street Optician says I need a PD Measurement, but won’t put it on the prescription – what is the PD and do I need this measurement?
A. Your PD is the Pupillary Distance between the centre of one pupil and the centre of the other, measured in mm. We use it to ensure that your lenses are perfectly aligned with your eyes, for clear, comfortable vision. You can easily and accurately measure this yourself using phone apps such as GlassesOn for Android users & EyeMeasure on Apple devices. Check out our helpful guide to measure PD >>
Q. My High Street Optician says that they use superior lenses compared to online stores is that right?
A. You can select the best quality branded lenses from Zeiss and Essilor when you buy your prescription glasses from Shade Station. They are exactly the same lenses as the ones supplied by High Street opticians.
Q. How do I know the branded frames are genuine?
A. All of our designer frames are supplied directly by the manufacturer. We have built up long-standing relationships with the world’s most recognised eyewear manufacturers over the last 25 years, so you can rest assured you will be receiving the genuine product when you order from us, with everything included – branded case, cloth and authenticity certificate.
Q. How do I know I’m getting a good deal?
A. That’s the best bit – you can easily compare prices for frames and lenses from other retailers so you know when you are getting the best deal.
Q. How long will it take to get my prescription glasses?
A. Much quicker than High Street Opticians - Shade Station offers an amazing ‘next day’ prescription glasses service for most prescription types. For more complex lenses such as high index and varifocals its usually 7-10 days.
Feel free to contact us if you need any help at all and use our ‘Top Tips’ to keep the whole process of choosing your prescription glasses fun and stress free!
Remember at Shade Station:
- Amazing choice - we have over 30,000 designer frames to choose from at great value prices in stock and ready to be dispatched
- Fast – we offer next day delivery on most prescription glasses
- Quality – we offer the best quality lenses available including Zeiss and Essilor
- Expert advice – you can call us, email or chat with our expert optical assistants to help you choose the right products
- No quibble guarantee – we are so confident that you will love your glasses we offer 14 day a 100% no quibble money back guarantee
- Virtual try on – you can try most of the frames with our incredible ‘Virtual Try On’ facility