Moneymagpie Team
27th Jul 2025
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Cheap glasses aren’t always as inexpensive as they seem once you add the cost of lenses. More than a third (36%) of people who need glasses are wearing out-of-date prescriptions because they can’t afford to buy new ones, according to Glaucoma UK. Almost the same amount (31%) have resorted to borrowing friends and family’s old glasses to get by.
Glasses are expensive.
However, wearing glasses that are no longer suitable for you could end up damaging your long-term vision. It can also lead to debilitating headaches that could cost you more in the long run, through sickness and lost income.
But updating your prescription needn’t be such a financial burden. For starters, millions of people, including children, the over-60s and people receiving certain benefits, are entitled to discounted or free glasses on the NHS (to see if you are eligible, click here).
Is there such a thing as cheap glasses?
Even if you’re not entitled to discounted frames, you can still pick up a basic distance glasses for less than £10 – if you shop smart.
The key is to know exactly what you want and need, and don’t let yourself be tempted, tricked or pressured into getting extra features that will only jack up the price. There are some retailers that let you try glasses on at home – so a ‘try before you buy’ – which might add a bit more faff but could help avoid you being pressurised whilst in store.
With glasses, there’s a whole host of such “add-ons” to consider – or discount – from anti-blue light and anti-fogging technology, to Transitions lenses and varifocals. Some of these, like varifocals, might be a “must” for you, while someone else with the same sight problem as you may prefer to buy a pair of inexpensive distance glasses – and carry around a cheap set of readers for when they have to check a price in the supermarket.
The other thing to watch out for are the multi-buy offers. Opticians and online retailers tend to lean heavily into these promotions, which may appeal to people who want one pair of glasses to wear at home and another for using the computer in the office, but may not be necessary for you.
However, if you are someone who wears glasses every second you’re awake, it is always wise to have a spare pair in case the first breaks – especially if you buy cheap glasses online, as the payoff of the big discount is long delivery times of a few weeks for a new pair.
Discounted and Free Eye Tests
Some people automatically qualify for free eye tests on the NHS. They are:
- under-18s in full-time education
- people aged 60 or over
- people registered as partially sighted or blind
- those who have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- Over 40s with a biological parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- those advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) they’re at risk of glaucoma
- prisoners on leave from prison
- those eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- people entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
If you don’t qualify, don’t panic. First: if you have been experiencing sudden eye pain, cloudy or blurred vision, or sudden bad eyesight accompanied with headaches, go to A&E as this could indicate a serious underlying problem. If you’ve had some problems such as shadows or lots of ‘floaters’ in your vision for a few weeks, go to your GP for a referral to a specialist.
If you simply need a new prescription, there are ways to get a free eye test. At time of writing:
Free Vision Express Eye Test with Lidl Plus
Download the Lidl Plus app and sign up, then scroll to the Partner Offers tab. You can claim a free eye test from Vision Express plus a discount of 30% off eyeglasses over £50. This offer ends 2/10/2025.
£10 Specsavers Eye Test
Some Specsavers stores offer an eye test for just £10 (with the optional eye health check test an additional fee up to £10). It varies by store and time of year, so visit the Specsavers website to find a store near you and click Book Appointment – the voucher should show on the page.
Voucher Discount Websites
Websites like Groupon and Wowcher will often have deals for discounted eye tests available. Check them regularly for offers, or sign up to a specific alert to find out when you can get a voucher for a cheap eye test.
Membership Organisations and Unions
You may be entitled to discounted or free eye tests, or discounts on glasses, if you’re a member of a professional body, a union, or other professional organisation. Check the member benefits area on your account to find out if you can claim.
Your Employer
Employers are supposed to provide eye test vouchers for employees who use Display Screen Equipment (ie computers) if they request one. Even if you already wear glasses, you can ask for an eye test voucher if you spend a large proportion of your working day at a DSE station (desk). They may also be required to cover the cost of glasses, but only if you need a special prescription for using DSE, rather than everyday wear. However, many employers will offer some vouchers or discounts towards glasses if you need them for work, so it is always worth asking.
Cheap Glasses: In Store
Many people get their eye test and glasses from the same place. It’s convenient. and means if there are any issues with your frames you can go back in-person and get it sorted out.
Make sure you get the best deal on your glasses by following these tips:
- Always ask for help with the maths of how much your glasses will cost. Many opticians will help you find the cheapest way to buy the glasses you need.
- Don’t be tempted by designer names: a cheap pair of frames will do the same job!
- Check whether the cost or deal advertised is inclusive of lenses and coatings – they can often be added afterwards to make ‘cheap’ frames suddenly expensive!
- Ask if they offer discounts for students, carers, blue light workers, or if your industry union offers discounts for members
- If your glasses aren’t in urgent need of an update, ask if there will be a seasonal sale coming up soon. Then return to buy them in the sale!
When you get your eye test, make sure your optician writes your prescription down on a recognisable headed paper or business card. This is important, as it means you are able to shop around in different stores and online before making a purchase. Many retailers will insist on seeing this card before allowing the purchase to go ahead, and they will also check that it is for a test done within the last two years – any older than that, and you’re unlikely to be able to buy the glasses you need.
Cheap Glasses Online
Buying glasses online has some perks. Virtual Try-On is a feature many retailers offer, using AI to place images of the glasses on your face so you can see how they look. Others, like Glasses Direct, let you order some sample frames to try on at home – but you have to send them back otherwise you’ll face a fee!
Online is also much cheaper overall, as there are no overheads for opticians or physical stores. You can also often find flash sales or discounts for extra savings.
However, online glasses are more difficult to correct if they’re wrong, and can take several weeks to arrive if they are made and shipped internationally.
Some reputable online glasses shops that have been tried-and-tested by the myopically-affected Magpie team include:
Remember, too, that you can often get exclusive discount codes and earn cashback on your purchases when you buy cheap glasses online if you go via a cashback site like TopCashback, Quidco, or Swagbucks.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.