A Which? guide to buying contact lenses and spectacles has told consumers they can make massive savings by using an online retailer.
A comparison of online and high-street retailers' prices was featured in the consumer magazine's April edition and concluded that patients should 'do their research and shop around - both on the internet and the high street'.
The report included advice on 'Why wear contact lenses?' and 'Why wear glasses?' while explaining the importance of contact lens check-ups.
The price of a Bench BCH-09 pair of frames from nine different retailers was compared with the frame costing the least from internet retailer Selectyourspex.com at £45. The cheapest high street price was £89.72 from Boots Opticians. Optical Express was selling the frame for £120, while Boots online was the most expensive, selling the same frame for £124.
Also compared was the cost of three months' supply of Acuvue Oasys contact lenses which varied between £37.48 from online retailer Contactforlenses.com and £90 at Dollond & Aitchison. The best high street price, £45, was from an independent, Second Sight Opticians in London.Other online retailers Contactlensesexpress.co.uk and Visiondirect.co.uk charged £39. Boots charged £59.34 online and £66 in-store.
Former BCLA president Nick Atkins described the magazine's piece as 'well balanced on the whole' adding that it was 'one of the better researched and more helpful Which? reports on buying contact lenses'.
'It also makes it clear that check-ups are important and that some high-street prices are higher because aftercare is included in the price,' he said.