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Tip Store: Health: Spectacles and Contact Lenses
Great Savings on Glasses and Frames for Seniors
After being given the run around by my optometrist with badly made glasses resulting in my having to pay for new frames as I could not go without my glasses while the new ones were made,I decided to change to one recommended by a Senior friend. While giving my information to the receptionist, she asked if I used the free Government service to get my lenses or frames which I was entitled to use with my aged pensions card? I had never been told of this by my previous practitioner. It appears that not all optometrists make their patients aware of this service. I can choose to receive free lenses or free frames, but the frame choice is limited. My advice would be to any pension card holders if you are not aware of this ask your optometrist if they subscribe to this scheme. The savings are excellent and if you have private medical cover you can then claim that on the option you decide to pay for. Contributed by Mary O'Neill, 4th February 2012
Saving on Sight
Approximate $ Savings: $200 plus
If you need to have the strength of your reading glasses increased, unless you're a real fashionista, you can save a couple of hundred dollars by re-using your old frames. I've done this several times over the years, and with the frames being the most expensive part of glasses, you can really win here. Contributed by Lyn Churchyard, 13th January 2012
If you need to have the strength of your reading glasses increased, unless you're a real fashionista, you can save a couple of hundred dollars by re-using your old frames. I've done this several times over the years, and with the frames being the most expensive part of glasses, you can really win here. Contributed by Lyn Churchyard, 13th January 2012
Spectacle Cleaner
Approximate $ Savings: $4.50 per 50ml
I used an empty 50ml spray bottle from shop bought spectacle cleaner. Filled it with 10ml of methylated spirits, 40ml of tap water and 4 drops of dishwashing detergent. Gave it a really good shake and bingo I had the best ever spectacle cleaner. I saved $4.50, the one I had bought from Coles was $4.95. I will now look for a 200ml bottle, fill it with the same ingredients to the correct ratio and dispense it into the other empty spray bottles that we have in the house. I gave it to my partner to try and he is impressed, as I am. I will not buy another ready made spectacle cleaner.
Contributed by Monica, East Cannington, 31st July 2009
I used an empty 50ml spray bottle from shop bought spectacle cleaner. Filled it with 10ml of methylated spirits, 40ml of tap water and 4 drops of dishwashing detergent. Gave it a really good shake and bingo I had the best ever spectacle cleaner. I saved $4.50, the one I had bought from Coles was $4.95. I will now look for a 200ml bottle, fill it with the same ingredients to the correct ratio and dispense it into the other empty spray bottles that we have in the house. I gave it to my partner to try and he is impressed, as I am. I will not buy another ready made spectacle cleaner.
Contributed by Monica, East Cannington, 31st July 2009
Clean Lens Cloths Stop Scratching
I don't use a cleaning solution on my expensive glasses any more. The scratches on your glasses (I have only just found out) are caused by rubbing the lenses with dirty cleaning cloths. Wash your cleaning cloths regularly and don't rub too hard. If you must, then only use water.
Contributed by Lidia, Black Rock, 12th August 2008
Contributed by Lidia, Black Rock, 12th August 2008
Best Specs Cleaner
My optometrist told me the best specs cleaner is warm water and a spot of detergent (e.g. shampoo, dishwashing liquid). Wet the glass first the gently spread the detergent, rinse in warm water. Pat dry very gently (don't rub or wipe). This method also removes skin oils on the bridge and arms of the glasses. I have the anti glare coating too and its still there after many washes.
Contributed by Sarah, Elwood, 11th August 2008
Contributed by Sarah, Elwood, 11th August 2008
Free Refills From This Optometrist
I work at an optometrist and we fill up our patient's bottles for free when they've emptied them. But a good alternative at home is using soap on tap with a clean cotton cloth. To clean your whole frame use an old soft toothbrush with soap on tap and some warm water and gently clean around the hard to get at places. Wiping your lenses with your shirt generally causes the scratches.
Contributed by Teresa, Gatton, 10th August 2008
Contributed by Teresa, Gatton, 10th August 2008
Soapy Fingers do the Job
The best tip I got for cleaning glasses was from a friend working in an optometrist store. Simply use basic hand soap and your fingers and wash with tap water, then let air dry. Occasionally I will use a soft nail brush to clean around the rim and nose piece. I have ant glare coating on my glasses and never had an issue.
Contributed by Sarah, Wantirna South, 10th August 2008
Contributed by Sarah, Wantirna South, 10th August 2008
The Optometrist Uses Washing Up Liquid
I took my specs back to the optometrist and he put washing up liquid on his fingers....washed the lenses and rinsed them under running water and dried them with a soft cloth...sparkling clean. Contributed by Delys, Mandurah, 7th August 2008
Cold Water and a Microfibre Cloth
I used to make my own solution by refilling the glass spray bottle with a mix of methylated spirits and water. I didn't measure it as such, just mainly water with a dash of meths. I recently purchased an Enjo glass cleaner cloth for $5. You simply run your glasses under cold water, then clean with the cloth and that works wonderfully so is all I use now.
Contributed by Allisa, Windsor Gardens, 8th August 2008
Contributed by Allisa, Windsor Gardens, 8th August 2008
Don't Waste Your Money on Lens Cleaners
Lens cleaners are a rip off AND a waste of money. Plain old water will do the trick, perhaps with an old soft hanky. I have greasy skin and when I wash my face, I wash my glasses. I use my Paula's Choice cleansers (superb gentle cleansers), but something like Cetaphil would work just as well. I was once advised to use dishwashing detergent, but I have never used that method personally, so I cannot speak for it.
Contributed by Natalie, North Lismore, 8th August 2008
Contributed by Natalie, North Lismore, 8th August 2008
Swish in the Sink
My Grandparents have always told me to clean my glasses in dish washing water. Once you have run the water and added the dishwashing liquid dip your lens into the water and then wipe with a clean lint free soft cloth. It has always worked for them and my self and i have never had to buy a special cleaner.
Contributed by Vicki, Albany, 8th August 2008
Contributed by Vicki, Albany, 8th August 2008
Soap & Water for the Best Clean
The best way to clean glasses is with soap and water. Although I have never had an anti-glare coating, I have had glasses for about 14 years with different coatings and always cleaned them this way. Dry them with a soft cloth (T-shirt, towel) but not a tissue as the wood particles can scratch. - Contributed by Nick, Braddon, 8th August 2008
Dishwashing Detergent not Just for Dishes
I have an expensive pair of bi-focals and was told by my optometrist to use dishwashing detergent to clean my glasses I have now been doing this for over 10 years and have had no problems with my glasses, just be sure to be gentle and use a very soft clean towel/cloth to wipe dry. Don't use tissues or paper towel as they will scratch the lenses.
Contributed by Gaila, Enoggera, 7th August 2008
Contributed by Gaila, Enoggera, 7th August 2008
Spectacle Dip
Approximate $ Savings: $6.00
The best way to clean lenses on glasses is to put three tablespoons of metho into a container of water then dip the glasses into the liquid for a few seconds. Clean with a soft cloth. We have been doing this for years and it is the best way to clean all kinds of spectacles. The container can then be sealed and stored, ready for the next cleaning session. I use and old Tupperware container and change the solution about every three months.
Contributed by Cheryle, Chittaway Bay, 8th August 2008
The best way to clean lenses on glasses is to put three tablespoons of metho into a container of water then dip the glasses into the liquid for a few seconds. Clean with a soft cloth. We have been doing this for years and it is the best way to clean all kinds of spectacles. The container can then be sealed and stored, ready for the next cleaning session. I use and old Tupperware container and change the solution about every three months.
Contributed by Cheryle, Chittaway Bay, 8th August 2008
Glasses Online
Approximate $ Savings: $400
Rather than buying overpriced prescription glasses from a chain optometrist, log onto glassesonline.com.au Frame and lens combinations are available from $65.00.
Contributed by Grant, Berwick, 16th December 2007 www.glassesonline.com.au
Rather than buying overpriced prescription glasses from a chain optometrist, log onto glassesonline.com.au Frame and lens combinations are available from $65.00.
Contributed by Grant, Berwick, 16th December 2007 www.glassesonline.com.au
Normal Saline Rinses
Approximate $ Savings: $100 pa
If you wear disposable contact lenses use normal saline solution to store and rinse. This cost no more than $4 for 500ml as opposed to $15 for 350 ml. The high priced solutions include ingredients to remove protein build-up and were designed when using the same lenses for a year or so. If you are wearing disposable lenses then normal saline should be sufficient as you won't get a protein build up in a 2 - 4 week period.
Contributed by Julie, Gooseberry Hill, 4th June 2007
If you wear disposable contact lenses use normal saline solution to store and rinse. This cost no more than $4 for 500ml as opposed to $15 for 350 ml. The high priced solutions include ingredients to remove protein build-up and were designed when using the same lenses for a year or so. If you are wearing disposable lenses then normal saline should be sufficient as you won't get a protein build up in a 2 - 4 week period.
Contributed by Julie, Gooseberry Hill, 4th June 2007
$39 Glasses
Today my new glasses arrived in the mail. I received quotes of $NZ800 -$NZ1000 for new glasses with progressive lenses. For $NZ55 I was able to get a NZ optician's prescription and at http://www.39dollarglasses.com I was able to buy my glasses for $200.. I am very pleased with them and saved a lot of money.
Contributed by Kay, Hamilton, NZ, April 5th 2005
Contributed by Kay, Hamilton, NZ, April 5th 2005
Finding a Lost Contact Lens
If you drop your contact lenses in a carpet and you don't find it, put a nylon sock in the beginning of the vacuum cleaner and turn it on, vacuum the area and the contact lenses will stick to it and will be very easy to find.