Are spectacles good value (compared to UK) in Singapore?

[ibuprofenman]

I'm coming out to Singapore in November (from the UK) so wondering if it is worth waiting to buy a new pair of glasses. My current pair I bought while on holiday in Hong Kong and cost about a quarter of what I would have paid in the UK so curious if I will find similar savings in Singapore?

[Benjftsai]

Buy tag Grier specs it's only 500.

[Mad Scientist]

Buy tag Grier specs it's only 500.

Please stop this spamming.

[sundaymorningstaple]

They were just trying to get enough posts to PM somebody. Usually, when you get a flurry of 5-7 one-liners without hyperlinks it's usually local and only trying to get their PM activated (after the 5th post).

[Girl_Next_Door]

Back to the original poster.

Personally, I have never compared the prices for glasses because I wear contacts. My visiting german friends found the prices of glasses and sunglasses cheaper in Singapore compared to Germany. They estimate it to be same dollar for dollar, except you are paying in SGD here, compared to Euro back in Germany.

However, for sunglasses, I think KL is cheaper than Singapore by approximately 20-40% depending on which model you are picking. My friends and I was in KL and we all bought a pair of sunglasses at very good price. Of course, you should pick a reputable shop so that you know you are paying for the real thing. You might not want to go to the most expensive looking shopping mall since the rental there are significantly higher and it all goes into the markup prices.

[kookaburrah]

They may be better value but expect worse service. I was looking for specs and kept being served by girls who were pretty and rather awe inspiringly clueless.
I recommend you get your examination done there as well. I have no idea what sort of training or accreditation optometrists get here. You can then come with the prescription and just order with minimal fuss.
As above, I agree that you get better value still in Malaysia, especially if you're a good haggler.

[kimora]

get your examination and specs in the UK, i was quoted 400 dollars for a pair at a place in Holland Village, Singapore. later i was able to get almost the same identical pair for a third of that price in London, was able to have them adjusted to my face here in Singapore and didn't cost me anything.

[ibuprofenman]

Thanks for the replies. Some interesting advice.

[BigSis]

I find it comparable to the UK for glasses and more expensive for contact lenses, but I used to use Specsavers in the UK who are probably one of the cheapest stores to use.

[surreymum]

If you know your prescription, then find the frames you like in an opticians in Singapore and then go online (smartbuyglasses.com have Uk and Asian webpages) and order them there for about 1/3 the price. They send them from Hong Kong with free delivery and insurance in about 5 working days.

I saved about $400 on my Prada frames when I did a bit of research. My best find for 2011!!