Opticians in Florida

[Neil1972]

Has anybody had any experience with opticians in Florida??

I would like to get some prescription sunglasses \ reactions lenses ( i already have the prescription) whilst we are over there, but i have never noticed any opticians, so, can anyone answer these questions;

Are there any opticians in the shopping outlets?
Do they have a quick turn around? there is no point arranging anything if they take an age to collect?
Are they generally cheaper than here in the UK?

I am having an issue with Specsavers that i dont think will be resolved until we get back,( though they assured me it would!!) so need a "backup" plan.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hilary]

We have experience of opticians in Florida, yes, but none that would help answer your questions, I'm afraid!

We were staying in Fort Myers Beach a few years ago and one arm fell off DH's specs - we couldn't find the screw that had fallen out . We called in to the nearest optician's we could find, and were overwhelmed with their helpfullness! Not only did they fix the broken arm, but also suggested they could replace the bridge support bits (technical term there! ) and clean and generally overhaul them - and all for about $5. We have a very good relationship with our optician at home, but I doubt we'd see that level of service here!

Sorry for the diversion! - back to your question: There was a post fairly recently from someone (can't remember who) who always gets their contact lenses when they go to Florida as it's so much cheaper. They order them the first day they're there and pick them up towards the end of their stay, so it definitely sounds as though it can be done

 

[lagunn]

Walmart have Optician shops inside their stores..

 

[Tink2312]

I would also like to know this as I'd like to get some designer galasses while we're out there. There seems to be one reasonably close to LBV on s. Orange Blossom Trail called Optical Elegance, but has anyone had any good experiences with another?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I go an opticians in the mall of Millennia. There are also "specsavers" type shops in Florida mall etc and in some of the major stores (Macy's , JC penny etc)
Re your prescription, they don't recognise the system we use, and they have to try and figure out what it means!

 

[Laurafoster]

DH had a problem with his contact lenses when we were out there and despite have the prescription he had to have an eye test - but it wasnt expensive! They were really efficient and much cheaper than UK but have never purchased glasses out there before.

 

[Frances999]

I don't think there is any hard and fast rule - some places will accept a UK prescription whilst others will make you have an eye test from scratch.

Walmart have opticians within their stores, and for contact lenses they seem to be the cheapest. However, I always find the service, selection and styles better at Lens Crafter stores.

PS - turn around will depend entirely on how busy they are and what their standard practises are. I'd visit early in the trip and they might be ready before you go home. Don't get expensive glasses shipped to you as they will often get caught up in customs and you will have a nice bill to pay when you get home....

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Guess who I bumped into in an Opticians in Florida?


Everyone.....

Sorry couldn't resist the spirt of Tommy Cooper lives on..!!

Mick.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

I've used Lenscrafters (down nr St pete's, but they are a huge chain) when my glasses broke first day of a trip a few years ago.

Had no prescription with me, but they copied it on a computer from my glasses and an hour later, new speccies.

They were perfect, half the price I paid in Boots (who I got a refund from on return since my glasses were only three months old).

Excellent service, great choice of frames and they do accept our prescriptions

 

[Neil1972]

Thanks for the replies everyone, my issue with Specsavers is hopefully going to be resloved by Thursday, although not entirely to my satisfaction but better than nothing!!!

 

[dannyboy123]

If you are in the Bonita Springs Naples area you must visit Flamingo Island Opticians in the Flamingo Island Flea Market..Excellent prices and they are state licensed. They will take your prescription or copy them. Designer frames, reactint and varifocal lenses at incredibly low price.

 

[pampat]

Thanks for the replies everyone, my issue with Specsavers is hopefully going to be resloved by Thursday, although not entirely to my satisfaction but better than nothing!!!

Do tell, what were your problems with Specsavers? I'm currently waiting for my new specs with them - over 6 weeks now! I've got one pair, but they appear to have lost the second pair and are having to make them all over again.

My sister always says the best glasses she ever had were from Lenscrafters in FLorida Mall. They took her UK script with no problems. Nowadays there are machines which 'read' your current lenses and then new ones can be copied.

My DH went to another franchise in Florida Mall a couple of years ago, went through the eye test, very very thorough, but his glasses didn't cost any less than in the UK and we wasted so much time sitting around waiting, so that wasn't a good experience.

Pam