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Buying glasses online
Reporter: Adene Paykel

Buying a new pair of reading glasses every time your prescription changes is similar to making a long term investment.

With consumers forking out hundreds of dollars for a new pair, could optometrists be pulling the wool over our eyes when it comes to price?

Founder of Glasses Online, Kevin Reece, said his company can slash prices by up to $300.

"Well some of them have felt pretty ripped off when they look at exactly the same glasses they receive from us the same quality, made in the same laboratories," he said.

"They compare that with a pair they previously paid $400 or $500 for, they do feel ripped off."

When his wife Donna was quoted $300 for a new pair of glasses it enticed Kevin to leave his day job and start Glasses Online from scratch.

"I thought for the metal bit of plastic that seemed very expensive so I looked into it and found that glasses themselves do cost relatively little to make and thought that I would be able to make a pair for up to 70 per cent off the shop price," he said.

IT specialist Zane Scott bought his last pair of glasses online for just $69, not only did he save almost $350 but his private health insurance covered the entire cost.

"I went down to my local optometrist got a prescription and said look I don't need the glasses, I just want a prescription," he said.

"I went back to the office entered the details into the form online and that was it."

 Kevin claims the arrival of Glasses Online has upset the optical world with three suppliers refusing to work with him because of industry pressure.

"I don't think they can justify those sort of margins," he said.

"We can include all costs and make a profit and sell you exactly the same pair for $65.

"While Glasses Online claims its product is identical to the glasses manufactured by optometrists around the country, spectacle giant OPSM said it is not possible.

OPSM Chief Operating Officer, Chris Beer, said consumers will make the choice based on the risk profile they want to have.

"If you're trading off an online experience versus all those benefits consumers should have a choice and they do," he said.

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