Frequently Asked Questions

In order to help you get through the web site, we have taken pleasure in compiling the answers to the most frequently asked questions. The following section should contain all the information you require. Please feel free to contact customer services if you have any other queries at customerservices@perfectspecs.co.uk

The first stage is to get your eyes tested by your Optician, and obtain a new optical prescription for your glasses, which the Optician must give you by law. At the same time obtain your PD or inter pupillary distance and get them to indicate it on your prescription, or you may use the default PD. There is no obligation for you to purchase your new spectacles from them. Alternatively you may have a previous prescription, which you can use as long as it is in date or not more than two years old. Enter your details on to our order form and see the savings you make instantly

 

You must be over the age of 18 years old, and not be registered either partially sighted or blind, as specified by the Opticians Act. We currently do not supply prescription spectacles for children.

The next stage is even simpler, log on to www.perfectspecs.co.uk, select the frames you like after browsing through the different categories, choose your lens options and enter your optical prescription. You may wish to order by mail order, or e-mail us. Both the mail order catalogue and the web site, have a full range of our new frames at low prices, giving you more choice and more affordability. We are constantly updating our stock to provide you with a broad selection of fashionable frames.

 

We aim to bring you high quality prescription spectacles, at a fraction of normal high street prices. This is because we do not have the high costs associated with a traditional retail outlet enabling us to do what we do best, and not offer advice on the health of your eyes, but to produce high street quality prescription spectacles to a high standard at low prices. All our prices are inclusive of frames, lenses, cleaning cloth, hard case and free scratch resistant hard coating.

Whatever method you choose to purchase your prescription spectacles, web site, mail order or fax (0870 164 6340), rest assured we will guide you through all the stages of the order process and call you back, if necessary. Payments can be made using all major credit/debit cards and are accepted on the web site, mail order form or over the phone.

 

For any additional information required, please feel free to contact us.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer this service. Our extremely low affordable prices mean that there should be no need to re use your old frames, which are often delicate in nature and prone to damage in the re-glazing process.

To be able to see clearly in the distance choose the “distance” option, for clear reading and close work choose the “near” option, and for intermediate viewing in between distance and near e.g. computer screens, there is the ‘intermediate” option. Your Optician will be able to advise you as to which option you require, when you have your eyes tested. Contact lenses prescriptions differ to your spectacle prescription, therefore, the prescription you use must be for spectacles. If you do not use contact lenses then this will not affect you.

This is a simple measurement needed to process your order, and make sure the positioning of your prescription lenses in your new frame is accurate. It is the horizontal distance between the pupil of one eye to the other eye, (as shown below). The pupil is the dark black spot in the middle of you eye.

 

 

At Perfect Specs, if you don’t know your PD then we will take an average value of 63mm for distance vision and 60 mm for reading vision, as recommended by our Ophthalmic Optician. Alternatively your Doctor or Optician can provide the PD when you obtain your prescription.

Reading your prescription could not be easier. If it is written in the format below, you can proceed to order your new prescription spectacles.

 

Example of a prescription

 

 

Example of completed online prescription details

 

 

If your prescription is in any other format, or you are having trouble interpreting your prescription then please contact us, and we can advise you. We may need to contact your Optician for clarification or alternatively you can ask your Optician to provide the prescription in the format above, i.e. Distance prescription, a near add power (also known as addition) if applicable, and an intermediate power, if applicable. Any information written on your optical prescription must be translated to us through the web site, mail order form, or over the telephone. If PD (pupillary distance) measurement is provided this should be used as well.

Your prescription gives us your Optician’s recommendations for your vision. However, it may not be covered by our prescription ranges on our web site, or may be more complex with prisms. If this is the case, contact us and we will endeavour to accommodate your prescription needs.

 

Some boxes may be blank in your prescription (i.e. no ‘Sphere’ or ‘Cylinder’, ‘Axis’ and/or ‘Add’); you should leave those sections empty. If only one number is present for each eye, this denotes the sphere power. Under ‘Cylinder’, some prescriptions may have this number in a plus or negative format, or this section may be blank.

 

Due to the large demand on us we aim to process all orders as rapidly as possible. Any errors made by you when entering your details will need to be rectified as soon as possible. For this reason if an error has occurred you are advised to call or e-mail us immediately, to avoid any inaccuracies. You will of course be able to verify your entire order before you send it to us.

We supply prescription lens powers of between +6.00 and -10.00 spheres and +/-4 cylinders. For all powers and prescription options beyond these ranges please contact us. You may order prescription free frames by selecting the non-prescription (‘Plano’) option in the power ranges.

 

There are two main lens types available, single vision or bifocals. We are currently unable to take orders for varifocal lenses due to the complex nature of fitting the lenses.

 

Single vision lenses are suitable for most people and standard lenses are free with all our frames. These suit most people who want spectacles for distance only (long or short sightedness.) or near vision spectacles for reading only. These are the lenses of choice for people not wanting bifocals.

Bifocal lenses are required by people who want the convenience of distance and near powers in one lens, (i.e. two powers in one)

 

 

These lenses are available at an additional cost of only £20.00. These are only suitable for people who have been recommended them by their Optician. Alternatively call us and we can help you to make the right decision. We advise a distance of 11-12mm from the eye to the back surface of the bifocal lenses (back vertex distance), your new prescription must be written out in accordance with this, please ask your Optician.

Our lenses are made to the same high optical quality as the high street optician. We use plastic CR39 material lenses, which conform to BS EN ISO 8980 / BS2738.

 

Alternatively, you could opt for our high index lenses, which are extra thin and lightweight.

 

Glass lenses are not used unless they are specifically requested (contact us before ordering to obtain a quote).

 

All our lenses come with a free option of hard and scratch resistant coating.

High index materials have thinner edges than the same prescription made from standard lenses. Thinner edges require less lens material, which reduces the overall weight of the lenses. Lenses made from high index material are lighter than the same lenses made in conventional plastic, so they're more comfortable to wear.

 

High index lenses are recommended for:

• People who prefer a thin and comfortable lens option

• Prescriptions for a higher power range to give a better appearance

• Rimless frames as they provide a superior strength

 

For example, a 1.60 index lens is approximately 25% thinner and a 1.67 index lens. 40% thinner than a standard index lens

 

 

High index lenses reflect more light than normal lenses. We recommend an anti-reflective coating on all high index lenses to correct this.

 

High index bifocal lenses are only available in 1.6 lenses Please note that high index lenses may take an extra few days to produce.

We have a variety of options for various tint types, which are available as optional extras in the order process. Together with our UV protection coats, these lenses provide ideal prescription sunglasses.

 

 

Brown and grey are the most popular tint colours. Brown is the best colour overall because it allows the wearer the widest light spectrum through to the eye, while blocking blue light and offering optimum contrast. Brown is great for applications where distances need to be constantly judged, like tennis or golf or skiing or other sports requiring acute visual perception and contrast differentiation. Brown is also best for lower light situations, like fishing in the late afternoon or early morning. Grey tint is best for bright light situations like water sports because it blocks out the brightest of the sun’s rays.

 

Other colours like green and blue are used more for fashion purposes than for utility. Yellow is used to heighten contrast without blocking too much light, and it is commonly used for shooting and skiing on cloudy days, whilst green tints helps to accentuate yellow and white colours.

 

 

Tint density is defined as a percentage, where 0% is completely clear, and 100% permits no light to pass through (solid). We offer three tint densities:

 

• A 20% tint that is used as a “fashion” tint.

• A 50% tint is used as a general all round tint for outdoor protection from the sun but not extreme light situations such as midday sun on the water. These would be more suitable for driving conditions.

• An 80% tint is used for bright light situations and provides maximum protection from the bright sun especially for those sensitive to the bright lights.

 

Photochromic lenses that fade indoors and darken with sunlight are also available. Photochromic lenses are not suitable for use inside cars when driving, as windscreens absorb the UV-light used to make Photochromic lenses work.

A selection of different coatings is available at a nominal cost of £15 for each pair. Coatings include Anti-scratch (provided FREE of charge), Anti-reflective, UV 400 protective and sunglass tints (available colours).

 

Scratch resistant/hard coated lenses. This coat protects lens from everyday excessive scratching, which can lead to decreased vision and a reduced appearance. These coats increase durability and protection of your new spectacles.

 

Anti-reflection coatings helps protect the lens surfaces from scratches and reduce distractions, such as glare and surface reflections. Normally, these front and back surface reflections can reduce the amount of light reaching the eyes, thereby reducing your vision in low lighting levels and glare situations, such as driving and computing. Your spectacle/eyes appearance is also improved. The coating makes the lenses almost invisible by reducing the front surface reflectance, making your eyes the focus of attention and not your glasses. Furthermore, photographic and video reflection of your spectacles is reduced as are the annoying reflections from your own eyes.

 

Ultra violet (or UV coating) help protect the eyes from harmful damage caused by the sun. We recommend that you add these coating on to your lenses. Ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun is invisible radiation that can cause damage to your eyes with long term exposure. The ever present danger of UV damage is further enhanced by the earth’s thinning ozone layer, which increases the possibility of harm.

 

UV radiation can lead to numerous eye disorders, such as, cataracts and macular degeneration, two very common visual impairment disorders around the world. Everyone is at risk to UV damage; and people working in direct exposure to sunlight are at greatest risk. UV absorbing coat provides the greatest means of UV protection available. In particular the UV-A and UV-B rays.

 

Polarised lenses offer the maximum protection from reflectance glare, the sun, UV rays and improve visual clarity, thereby providing enhanced ability to perceive contrast and improving depth of perception. Particularly useful for sun wear, driving, sporting and water; activities, improving natural colour contrast, improves definition whilst playing golf and target sports shooting. Available for single vision and bifocal prescriptions.

 

Photochromic lenses are a perfect all round lens, offering everyday use with fantastic visual acuteness. 100% UV protection and glare reduction are achievable because the lenses adapt to changing sunlight. Turning dark in sunny conditions and lightening up with indoor use, they are ideal for most people’s everyday hectic lives by reducing the inconvenience of carrying around an extra pair of prescription sunglasses. Available for single vision and bifocal prescriptions.

All orders are checked personally by our qualified Ophthalmic Optician before dispatch. Technicians monitor and overlook all aspects of frame and lens manufacture ensuring only the highest quality of prescription eye wear is delivered to you.

 

Our complete spectacles come with a hard case, cleaning cloth, and are safely packaged for delivery. Should your glasses not reach you in 100% excellent condition we will adhere to our 100% guarantee returns policy, and refund the full cost of the spectacles to you, provided that you inform us of any defect within 10 working days of purchase.

Frames are unique to an individual. For this reason we have made it possible for you to try out and order the frames you are interested in. A small fee of £4.00 per frame will be charged to your credit/debit card. This service is available through the online button option or by contacting us. A prepaid envelope is supplied for you to return the frames once you have tried them on with no obligation to purchase. All we request is that you return the trial frames in their original condition and packaging within 10 working days or the full cost as listed on the website may be charged to your credit/debit card.

On the whole most frames should fit well and most adjustments can be performed by any optically qualified person. Alternatively your Optician may choose to charge you a minor fee for this service

All our frame measurements are clearly labelled, to help you choose the right or similar sized glasses to what you already have. The size measurements can be interpreted as follows:

To help you further with the selection of your glasses, we have included frame widths to help you to choose the correct size of frame. The categories are small, medium and large head width and are based on the width of the spectacles across the temple region of the head.ie from the side of one eye to the other.

Unless otherwise specified, all orders will be sent by Royal Mail first class delivery for a £2.50 carriage charge and packages are of mailbox opening size.

 

Recorded or Special delivery can also be requested for an additional fee at the time of ordering. Please see the table below for delivery options and costs.

 

All orders are given the same 100% detail and attention. We aim to process all orders on the same day as being received. Confirmation of acknowledgement of receiving your order will be sent to your e-mail address, the instant your order has reached us. Our intent is to deliver all orders within 10 working days of receipt, and 28 days at the latest. High index and other personal options may add a few days to this. You may monitor your order at any time by e-mailing (order status).

Our normal ordering process ensures that you are kept fully informed on the progress of your order. However, if you'd like to know what the specific status of your order is, please complete our simple Order Status form, which will require your e-mail address and order ID reference.

 

In our quest for 100% customer satisfaction, we aim to send you the glasses as soon as possible. If the glasses are in stock they are ready for shipment within a few days. Otherwise we must order the glasses from the manufacturer, which usually takes 2 – 10 working days. In the rare event of a problem occurring, the manufacturer will inform us of the delay and we, in turn, will inform you by e-mail as soon as possible

For your convenience we accept all major credit/debit cards, VISA, Delta, MasterCard, Solo, Electron and Switch.

Perfect Specs Ltd uses Protx for online payments. Protx provides very high levels of internet and physical security to ensure sensitive information is never compromised, at any stage throughout the order process.

 

When you place an order with us, your personal and credit card details are secured within 128-bit encrypted sessions before being sent over the Internet, thereby offering one of the highest level of encryption or security possible. This means that you can be rest assured that communications between your browser and this site's web servers are private and secure making it virtually impossible for your card or personal details being used by unauthorised persons.

 

Your credit card information is never used except to issue refunds and you are only charged when your order is processed.

As part of our increasing effort to provide our customers with the best possible service, we now accept Accor optical vouchers. To ensure that you receive an efficient service, please contact our customer service department to notify us of the value and type of voucher that you posses. Once we have received this information you will need to order your glasses following the online ordering process and we will charge you for the full amount for the glasses that you choose. Upon receipt of you glasses, you will need to send the voucher to us. Once we have received your voucher we will refund to you the price of the voucher by crediting your debit/credit card.

We guarantee that your new eyeglasses will be manufactured exactly as specified. Prior to shipping, each pair of eyeglasses is inspected by a registered ophthalmic optician (also referred to as an optometrist) to ensure the accuracy of the prescription and proper alignment of the frame. Furthermore, your glasses will be packaged in an attractive, durable hard case for protection. We unconditionally guarantee all our frames and lenses to be delivered exactly as they were ordered and free of defects.

 

We want you to be 100% fully and completely satisfied when you do business with us. Whether you are a first-time customer, or a loyal long-time customer, we want you to order from us with confidence. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase simply return the item to us and we will process the return.

 

All of our products come with a 10 day no quibble guarantee. If your glasses are not completely to your satisfaction please return them within 10 working days together with all packaging, case, cloth etc and we will either exchange them (once) for another frame making any price adjustment or refund your money (see returns policy).

 

Please note: If you have ordered optional extras (e.g. coatings or high index lenses) we will still have to charge for these even if you don't like the glasses.

 

In addition we offer a full twelve month guarantee on frames and lenses if the glasses are found to be faulty. Please return them to us using the returns policy section stating the problem. We will of course refund or replace. On occasions, if a frame needs replacing and it is out of stock, we may have to agree with you a substitute frame of equal or greater value than the original. Please note that this does not cover misuse or damage that is not due to a manufacturing fault.

Our customers’ satisfaction is imperative for our success – Perfect Specs Ltd is committed to make your shopping experience on our site easy and cost-effective.

 

Perfect Specs Ltd will issue a refund or replacement of goods in all instances in accordance with our Terms and Conditions where:

 

• Spectacle lenses are supplied to the wrong specification.

• Products are supplied damaged

• The products ordered by you do not arrive within 20 working days of the dispatch date within the UK, unless notified that delivery is delayed for specified reasons.

• The products you have ordered are returned to Perfect Specs Ltd as undeliverable by the postal service. If goods are returned as undeliverable, we will endeavour to contact you by e-mail for confirmation of the delivery address. If no reply is received within a reasonable period and in any event within 20 working days of the return of the goods, then a refund will be made within 20 working days. In such cases, refunds will be limited to the full price of the frames, excluding delivery costs and prescription lenses.

• You may withdraw your order and terminate your agreement with us without stating any reason for doing so within 10 working days following the day your order is delivered to you. The product must be returned undamaged and unused to qualify for a refund. You must return all the products in the original packaging provided with them. Once we have the received the products, you will be issued a refund in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

• Refunds will be limited to the value of the original glasses (excluding personalisation of your glasses and packaging costs), and will only be issued against the same credit or debit card account as supplied to pay for the goods. We reserve the right to proportionately reduce the level of the refund if only some of the original quantity of products is returned, or if it is clear that some of the products have been used.

• If the glasses are found to be faulty within 12 months, please return them to us stating the problem. We will of course refund or replace, however, please note that this does not cover misuse or damage that is not due to a manufacturing fault.

 

Please first complete a Return Information Form (click here to download form). When returning an item to Perfect Specs Ltd, please enclose your original invoice and a completed Return Information Form.

Perfect Specs Ltd acknowledges that your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect about you to process orders and to provide a more personalised shopping experience. We may use it to tell you about changes in our services or about special offers we think you'll find valuable. We do not sell, trade, or otherwise distribute your personal information to others.

 

If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, please read our full privacy policy or contact us.

 

Email: customerservices@perfectspecs.co.uk

You can request information or order your glasses using the following routes:

 

Our fax service is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

• 0870 164 6340

 

We will be glad to reply to your enquiry as soon as possible.

• customerservices@perfectspecs.co.uk

Our Customer Service Form is the fastest and most efficient way to get support from us, including any enquiries and suggestions about our site, billing questions, technical support issues and other support needs.

 

• Perfect Specs Ltd

  Suite 108

  Greenway Business Centre

  Harlow Business Park

  Greenway

  Harlow

  CM19 5QE