Glasses
FAQ
Can you supply any prescription?
I'd like to order glasses - how do I do this?
How do I get my prescription from my optician?
Your prices are so low, how can you do this?
Do you sell prescription sunglasses?
What is my near, intermediate, distance prescription and what does ADD mean?
I have my contact lens prescription. Can I use this to purchase specs?
What is PD (Pupillary Distance) and how do I get this measurement?
Is there a basic guide to understanding my glasses prescription?
I've read the basic guide and I still don't understand my glasses prescription. Help!
I don't understand my contact lens prescription. Help!
Why do you require my contact lens prescription document?
Why can't I send the contact lenses packets?
Is my prescription the same for both specs and contact lenses?
Do my specs come with lenses?
What are ready readers and how do I order these?
Do you accept NHS optical vouchers an Eyecare Vouchers for my glasses?
Can I try a frame before I purchase?
You don't do my prescription - can I order Frames only or glasses with zero power lenses ( Plano Lenses)?
Can I order thinner, lighter lenses for my glasses?
What make of lenses will you fit in my glasses?
Can I buy specs or contact lenses for my child or anyone under the age of 16 years?
Can you supply any prescription?
The maximum spec prescription which we can cater for is: -6.00 SPH (sphere) to +4.00 SPH (sphere) and ±2.00 CYL (cylinder), with a reading addition (ADD) of +1.00 to +3.00. We do not supply spectacles with PRISM in the prescription as these require bespoke dispensing attention. The maximum contact lens prescription we can supply depends on the manufacturer's limits and we supply all prescriptions available from them. At present, our contact lens area is still under construction.
I'd like to order glasses - how do I do this?
To place an order with us, you simply need your spectacle prescription. According to UK law, your optician must provide you with a copy of your spectacle prescription at the end of the sight test or eye exam.
How do I get my prescription from my optician?
Under UK law, you are entitled to a clear, legible copy of your spectacle or contact lens prescription following your eye test or contact lens assessment. Most opticians will not include your spectacle PD (pupillary distance) measurement in your prescription. We recommend that you ask for this to be included. Contact Lens prescriptions or specifications are different from spectacle prescriptions.
Your prices are so low, how can you do this?
As an internet supplier we are able to save on running costs and we pass these cost savings on to you, the customer. We do not offer eye care or optical advice. Our job is to provide you with a pair of glasses or contact lens supply according to the details of the prescription you give to us.
What is my near, intermediate, distance prescription and what does ADD mean?
Sometimes your optician will specify your prescription with various measurements for near, distance or intermediate categories, or fill out an ADD measurement. This is how to use the information:
If you are purchasing bifocal or multifocal specs, enter the measurements for all categories.
If you require your specs for one distance of use only eg. reading only, computers only or distance vision only, you need to order single vision lenses for your frames: use the box stating "near" for glasses to be used for reading or close up work only, use the "distance" box if you will be using your glasses to see objects far away and choose the "intermediate" box if your specs are required for the computer or VDU (Visual Display Unit) distance only. If you need advice about which line is the most appropriate, please email us a scanned copy of your prescription to specprescriptions@brilliantspecs.co.uk.
Often opticians specify your reading or near vision measurement using the word ADD (short for Addition). When this appears in your prescription, it usually refers to your reading or near work prescription only and this simply needs to be entered in the box "ADD" for both eyes (unless otherwise specified). If the word intermediate appears next to word ADD, this means the measurement is for computer work or for tasks performed at a similar distance to the computer monitor such as reading music sheets.
I have my contact lens prescription. Can I use this to purchase specs?
Contact lens and spectacle prescriptions are not the same. Before you buy prescription specs from Brilliantspecs, you must have your eyes tested and a prescription issued specifically for spectacles, which is less than 2 years old, or less than a year old if you are over 70 years of age. Contact lens prescriptions must be no more than 12 months old and will state different measurements such as lens type, base curve, power and diameter. The time limits exist to protect you as your eyesight may change with time and they are recommended by the College of Optometrists, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the Association of Optometrists and the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians.
What is PD (Pupillary Distance) and how do I get this measurement?
PD (Pupillary Distance) refers to the distance between the pupils of your eyes. To achieve the most optimal vision in your specs, the lenses inside your frames need to be positioned to match the distance between your pupils. Most prescriptions issued by high street opticians will not include a PD measurement. You need to ask for this to be provided, or have this measured by your local optician who may charge a small fee. If you have difficulty obtaining this measurement, ask your optician for a copy of your record card - the PD measurement is usually recorded here. Also, the optician who supplied your last pair of glasses will also have your PD measurement. Alternatively you can post in an old pair of glasses to us from which we will measure your PD.
If you are unable to obtain your PD measurement we can use an average pupillary distance measurement based on a study carried out on 15,000 spectacle wearers. The average distance PD measurement is 63 mm and the average near PD measurement is 60 mm.
It must be remembered that using an average pupillary distance measurement works well for most customers, but for some individuals with strong prescriptions, eye muscle problems or unusual pupillary distances, spectacles made using an average PD measurement may elicit discomfort or eye strain. Your eyes will not be damaged or harmed, but your vision will not feel comfortable.
Should you have chosen to use an average pupillary distance measurement only to find that you experience difficulties using your specs, please contact us and we will give you a full refund or arrange to replace your specs once you have obtained your specific pupillary distance measurement.
Is there a basic guide to understanding my glasses prescription?
Your prescription may contain the following:
1. SPH: Your short or long-sightedness measurement ("Sph") This figure tells us if you are long or short sight-sighted. Long-sighted individuals have plus (+) powered prescriptions and short-sighted individuals have minus (-) powered prescriptions - take care to get the positive or negative signage correct. Sometimes opticians write DS next to the figure which simply means that your prescription has no astigmatism in it. In these cases you only need to fill out the "Sph" box.
2. CYL: Your astigmatism correction ("cylinder"). Some Opticians write their prescriptions in plus (+) cylinder and some in minus (-) cylinder from. They are not the same. Take special note of this when entering your prescription as the signage is very important. If you do not see a value under this heading, then leave it blank.
3. AXIS: Your axis of astigmatism - you will only see a figure here if you have astigmatism and the CYL box has been filled out. This figure will be anything between 0 and 180 degrees. It tells us the tilt or position your lenses need to be in when they go into your frame.
4. DV or NV: Sometimes you will see DV or NV written out where DV means the measurement is for Distance Vision and NV means it is for Near Vision (reading).]
5. For reading only glasses, opticians occasionally write this out separately in its entirety (as "NEAR" or "N.V."). If this is the case, you must select the use of the specs as for reading only and enter the measurements as specified. There is usually no ADD measurement in these types of prescriptions.
6. ADD: If you have an ADD measurement on your prescription, fill out the SPH, CYL and AXIS sections as provided and simply include the ADD figure inside the ADD box. Depending on your choice of lens (single vision, bifocal etc), we will transform your prescription into the correct power you need for your specs.
7. PRISM & BASE: Specs with "Prism" and "Base" can be made, but these prescriptions require much more tailored attention as they usually relate to problems to do with eye muscle strain. You would require more care when these are dispensed and would benefit from an optometrist or optician's direct involvement from start to finish. We do not supply spectacles with prism.
8. EXTRA INFORMATION: If your prescription contains extra information for which we do not have fields to fill out in the order form, please fill out the "Any extra information" box.
I've read the basic guide and I still don't understand my glasses prescription. Help!
You can scan in your prescription and email it to us on specprescription@brilliantspecs.co.uk or fax it to 0871 223 8827.and we will assist you. If the prescription is simply illegible or we cannot understand it either, we will ask you to have the details reconfirmed with your optician.
I don't understand my contact lens prescription. Help!
A typical contact lens prescription looks like this:
Right: 8.60/ 14.00/ -2.50 (BRAND A)
Left: 8.60/ 14.00/ -3.00 (BRAND A)
Where the:
Base Curve (BC) is 8.60 mm
Diameter (Dia) is 14.00 mm
Power (Sphere) is -2.50 dioptres
BRAND A refers to the exact Lens type & Brand prescribed
BC (Base Curve):
Refers to the shape of the curve of your contact lens
(Usually a number between 8.0 and 10.0)
DIA (Diameter):
Refers to the size of lens that is recommended to fit your eye
(A number between 13.00 and 15.00)
Power (Sphere):
Refers to the strength of your contact lens
(A number between -20.00 and +20.00)
Cylinder (CYL) (Toric Lenses Only):
Refers to the strength of your astigmatism
(A number up to -4.00)
Axis (Toric Lenses Only):
Refers to the location of your astigmatism
(A number between 0 and 180)
Why do you require my contact lens prescription document?
Under UK law, we have to have a current contact lens prescription (< 1 year old) in order to supply replacement contact lenses. A contact lens prescription is different from a spectacle prescription. It contains specific contact lens related information. The prescription will state the brand of lenses for which you have been fitted and the size and strength of the lenses. The prescription must be dated and signed by your optician. A prescription is not valid if it has not been signed and dated.
Why can't I send the contact lenses packets?
The packets will confirm the brand and details of the lenses that you wear. However, we still need to see a valid copy of your written prescription signed and dated by your eyecare practitioner to comply with legal requirements.
Is my prescription the same for both specs and contact lenses?
No. A contact lens prescription is only 100% complete when the details of their fit are included. This means that although the powers may seem similar to your spectacle prescription, the powers alone are not sufficient when specifying a contact lens prescription. Additional parameters like lens type, diameter and base curve must also be included.
Example 1:
Mr Smith's Spectacle prescription is:
R) - 6.50
L) - 6.00/-0.25 x 180
However his contact lens prescription is:
R) 8.60/14.20/-6.00/Focus
L) 8.90/14.20/-5.50/Focus
Example 2:
Mrs Harper's Spectacle prescription is:
R) +4.50
L)+2.50/-1.00 x 90
Her contact lens prescription is:
R)8.80/14.20/+4.75/Frequency 55
L)8.70/14.40/+2.50/-0.75 x 90/Excel Toric
A contact lens specification is normally written in the above format denoting:
Base curve/diameter/power/lens type
Do my specs come with lenses?
Yes. All our specs come with basic lenses (CR39 plastic, 1.49 index) or polycarbonate lenses in the case of rimless frames, free of charge. If you upgrade your lenses to include an anti-reflective coating, scratch resistant coating is included free with our compliments.
Do you sell prescription sunglasses?
Yes. It is possible to fit either prescription or non-prescription sunglass lenses to all of our frames contained within the Glasses category of our website. We can also fit the latest sun-reactive photochromic lenses which darken automatically in sunlight. Please note, the Sunglasses category contains only non-prescription sunglasses - these cannot be made with a prescription.
What are ready readers and how do I order these?
Ready Readers are specs with simple reading lenses where both right and left lenses are identical in strength, they are sometimes referred to as "over-the-counter" reading specs. You can order ready readers with any of our frames even if you have not had an eye test, but it is a legal requirement that both lenses are of the same power and no more than +4.00 for these non-prescription glasses. Ordering is simple - just select the lens power plus additional options you require and go to the checkout. You can combine an order for ready readers with an order for prescription specs. It is important to note that non-prescription ready readers are only for reading use and should not be used for driving or any hazardous activity. Whilst ready readers offer easy-to-order back up reading specs, we advise that everyone have a regular eye exam- ready readers are no substitute for proper prescriptive reading specs.
Do you accept NHS optical vouchers an Eyecare Vouchers for my glasses?
No, we do not accept these at this time.
Can I try a frame before I purchase?
No, not at this time, but please let us know if you would like this service as we are constantly improving the way we do things to make the experience easier and better for our customers.
You don't do my prescription - can I order Frames only or glasses with zero power lenses ( Plano Lenses)?
Can’t enter your prescription? You can still buy the frame!
Our opticians have selected a prescription range that they consider acceptable for the online supply of glasses. The current range limits are longsight or shortsight no more than +4.00 SPH to -6.00SPH with astigmatism no more than -2.00. We restrict the range to ensure that we aspire towards achieving the best optical result for you, which does not require face-to-face or tailored interaction. As we grow, we will test the supply of prescriptions and lens types that fall outside this range, such as varifocals and prescriptions for higher levels of shortsight, longsight and astigmatism with a view to hopefully supplying these too.
If your prescription falls outside this range, our current recommendation is that you visit your optician for your spectacle lenses in order to achieve the best optical result. You can still purchase a brilliantspecs frame only and have your optician fit the lenses for you: simply order your glasses as usual choosing the free lenses and in the EXTRA INFORMATION BOX, type frame only and we will get these sent to you. With frames starting from £20, you will probably still save money this way!
Can I order thinner, lighter lenses for my glasses?
We use lightweight plastic 1.49 index lenses for most of our glasses. Our 'thin' lenses are 1.6 high-index plastic lenses. Rimless frames are made with the lens type most suited to the prescription supplied that still provides best durability, which in most cases is polycarbonate. Glass lenses are not offered. A free anti-scratch coating comes with all anti-reflective lenses.
What make of lenses will you fit in my glasses?
Our optical partners have been around for over 10 years and have excellent relationships with all the world's best lens suppliers including Essilor, Zeiss, Norville, WLC, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir. For the most part, we supply our glasses with lenses from Essilor.
Can I buy specs or contact lenses for my child or anyone under the age of 16 years?
No, in accordance with current UK law, we cannot supply children under the age of 16 years with spectacles or contact lenses. The law protects those under the age of 16 years of age and provides for greater care provision in that an optician or optometrist must directly supervise either a spectacle dispense or supply of contact lenses.
BrilliantSpecs has taken every effort to ensure that the information on this website is correct, accurate and up to date. BrilliantSpecs shall not be liable to you where any loss or damage which results from information provided by you that is inaccurate, false or misleading or that otherwise results from a breach by you of the Terms and Conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure that your prescription is valid, up to date and accurate and that you attend regular eye examinations as recommended by your optician.