Bargains on Glasses/Spectacles + MutualCommunity/Bupa General Extras

robotdad on 25/11/2011 - 20:32

Hi OzB's
So I have looked at a few places with 2 for 1 deals. Optical Superstore used to provide a single pair or slightly out of standard lenses with anti-reflective coating under Mutual Community General Extras with no out of pocket expenses. Now they appear to offer 2 for 1 at twice the cost and no added benefit as far as health cover rebate is concerned. The sales guy admitted this after I pressed him on the health cover rebate benefit of 1 Vs 2 pairs. Also Optical Superstore are no longer a preferred provider for Mutual Community.

BigW or SpecSavers don't appear to offer any better deals and there appear to be a bunch of differently branded but connected optical stores which all offer different flavours of the same poor deal.

So where can I get a set of glasses where I am not out of pocket? I know there have been some specials discussed ( http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/56077 ), but I am looking to see if a better deal can be had using my health cover in a brick and mortar store because there is no substitute for trying the frames on.

Any ideas where to go? Come on OzB, provide me with the ultimate crowd-sourced solution! Are there any stackable discounts available for various memberships (RAA NMRA etc)?

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • PenKnight on 26/11/2011 - 00:48

    If you don't care much for the frame style and willing to use OK lenses

    1. visit http://www.goggles4u.com/
    2. pick one of the 4.99 frames
    3. enter your prescription details
    4. Google for some coupons that makes the frame free. Some olds one still work.

    The total cost should be between $8-$15 a pair delivered.
    I have 4 pairs from them and they all seem fine for me.
    All the glasses seem to be shipped from Pakistan.

  • ShortyX on 26/11/2011 - 08:28

    We're with Bupa and my wife just got 2 pairs from Specsavers for $20

  • robotdad on 26/11/2011 - 08:46

    Thanks PenKnight & Stix. I will check out both places.

    I still think it is a little sad that even with Health Cover subsidy, Australian glasses stores are un-competitive. It means we are paying too much, glasses stores are making too much, health funds are not subsidising enough…

    Government/ACCC review into pricing practices or Current Affair story? One for Choice Magazine perhaps?

  • ShortyX on 26/11/2011 - 16:48

    Yeah, it's a rip…same as dentistry. As mentioned before, also check out the 'free' deals from Clearly Contacts (just pay postage). You can measure up your face and use a webcam to try on glasses. My wife has got a pair from them before and the fit was pretty good.

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