Optical chains tested: Why ready-made reading glasses could be the better choice

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Optical chains tested: Why ready-made reading glasses could be the better choice

Stiftung Warentest, the renowned German consumer organization, recently published a comprehensive report on Germany’s largest optical chains. The result: None of the tested providers could achieve a ‚Good‘ in the overall result. This sobering outcome raises many questions, especially for consumers looking for the perfect pair of glasses.

But why should this report also be of interest to providers and users of ready-made reading glasses? It’s simple: The identified weaknesses in the individual eyewear market could present an opportunity for ready-made reading glasses to position themselves as a high-quality and practical alternative.

In this blog post, we take a closer look at the Stiftung Warentest report and explain why ready-made reading glasses can be not only an affordable but also a high-quality option.

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Here you can find the Stiftung Warentest report: Opticians tested - Something doesn’t fit here
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In short:

  • Stiftung Warentest has tested the major optical chains and none received a ‚Good‘ rating. Surprisingly, the biggest weaknesses were in individual fitting.
  • The weaknesses of optical chains could be considered strengths for ready-made reading glasses.
  • Advantages of ready-made reading glasses:
    • No extensive adjustment required.
    • Cost-effective, allowing the purchase of multiple glasses for different locations and purposes.
    • Immediately available.
  • Still, keep in mind:
    • A professional eye test is always advisable.
    • Pay attention to fit and comfort. Try different models.

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The weaknesses of major opticians

According to the current Stiftung Warentest report, major opticians in Germany face significant challenges. With the best grade being ‚Satisfactory‘, the question remains how well these chains really meet their customers‘ needs.

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General conclusion of the test

The sobering conclusion of the test shows: Quality comes at a price, but even high prices don’t guarantee good quality. Fielmann led the field with a grade of 2.9, while Eyes + More and Pro Optik tied for last place with a grade of 3.8. Interestingly, many of the aspects where optical chains performed poorly were areas that should actually be their clear advantages over ready-made reading glasses. This sheds new light on ready-made reading glasses, which can not only keep up in these areas but often offer advantages without the costs and complications of individually crafted models.
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Frame adjustment

All providers scored poorly in this category. The reason? All test customers reported poorly fitting frames that were neither adjusted in-store nor delivered properly fitting after online orders. A secure fit is essential, especially for progressive lenses.

Centering

Regarding centering, only Fielmann and Brillen.de scored a ‚Satisfactory‘. The correct position of the pupil behind the lens is crucial for the quality of vision and wearing comfort, and there is clearly room for improvement here.

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Online ordering and its pitfalls

Although online ordering is convenient, the report warns against ordering glasses without a current eye test and professional fitting. Some providers, like Pro Optik, even lacked information on the importance of a current eye test.

Extras and prices

Additional features can significantly increase the cost of glasses. For example, Eyes + More offers single vision glasses for 119 euros, which was the most affordable offer in the test. However, with other providers, costs can quickly rise to more than €500 due to extras like super anti-reflective coating. A seemingly inexpensive offer can quickly become expensive.

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Why ready-made reading glasses can be a good alternative

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No need for frame adjustment

One of the major weaknesses of optician chains in the Stiftung Warentest was the inadequate frame adjustment. With ready-made reading glasses, this issue is less problematic. On one hand, they are often designed to fit a wide range of people. They are generally light and flexible, which reduces the need for individual adjustment. On the other hand, purchasing ready-made reading glasses often doesn’t represent a significant financial investment. This also lessens the need for elaborate adjustments, as the customer doesn’t feel they’re taking a high risk.

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Cost-efficiency and Versatility: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

Price is often a decisive factor when choosing glasses, and here ready-made reading glasses offer an attractive alternative to individually crafted models. They serve their purpose without the high costs for extras like super anti-reflective coatings or special treatments that can occur with custom glasses. This cost-efficiency not only allows you to save money but also to be more versatile. Since ready-made reading glasses are inexpensive, you can easily acquire multiple pairs for different applications and locations. Whether at home, in the office, or in your bag for on-the-go – you’ll always have reading glasses at hand without having to carry around a single pair constantly.

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Quick Availability

Another advantage of ready-made reading glasses is their immediate availability. While you might wait weeks for custom-made glasses to be completed, ready-made reading glasses are ready for use immediately. This is particularly convenient for people who quickly need a replacement pair or want to try their first reading glasses.

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What You Should Still Consider

Even though ready-made reading glasses offer many advantages, there are some things to keep in mind:

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Eye Test

A professional eye test is always a good idea to ensure you choose the right diopter strength for you. Choosing the wrong value can lead to headaches and eye strain. As a quick alternative, you can also use our online diopter calculator to get an initial estimate of your vision strength. However, note that this cannot replace a visit to the eye doctor.

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Fit and Comfort

Although ready-made reading glasses are often designed to fit the majority of people, personal comfort should not be neglected. Try on different models to find the pair that’s most comfortable for you.

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Conclusion

Considering the recently published sobering results from Stiftung Warentest about optician chains, the market for ready-made reading glasses offers an attractive alternative. They are not only cost-effective but also versatile and practical for everyday life. With a professional eye test and a focus on wearing comfort, you can find a suitable and affordable pair of reading glasses that meets your requirements.

Our selection of ready-made reading glasses offers excellent value for money and allows you to own multiple pairs for different applications without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a cost-efficient, comfortable, and practical solution for your vision needs, take a look at our range and find the perfect reading glasses for you!

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