Spectacles.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Being self employed the tax man will be buying me a couple of pairs of new specs early in the new year.

Anyone know of any good deals going?

[veggiechicken]

Nothing spectacular, Potty

[Mikey]

It seems a bit extreme to be buying new glasses to harness the suns rays to burn your tax return.....but, I like your thinking!

[Potstubsdustbins]

My accountant put me on to it over 20 years ago after he had argued the case for another client.

If you can't do your job without specs it is claimable against tax just like any other tool.

[greenishfing]

I'd recommend Boots simply because of the follow up care. Hubby got varifocals there for the first time but couldn't get on with them. they replaced them with a pair of distance glasses and a pair of readers at no extra charge.......... Roll on a few years the optician spotted cataracts; he said he'd do all the paperwork etc. Within 3 weeks my husband had an appointment to see the specialist.

The worst opticians for my husband was specsavers...........catalogue of mess ups. They were cheap but hopeless.

[Bigmallly]

My experience with Sp3csavers has always been very good..........2 for 1 deals all the time.........Good prices....... Varifocals really easy to adjust to...........no complaints.

[dogsbody]

Vision Express for me - they used guys I knew from the hospital - but tbh all are as good as each other

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have had varifocals for some years now, my eyesight is so poor I cannot read, drive, do much of anything with out them, that's why I have to have two pairs. If I was out and about and broke my specs the only way home would be a taxi.

Thanks for the tips I will have a good look round come January.

[WendyC]

If you can't do your job without specs it is claimable against tax just like any other tool.

I can't get out of bed without my glasses or contact lenses - does that count?

[Guest]

My experience has been that an independent in Yarmouth was great until one visit when they became expensive and pushy, specsavers were not very good, boots various and asda very good - they were friendly, helpful, kept me up to date and their prices were sensible without needing offers.

[JanieB]

I've used the Oxford branch of Specsavers for years and was satisfied with them. When I got a letter 2 years ago saying I was due for the next checkup, I was no longer working near there so I went to the Swindon branch which is nearer. The customer service didn't exist. It took them 2hrs to do the checkup and when I went to collect my glasses they had got the order wrong. Rather than have the inconvenience of going back I accepted what they had done. I gave up on trying to pay and sent a cheque by post.

I now go to Haine & Smith, who I found courteous, competent, and helpful. And I can walk there. Their prices were, surprisingly, competitive with Specsavers.