Business Profile
Today’s spectacles have come a very long way from the thick brown frames of yesteryear. Today’s spectacles can be much more than just a visual aid with frames available to suit every face, and not necessarily at prohibitive prices.
Buying frames directly from the manufacturer makes huge savings on high street prices, and BuySpecs Direct does just that.
Over the last three years, BuySpecs Direct has sold more than 7,000 pairs of spectacles from its showroom in Pipers Court, Thatcham.
Last year, the showroom doubled in size and now offers an incredible selection with more than 500 frames on view.
Prices range from as little as £19.99, with designer spectacles starting at £79.99.
A vast range of makes embrace the basic and desirable designer labels such as Prada, Rayban, Guess, Gant and Hilfiger.
Savings may be as much as 70 per cent on High Street prices – which might mean literally hundreds of pounds.
Further expansion means that BuySpecs Direct can now offer sight testing by a qualified ophthalmic optician too. This means you can have your eyes tested, have your prescription lenses made up and choose your frames at manufacturers’ prices all under one roof.
The company behind the concept is Berkshire Ophthalmic Laboratories, a manufacturer and supplier of lenses for the ophthalmic industry for well over half a century.
For the past 28 years, the business has been run by the Curcher family, spearheaded on the manufacturing side by Dennis who has been in the trade for 50 years. His son Dean is now development manager, overseeing not just the Thatcham showroom, but BuySpecs Direct outlets in Andover, Basingstoke, Melksham and Dorchester.
Dean Curcher explained: “Looking at how the internet has changed the way people shop, we decided we could add another arm to the business by selling direct to the public.
“We don’t trade on the internet because there is no substitute for being able to touch, feel and try frames before you buy them.
“We are offering exactly the same eye testing, fitting and retail service as a high street optician – but our retail prices are considerably lower because we are not selling through a middle man.”
Customers choose which frame they want, are advised on the best lens type for them and have the specs made – all on the premises. When they collect the finished article a couple of days later, the spectacles will be fitted by experienced staff.
BuySpecs Direct provides every type of spectacles from single vision to bi-focals and varifocals and all lens types including anti-reflectives, thinner High Index lenses and tinted lenses.
There is currently an astonishing two for one offer on latest technology varifocal lenses from £80. These innovative Freeform lenses eliminate corridor vision and provide greater postural comfort, offering quicker user adaption than traditional progressive lenses. With a second pair free, this is an offer not to be missed.
“The most common reaction we have from customers is one of surprise when they discover how reasonable the frames are,” said Dean Curcher. “They like the extensive range we have on show and cannot believe the designer glasses within their budget.”
Seeing is believing, but for further information or to make an eye testing appointment, telephone (01635) 293578. There is free parking immediately outside the showroom.
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