As someone who's worn glasses for years, I know the struggle of finding good quality, affordable prescription glasses in the Philippines. It feels like a never-ending search for that perfect balance between price, style, and accuracy. I've tried different optical shops and explored various options, and I want to share my experiences to hopefully help you navigate this process.
My first instinct was to head to the big chain stores. I remember checking out Vision Express. They had a buy-one-take-one promo on some frames, which seemed like a good deal at the time. The styles were pretty basic and classic, so if that's what you're after, it might be worth a look. However, I was looking for something a bit more unique.
Then, I heard about Quiapo. A friend suggested it, saying it's a bit of a hassle to get to, but the sheer number of stores and the lower prices compared to malls were a huge draw. I decided to brave the commute and check it out. It was indeed overwhelming, but I found a surprising variety of frames and lenses at much more affordable prices.
Another friend recommended Owndays. They said it was the first time they got prescription glasses that maintained the correct grade even after a couple of years. They also liked that Owndays offers free replacements if they make a mistake with the prescription, unlike other places where you end up paying for new lenses. This definitely piqued my interest.
I also tried EO (Executive Optical). It's always packed, so I wasn't a huge fan of the crowds. However, it's a good option if you're on a tight budget. They usually have some of the lowest prices around.
Vision Express, on the other hand, seemed to have more high-end frames, but they also felt a bit outdated. I was looking for something more modern and stylish.
Someone also suggested Acebedo Optical in Quiapo, specifically looking for Doc Boy. Apparently, their Tito is an optometrist there and highly recommends them. I haven't personally tried them yet, but it's definitely on my list for my next glasses purchase.
I had a less-than-ideal experience with Ideal Vision. In one branch, the optometrist didn't even check my eye grade properly. They just borrowed my current lenses, which was a major red flag for me. I ended up ordering new lenses for my spare eyeglasses because I kept misplacing my main pair and couldn't see clearly.
Lately, I've been exploring other options for vision correction. I came across a product at Cinily US that really caught my eye: Transparent Glasses Magnet Sunglasses Clip Mirrored Magnetic Clip On Glasses Pink Prescription Myopia Spectacle Frames Purple gray with 1clip. I was intrigued by the idea of having both regular glasses and sunglasses in one. After all, dealing with separate pairs can be a pain, especially when you're constantly switching between indoors and outdoors.
I decided to try these clip-on glasses, and I've been pleasantly surprised with how convenient they are. The magnetic clip is strong and easy to use, and the mirrored sunglasses clip provides great sun protection. Plus, the frames themselves are pretty stylish. It feels like a real upgrade for my daily life. I also appreciate that Cinily Net offers a variety of colors and styles to choose from, so you can find something that suits your personal taste. If you're looking for affordable prescription glasses with added convenience, it's worth checking out.
Based on my experiences, here's a checklist of things to consider when looking for sulit (affordable and good value) prescription glasses in the Philippines: