Opticians 

Ayeoop!

Are there any reasons to buy prescription glasses in India as opposed to taking 2-3 pairs with me from England? Will they be very much cheaper? What about quality? And one last ? are prescription sunglasses easily obtainable?

Cheersmoidears from the squinting one at the back

1. Prescription glasses

Put it this way - I got two pairs of prescription glasses with designer frames in a trendy part of Mumbai for less than £50 total!! Lenses are made in India, shipped to the UK then cut to size here, and that's basically what you are paying such an exhorbitant rate for!! I haven't bought sunglasses there but imagine system is pretty much the same. My parents got eye tests and glasses last year in Goa really cheap as well, (although they did pay a lot more than I had) and were very happy with the service all round.

2. Frames

Or you can just buy the frames.

I bought 2 pairs of frames that are exactly the same
except the color, so in case one breaks I can put the
lenses on the other one. But actually the quality is
good and I am still using the first pair or frames.

The price is infinitely cheaper than the outrageous prices
they charge in western countries.

3. Lenses

Add to previous message from 'newsoft': Get your lenses too though - they are also significantly cheaper than Western Countries. My glasses were complete frames and prescription lenses for the price I quoted.

4. Opticians

The optician I use in Ernakulam [Kerala] has all the latest equipment, better equipped than the one I used to use in Britain plus better service, no appointment necessary, just turn up and away you go. I reckon I pay about one third the price here that I used to pay - e.g. fully multi-coated plastic varifocal with magnetic clip on sunglasses for about sixty pounds [under US$100]. Ready in 48 hours but they offered faster service if I wanted at no extra charge. I wouldn't shop anywhere else.

Have fun.

5. are

all intrepid businessmen,travellers and venture capitalists blind to this opportunity ?

http://www.oocities.org/saslekh - best books out of India

6. Delhi

If you're going to Delhi - try Lawrence and Mayo an Janpath - bloody brilliant - take your UK prescription - they have reasonable frames and my lenses (high index) were one third the price they are in England. Very quick service, cheap, friendly and good