 | Keep an eye on those mark-ups I was faced with the prospect of buying my first pair of glasses a couple of weeks ago... I could not read properly anymore. I went along to an optometrist, had an eye-test and was told that I needed reading glasses... but not to worry, they should not be too expensive. I chose a basic frame and was convinced that I needed an anti-reflection coating on my lenses because of all the computer work I do. Suddenly, my proposed bill was more than R1200 excluding the eye-test! This being from one of the chains that promises free glasses with the ones I buy. I left with my prescription in hand and investigated. The same lenses for which the optometrist wanted to charge me R400 for cost about R30 from a local supplier. Thats a 1300% mark up. EasySpecsOnline.com provided me with spectacles (with the coatings I was quoted on) for just R290 including delivery. I would love an optometrist to write in and explain why they think they can get away with such ridiculous mark-ups. (Customers name withheld) The Star Letters, 12 Feb 2009 |
