Best affordable spectacle shops in Singapore
As someone who’s been bespectacled since the age of 10, I’m familiar with the struggles of finding cheap spectacle shops in Singapore. Frames can cost as much as $300, and most of the time, these don’t include lenses.
For those who’re looking for budget-friendly options, check out this spectacle-lar list of shops where you can get affordable and stylish prescription glasses. You can find trendy frames from $12 as well as custom-made prescription glasses in 20 minutes.
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How to find the right spectacles for your face shape?
Before we get into our list of the best optical shops in Singapore, let’s first determine what you should consider when looking for a new pair of glasses. Firstly, you’ll want to factor in your face shape and features. There are 6 main types of face shapes: round, oval, heart, square, diamond, and oblong.
You can assess your face type by looking at your jawline length, cheekbones, and width of forehead. Additionally, you’ll also want to check your face angles – are they sharp or soft? Faces with sharper angles can benefit from more rounded spectacle frames while adding edgier frames can bring more balance to faces with softer features.
For instance, people with a round face shape tend to have equal proportions and fuller cheeks, and have jawlines and chins which aren’t very distinctive. As such, they would want to opt for frames that add more structure to their face, such as square or cat-eye glasses.
On the other hand, those blessed with a versatile oval face shape can play around with pretty much any silhouette to match their rounded chin and aptly-sized forehead. These include aviators, rounded frames, as well as rectangular glasses.
Where to find affordable and cheap glasses in Singapore
Now that you know what glasses best suit your face, here’s a round-up of the best optical shops in Singapore to replace your old frames on a budget.
1. Otago Optical
Chic lightweight frames from $60, collect in 20 mins
No random hidden costs here – simply refer to the stickers on the frames for their nett prices.
Image credit: Otago Optical via Facebook
Balancing quality with affordability is Otago Optical, with a wide range of trendy styles ranging from the minimalist transparent frames to retro designs with the double bar, for as low as $60 per pair. Spectacles are made from either their lightweight TR90 plastic, the flexible Ultem material that’s perfect for the clumsy wearers, or titanium metal that’s both durable and light.
Image credit: Otago Optical via Facebook
For those hoping to get your spectacles on the same day – the place offers an express service where most single-vision prescriptions are ready for pick up in just 20 minutes. So hang around, try on some other frames for the funsies, and you’ll be able to collect your new eyewear in a jiffy.
You’ll even be able to snag a a pair of glasses for $25 on their Carousell page. Yes, you heard right; these frames start at $10, and coupled with their lower-prescription lens that start from $15, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal anywhere else.
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2. Sightonomy
Relaxing interior & eye care services for all ages
Image credit: sightonomy
When you step into sightonomy’s store, you might mistake it for a resort with its bohemian-contemporary theme. Besides eyewear, you and your entire fam can also get professional eyecare services to tackle issues like digital eye strain, kids’ myopia, and vision problems plaguing those 40 and up.
Image adapted from: sightonomy
sightonomy offers sleek and trendy spectacles from as low as $95 for both the frame and lenses. Their Endo selection in particular uses frames made of titanium fitted with comfy acetate temple tips, so you won’t have to worry about snapping it anytime soon.
If you already have your prescription, you can purchase straight from their online store. Otherwise, book an appointment online to visit their store. You can get a consultation to get progressive lenses, contact lenses, and even help for myopia management in kids.
3. four eyes
Get trial frames delivered to your home for free
Image credit: four eyes
Homebodies used to getting everything delivered to their doorstep can even try on glasses from the comfort of their homes. four eyes’ Try-At-Home programme is free, and customers can cart out up to 4 frames which will be delivered to their doorstep to sample.
Once you’ve picked out your new look, do return the sample frames within 5 days to avoid any extra charges. If you’re happy with the ones you’ve tried on, feel free to make your purchase online. Your new glasses will arrive within 3 working days. Frames start from $99 but regular sales means you can snag pairs starting from $38.
4. Oblique Eyewear
Trade in old frames for up to $50 off new pair
Gone are the days when wearing glasses was reserved for the geeks. These days, sporting frames on your face can be quite the fashion statement.
If you’ve been wearing chunky black spectacles since your days in school, it’s time to upgrade to cat-eye and transparent ones from Oblique Eyewear that are more in vogue. They even have customisable tinted lenses to add flair to your frames. Follow the Oblique Eyewear Instagram too for their newest designs available.
Image adapted from: Oblique Eyewear
Plus, you can do so at a discount if you already have old frames you’re looking to bin. Trade them in instead, and you’ll score up to $50 off your new pair of frames and lenses.
If you can’t wait to get your hands on your new fashionable frames, you’re in luck. Once you’ve placed your order, your new glasses will be ready for pick up in 15 minutes, depending on stock availability. Otherwise, if your hands are full and you’re in no rush, opt for the frames to be sent to your home. Best of all, delivery is free.
5. Firmoo Optical
1-for-1 frames & 20% off prescription lenses
First-time customers of Firmoo Optical have quite a money-saving deal: 1-for-1 frames, as well as 25% off accompanying prescription lenses. But don’t worry if you’ve purchased from them before – their spectacle frames are priced affordably, starting from $22.99.
Image credit: Firmoo Optical via Facebook
Shop stylish frames on Firmoo Optical’s website by colour, face shape, size or material. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge design, check out their New Arrivals tab for funky cat-shaped and hexagonal frames.
Image credit: Firmoo Optical via Facebook
If you would like to customise your lenses with blue-light blocking or progressive lenses, the total amount wouldn’t break the bank too, with total prices floating around the $50-$60 range. Besides, they’ve got an ongoing Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale from now till 24th November 2024, which sees prices for select frames slashed by up to 70%.
Contact: Firmoo Optical website
6. Glimpse
Discounts for SAFRA members, as well as staff & students of SIT
Image credit: Glimpse via Facebook
There’s no need to schedule a return visit when you head to Glimpse for your new spectacles. You’ll be able to get your new custom-made prescription glasses within a speedy 20 minutes. Choose from a wide range of sleek frame designs such as rectangular, round, aviator, half rim, and rimless.
Image credit: @glimpseoptician via Instagram
Moreover, SAFRA members in need of a new pair of glasses can rejoice, as Glimpse is offering $50 off purchases simply by presenting their SAFRA cards at checkout. Similarly, students and staff of Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) can enjoy a $50 discount too – spend a minimum of $98 and flash your proof of enrolment or staff pass to be eligible for this discount.
Full list of Glimpse outlets
7. Lenskart
Try glasses in 3D before buying, from $68
On their website and in store, Lenskart’s 3D Try On technology allows you to see how each frame looks on you without having to try them on.
A tasteful display of online exclusive designs start from $75, with free shipping for all orders above $30. If adjustments are needed, you can head down to their physical stores.
By the way, Lenskart is having an ongoing Holiday Sale from now till 28th November 2024, where they’ll bundle their Gold Max 2-year membership (U.P $30) with select frames. In case you’re wondering what benefits you can enjoy, Gold Max members can indulge in 10% cashback on first order, along with 5% cashback on all future orders.
For those looking to not spend a single cent on their eyewear, we’ve also got an ongoing giveaway with Lenskart. Follow the steps on this Instagram post, and you stand a chance to win a pair of glasses from their Creatr Series, fitted with Myopia Control Lens (U.P S$350).
Full list of Lenskart outlets.
8. Foptics
Frame & lens at $39.90 flat
Foptics sells spectacle frames and prescription lenses at $39.90 nett. You can scan your current lenses to retrieve your optical details for a seamless purchase when you download their application – there’s no need to go through the hassle of yet another eye test.
Image credit: Kezia Tan
Your new spectacles will be ready in 3 working days, plus you can enjoy free shipping for orders above $50. Additionally, take 10% off your first order with the promo code <ONLINEBETTER>.
Visit their physical stores to try on their frames – you’ll also get a complimentary eye exam with any purchase.
Full list of foptics outlets
9. Zoff
$50 off second pair of frames this November
Originating from Japan, Zoff has frame and lens sets from $98. Not to mention, you can head to any physical outlet to get your Zoff glasses cleaned and adjusted – all for free. You can also take a look at the extensive breakdown of the different types of lens they offer on the Zoff website, to learn exactly what you’re paying for.
For those looking to switch up their styles, Zoff is taking $50 off your second pair of frames from now till 24th November 2024, with a minimum purchase of $158.
Full list of Zoff outlets
10. New China Opticians
Vintage-style pieces from $80
New China Opticians has a stock of vintage-style eyewear from $80 – think tortoiseshell frames and bamboo-hewn spectacles.
Image adapted from: New China Opticians via Facebook
You can get your new glasses within 45 minutes – including an eye checkup. Other than that, they’ve also got a range of swanky sunglasses; take a peep at their Naughty Sunday line of sunnies, which are accented by Chinese characters on their temples.
11. Eyecon Optical
Prescription lenses from $19.80
You can snag a pair of eyeglass frames ($35) and prescription lenses ($19.80) for a total of $54.80 from Eyecon Optical – what a steal.
Image credit: Eyecon Optical
The store has eyewear collections spanning Chic & Retro, Classic & Casual, Limited Edition, and Titanium. Apart from offering frames and lenses, you can also visit their shop in Jalan Sultan for an eye check up if you want to update your prescription. If not, opt for the 30-minute eyeglass duplication service for new spectacles on the spot.
12. ORIAN Eyewear
Glasses from $48 nett
If you’d much rather choose the safe option of clean and minimalistic designs, ORIAN Eyewear is the place to go. They have a wide range of Korean-style spectacles at a wallet-friendly price of $48, and you’ll be able to walk home with your new specs in just 20 minutes. New and trendy designs are released monthly and available in stores and online.
Don’t miss out on their special online promotion – quote <ORIAN28> for $28 off your online purchase.
13. OWNDAYS
Glasses from $60, in 35 outlets
OWNDAYS is a popular eyewear chain with many mall outlets at various heartland locations. Their frames are priced from $60, such as the 2-in-1 spectacles-cum-sunglasses frames from the SNAP collection, which are handy in sunny Singapore. OWNDAYS also has frames made from lightweight and durable materials, like those from the Air Ultem collection.
You can also find affordable spectacle accessories such as spectacle chains ($20), spectacle pouches ($10), and lens cleaners ($5). What’s more, if you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, feel free to book an eye appointment completely FOC on the Owndays website. They’ve got outlets all over the Little Red Dot, so it shouldn’t be difficult at all to find one near you.
Full list of OWNDAYS outlets.
14. Monocle
Italian tortoiseshell spectacles from $105
Monocle’s Italian tortoiseshell spectacles are perfect for those who want to bring their A-game when it comes to dressing up if you’ve got an extra $5 to spare. Made with good-quality stainless steel and titanium, the prices of glasses here start from $105 a pair.
Image credit: Monocle via Facebook
Fun-fact: The eco-friendly shop plants a tree for every pair of glasses sold. Not only will you save some dollars, but you will be doing a small part in saving the environment. Monocle is currently in the midst of moving to a new location, but its customers can head over to their pop-up store at Two of a Kind on North Canal Road to browse their collection.
(Closed) Mimeo Optical
We’re no strangers to gushing over our favourite K-Drama stars on the daily. If that’s a style you’re looking to cop for yourself, check out Mimeo Optical’s range of glasses specially designed and made in Korea.
Image credit: Mimeo Optical via Facebook
Their spectacles cost as low as $90 and they currently have promotions including a 1-for-1 ultimate lens package. This nifty deal is great for those who require spectacles of varying degrees to cater to far and near-sighted needs.
Before you even head down to the shop, you can fill out a short questionnaire on their website and get an estimated price quote for your next pair of glasses based on your current prescription and choice of lenses.
Affordable spectacle shops in Singapore
Whether you’re looking to change up your style, or need to upgrade your spectacles as your eyesight changes, you’ll have plenty of choices with these affordable spectacle shops in Singapore. There’s no need to fork out a tonne of money to feel confident in your new pair of “eyes”.
Note: Prices listed in this article are inclusive of frames and basic single-vision lenses. Any customisable add-ons such as transition or progressive lenses are subject to additional charges.
For more shopping in Singapore:
- Singapore shopping guide – including what you can get where
- Online furniture shops in Singapore
- Homeware shops
- Student discounts in 2024
Originally published on 25th February 2022. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 17th November 2024.
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
Cover image adapted from: Firmoo Optical via Facebook, @glimpseoptician via Instagram