Hong Kong and Macau - Where to buy prescription eyeglasses?

I understand that it is significantly cheaper to buy prescription eyeglasses in Hong Kong than in the States. Does anyone have any recommendation on where to go? I have my prescription and I have frames; I need someone who can handle a fairly complicated prescription with a good quality fitting. I prefer someone in Central.

I understand that it is significantly cheaper to buy prescription eyeglasses in Hong Kong than in the States. Does anyone have any recommendation on where to go? I have my prescription and I have frames; I need someone who can handle a fairly complicated prescription with a good quality fitting. I prefer someone in Central.

I bought a pair of prescription glasses in Hong Kong for my son who forget his pair. I didn't think they were significantly cheaper than the States. IIRC, we spent about $US160 for a fairly simple prescription and frames that were nothing special. Bought them in Central, in the mall connected to Pacific Place with a walkway. Can't recall the name. Some HKG resident will probably chime in with the name and some better advice. :)

I also priced glasses in SIN, which is supposed to be the place to buy cheap eyeglasses, but with the frames my wife wanted and the vision insurance we have we could do better in the States.

I recently bought 2 pairs of glasses in Bangkok. One pair 3100 titanium frame, tinted lenses. 2nd 3000 baht, Metal frame, clip-on polarized shades, anti-reflection coating.

Both were heavy astigmatism perscriptions and took a week from order to pick up. They only let me pay 1/2 up front, insisting that I don't pay the rest until their ready and I'm satisfied.

I'm thinking of buying another pair before I come home in 2 weeks.

I have been buying eyeglasses in Hong Kong for years and have been going to the same guy. The quality and service are superb, and the prices are about 50-75% of what I'd pay in the US. (And US prices are a lot less expensive than European prices.)

I would strongly recommend Tai Kwong Optical in Kowloon, which is run by Raymond Chan. He's a knowledgeable and helpful fellow, and his selection of frames is also outstanding. I much prefer dealing with Raymond than one of the franchise shops like the Optical Shop.

Tai Kwong Optical is midway between the Holiday Inn and Shangri-La, just about on the corner of Mody Road and Hart Ave. (The address is 31 Mody Road, though the entrance is actually on Hart Ave.) If you stop there, please tell Raymond that Mister Donald from the States says hello (and maybe that will get you a few dollars off).

If you are in Central try Queensway Optical in the Queensway Centre. I had several pairs made there whilst on a visit last year (complex prescriptions, varifocals etc) and the service was good, quick and efficent and the prices were very good.

wideman and frequentflyer99, thank you. That is very helpful.

seanthepilot, I'm stunned at the prices you gave, and will keep that in mind for the future. My travel plans in the next few months have me in Hong Kong more than Bangkok, but it's great to know I could buy in Bangkok at a future date.

Both I and my hubby bought our last two pairs glasses from an eyeglass chain stores called "The Optical Center". The store we usually go to is their Mong Kok branch (tel# 2770-5622) on Sai Yeung Choi Street (I believe it is MTR exit D2, but I need double check it for you). I know they also has a branch in Central too. (I will PM you the contact info in few days...=) )

Our reasoning to buy in HK is mainly for selection and decent pricing. Also, if you want a "clip on" shades, anti-scratch, anti-glare coating etc., you prob get a better pricing than just the glasses itself.

We usually get the glass ready in 3-4 working days. So, you prob want to do the "fitting" as soon as you get into HK. No need to worry about prescription since most eye-glass store will do "free prescription check" for you. Like "seanthepilot"mentioned , if you have heavy astigmatism, you do need allow extra 2-3 days for the glasses. Our glasses (avg) including titanium frame, tinted lenses, and clip on shades turned out about US$150 each. Hubby's glasses is still much cheaper than in states (his Costco one costs him US$250).

Helen123, I should have known you could help me! Thank you. (as I savor a cup of tea from Club Qing, another of your great Hong Kong recommendations.)

Since I don't wear eyeglasses, I personally can't help you...But my dad, who has gone to HKG for 20 years, is a frequent buyer at "Jackson Optical"--I believe it's in Tsim Sha Tsui. He highly recommends it...

I've heard that eyeglasses are much cheaper in Hong Kong. Has anyone had a recent experience in the last year? Suggestions on good shops. Thanks so much.

I've heard that eyeglasses are much cheaper in Hong Kong. Has anyone had a recent experience in the last year? Suggestions on good shops. Thanks so much.

Well my father's friend operates a eyeglass shop next to Shangrila Kowloon at Wing On Plaza (No extra discount for voicing me out :p, but well it still cost me something for my father's day present for him this year) . They take USD and they can deliver to your home if needed.

Just reminder that most if not all glass shop say they are on 30% discount / 50% discount or so on, don't trust that, go straight and ask the net price.

I highly recommend:
New Modern Vision
285 Kings' Rd
North Point
Tel: 2512-9327

Take MTR to Fortress Hill, take Oil Street (?) exit, turn right on Kings Rd, walk 2 blocks, small shop on right hand side.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=285+kings+road,+north+point+hk&sll=22.348172,114.09482&sspn=0.395648,0.662613&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=285+King%27s+Rd,+Hong+Kong&z=16&layer=c&cbll=22.290262,114.195621&panoid=-j55yqfq0OR4rjNnghe5hg&cbp=12,288.32,,0,12.1

It has limited variety of frames but excellent services, honest owner. Our family has been using them for almost 8 years now. Every time my wife visits, she picks up a new pair of reading glasses. My 25 yr son just got a new pair and I'm due for new set of progressives and sunglasses on next visit.

But be warned, he doesn't do 24 hour turn-around service. I think fastest is 4-5 days....I either return to pick up or get him to send to me.

The owner, Mr. Chang (張). He speaks English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Forgot - prices around 30% less than Pearle Vision prices in states.

Mrs. Pickles swears by Ocean Optical in the Standard Chartered building. I think the prices are cheaper than the US, but they have a very large selection and good service. Her requirements are rather unusual, and they can meet them well.

Do be careful. HK (and other Asian cities) are known to enlarge the PD (pupillary distance) in order to feign the illusion of thinner lenses - if that's what you're going for.

Doing that is pure hell on people with astigmatism.

... in order to feign the illusion of thinner lenses -

If you feign an illusion, you are being candid and forthright.

Ok, ok... create an illusion...

Better?

Can i ask, does anyone know how much it costs for prescription sunglasses in HK? Frames are probably variable (looking at basic rayban aviators), but anyone know how much are the prescription sunglass lenses in hk?

Can i ask, does anyone know how much it costs for prescription sunglasses in HK? Frames are probably variable (looking at basic rayban aviators), but anyone know how much are the prescription sunglass lenses in hk?

Not sure about that, but glasses in HK is certainly cheaper. However every store has different frames and costs vary. So the only way is to go to a few stores an look around. I have been using 88 Optical everytime I went there.

There are many ways to do Rx sunglass lenses.

Cheapest - regular Rx lenses and add some dark tints and a UV coating

Most expensive - get an actual sunglass company that makes those lenses (one-sided anti-reflection coating, polarized lenses, etc)

In general, high street chain stores are much more expensive (due to the insane land price in HK). We use some that are located in residential area which tend to be a bit more honest. Bring along your eye-exam record so that you can verify after you have an eye test done in HK.

Handy thread - did a google on "where to by prescription glasses in Hong Kong" and was delighted to see an FT result at the top of the search ^

Don't know if you still need advice but I also recommend tai kwong and Raymond chan as mentioned several posts upstream as well We have bought maybe 10 pairs or so over many visits to Hong Kong of different styles and prescriptions generally in a day. The only issue we have had is getting glass not plastic lenses but we don't know if that is due to a time crunch. We are nak next month for a little longer visit so we are going to see if glass can be made. He is very reputable and great to work with.

We were just in Hong Kong right before Chinese New Year at the Mody Road store and bought glasses. He didnt mention that he was moving.. when where you there, and had he just moved. Thanks for the update..

I just can't believe that glasses, or indeed anything, is a bargain in HK anymore when compared to shopping around in the US.

Rx glasses are almost always cheaper compared to US mainstream prices. However you often get an inferior product without knowing in HK - sub standard lenses, extra thin lenses that don't meet safety standards in other countries, inappropriate lenses for the frame(e.g.rimless) - I guess you'll know eventually when you visit your optometrist or your extra thin lens cracks for no good reason.

HK prices are comparable to US prices at Chinatown shops. Also consumer protection and optician licensing is usually of a much higher standard in the US.

Shopping online is often not practical.

I stopped buying Rx glasses in HK many years ago, going to Chinese malls in Canada instead.