Prescription Lenses in Durham
Costspex is an independent practice, so we are not tied to any one lens supplier, because of this we can always find the best value for your needs. We use some of the biggest suppliers in the world, but also use a good range of independent and local labs. We have our staff trial our main lens catalogue and upgrades so they can give the best first hand advice.
Independent Lens Specialists
As an independent practice, Costspex is not tied to any single lens supplier, and that independence works directly in your favour. Rather than being limited to one manufacturer’s catalogue, we are free to source from across the market, which means we can always find the best value lenses for your particular needs. We work with some of the biggest lens suppliers in the world, alongside a carefully chosen range of independent and local labs, giving us genuine flexibility on quality, price and turnaround.
It also means we can be honest with you about your options, because we have no reason to push one product over another. Our team trials our main lens catalogue and upgrades themselves, so when they recommend something, it comes from real first-hand experience rather than a sales script. That combination of choice, value and honest guidance is at the heart of how we work.
Understanding Your Lens Options
Prescription lenses come in several types, and the right one for you depends on how your eyes work and how you spend your day. Single vision lenses correct for one distance, making them ideal if you need help with either near or distance vision alone. Bifocal lenses combine two prescriptions in a single lens, usually distance at the top and near vision at the bottom, with a visible dividing line between them.
Varifocal lenses, sometimes called progressive lenses, blend multiple prescriptions seamlessly from top to bottom with no visible line, giving clear vision at distance, intermediate and near as your eyes move down the lens. There are also dedicated options such as reading lenses and lenses designed for intermediate tasks like computer work. If you are unsure which type suits you best, our team will talk you through the choices in plain language and help you decide, with no pressure and no hard sell.
Lens Coatings and Upgrades
Beyond the basic prescription, a few well-chosen upgrades can make a real difference to how your lenses look, feel and perform. Anti-reflection coatings cut glare from screens, headlights and overhead lighting, which makes them especially useful for driving and computer work, and they also help your lenses look clearer in photographs. Scratch-resistant coatings add a layer of durability to keep your lenses looking newer for longer, while ultraviolet protection helps shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
If you have a stronger prescription, thinner and lighter lens materials can make your glasses far more comfortable and less obtrusive to wear. Photochromic lenses, which darken automatically in sunlight and clear again indoors, offer the convenience of glasses and sunglasses in a single pair. Because our team trials these upgrades ourselves, we can give you genuine first-hand advice on which are worth it for your needs, rather than simply selling you extras you may not require.
Why Choose Costspex for Your Lenses
Choosing where to buy your prescription lenses matters just as much as choosing the lenses themselves, and at Costspex our independence is what sets us apart. Because we are not tied to a single supplier, we can always source the best value lenses for your needs rather than working from a fixed range, and because we glaze most of our glasses on-site, we keep prices genuinely competitive without compromising on quality.
With over 100 years of combined optical experience across the team, you get expert, honest guidance every step of the way. Our team even trials our main lens catalogue and upgrades ourselves, so the advice you receive comes from real experience rather than a sales script. Add a warm, relaxed approach with no hard sell, and you have an opticians that genuinely puts your needs first.
Local Durham Clinic
Conveniently based at Unit 41 Dragonville, right in the heart of Durham.
Personalised Service
We offer a personal, caring approach with no hard sell, taking the time to understand your needs.
Over a Century of Experience
Our team brings more than 100 years of combined optical experience to every appointment.
Rated 4.7 on Google
We are proud of our 4.7-star rating across 44 Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to great service.
Find the Right Lenses at Costspex
Whether you need a straightforward single vision pair, varifocals for all-round clarity or a few upgrades to get the very best from your glasses, Costspex is here to help you find the right lenses at the right price. As an independent opticians, we are not tied to any one supplier, so we can search the whole market for genuine value rather than working from a fixed catalogue.
Because we glaze most of our lenses on-site, we are able to keep our prices highly competitive while keeping a close eye on quality from start to finish. Our team will take the time to understand how you use your eyes day to day and talk you through the options in plain language, with no pressure and no hard sell. To find out more about our lenses or to discuss your prescription, get in touch with us today or call in to see us in Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often about prescription lenses. If there is anything else you would like to know, our team is always happy to help.
We can supply lenses to suit almost any prescription, including single vision for one distance, bifocals that combine two prescriptions in a single lens, and varifocals that blend distance, intermediate and near vision with no visible dividing line. There are also options designed for specific tasks, such as reading or computer work. Because we are independent and not tied to a single supplier, we are free to source from a wide range of manufacturers and labs, so we can match the right type of lens to the way you actually use your eyes.
The best lenses for you depend on your prescription, your lifestyle and how you spend your day, from driving and screen work to reading and hobbies. Our team will take the time to understand your needs and explain the options in plain language, so you can make an informed choice without any pressure. As our staff trial our main lens catalogue and upgrades themselves, the advice you receive comes from genuine first-hand experience rather than a sales script.
For many people, yes. Anti-reflection coatings reduce glare from screens and headlights, scratch-resistant coatings help your lenses last longer, and ultraviolet protection helps shield your eyes from harmful UV. If you have a stronger prescription, thinner and lighter materials can make your glasses far more comfortable to wear. We will only ever recommend the upgrades that genuinely suit your needs and budget, because there is no hard sell here, just honest guidance.
Yes, we will need a current, in-date prescription to make sure your lenses are glazed correctly. If your prescription has expired or you are not sure whether it is still valid, we can carry out a comprehensive eye test at our Durham practice and provide an up-to-date prescription for you. This makes sure your new lenses are as accurate and comfortable as possible.
In many cases, yes. If you have frames you are happy with, our reglaze service lets you keep them while we fit new lenses, whether you are updating your prescription or replacing scratched or worn lenses. We always check the condition of the frame first to make sure a reglaze is possible, as the work is carried out at your own risk.
Once you have chosen the right lenses for your prescription, there are plenty of ways to make the most of them at Costspex. If you are looking for new frames to pair with your lenses, you can browse our full range of prescription glasses or explore our designer frames for something with a recognised name. If you would like your lenses tinted, we can turn any complete pair into prescription sunglasses for just £10 extra, making it an affordable way to get a dedicated pair for sunny days. If your prescription has expired and you need it updating before we can glaze your lenses, our eye test service covers everything you need, with NHS eye tests available for those who are eligible. And if you already have frames you love, our reglaze service lets you keep them while we fit your new lenses, starting from just £35. Our team will always help you find the right combination of frames and lenses to suit your needs and your budget.
