TINTED LENSES
At Costspex Opticians Durham we can tint any complete pair of glasses when upgraded at time of purchase, turning them into prescription sunglasses for just £10 extra. We have a good selection of frames which can be made into prescription sunglasses, but many standard prescription glasses can also be tinted to give you far more choice when it comes to finding a style you love. It is a simple and affordable way to get a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses without the cost of buying a completely separate pair from scratch, and because you are choosing from our full range of frames rather than a dedicated sunglass range, the options are far broader than you might expect.
As an Oakley and Ray-Ban stockist, we can also offer genuine Oakley and Ray-Ban prescription lenses when purchasing their compatible sunglass frames, so if you have your heart set on a particular designer look in the sunshine, we can make that happen too. Our team will be happy to talk you through the tinting options and help you find the right combination of frame, lens and tint to suit your lifestyle and your prescription, whether you are after something for everyday wear, driving or outdoor activities.

OUR SUNGLASSES PRICING
Our pricing is as follows:
Single Vision Sunglasses
- Complete pairfrom £40
Bifocal Sunglasses
- Complete pairfrom £75
Varifocal Sunglasses
- Complete pairfrom £90

DESIGNER SUNGLASSES WE STOCK
We stock an extensive selection of designer sunglasses to suit every style, from timeless everyday frames to bold contemporary looks. As an independent practice, Costspex is not tied to a single supplier, which means our team can offer a genuinely broad choice of sunglasses brands alongside expert advice to help you find the right pair for your style, prescription and budget.
Whether you are looking for classic black frames, sporty wraparound styles or premium fashion sunglasses, you will find plenty to choose from across our collection. We stock recognised designer names including Oakley and Ray-Ban, with new styles arriving regularly throughout the year. Many of our sunglasses can also be made to your prescription, including single vision, bifocal and varifocal options, giving you clear vision alongside reliable UV protection. If you would like help choosing the right pair, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Why Choose Costspex For Sunglasses?
When it comes to choosing sunglasses, you want more than just a stylish frame. You need expert advice, quality lenses and a team that takes the time to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and prescription. Costspex has been a family-run, independent opticians since 2004, and our independence allows us to offer a genuinely wide choice of designer sunglasses without being tied to a single supplier or catalogue.
Whether you are looking for everyday prescription sunglasses, polarised lenses for driving or premium designer frames for holidays and outdoor use, our team will help you compare the options and find the right solution for your needs and budget. Because we glaze most glasses on-site, we are able to keep our prices competitive while still offering high-quality lenses and trusted brands including Oakley and Ray-Ban. With over 100 years of combined optical experience and a relaxed, no hard sell approach, Costspex gives you honest guidance and personal service from start to finish.
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.
See the Summer in Style with Costspex
Whatever the season, the right pair of sunglasses keeps your eyes protected and your look sharp, and at Costspex you will find a large range to choose from in styles both traditional and contemporary. As an independent, family-run opticians established in Durham in 2004, we are not tied to a single supplier, so our team can find the right frames to suit your face, your style and your budget.
We can tint any complete pair into prescription sunglasses when you upgrade at the time of purchase, and as an Oakley and Ray-Ban stockist we can also supply genuine Oakley and Ray-Ban prescription lenses with their compatible sunglass frames. Complete prescription sunglasses start from just £40, whether you need single vision, bifocal or varifocal. There is no hard sell here, just honest, friendly advice. Get in touch today or call in to browse the full range.







Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often about our sunglasses and prescription sunglasses. If there is anything else you would like to know, our team is always happy to help.
Yes. We can tint any complete pair of glasses into prescription sunglasses when you upgrade at the time of purchase, for a small additional cost. Many standard prescription frames can be made into sunglasses, giving you more choice, and as an Oakley and Ray-Ban stockist we can also supply genuine Oakley and Ray-Ban prescription lenses with their compatible sunglass frames. Take a look at our full range of prescription sunglasses.
We stock an extensive selection of designer eyewear to suit every taste, including names such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Guess, Prada, Radley Eyewear and many more. As an independent practice we are not tied to any single supplier, so we are free to bring in a genuinely broad range of styles, from timeless classics to the latest contemporary designs, with new stock arriving all the time. See more of what we carry across our designer brands.
Because we are an independent opticians, we are not tied to any one lens supplier, which means we can always find the best value lenses for your needs. We work with some of the biggest suppliers in the world alongside a good range of independent and local labs, and our staff trial our main lens catalogue and upgrades themselves so they can offer genuine first-hand advice. You can read more about the options on our lenses page.
Yes, we will need a current, in-date prescription to glaze your glasses correctly. If your test is due, or you are not sure whether your prescription is still valid, we can carry out a comprehensive eye test at our Durham practice, and we also offer NHS eye tests for those who are eligible and accept NHS optical vouchers.
Yes. If you have a frame you love, our reglaze service lets you keep it while we update your prescription or replace scratched lenses, provided you have your latest in-date prescription. We always check the condition of the frame first to make sure a reglaze is possible, as any reglaze is carried out at your own risk.
Once you have found your ideal pair of prescription sunglasses, there is plenty more to discover at Costspex. If you are looking for everyday prescription glasses to complement your sunglasses, you can browse our full range of frames and eyewear, with complete single vision pairs starting from just £30. If you would like to know more about the lens options available for your sunglasses, including polarised, photochromic or tinted lenses, our lenses page covers everything in detail. If you already have a pair of frames you love and would like them converted into sunglasses, our reglaze service lets you keep your existing frames while we fit new tinted lenses to your prescription. And if your prescription needs updating before we can glaze your sunglasses, we can arrange a comprehensive eye test at our Durham practice, with NHS eye tests available for those who are eligible. Our team will always help you find the right combination to suit your needs and your budget.






















