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Buying prescription glasses in NZ: everything you need to know

Updated 14 March 2025
Vanessa profile

By Vanessa Pratley

Investigative Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakatewhatewha

What you need to know about eye exams, optometrists, costs and what to consider when buying new glasses.

On this page

  • Eye exams
  • Cost of glasses
  • Stores compared
  • Frame materials
  • Types of lenses
  • Lens coatings
  • Buying online
  • Extra protection
  • Problems with new glasses
  • Training for optometrists and dispensing opticians
  • Complaints

Buying glasses can be a pricey business. If you’ve got your eye on a pair of designer specs with all the bells and whistles, it’s easy to pay upwards of $1,000. There are other considerations too, like whether you need special tests or if you can buy glasses online.

We explain what to expect when it comes to eye exams and buying glasses.

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Eye exams

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Cost of glasses

Stores compared

Frame materials

Types of lenses

Lens coatings

Buying online

Extra protection

Problems with new glasses

Training for optometrists and dispensing opticians

Complaints

Comments

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