There’s been a different breed of optical shops growing in Singapore, and they’ve been making their presence felt via cheap and cheery deals.
Many customers are drawn to their attractive pricing, while others have doubts about the quality and service one gets at these stores – no surprise there, since most would agree that “you get what you pay for”. On top of that, prescription glasses aren’t a purchase that people would likely skimp on since they’re crucial to our vision.
A selection of glasses at Monocle. (Photo: Monocle)
But are these affordably priced spectacles really of lower quality or is it simply an assumption that isn’t justified? If they’re not, how is it that these brands are able to sell them for so much less? CNA Lifestyle posed these queries to two eyewear companies that fall into this category of optical shops – Lenskart, a multinational chain, and Monocle, a local brand.
STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE
(Photo: Monocle)
Monocle, which operates on a hybrid business-to-consumer and direct-to-consumer model, says it is able to so simply by streamlining its operations and cutting out middlemen. One of its most attractive promotions is a one-for-one deal on its eyewear that starts from S$135 for standard lenses and S$205 for premium lenses.
“This eliminates additional costs and ensures that we maintain control over the quality of our products,” explained its co-founder and optometrist, Mervin Pang. For example, Monocle works directly with local premium laboratories for its lens orders, and also assemble lenses in-house – two ways through which it keeps costs low.
Lenskart has a similar strategy, running a S$100-for two offer on Lenskart Air glasses for gold membership holders – the membership can be purchased at S$20.
“We are able to offer competitive prices and promotions on our eyewear due to a combination of factors, including sourcing high-quality materials efficiently, leveraging economies of scale, and strategic partnerships with suppliers," said its general manager (marketing), Vanessa Yeo Barger.
"By eliminating the middle-man and distributors, we can provide great value to our customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality. We also own and operate the world’s largest eyewear manufacturing facility, to ensure low costs and competitive pricing for customers."
SERVICE IS PART OF THE PRODUCT
At the same time, Pang acknowledged that the affordability and quality of eyewear can vary depending on the retailer, even though they may have similar operating models. Quality is one thing, but service is also another factor to be considered.
“It’s crucial for consumers to understand that optical stores offer more than just eyewear. They provide professional services, ensuring proper fitting and offering after-sales services. These added services and attention to detail also justify the prices charged by optical stores,” he said.
(Photo: Monocle)
“Having a pair of glasses prescribed and fitted can be similar to having a bespoke shirt tailored to fit perfectly. Our opticians and optometrists play an important role and they must be licensed professionals,” he added.
Pang also pointed out how it is important to know the difference between the work scope of an optician and optometrist. “Opticians specialise in fitting glasses, while optometrists are eye doctors trained in detecting eye diseases. An optical store that specialises in primary eye care will have optometrists on shift while an optical store that focuses on optical glasses would have more opticians,” he explained.
This is why Monocle employs a diverse team of eye-care specialists qualified in both specialties. Lenskart also has a team of qualified opticians and optometrists, who, according to Yeo Barger, undergo further training at the company’s own training centre – Lenskart Academy, to better equip them with skills in eye care and service.
NO QUALITY? THINK AGAIN
Consumers equate price to quality, even more so where prescription glasses are concerned – and while that is logical, the introduction of these unconventional optical stores may have brought about a different perception. Unlike “traditional” optical stores, which carry a broad mix of spectacle brands sourced from distributors, shops like Monocle and Lenskart produce their own lines of spectacle frames.
“This gives us control over both quality and pricing. Furthermore, we offer customisable features, such as options for raised-fit or titanium arms, allowing for a tailored eyewear experience. We also provide a wide selection of lenses from local and international laboratories (including Zeiss, Essilor, Kodak and Hoya) to meet different consumer requirements,” said Pang.
In-house production also allows Lenskart to utilise innovative materials for its spectacles frames – for example, its Ultem flexible plastic and memory metal that go into its Air Flex range. Both of these materials can withstand a high level of bending and twisting, boosting durability and wearing comfort. “We are dedicated to complementing any and every life stage and need, in terms of eyewear – whether it concerns function, fashion, or a bit of both,” said Yeo Barger.
Spectacles frames made of memory metal. (Photo: Lenskart)
Irresistible pricing and deals aside, it makes sense, of course, to go into the store and try on the frames, and compare the quality and suitability across different brands.
“When searching for affordable glasses, consider three key areas. First, the quality and feel of both the frame and lens, while managing your expectations accordingly. Secondly, ensure that your eyewear and eye-care needs are addressed by a qualified optician or optometrist. Lastly, assess the aftersales services provided, including adjustments, repairs and lens replacement policies, to guarantee ongoing support for your eyewear investment,” advised Pang.
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Many customers are drawn to their attractive pricing, while others have doubts about the quality and service one gets at these stores – no surprise there, since most would agree that “you get what you pay for”. On top of that, prescription glasses aren’t a purchase that people would likely skimp on since they’re crucial to our vision.
A selection of glasses at Monocle. (Photo: Monocle)
But are these affordably priced spectacles really of lower quality or is it simply an assumption that isn’t justified? If they’re not, how is it that these brands are able to sell them for so much less? CNA Lifestyle posed these queries to two eyewear companies that fall into this category of optical shops – Lenskart, a multinational chain, and Monocle, a local brand.
STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE
(Photo: Monocle)
Monocle, which operates on a hybrid business-to-consumer and direct-to-consumer model, says it is able to so simply by streamlining its operations and cutting out middlemen. One of its most attractive promotions is a one-for-one deal on its eyewear that starts from S$135 for standard lenses and S$205 for premium lenses.
“This eliminates additional costs and ensures that we maintain control over the quality of our products,” explained its co-founder and optometrist, Mervin Pang. For example, Monocle works directly with local premium laboratories for its lens orders, and also assemble lenses in-house – two ways through which it keeps costs low.
Lenskart has a similar strategy, running a S$100-for two offer on Lenskart Air glasses for gold membership holders – the membership can be purchased at S$20.
“We are able to offer competitive prices and promotions on our eyewear due to a combination of factors, including sourcing high-quality materials efficiently, leveraging economies of scale, and strategic partnerships with suppliers," said its general manager (marketing), Vanessa Yeo Barger.
"By eliminating the middle-man and distributors, we can provide great value to our customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality. We also own and operate the world’s largest eyewear manufacturing facility, to ensure low costs and competitive pricing for customers."
SERVICE IS PART OF THE PRODUCT
At the same time, Pang acknowledged that the affordability and quality of eyewear can vary depending on the retailer, even though they may have similar operating models. Quality is one thing, but service is also another factor to be considered.
“It’s crucial for consumers to understand that optical stores offer more than just eyewear. They provide professional services, ensuring proper fitting and offering after-sales services. These added services and attention to detail also justify the prices charged by optical stores,” he said.
(Photo: Monocle)
“Having a pair of glasses prescribed and fitted can be similar to having a bespoke shirt tailored to fit perfectly. Our opticians and optometrists play an important role and they must be licensed professionals,” he added.
Pang also pointed out how it is important to know the difference between the work scope of an optician and optometrist. “Opticians specialise in fitting glasses, while optometrists are eye doctors trained in detecting eye diseases. An optical store that specialises in primary eye care will have optometrists on shift while an optical store that focuses on optical glasses would have more opticians,” he explained.
This is why Monocle employs a diverse team of eye-care specialists qualified in both specialties. Lenskart also has a team of qualified opticians and optometrists, who, according to Yeo Barger, undergo further training at the company’s own training centre – Lenskart Academy, to better equip them with skills in eye care and service.
NO QUALITY? THINK AGAIN
Consumers equate price to quality, even more so where prescription glasses are concerned – and while that is logical, the introduction of these unconventional optical stores may have brought about a different perception. Unlike “traditional” optical stores, which carry a broad mix of spectacle brands sourced from distributors, shops like Monocle and Lenskart produce their own lines of spectacle frames.
“This gives us control over both quality and pricing. Furthermore, we offer customisable features, such as options for raised-fit or titanium arms, allowing for a tailored eyewear experience. We also provide a wide selection of lenses from local and international laboratories (including Zeiss, Essilor, Kodak and Hoya) to meet different consumer requirements,” said Pang.
In-house production also allows Lenskart to utilise innovative materials for its spectacles frames – for example, its Ultem flexible plastic and memory metal that go into its Air Flex range. Both of these materials can withstand a high level of bending and twisting, boosting durability and wearing comfort. “We are dedicated to complementing any and every life stage and need, in terms of eyewear – whether it concerns function, fashion, or a bit of both,” said Yeo Barger.
Spectacles frames made of memory metal. (Photo: Lenskart)
Irresistible pricing and deals aside, it makes sense, of course, to go into the store and try on the frames, and compare the quality and suitability across different brands.
“When searching for affordable glasses, consider three key areas. First, the quality and feel of both the frame and lens, while managing your expectations accordingly. Secondly, ensure that your eyewear and eye-care needs are addressed by a qualified optician or optometrist. Lastly, assess the aftersales services provided, including adjustments, repairs and lens replacement policies, to guarantee ongoing support for your eyewear investment,” advised Pang.
Continue reading...