I am traveling to Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing for 10 days and was wondering if it’s worth it/possible to get eyeglasses with prescription lenses done?

I’m living in Europe atm where it is pricey, and used to live in Bali where I would pay 10-15 usd for new glasses with lenses, albeit bad quality

I assume in China it’ll also be on the more affordable side (under 100 usd) for decent quality

Does anyone have a suggestion on where I’d be able to accomplish this side quest?

Thanks!

  • It really depends on your eyesight and your requirements for glasses. The price can range from 15 usd to 300 usd. The price of Ziess glasses is often expensive, while other Chinese brands are cheaper

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  • Not sure about the price, but the the amount of time it takes will depend on what your prescription is and if you have special requirements for your glasses. My mom and I have gotten many pairs of glasses in China. She could usually get hers done within a day because she's only nearsighted, but mine usually take two weeks minimum because I have both astigmatism and nearsightedness and my astigmatism is considerably stronger than my nearsightedness (which apparently isn't common according to them).

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  • You just randomly walk into a glasses shop and ask. I think most of them will get you pair within a few hours.

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  • Yes. Well worth it. A shop in a mall close to my house has complete frames and lenses for 99rmb. That’s 14 usd and about 12 euros. Those are on the cheap side but I was able to get several pairs made and picked up in about an hour. Bring your prescription and any glasses you want copied. Glasses are very cheap in China. In the USA the same glasses are easily $100

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  • I went to the hospital to get my eyes prescriptiont, then based on the report, directly ordered products online like JD. pretty good when I received them.

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  • Just walk into a shopping mall and find a store, if there is a JINS store they’ll do it within 20 minutes. They take your current glasses, copy the prescription from checking the lenses, then do the new ones.

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  • In my opinion not worth it to waste a couple of hours of your day and worry about if you will get them before you move to next city or not. Good lenses will not be super cheap, and it will be difficult for you to find an English speaking store. Getting improper glasses can lead to headaches, even worsening of vision, I don't recommend you just casually buying a pair on a trip.

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