Koh Samui opticians

Thinking of waiting for an upcoming trip to Thailand next month to get some new glasses and I see there are plenty of good opticians in Koh Samui. Should I get a new prescription at home first and bring it, or do these opticians do an excellent job of eye exams too? Also, since we'll only be there a week, can anyone tell me how quickly they can whip up a few pairs of glasses after the initial eye exam or order? Finally, I've heard that the prices are good,, but are they worth waiting for? I would have to get through a month with (very slightly) broken glasses to wait to get them in Thailand. Thanks.

Hi Asparagus,

Better that you get a prescription, I had my glasses done in Thailand before and they can just go from that. Glasses are cheaper here however I never had mine done in Koh Samui and as it is generally a more expensive place than the rest of Thailand it might be worth having them done in Bangkok instead. Hope that helps Aby

I regularily add to my specs collection and have had lots of prescription lenses made in Thailand over the years and the opticians have always been excellent. You don't need a prescription and even if you do have one they will still give you an eye exam to be certain. I've always had them made in Bangkok as have found prices to be much more competitive there than on the islands and are generally 50% less than I would pay at home. 48 hours is generally all they need for progressive lenses.

The guy I used this last time was the best ever and as far as I'm concerned I'm sorted for all future prescription glasses. I won't bother hunting around anymore but will head straight for his tiny shop. He's in Bangkok but although you will probably pay more on Samui I'm sure you will be pleased with the quality and the prices.

BTW I've had prescription glasses made up in Malaysia and Vietnam also. They are even cheaper in Vietnam but the quality is not as good, quality just as good in Malaysia but more expensive than Thailand.

The big chain is Top Charoen, they're everywhere. Cheap, good and fast. As stated above, 48 hours is normal. Better to go order first day, however, just so you have time on your side. Prescriptions are universal, so if you have a current one then bring it.

Theres a Top Charoen across the road from Tescos on Samui.

There are Top Charoen all over Chaweng, along with a few other brands.

I lived on Koh Samui for some years and found spectacle frames and lenses to be quite expensive (especially for my multi focal progressives, with my astigmatism). In Chaweng, I was quoted 10 days for delivery as the lenses are processed in Bangkok, not on Samui. I usually purchase my frames in Asia (usually Bali or Myanmar) and then have my lenses made, in Australia. I have a horizontal prism and have had no success in India or Asia in having perfect specs made. Simple scripts and good quality frames can be ordered on the net on http://www.zennioptical.com

Good luck to you!

I've only ever once bought from Charoen because despite their constant offers their prices have still been higher than the private opticians I chose. Partly I think to do with the fact that their offers invariably involve purchasing frames as well as lenses. I like to source my frames at leisure elsewhere and just have the lenses made in Bangkok so if you already have your frames you might find Charoen not to be the best value. My advice is always to shop around.

Shop around? In Thailand? That concept could catch on! ;) ;)

Haha, my feet give up long before the desire diminishes.