Eye care & vision

Opticians &
glasses loan

Prescription glasses, designer frames, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery can cost far more than expected. A Cash Train loan spreads the cost into fixed monthly repayments so your vision doesn’t have to wait.

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Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes

What eye care costs

Typical optician costs in the UK

NHS sight test (2024/25): Free for children under 16, over 60s, those on qualifying benefits, and certain medical conditions (diabetes, glaucoma risk, etc.). If you don’t qualify, a private sight test typically costs £20–£30 — but the glasses or lenses themselves are never free on the NHS for working-age adults without a voucher.

Single-vision glasses

£50–£400

Entry-level frames with basic single-vision lenses from a high-street chain. Designer frames or premium lenses push the price significantly higher.

Varifocal glasses

£150–£700

Varifocal (progressive) lenses eliminate the need for two pairs. Premium lens coatings (anti-glare, scratch-resistant, UV) add to the cost.

Monthly contact lenses

£15–£50/month

Daily disposables cost more per lens but less in solution and cases. Torics (for astigmatism) and multifocals are priced at a premium.

Designer frames

£200–£800+

Brand-name frames (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, etc.) priced before lenses. Independent opticians often have more competitively priced premium options.

LASIK laser surgery

£1,500–£3,000/eye

Per eye. Prices vary by clinic, technology (standard LASIK vs LASEK vs SMILE), and whether follow-up is included. Many clinics offer payment plans.

Cataract treatment (private)

£2,500–£4,000/eye

Per eye privately. NHS treatment is free but waiting times can be long. Premium intraocular lenses (multifocal, toric) cost more than standard monofocal lenses.

Prices vary considerably between high-street chains, independent opticians, and online retailers. Always compare full costs including lenses, coatings, and aftercare before committing to a purchase.

Ways to reduce your optician costs

Before borrowing, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for NHS help or can reduce the overall outlay:

If you receive certain benefits or have a low income, you may qualify for an NHS optical voucher that contributes towards the cost of frames and lenses. Check eligibility at nhs.uk or via your optician.

Specsavers, Vision Express, and Boots Opticians regularly run 2-for-1 frame deals, free lens upgrades, and half-price second pairs. Timing a purchase around these promotions can save a significant amount.

Sites like Glasses Direct and Specsavers Online can supply glasses from a valid prescription at a fraction of the in-store price. Suitable for straightforward prescriptions; complex prescriptions may benefit from in-person fitting.

Many opticians offer their own interest-free credit over 12 months. If available and genuinely fee-free, this is worth exhausting before a personal loan.

Loan options

Match the loan to what you need

Quick

£100–£500

1–3 months

A new pair of prescription glasses, a stock of contact lenses, or an annual supply of dailies.

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Flex

£500–£2,000

3–12 months

Premium varifocals, designer frames with lens package, or LASIK surgery on one eye.

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Plus

£2,000–£5,000

6–24 months

Bilateral laser eye surgery, private cataract treatment, or a complete eye care overhaul.

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The process

How it works

Apply online

Tell us the amount you need and your preferred repayment term. No credit check at this stage — just a quick form.

Receive your decision

When we launch, complete the full application. We run an affordability and credit check and give you a decision fast.

Pay your optician

Funds land in your bank account. Pay the optician or clinic directly — frames, lenses, laser surgery, whatever you need.

Common questions

Opticians loan FAQs

Yes. LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE laser procedures are all eligible uses for a Cash Train loan. Many clinics quote per eye, so check whether your quoted price covers one or both eyes before deciding how much to borrow.

No — funds are paid to your bank account, not to the optician. You then pay the clinic or retailer however they prefer (card, bank transfer, etc.). This gives you flexibility if you split the cost across multiple purchases.

If your optician offers genuine interest-free credit with no hidden fees, that is usually cheaper. However, not all stores offer it, many require a deposit, and the credit limit may not cover premium options. A personal loan gives you more control over the amount and repayment term.

The loan is paid to you personally. You can use it to pay for a partner’s, child’s, or parent’s eye care — there are no restrictions on whose treatment the funds are used for.