Try Fielmann www.fielmann.ch at Bahnhofstrasse/Bahnhofplatz ! A German company in fact, the prices are fairly low, and the service is excellent
www.visilab.ch inside the Bahnhof is a bit more expensive but very fast and open also on Sunday. Good service and good products, and less expensive than the "traditionals"
Of course, each place is different, even the chains, as it is dependent upon the personalities of the associates you deal with and the management style of the store managers BUT...
I agree with Wolli about Fielmann regarding price and quality. The small service I received was done courteously and they weren't "all over me" when I was prowling around their store for some time inspecting different frames. They have some really expensive designer or high quality / high tech frames and they have some inexpensive options as well. They were quite busy the times I've gone by which I take as something of a good sign as well... particularly as on one occasion they were what I'd term "slammed" (very busy) and still were courteous, assuring people they'd be with them as soon as possible and things like that.
Visilab has been chance thing for me. They haven't been as consistently busy when I've wandered by (and sometimes in) BUT they also have three locations within walking distance here in Basel while Fielmann has only the one and that plays heavily on business. In one location I had to actually walk up to the staff when they were slow and interrupt their conversation with each other ( ) to ask them questions while in another, the staff was quite awesome and attentive not only to me and my questions but to everyone I saw walk in.
From my own experiences working in optics, I'd say that if you are looking for good ongoing service, the best thing to do is to stay away from the boutique type places unless you're really keen on getting things done with a "silver spoon" attitude. My own observations here in Basel is that it isn't so much different with regard to that as it is in the US. The folks in the boutiques CAN BE nice but everything is expensive and often there are fees for simple adjustments.
Among the things to look for regarding services (along with how their timing - whether you want them in 1 to 2 hrs or not - works with yours) is what their returns and remakes policies are. It's bad enough if you get into a situation like MusicChick describes where the lenses are made too thick / improperly in the first place, it's even worse if they won't do anything about it. So... look for someplace that has a "forgiving" policy about redoing them if you're not happy.
Also, look for someplace that's going to explain to you exactly the pros and cons of each of your favored frame choices compared to your prescription needs and lens choice. One of the biggest problems regarding that for Opticians is fashion vs function. For example, huge aviator frames may be "cool" (they make me cringe) but they are horrible choices for prescription lenses (hence the cringe) as that area furthest from your eye is only increasing the thickness and weight of your lenses AND most people don't use it for viewing anyhow.
The other thing that I think needs some serious thought is price vs convenience. Sure it may be less expensive in Prague (or elsewhere) BUT how easy will it be to get back there if there are issues and you need them redone? Even if your prescription is simple, it is possible for the lab to make mistakes and dealing with incorrectly made glasses can really be a hassle or even actually painful / damaging. Even if no mistakes are made, there ARE tolerances in manufacture, even for optical labs but how tolerant are you of variations? IF you know from previous experiences that you have a hard time adjusting to new prescriptions, do NOT go too far afield for your glasses just in case the prescription needs adjusting or the lenses simply need remaking.
Er... I've rambled a bit.
And, can't remember what my next thought was.
I can't give specifics about Switzerland really and it's been about 7yrs since I last worked in optics BUT if you have questions, I'll answer what I can.
Glasses tend to be one of the items you get gouged on here
I went for www.123eyes.co.uk , saved 250 big ones compared to the price I would've paid in der Schweiz.
Um. No.
Although the service they offer may be "alright" if the prescription is simple (distance or reading only) AND the lens material selected is CR-39 (standard plastic)... any of the other lens options, whether it be bifocal / varifocal or lens material, need more detailed information than what they are asking on that online form.
Also, most frames come in a variety of sizes... the ones I looked at they didn't offer any size options, only colors. This is not a good start at all.
Thirdly... your link is broken anyhow.
As you say, it depends on the prescription and the specific needs of the customer - definitely not for everyone. However for my purposes, with a standard short-sighted prescription, a normally-sized head, and the same lens material I would've gone for given a choice in a store here (no heavy mineral lenses, lest my glasses fall into my fondue), ordering online has left me with a great pair of glasses and a spare lump of cash.
Maintenance and aftercare is the main issue with buying online, but it's not a major pain. I haven't had to have my new pair adjusted, but with my last pair (bought in the UK), the optician I dropped into in Bern was happy to make adjustments to the legs free of charge.
I would say... definitely not for anyone wearing anything more complicated than a single vision prescription in the +2 to -2 range.
Anything higher than that and the frame choice (and size) becomes an integral part of crafting a quality pair of eyewear or else the lenses are much thicker and heavier than necessary. Select anything other than CR-39 lenses and further measurements are required which are dependent upon how the frame fits, and more specifically, how your eyes are centered within the front which can only be accurately measured after the frame has been properly adjusted.
Can you get by? Yes.
Is it ideal? Not by a long shot.
At best, it is an alright option for a spare pair or an "emergency" replacement and that's it.
On that note, get them whilst away on holiday if you can. Such items here are pricey compared to the rest of the Universe. If you're in Zurich, I can recommend a 'boutique' (surely it's an opticians?) place in Seefeld: Augenstern . Excellent yet small range, perfect service and after service, reasonable rates all in.
Admittedly, these were 'off the shelf' rather than prescription but the staff did carry out some basic checks to make sure that I got the right ones.
takes about 10 days to receive them. Very impressed
plus you need to go there a second time, though fitting might work in zurich too, if needed.
visilab and fielmann do have the biggest choice. götte optik and koch optik are ok, but their display is very limited.
i am with uncle max: if you wear (like me)
those glasses every day, i say chose the best you like.
and check your insurance. mine paid back 300chf.
might make the price bit more reasonable then.
Their service was fast, efficient and cost effective also they sent me a Swisspost tracking number so I could manage the delivery of the package. My Swiss insurance contributed also to the costs.
just a random shot and then x-ing fingers?