In this “affordable” listicle, I’ll be covering 3 spectacle shops in Singapore where you can score affordable, trendy glasses. The eyewear industry in Singapore has changed a lot throughout the years, with people gradually turning away from mom-and-pop heartland stores to retail “fast fashion” chains such as Owndays, Zoff and Lenskart.
Today, spectacles are viewed more as a fashion accessory, no longer simply a functional item. Plenty of homegrown brands have also entered the fray, seeking to offer trendier, more affordable alternatives to the mass market brands. If you’re looking for stylish spectacles that won’t break the bank, check out these spectacle shops in Singapore below.
1) Otago Optical
For those looking for transparent, affordable pricing and professional service, I highly suggest checking out Otago Optical.
Who they are: “We are on a mission to deliver the latest fashion that fits you, with the quality you deserve, at fair and honest prices. No pushy personnel upselling pricey products, complicated coupon codes, or messy memberships. Just a transparent, trustworthy optical business giving you the best value in spectacles.”
My opinion: I had a great experience at Otago Optical. I had a blast picking a new pair of spectacles, and found the transparent pricing refreshing for the infamously opaque optical industry (puns intended). Despite being part of the premium range, the Omata that I got (with lenses and eye test) only costs $120, making it eminently affordable for a titanium frame. However, what I appreciated most was the education that Tim imparted. I left feeling educated about all things eyewear, which is something I can’t say about other eyewear stores I’ve been in. I sense the genuine passion Tim possesses for optometry, as well as his authenticity – he has pride in his work, and it shows. For those interested, I did a full review of Otago Optical here.
I was so impressed with Otago Optical that I collaborated with them to launch a pair of collab frames.
Price: Frame + lenses start at $60. Until 30th December, readers can enjoy $10 off glasses packages priced $120 and above, in-store on weekdays. Readers also get to enjoy a free upgrade to Violet-blocking lenses, specifically for the Sumbing and Sindoro frames.
Where to buy: 264 South Bridge Road, #03-01, Singapore 058813 (look for Kele’s golden pineapple as a landmark).
2) sightonomy
If you’re in the market for affordable yet trendy glasses – as well as premium lenses – then sightonomy is a great option.
Who they are: sightonomy is co-founded by Shane, and launched just late last year. The name is a portmanteau of the words “sight” and “autonomy”, with the brand stating that its mission is to enable “the freedom of an individual to express one’s self through eyewear and the ability to act in the best interests of their vision”.
My opinion: I enjoyed sightonomy’s aesthetic showroom, and appreciated the expertise of Shane which shone through during the eye test and lens recommendation. With most of its offerings being priced under $100 – but with “branded” lenses also available – sightonomy is a very viable option for both the budget-conscious and those seeking better but pricier lenses. For more details, I did a full review of sightonomy here, as well as its tinted photochromic lenses and sunglasses here.
Price: Frame + lenses start at $75. Those interested in purchasing eyewear from sightonomy can quote “WAHSOSHIOK” in-store or when making your appointment to enjoy $10 off your purchase.
Where to buy: 60B Smith St, Singapore 058963
3) Oblique Eyewear
For those who love the Korean style, Oblique Eyewear offers a wide variety of trendy frames at affordable prices.
Who they are: “Due to the high cost of prescriptive eyewear, people tend to be more conservative in frame selections. In Oblique, we want to abolish this tradition and you can rest assured to find low-cost prescriptive eyewear to suit your different needs. There is no need to compromise on your style because of prices!”
My opinion: Gone are the days when wearing spectacles is seen as “geeky”. With the latest in fashion trends, especially from Korea/Japan, spectacles are now increasingly seen as a fashion accessory, rather than a practical tool. In fact, Brandon (of Oblique Eyewear) shared with me that he has been seeing an uptick in youths – with perfect eyesight – getting frames simply for aesthetic purposes! I think it’s important to find a pair of spectacles that makes your face pop, and if you happen to be a youth, or even simply young at heart, I think Oblique Eyewear offer a wide range of trendy and stylish frames at affordable prices. For those interested, I did an in-depth review of Oblique Eyewear here.
Price: Frame + lenses start at $110.
Where to buy: 181 Orchard Rd, #04-03 Central Orchard, Singapore 238896
Conclusion
There has been a boom in spectacle shops in the past decade – there’s likely to be 4-5 in one shopping mall alone! While it is a saturated market, I’m personally heartened that several local eyewear brands are doing their best to disrupt and innovate in a traditionally stagnant industry. Instead of going with a mass market option, why not support a local brand instead, and save some money in the meantime?
Other Listicles
If you found this spectacles listicle helpful, do check out some of my other listicles below:
- 12 Best Tailors in Singapore
- 7 Best Watch Straps Brands in Singapore
- 3 Best Dress Shoes Brands in Singapore
- 3 Best Perfume Brands in Singapore
- 7 Best Watch Brands from Singapore
- 4 Best Men’s Work Bags Brands in Singapore
- 9 Best Hotels in Singapore for Daycations and Staycations in Singapore
- 7 Best Web Design Companies in Singapore
- 3 Best Tailors in Bangkok
- 3 Best Perfume Workshops in Singapore
- 4 Best Aesthetic Clinics and Treatments for Men in Singapore
- 5 Best Wallets Brands in Singapore
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