There are lots of cutting-edge frames in Bangkok. There are both European designers and Asian designers. Take a look at what you can buy where you are and the prices. Then you'll know whether it is worthwhile both in terms of selection and in terms of cost to have your glasses made in Bangkok.

Yes, progressive, bifocal etc lenses are a lot more expensive, both in Thailand and in the US. The lenses I was looking at were for a relatively high (-6.0) prescription with slight astigmatism on one of them and thin (to look good in designer frames), which are 500-1000 baht when you're buying along with the frames. And like I said, bargaining is allowed and is important to do. The price they first give you is always much higher than what they're willing to do it for. The French Connection frames I got were 5900 baht, on sale for 4500 and I got the entire thing with lenses for 4000 baht (I didn't bargain too hard either because I needed them very fast). They look great.

Kathie I will take a look here..good idea. I will also look at some vintage frame places..

Right now I wear drugstore glasses for reading and have prescription for distance (driving, infrequent concerts). But I would like to get a progressive pair. Until I began reading these posts, I had no idea that the old bifocals had been supplanted!

Hey TC, we are right below you, here in Missouri, did you get the ice like we did? It makes me really want that bkk heat! I really liked you description of the glasses you got its a little more redneck around where we live, so the glasses my wife got in bkk get some weird looks(I think my wife actually likes that part).

Hi, I'm just back and again this year have had glasses made. I have progressives and my husband has single lens. Neither of us are too fussed if it has a designer label and in fact often find we go with more ordinary frames as they suit my face better (plus its always difficult for me to get a good fit). I'm Australian and designer or plane frames and certainly the lenses are about half what we'd pay in Australia. I always go for the best lenses I can get to suit. Please however be careful if you have progressives. Many people find that they just don't get a good fitting. I've had a bit of trouble this year - had to get them adjusted a lot. So allow time! Another frequent complaint is that the tests will overcorrect. Its worth getting a script from home to compare. However that said I find that the computer testing in Thailand always gives me better vision than the testing from my optometrist here - just needs to get the angles of the lense right!

I had a bad experience at a small shop at MBK. I had my eyes checked in the US just before I left, and brought the prescription with me. I fell in love with frames at this little place and had progressive lens made. The glasses and lenses were unbelievably cheap -- about a third of what I would pay in the US. When I picked up the glasses the lenses just didn't feel right, but that is sometimes the case with a new prescription. They checked everything again, told me the lenses were fine & that I would get used to the new prescription. The next day we were off to Northern Thailand & other destinations. The glasses gave me a headache and I switched back to my old pair. When I got home & brought the new glasses into my usual optician they checked the lenses and told me the prescription had not been filled correctly and the lenses had not been measured properly on my eyes. Live & learn --Frames in BKK are great, but don't get glasses made, particularly progressive lenses which have to be carefully measured, except at a recommended place in BKK. I would try Kathie's recommendation or Tong's husband.

This is a query: who is Tong and how does one contact her please?

Nanvy, do a search on Tong. You will turn up hundreds of posts. She is a guide in Bangkok.

I purchased 3 frames. I bought a S.Dupont, a Cartier, and a Fred. In the US they were $800-$1250(because frame had 18K and one 21K frames) in May '06.The 3 would have cost me $3200 with tax but at a Charon (spelling?) store, they have 6+ stores with several in Siam Paragon)and I paid $900 with international waratees including serial numbers. Confirmed authenticity when I returned home and had lenses made here. My optomotrist was not thrilled but he still charged $520 per set of lenses for Verlux Vizio,poly-carbonate,transition and Aleze-anti glare. So I feel I did very well.

Kathie, thanks for the info, but have searched on the Asia/Thailand forum,and have not found contact details. Perhaps I am not searching correctly, which is likely as I am a complete novice and this is only the second time I have looked at the site and the first time I have tried to use it. It's absolutely fascinating, the amount of info available from people who have actually done the travel, an awful lot of really intrepid travellers!

Nancy, Tong's website is www.tourwithtong.com

You'll likely want to read some of the trip reports about touring with Tong ot understand better what her strengths are and whether she would meet your needs.