When you travel a lot, you learn to buy wisely. In particular when purchasing something that you rely on and wear a lot.
For example, prescription glasses. You cannot afford to make a bad choice. Ask yourself what you want. How will I look in some red ones? Are they sturdy enough? Will they be suitable for my trip? They could easily break partway if you don’t get the right ones, leaving you unable to see properly.
You need to be particularly careful if you are traveling to somewhere remote or to a country that has very few opticians. For example, the Republic of Benin, which, according to this report, has 20 ophthalmologists serving a population of 11.5 million.
Below, are the things you need to think about when buying a pair of glasses to wear on a long trip.
Practical considerations
The glasses you wear, or pack, have to be practical. If you are planning to enjoy some adventure sports and other activities while you are away, make sure that you choose a pair that is suitable for that. That may mean wearing a sportier frame than you would normally do. But, that is far better than having to pay for and carry two sets of glasses with you.
On a similar subject, you should seriously consider investing in reactive lenses. Doing this will save you from having to carry a pair of sunglasses with you.
This article explains how the different types of light-reactive lenses work as well as the pros and cons of each of them.
Get the style right
Most of us take a lot of photos when we travel. No doubt you will want to look your best in them. So, think carefully about whether the glasses you are interested in suit you or not, before buying them.
Try not to leave buying a new pair of glasses too close to your travel date. That way, if you do make a mistake, you will have enough time to buy a replacement pair.
Carry your old pair
If you have the space to do so, carry a spare set of glasses with you. At a pinch, your old pair. That way, if you lose or break your normal ones, you will at least be able to see something.
Make sure your glasses are covered by your travel insurance
It is very important to buy a good travel insurance policy. If something goes wrong, you will be very pleased that you did. Make sure that should your glasses be lost, stolen or damaged you will be able to claim for a new pair.
Ideally, you want a policy that includes a service that will enable you to replace them regardless of where you are in the world.
Carry your prescription with you
If for some reason your insurance cannot help or are taking too long, do not worry. Most online glasses retailers will ship to any country. So, provided you have your prescription on hand, you will be able to order a new pair via the web. Before you leave home, take a photo of your prescription or better still carry a photocopy with you. Doing so will greatly speed up the process of getting a new set should something happen to your regular glasses.
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