Where to Get Low Cost Prescription Glasses, Hassle & Haggle Free

Sometimes getting new glasses can feel like a lot of effort, especially if you also need to get an eye test first. Most foreigners opt to go to 潘家园 (Panjiayuan), but this hectic market where everything feels rushed and impersonal is not an ideal setting when it comes to something as important as your eyes. Plus, even after getting an eye test and choosing new glasses you then have to haggle over the price, which just makes the whole process seem a bit too much.

Luckily there’s a solution to that! 

Just a stone’s throw north of Panjiayuan is the glasses store Nice to CU and here, the experience couldn’t be any more different. 
Owner Yang Yunxiang wanted to create a glasses store that offers top quality service in a relaxed atmosphere along with reasonably priced, legitimate products. 

Now, a big part of buying new glasses is, of course, the eye test and Nice to CU makes it efficient and hassle free. In fact, you can see just how easy it is, step-by-step:

Step One – Reception and Consultation

When you first arrive you’ll be greeted by the optometrist who will begin a general consulation with you about your eyesight. You’ll be asked whether you already wear glasses and if you do, how long you’ve been wearing them for and if they’re still comfortable and if you’re still able to see clearly with them. 

You’ll then also be asked the main purpose of wearing your glasses along with your occupation and your age.   

Step Two – Eye test with old glasses

To start your eye test, you’ll first be given a basic eye test using your old glasses. This will test both your eyes together and individually by being asked which lines you can read on a chart. 

Step Three – Pupillary distance measurement

Using a pupillometer, the optometrist will next measure your pupillary distance. 

Step Four – Eye Test

Now comes the main part of your eye examination which the optometrist will conduct using a top of the line phoropter. This includes red-green object testing, cross-cylinder lenses testing, refraction test and a few other fancy-sounding tests all made to ensure your prescription will fit you perfectly.

Step Five – Trial lenses

Next you’ll be given some trial lenses -- consider this a trial run to ensure your prescription is accurate.

Step Six – Picking out new glasses

Now comes the fun part, picking a new pair of glasses! Out of the numerous different brands and ranges available. If you want you can also ask the optometrist to give you some recommendations based on your face shape and the position of your eyes. At Nice to CU they encourage you to take your time and relax when choosing your new glasses to ensure that you’re happy with the choice you make.

Step Seven – New glasses measurements

Using a state of the art machine and smart technology, measurements will now be taken via tablet so your new glasses will be the exact fit for you.

Step Eight – Wait for your new glasses 

For a regular lens prescription you’ll only need to wait about 40 minutes for your new glasses to be ready. While you wait there is also complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks available.

Step Nine – Collect glasses and pay

Now all that’s left is to collect your glasses and pay. A great thing about Nice to CU is that you if you experience any discomfort in the first 30 days after your purchase, you can return to the store to have the lenses altered for free.

Of course, this only includes certain frames, but if you’re looking to spend a little more money for something more upmarket or a particular brand they have plenty of other options available. From luxury brands like Gucci or Chanel to top class glasses brands like Essilor there is plenty to choose from, you can check out all of the glasses brands in the graphic below.

Nice to CU’s flagship store is located just north of Panjiayuan. However, they've also just opened a new store up in Haidian District. This chic new store is located inside the Lufthansa Friendship Shopping Center and even features a camping themed area where you can chill and relax while waiting for your glasses to be prepared. Just like their flagship store they have numerous different glasses and brands to choose from as well as a “fitting” area where you can try on glasses at your own leisure. 

Visiting Nice to CU truly takes the stress out of buying new glasses and even actually makes it an enjoyable experience. 

You can scan the QR code below to follow Nice to CU’s official WeChat account and find out more.

Nice to CU (Panjiayuan branch)
66, 6F, Longhui Building, Panjiayuan, Southeast Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District
市朝阳区东三环龙辉大厦6层666室
Phone: 18600035992
Opening times: 9.30am-7.30pm

Nice to CU (Haidian branch)
West of the south gate on the first floor of Lufthansa Friendship Shopping Center, No. 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District
海淀区远大路1号燕莎友谊商城一层南门西侧
Phone: 15611083863 
Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10am-9pm, Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm