All things optical

If talking to a real-life human is more your thing, you can reach our team via email, text or phone here.

OPTICAL FAQ

Frequently asked optical questions

Ordering glasses online isn't always that easy, we get it! To help you further, we have put together a handy list of the most common optical questions we hear across the business.

If your question is more general, you can see our FAQ section here.

Of course if you cannot find an answer to your question below we will be more than happy to help, so please feel free to contact us directly here.

Prescriptions

Do you do Eye Tests?

We are an optical dispenser only, so currently we do not offer eye tests in-store.

What scripts do you accept?

Any valid script from a qualified optometrist.

What if my script is expired?

Eye health changes over time, so we advise using a valid script for all prescription orders.

I have a high script, can I still order online?

We offer a range of lens index's to suit a variety of scripts. If you have a high script it is always best to consult with one of our dispensers here, to ensure you've selected the best possible lens and extras for your particular script. If ordering online we advise all high script customers to select the advised lens index for your script and add anti glare protection as it will help enhance your visual comfort.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

what is a PD?

Pupillary distance (PD) measures the distance between the centers of your pupilsand is used to center a prescription lens accurately in your frames.

My PD is missing?

If your script does not have a PD (distance between pupils), either call your optometrist to get this or you can use our handy PD measuring tool here.

What if I have two PD's?

No problems, just make note of it for us in your order notes.

Choosing Lenses & Extras

How do I choose the right lens for my script?

We offer clear advice on every lens product page that aligns the lens index with your script power. Please see your script values in both SPH and CYL as these are important when selecting an appropriate lens index.

What is a lens index?

A lens index (also called refractive index) refers to how efficiently a lens material bends light. In optometry, materials with a higher index bend light more effectively, which allows lenses to be made thinner and lighter while achieving the same prescription strength.

Can I choose a lower index lens?

We strongly recommend choosing the appropriate lens index for your script, as shown in our lens product options. For some lower scripts (under +/3.5) there is a possibility for you to choose a lower index, however please note that this will result in a heavier, larger lens, to which we do not recommend.

Standard - DHL eComm DDP
£18.50 GBP
Orders under £150.00 GBP (5-10 working days)
Free Shipping
Orders over £150.00 GBP (5-10 working days)

Express - DHL Express DDP
£45.00 GBP 
(3-5 working days)

International

AUS from $12.50 AUD
UK from £18.50 GBP
EUROPE from €21.95 EUR

All shipments to the UK are sent using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), as calculated and payable on checkout, allowing for a more seamless delivery.

For Optical orders please allow 10 additional working days for the item to be sent to our lab and back again.

For more details on shipping costs and delivery times please click here.

 

Returns
We know buying frames online is sometimes difficult, so we try to make the return process as easy as possible. 

Shade Files offers easy returns within 14 days of delivery or purchase in-store. We accept refunds and exchanges on all full priced items (including those purchased with discount codes, and BOGO20OFF), and store credit for any sale items. All items & packaging must be unused and in original condition.

Please choose carefully as we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges for products marked as final sale, frames fitted with prescription lenses, or modified orders.

For more details on our returns policy please click here.

What lens extras should I add?

We offer a wide range of lens extras to suit your everyday needs. To browse our full range you can visit the collection here.

For customers with high scripts, as your eyes are more sensitive to light, we recommend adding anti-glare as standard practice.

UNITED KINGDOM
Standard: 5 - 10 business days* 
Express: 3 - 5 business days*


INTERNATIONAL
Standard: 5 - 10 business days*

*Excludes public holidays. Also during sale/promotional or seasonal events, delivery may be longer than specified times. For Optical orders please allow an additional 1-2 weeks for the frames to be fitted with your prescription lenses.

Can I add prescription lenses to any frame?

Almost! All brands apart from Szade can have prescription lenses fitted.

Can I just add a reading lens?

Of course you can, we offer a variety of reading lenses that do not require a script here.

What lenses do you recommend for high scripts?

We offer a range of lens index's to suit a variety of scripts. If you have a high script it is always best to consult with one of our dispensers here, to ensure you've selected the best possible lens and extras for your particular script. If ordering online we advise all high script customers to select the advised lens index for your script and add anti glare protection as it will help enhance your visual comfort.

Do you offer progressive lenses?

Yes absolutely we offer progressive lenses, but these are only available when shopping in-store as we need to take your lens height measurements which cannot be done online.

Dispensing Times

How long does it take for lenses to be fitted?

We advise 1-2 weeks to dispense your lenses plus your estimated shipping time. Most orders are dispensed in a week, but we always advise 1-2 weeks in case our lab gets really busy!

Can I get them sooner?

If you need your glasses in a hurry, please contact us here and we will try prioritise them. Please note the guide of 1-2 weeks should always be applied, but miracles do happen!

Shipping & Returns

How long does shipping take?

See our estimated delivery times below, depending on your address.

What shipping service do you use?

Will I be charged import fees?

No! All import fees, taxes and duties are charged at checkout, allowing for a seamless delivery from us to you.

Can I return my optical order?

We do not accept returns of optical orders unfortunately. This is due to the bespoke nature of your order. For more details regarding our returns policy, please see here.

Order Issues

There's a problem with my script

Sometimes incorrect script info is shared by optometrists or inputted into our system incorrectly. In the circumstance we have been provided incorrect script info, we offer our customers a 15% replacement discount for remakes through this link here.

MY FRAMES BROKE, CAN I GET A REFUND?

Shade Files does not take responsibility for any frames broken by the user. We offer replacement discounts in these circumstances, applicable via the link here.

What is considered a personal effect of wear and tear?

A common effect of wear and tear is sunglasses breaking in bags without storing them in cases or mis-use. This effect of wear and tear is usually irreversible thus we recommend when purchasing Shade Files products that you seek care advice from our Shade Files staff members.

Can I cancel my order?

Unfortunately we cannot change or cancel your optical order after you have placed it. 

Health Funds & Payments

What am I covered for?

Every health fund is different, so it is best to check directly with your insurer to find out what your insurance covers. For more info regarding health funds see this page here.

How do I claim my online order?

We send all our online customers an itemised invoice via email that includes our provider numbers and item codes for you to make your claim. For more info regarding health funds see this page here.

Do you have HICAPS?

Yes! We have HICAPS in-store, allowing you to process quotes and health fund claims instantly on the spot.

What Payments Do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards. Alternatively, you can finalize your order with PayPal, or buy now pay later payment providers such as Afterpay, Zip and Klarna.