Monocle

Got two pairs of glasses fitted 2 months or so ago - a regular pair and a pair of sunglasses. While the staff’s service is great, the product itself is pretty inferior and not practical if you’ll be wearing your new glasses daily, and don’t really pass by their store for regular service. I paid a lot more than what I would have if I made my glasses at a chain optometrist like Owndays, due to my high prescription. I understand that this is ultimately due to different economies of scale between an MNC with a parent company that owns multiple eyewear brands, and a small local company. Additionally, the frames made of “Italian cellulose” become bent out of shape fairly quickly. I got my glasses adjusted two weeks ago, but their hinges are too loose and they’re sitting weird again. The sales staff mentioned that this is normal, but it borders on impracticality to me, especially as I’ll be leaving Singapore for half a year and have no idea how I can wear these glasses when they inevitably get bent out of shape again and need to be serviced. All in all, I suppose you are paying a premium to say you’re supporting local. I would think twice if buying from Monocle would mean double of what you’d pay at Owndays, especially if you don’t have the time to go down to their store and get your frame adjusted often.

I’ve made three pairs of glasses here. All three pairs have constantly been warping over time. Both sides of my temples have warped weirdly over time and the screws have come loose. I’m unable to wear all pairs of glasses without them sliding down my face. I’ve returned five times to get the glasses adjusted but each time the store assistant tells me that it’s due to the material used which will cause the warpage and there’s nothing that can be done. The only solution given to me was using the rubber ear hooks. Quite disappointed with the workmanship and materials used here. Their designs are nice.

Not great at all. I bought and never wore it again because of how awfully uncomfortable it was for me. The glasses constantly make me feel like puking and I can never ever walk in them. I get giddy even when I use them while seated – my eyes get TIRED after just 5 mins. 5 mins?!!! This is not normal. My glasses apparently have two slightly different degree as recommended by the staff but honestly, it is not great. The frames were super uncomfortable too. It’s so thick that it doesn’t sit well on my ears. And I constantly feel it there. And it KEEPS sliding down my face EVERY single second despite it having the nose pads. I’ve went back once to adjust the alignment thinking I need time to get used to it but…it’s far beyond getting used to it. I have to abandon it! It’s not even cheap because of the lenses the staff was recommending me!