Filling a glasses prescription in Germany

Not sure about accepting a script from the states, but an eye exam in stores like Fielmann or Apollo, is free and doesn't take that long. The problem is getting the glasses made. I usually have to wait about a week for my new glasses. Does he have any back-up glasses to take with him? I have several cheap pairs of "reading" glasses I have picked up for 10 € to use in emergencies, as I tend to break my glasses fairly often. Will those work? Most drugstores will have them.

I can't say about Germany, but here in Switzerland you normally get glasses within 24 hours.

I often buy my frames in Germany - on purpose because the you get so many more interesting choices than on the other side of the Atlantic. I prefer to get my lenses ed at home in case there are complications. However, if you want they will accept your prescription as well or do an exam on the spot. Jo is right, it might take a while to get the lenses made. That also depends on the type of your prescription. Is it a straight forward one, the lenses might be in stock. If you have any complications like astigmatism or need progressive lenses it might take a bit longer to order the correct lenses. BTW depending on your final bill this coulb be a case where it's worthwhile to get a VAT refund.

Lola, Your posting was September 11th; if you're now in Seattle, can't your husband go to a Lenscrafters or its equivalent there and get new lenses and frame within a few hours? I hope that I've not misinterpreted your situation.

Thanks, everyone. Jo is right, we won't be in any one place in Germany long enough to get it done. Like Beatrix, I like the frames available there and thought this might be a good excuse for him. He can't go to Lenscrafters before we go; he is a busy doctor and his schedule is full until the day we leave. But it is not really a crisis; he can buy readers at the drugstore for that purpose. The "run-over" glasses are progressives with Transitions lenses so he uses them for sunglasses. They actually survived but the lenses keep popping out, and he doesn't have time to go back to where he got them (Costco) and have them aligned and fixed. Based on how late in the season it is, he may not need sunglasses anyway. So maybe we will both just go frams-shopping and bring them home to be fitted with lenses here.

Lola, If your husband is busy until the day before departure, do you have time to stop by Lenscrafters or Costco? It shouldn't take long for Costco to repair them at least enough to last on your trip. Happy travels!