A First: Matching Spectacles - Pescara

Had this urge to get myself a new pair of spectacles lately, but just couldn't find one that caught my eye. Well, there were a few that did, but then again it was of the higher-end brands and I wasn't appealed to the idea of splurging excessive amount of money paying for the name. Coincidentally, 'Isham just broke his previous pair and was desperately looking out for one. We did some extensive research on the internet, trying to identify the best frame style that suits our faces. More importantly, we both had this common aim to get a pair that we are happy to wear out with.

Google-imaged 'rayban wayfarer', and chanced upon the blog post 'Feeling Specky?' from a-minutewithadora.blogspot.com. The frames looked pretty much like the idea of what we wanted to get, so upon her blog's recommendation, we decided to head out to Orchard Optics at Orchard Plaza. There aren't alot of optical stores in Singapore that carries Pescara frames, so we gave it a go even though we were quite reserved about getting our specs done from a shop at town (well, we were just afraid the prices are marked-up as compared to the neighbourhood ones). But guess what, we both had personally our best specs-purchasing experience! Andrew, the early-30s owner of Orchard Optics, made us feel completely at home. He's a really laid-back extrovert not shy of striking conversations with his customers as though we're old friends catching up. In addition, at the time of our stay in his store, he was accompanied by similarly-friendly assistant (his girlfriend, I assume) who made us feel totally welcomed. Doing more than just average customer-serving, he kindly explained to us into very great depth on the different types of frame styles, and gave us recommendations on which and which didn't fit our faces. He laid out his Pescara collection, and offered some time on our own to try out all of the stocks available. Best thing, I would say, was that he didn't appear aggressive in promoting his products.. unlike our previous experiences. 

'Isham had his eyes glued to the olive frames instantly (black frames were never an option), at the same time he was really insistent on me getting the tortoise shell one. The super lightweight frames largely helped to affirm our decisions, although we were secretly still hesitant into committing because we were afraid it was too expensive to fit our respective budgets. This came to the part where Andrew began to endear himself to us. The initial quoted price was at $290, but he was very willing to listen to our needs and budgets. And since we were making a pair each, he gave us further reductions; $480 for both pairs. That is a pretty reasonable price, I would dare say that we were really pleased with it, given that the lenses that he recommended (Crizal Airwear Uv 1.60) are retailed at $160 itself. Cheap indeed, acknowledging the fact that 'Isham's degrees are at 475 including astigmatism and would require customised lenses.

At the end of the day, we're both happy customers. New spectacles - a matching one at that. Super lighweight Korean Pescara frames. Great customer service. A purchase that is within our respective budgets. Money well spent. That just summarize our pleasant experience at Orchard Optics. Will definitely be back to check out their SNRD shades range someday.