We've just learnt it's possible to save heaps by placing an order through the internet to buy glasses online.

Just recently, my husband was having trouble seeing some objects clearly; he was moving the couch closer and closer to the TV and squinting a lot when trying to watch the news. He was also suffering an increasing number of headaches. He's never had to wear glasses before, so it took a while before he was ready to think about buying glasses. We were discussing this with a family friend, who suggested we logon to the interent and buy glasses online, as they are usually a bit cheaper.

Saving money by buying glasses online sounded like a good idea. Here's the steps to get the right information so you can buy glasses online:

1. Make an appointment to get eye testing done. If your tests confirm you could do with a little bit of help to see clearer, ask your optometrist what sort of glasses you need, and whether you need bifocals.

2. At the end of the eye examination, the optometrist generally passes you over to an aassistant to sell you frames and lenses in the store. The assistant is a good source of information, and will explain lots about spectacles to you if you ask some questions. Try on frames and find out what frame style suits your skin tone, face shape and makes the style statement you like. You may find there is a large difference in the cost of glasses between different brands, and especially the designer brands. Don't let the ticketed prices of designer brands in the store scare you, the designer brands are better made, look much better on, and are generally lighter to wear and have better hinges, making them more comfortable. Once you have settled on which frames you like, get the details and price. Make sure you know the brand name and model number, pay special attention to the code on the price ticket which identifies the frames.

3. Next, the sales assistant will explain all the different types of lense options available. There is anti-reflective coatings, hardened lenses (also called polycarbvonate lenses, which are scratch resistant, tougher and lighter), and transition lenses available. The transition lenses go darker when exposed to UV rays, and while they don't go as dark as proper sunglasses, they do get reasonably dark within a couple of minutes. Transition lenses are quite a good idea, because you can't wear your sunnies over your glasses! I

4. After you have decided which type of lense is appropriate for you, get a full priced quote for the frames and lenses together. We were surprised to learn that the lenses can cost much more than the frames. Just remember that its' cheaper to buy glasses online.

5. Make sure you get a copy of your prescription before leaving the shop. Many places where you can buy glasses online require you to e-mail or fax a copy of the prescription.

6. If you're like me, and don't always remember everything, ask the sales assistant to give you a detailed written price, with the code numbers and all the details necessary to place the order.

Placing an order over the internet, especially when it's a few hundred dollars, is always something to approach with caution. So is it safe to order glasses online?

There are some steps you can take to protect yourself when you order glasses online:

1. Use paypal if possible, for several reasons:

( i) If there are any issues with the transaction, Paypal gives the purchaser protection so you are covered against the glasses not arriving.

(ii) When you use paypal, it is only Paypal that knows your credit card number, not the online retailer. This gives protection against credit card fraud and identity theft.

(iii) Paypal can be used to order glasses online from other countries without having to pay exorbitant fees for currency that the banks charge.

If you're not familiar with them, Paypal are owned by ebay and widely used on the internet for secure payment. It's easy to use too.

2. Use a credit card. Check whether your credit card gives you purchase protection. This is free protection insurance which covers you against parcels going astray in the mail or goods being damaged in transit.

3. Buy from an online store you know is genuine - use a store that a real person can tell you is a genuine business, or look for their published address and phone number on their site. Check that there is a way to contact the store if there is any problem with your order.

4. Check the shipping and returns policy of the store. Make sure you are ordering from a store that will refund your money if the glasses are incorrect or lost in transit.

Follow these guidelines and you'll have a good experience when you buy glasses online.