Made in our UK lab · Next Day Delivery
Production & Delivery Times
We make each and every pair of glasses ordered with us at our UK production facility. Production times vary depending on prescription strength, lens type and frame design.
Published by Direct Sight | Buying Guide
🤍 MADE TO ORDER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE WILL WE CRAFT YOUR PERFECT PAIR
All prescription glasses ordered from Direct Sight are manufactured in our own optical laboratory in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. We do not outsource glazing. Production times run from the date your order is accepted and payment confirmed. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays.
Single Vision Lenses, glasses making time by prescription strength
Production times for single vision lenses are determined primarily by prescription strength and any specialist lens options selected.
| Prescription Range | Working Days | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| ±0.00 to ±6.00 SPH | 3-5 days | Standard |
| ±6.25 to ±8.00 SPH | 5-7 days | Higher power |
| Over ±2 CYL | 5-7 days | Higher power |
| Prescription with prism | 7-10 days | Complex |
Complex Lenses & Special Frames
Multifocal lenses, specialist tints, and frames subject to stock availability follow the timescales below.
| Lens/Frame | Working Days | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Multifocal (varifocal, bifocal, occupational) | 7-14 days | Complex |
| Blue light lenses | 7-10 days |
Specialist |
| Polarised lenses | 7-10 days | Specialist |
| Tinted lenses | 7-10 days | Specialist |
| Out of stock frames* | 5-20 days | Subject to stock |
*All frames are held in stock and go straight into production. Occasionally a frame may be on back order. If this affects your order we will contact you. Back-order frames typically arrive to our laboratory within 5 working days, after which glazing begins immediately.
Delivery Options & Costs
Delivery time is added on top of the production times above. All orders are dispatched from our Amersham laboratory. We currently deliver within the United Kingdom only.
| Service | Estimated Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail 48 | Within 2-3 days (Mon-Sat) | £4.95 |
| Royal Mail 24 | Within 1-2 days (Mon-Sat) | £6.95 |
| DPD Next Day | Next day (insured to £750.00) | £12.95 |
Next Day Express, Same-Day Dispatch Glasses
For the fastest glasses making time in the UK. Our Next Day Express service offers same-day dispatch on selected single vision frames and lenses. Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are completed and dispatched the same day.
| Next Day Express Availability | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lens index options | 1.5 and 1.6 index |
| Prescription range | SPH ±0.25 to ±6.00 CYL ±0.25 to ±2.00 |
| Not available |
Varifocal, bifocal, or occupational lenses Prescriptions with Prism Photochromic, tints, or blue light blocking lenses Prescriptions over ±2.00 CYL |
What Can Extend Your Production Time?
Prescription sent later
Selecting 'send prescription later' at checkout pauses production until your prescription reaches our team. Sending it within 24 hours of ordering avoids any unnecessary delay. This applies to all orders, including Next Day Express.
Lens complexity and coatings
Adding specialist coatings or lens options, such as blue light blocking or photochromic (Adaptions), adds a small number of additional working days to the production time shown in the tables above.
Prescription queries
Occasionally our optical team needs to contact you to clarify a detail on your prescription before production can proceed. Responding promptly keeps your order on track. Contact us on 01494307345 or help@directsight.co.uk.
Dispatch & Delivery
Dispatch & Notifications
All items are manufactured and shipped from our UK production facility in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
You will receive a confirmation email once your order has been dispatched. In the rare event of a delay, we will notify you as quickly as possible.
Delivery Information
We currently dispatch to UK addresses only.
If Your Order Is Delayed
If your order has not arrived within the estimated timeframe, please allow up to 10 working days (2 weeks) from the dispatch date before contacting us, as parcels can occasionally be delayed within the courier network.
After this period, please contact our customer service team with your order number and dispatch date. We will provide a non-delivery form to support a courier claim on your behalf.
Related Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do glasses take to make in the UK?
UK production and delivery times for prescription glasses at Direct Sight usually take between 3 and 7 working days to make, from the date your order is accepted. Simple single vision prescriptions (±0.00 to ±6.00 SPH) are typically ready in 3 to 5 working days.
More complex prescriptions or lens types between 7 and 14 working days. This includes varifocals, prism lenses, or polarised lenses. All glasses are made at our UK production facility in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
Can I get glasses made faster, is same-day dispatch available?
Yes. Our Next Day Express service offers same-day dispatch on single vision glasses ordered before 3pm Monday to Friday. Eligible prescriptions are SPH ±0.25 to ±6.00 and CYL ±0.25 to ±2.00, on 1.5 or 1.6 index lenses.
Next Day Express is not available for varifocals, prism prescriptions, tints, photochromic or blue light blocking lenses.
How long does delivery take after my glasses are dispatched?
Delivery time depends on the service chosen at checkout. Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivers within 1 to 2 days (Monday to Saturday). Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivers within 2 to 3 days. DPD Next Day provides next-day insured delivery.
All orders, including our next day express orders, are dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked 48 as standard. With the option to upgrade for faster delivery.
When does my prescription glasses production time start?
Prescription Glasses Production Times in the UK begins on the date your order is accepted and payment confirmed.
If you select the "send prescription later" option. Production starts once a member of our team has added your prescription to the order.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Our customer service team can make changes to your order provided you contact us before production begins. Once production has started, we cannot alter the frame, lens type, or prescription. Address changes can be made up until the point your order is packed for dispatch.
Can I track my glasses order?
Yes. If you have a Direct Sight customer account, you can log in to view your order status at any time.
Alternatively, contact our team via email at help@directsight.co.uk, by phone on 01494 307 345, or through live chat on the website.
Can I collect my glasses in person instead of having them delivered?
Yes, you can collect your order from our outlet in Amersham.
You must notify us before your order is completed. Once glasses are packed for dispatch we cannot intercept them.
If you collect in person, any postage paid will be refunded. There is no postage charge on Next Day Express orders unless the option to upgrade has been selected.
What should I do if my glasses arrive damaged?
If your glasses arrive in anything less than perfect condition, please contact our customer service team. You may be asked to send a photo of the damage or to return the glasses to us. We will arrange any necessary adjustments or a replacement as quickly as possible.
What if my glasses order does not arrive on time?
Parcels are occasionally delayed within the carrier network. Please allow up to 10 working days (2 weeks) from your dispatch date before contacting us. If your order still has not arrived, get in touch with your order number and dispatch date. We will provide a non-delivery form to support a courier claim on your behalf.