Eye Test & Prescription Glasses Prices at Spec-Savers vs. Execuspecs

When you walk into a shopping mall in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, chances are you will spot a Spec-Savers and an Execuspecs within walking distance of each other. Both are major players in the South African optometry industry, but they cater to entirely different shopping mindsets.

Selecting the right optometrist is not just about finding a frame that matches your face structure. It comes down to how much you are willing to pay out-of-pocket, how your medical aid scheme pays out claims, and the level of personalized clinical care you expect during your refraction exam.

This complete guide breaks down eye test costs, prescription lens add-ons, frame pricing tiers, medical aid handling, and promotional offers across both chains to help you make an informed decision.

At a Glance: Executive Overview

Feature / Criteria	Spec-Savers	Execuspecs
Primary Focus	Budget-friendly value, broad access, mass promotions	Boutique styling, designer frames, personalized service
Standard Cash Eye Test Cost	~R590 – R650 (or promotional bundled pricing)	~R659 (Free pre-screening available)
Entry-Level Package Deal	Single Vision + Frame + Test from R1,390	Student/Youth Deals from R1,190
In-House Brand Frames	Extensive range (Grey sticker from R399 up to Gold/Black)	Baker, Crafted Collection, Private Collection
Designer Brands	Selected major brands (Tommy Hilfiger, Police, Hugo Boss)	High-end fashion focus (Baker, specialized boutique labels)
Loyalty Program Integration	Clicks Clubcard & Spec-Savers Loyalty	Clicks Clubcard & Execuspecs Loyalty

1. Eye Test Costs & Clinical Experience

Spec-Savers

Spec-Savers functions on high volume and structured convenience. A standalone, cash-paying eye examination typically ranges between R590 and R650, though most customers rarely pay for just an eye test. Spec-Savers heavily bundles the exam into their total spectacle packages (such as the classic “2 Pairs from R1,390” promotion).

• The Experience: Efficient and standardized. You undergo automated autorefraction, digital tonometry (puff test for eye pressure), and a classic manual chart test with the resident optometrist.

• Driver’s License Screening: Available for around R150 if you only require a formal certificate for traffic department renewals.

Execuspecs

Execuspecs places an emphasis on a boutique clinical atmosphere. Their standard cash eye exam sits at approximately R659.

• Free Vision Screening: Execuspecs offers a complimentary preliminary vision screening. An optometrist conducts a quick 5-minute check to determine whether your visual acuity actually requires a full, comprehensive refraction exam—saving you money if your prescription has not shifted.

• Advanced Diagnostics: Many Execuspecs branches feature digital retinal imaging and specialized consultations, such as Ortho-K (orthokeratology) fitting for corneal reshaping.

2. Prescription Glasses Pricing & Frame Tiers

Understanding lens and frame pricing in South African optometry can be tricky because stores use sticker tiers or private labels to categorize costs.

Total Cost = Eye Test + Selected Frame Tier + Base Lenses + Optional Coatings / Thinning

Spec-Savers Pricing Breakdown

Spec-Savers uses a Color-Sticker System to categorize frame prices:

• Grey Sticker (Entry Level): Included in entry-level packages (Frames up to R399).

• Green & Yellow Stickers: Mid-tier house brands ranging from R799 to R1,599.

• Black & Gold Stickers: Designer ranges (e.g., Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Carrera) ranging from R1,999 to R2,999+.

Standalone Clear Lens Cash Rates (Per Lens):

• Single Vision Lenses: From R395 per clear lens.

• Bifocal Lenses: From R945 per clear lens.

• Multifocal Lenses: From R1,575 per clear lens.

• Hard Coat Add-on: ~R269 per lens.

If you need anti-reflective (ARC) coatings, blue-light blocking, or high-index thinning (1.6 or 1.67 for high prescriptions), expect pay-ins ranging from R699 to R1,200+ total on top of your base package.

Execuspecs Pricing Breakdown

Execuspecs skips the sticker system and focuses on curated designer collections alongside their flagship private brand, Baker Eyewear.

• Baker Eyewear Collection: High-quality frames styled around modern fashion trends, usually valued at R999 to R1,499 when bought standalone.

• Crafted & Private Collections: Premium boutique frames for consumers looking for unique frame geometry, titanium builds, or premium acetate finishes.

• Student/Youth Deal: Students aged 13–23 can access a complete package—eye test, Baker frame (valued up to R999), and single vision lenses with anti-reflective coating included—for a flat cash rate of R1,190.

3. Promotions & Value Offers Comparison

Both optical chains run promotional deals throughout the year, but they structure their savings differently.

Spec-Savers: “2 Pairs From R1,390”

Spec-Savers’ flagship offer targets multi-pair functionality.

• How it works: When you buy a complete pair of single vision spectacles (including an eye test and a frame from entry tiers), you receive a free 2nd pair of single vision spectacles or prescription sunglasses.

• Upgrades: If you wear multifocals, package entry points scale to approximately R2,390 – R3,190 depending on lens specifications and second-pair combinations.

• Spectacle Warranty: Spec-Savers offers an 80% Spectacle Replacement Warranty against accidental damage or loss on qualifying frames (Black sticker point and above) for the first year.

Execuspecs: “1st Frame on YOU, 2nd Frame Discounted” & Home Try-On

Execuspecs structures its promotions around high-end customization and convenience.

• Multi-Frame Deals: Offers regularly include getting up to R2,000 off your 2nd frame when purchasing a primary complete set of glasses.

• Home Try-On Service: Execuspecs allows customers to select up to 4 frames online to be delivered to their house for fitting before committing to an eye exam or prescription build.

4. Medical Aid Claims & Payment Methods

Both Spec-Savers and Execuspecs are contracted with major South African medical schemes, including Discovery Health, Momentum, Bonitas, Bestmed, and Medshield.

• Direct Network Claims: Both chains can claim directly from your medical aid’s savings account or optical benefit allowance at contracted network rates.

• Pay-In Expectations: If your frame choice exceeds your medical aid’s sub-limit (e.g., your plan covers up to R1,200 for frames, but you pick a R2,699 designer frame), you pay the shortfall directly at the counter.

• Loyalty Points: Both Spec-Savers and Execuspecs let you earn and swipe your Clicks Clubcard to earn cash-back points on optometry purchases, in addition to their respective in-house loyalty rewards.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Spec-Savers if: You want maximum cash value, need two pairs of glasses (e.g., one clear pair for work and one prescription sunglass pair), or are shopping on a strict budget.

• Choose Execuspecs if: You prioritize distinctive fashion frames, want a relaxed boutique atmosphere, want to test frames at home first, or qualify for their student package deal.

Interactive Discussion: Share Your Experience

Everyone’s prescription and budget requirements differ depending on their vision needs and medical aid plan.

Question for Readers: Have you recently ordered prescription glasses from Spec-Savers or Execuspecs? How much was your final out-of-pocket pay-in after medical aid, and were you happy with the lens quality?

Leave your breakdown or questions in the comment section below to help other South African shoppers navigate their optical choices!