Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MollyBloom]

What's the deal with getting an eye exam? Do I just walk into the eyeglass shops and ask for one? What do I say in Korean?

Also, it's 1-800-Contacts reorder time, so I need the prescription from the exam to do that. Has anyone ordered contacts to Korea through them, and did it go okay? I know they have to call and verify the script with the doctor; it might be interesting having them call a Korean shop, no?

I can't get contacts from the shops in Korea...they don't carry my diameter or something like that. I've been to many shops to show them my script, and they just give me contacts where the sizing is close to what I need! So ordering online seems like the best option.

[MollyBloom]

Bumpy! Help! Need. eyes.

[CentralCali]

Here's the lowdown on eye exams in Korea. You walk into any eyeglass/contacts shop and they'll do the exam for you at no charge. Then they'll make the glasses/contacts for you and, of course, charge you for that.

They won't give you a copy of the prescription. I was a little shocked by that when I returned to Korean in 2005 because I lived in California for many years. Back in California, the folks conducting the exam must give you a copy of the prescription. Here, it's different.

The word for contacts in Korean is "contact." Eyeglasses are called "An-gyeong." Lenses are "Lense." For the exam, they can give you the one usually used for little kids--the exam with the shapes instead of letters. Or you can ask for the one with "Alphabet" (aka English letters) on it.

If you're in Seoul, I suggest you go to the spectacles shop at the Lotte Mart next to Seoul Station. The younger man working there speaks some English and gave me a great deal on my lenses.

If you're in Busan, go to the specs shop in the basement of the Lotte Deparatment Store in Seomyeon. Their customer service is incredible! To keep me from walking around half-blind because I was leaving for a weekend in Seoul, they actually stayed open late to finish making my glasses that day although I came in right before quitting time.

[MollyBloom]

[subicslugger]

The last time I checked with 1-800-contacts they said they do not ship to Korea. I have always gotten my contacts here with few problems. Just go into the store and they should be able to sort you out.

[subicslugger]

The last time I checked with 1-800-contacts they said they do not ship to Korea. I have always gotten my contacts here with few problems. Just go into the store and they should be able to sort you out.

[subicslugger]

The last time I checked with 1-800-contacts they said they do not ship to Korea. I have always gotten my contacts here with few problems. Just go into the store and they should be able to sort you out.

[Straphanger]

[pkang0202]

Since you are ordering contacts overseas, you do NOT need to give the online contact seller a copy of your prescription.

How do you get a prescription if the Korean won't give it to you?

Easy.

You buy a box of contacts. On the box of contacts is your prescription.

Also, you don't need a prescription to buy Contacts in Korea. Just bring in the empty box and tell the people you need more.

[tefain]

Yeah it's super easy getting contacts here. There's stores everywhere and you really don't even need the box if you know the numbers of the lenses you need. Online ordering is nice, but since there is NO hassle at all, I prefer the walk-in service you can get here.

[red_devil]

If you can't get them in Korea because of the different eye shapes than order them by 1-800 contacts, and have them shipped to a family/friends house. Than have them ship them to Korea, just front the shipping bill. No worries.

[Misera]

What about hard contacts (RGP)? Do you just tell them you need RGP contacts? anyone know how much they cost here?

[MollyBloom]

Thanks! I'll try all the suggestions.

What is an approx. price of the eye exams?

Will Nat. Insurance cover any part of it?