The OWNDAYS Experience

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to get a new pair of glasses at OWNDAYS, a fast-growing chain of optical shops from 🌸 Japan 🇯🇵. You've probably seen one of their stores in malls across the metro (and the south #SouthKid ✌️) and you can tell that OWNDAYS isn't your neighborhood EO. In fact, getting new glasses at OWNDAYS is so different that I had to blog about it. Just how different? Find out after the jump!

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As with any visit to an optical shop, the first step to getting new glasses is choosing a frame that suits your style and budget. In a regular store, frames are locked up in glass cabinets and trying them on means getting the store staff's attention. The chance that you'll settle with the first pair you tried on a pretty small - so every wrong frame you try on is another socially awkward 😵 encounter with the kuya or ateng. In OWNDAYS, all frames are displayed neatly in tables where everyone (and anyone) can try them on without asking for assistance. 👌 #independent

I think it took me a good half hour to just browse through their selection before actually choosing the right one for me.

After you choose a frame, the next step is getting your prescription lenses. You can have lenses made in any of these three ways: (1) Have your current lenses copied, (2) get a free in-store eye check-up with a PRC-licensed optometrist, or (3) bring your doctor's prescription.

I read somewhere that OWNDAYS prides itself with using the latest in Japanese technology. I took their in-store eye check-up and it felt like the future. Okay, medyo OA yung "future" pero the letters that they let you read to test your vision are randomized every time! Hindi mo na madadaya yungvision test kasi hindi mo na mame-memorize yung letters!

If you require lenses with grades of 2.00 or lower, you can actually claim your new pair of glasses in as little as 20 MINUTES! Any grade higher, as in my case, would entail a 10-working day wait. Pero good news! I got my pain in less than 10 days! #mabilis #QuickSotto

  

The OWNDAYS experience ends at the cashier. In a regular store, you pay for the frame, the lenses,  and whatever options you may have opt for (ultrathin, transition, progressive, etc.) And that's where they get you - you may now be faced with the reality that the cost of your new pair of glasses has ballooned your budget. OWNDAYS employs a simple pricing system. The price printed on the frame is all you have to pay for - for both the frame and the lenses. And that's regardless of the lens grade ! Also, all OWNDAYS lenses are automatically ultrathin! That's super good news for people with super bad vision like me ✌️

Pros:

1. No glass cabinets - little to no socially awkward encounters

2. State-of-the-art equipment

3. Lenses are automatically ultrathin

4. Simple pricing system - prices range from php2,990 to php6,990

5. New glasses can be claimed 20 minutes after purchase

Cons:

1. Doesn't carry brands you've heard of (or like) - they have their own set of OWNDAYS in-store brands that are actually pretty great (so I'm not really sure if this one's a real con)

2. Traditional designs only - the very ✨ m i l l e n n i a l ✨ wireframes or transparent frames are probably at Sunnies Specs.

OWNDAYS is basically the UNIQLO of optical shops.

While the rest of the world races to the cutting-edge of fashion, brands like UNIQLO and OWNDAYS bring the modern and traditional together, where space-age materials conspire with timeless styles to bring you clothes - not fashion.

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While you're here, why don't you read some of the other things I've written

Cocio Classic Chocolate Milk Review

San Pellegrino Aranciata Review

Moo-mates Rootbeer Milk Review

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I got my glasses at OWNDAYS - Festival Mall Alabang. I did not get paid for this feature lol I'm not famous enough. Photo of the store is from the OWNDAYS website.