One of the many things I LOVE about Beijing is how some processes that take forever in the US are so much faster here. Getting glasses and/or contacts is one example. Another is over the counter birth control (but that’s for another page). You can go to pretty much any store that sells glasses/contacts as a walk-in and get a prescription exam. Then, you can buy any contacts right then and there and walk out with your prescription. You can buy as many pairs as you want (as long as they have it in stock). You can buy prescriptions for other people too – they don’t need to know who’s wearing them to sell them. Glasses are similar except you have to wait like 20 minutes for them to make them.
While for convenience you can go to any glasses/contacts store near you, the best option that has been recommended time and time again in my group is the Panjiayuan glasses store – also called Glasses City (3rd floor for contacts). Have fun!
For those who feel done with both, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend getting SMILE.
It’s the newer, better, cheaper version of LASIK, with the OG surgeon actually in Beijing. LASIK involves lasering a 20mm flap on your eye, while SMILE is 2 mm. So the recover is much faster and less painful. I went to EuroEyes and had the BEST experience. Everyone there was kind and extremely professional, and the office is immaculate. I have a direct experience comparison with my husband because he had LASIK done 5 years ago in San Francisco. Similarities:
– Pre-op process: stop wearing contacts for a week before the initial consultation, and before the surgery
– Don’t wear makeup the day of
– Total procedure about 15 minutes from going in and getting your anesthesia eye drops to leaving the office
– Keep using eye drops (moisturizing and antibacterial – provided) daily as often as prescribed
– Follow up 1 day, week, month, and 3 months after
Differences:
– Cost: LASIK 5 years ago was about USD 4500. SMILE in June 2019 was RMB 19,800 which is around USD 2800
– Recovery: he had the sensation of sand in his eyes and saw halos around bright lights for a week. I had a slight burning sensation for about an hour afterwards, but could see perfectly 3 hours later (with sunglasses, even at night). The next morning woke up with no pain and perfect vision. Hasn’t changed since (going on 5 months now)
Female Expats in Beijing 