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Oscar Wylee vs Specsavers Glasses and Eyewear
Published on February 13th, 2025
Updated on June 17th, 2025
Oscar Wylee is an Australian founded and owned eyewear company that first launched online in 2012, with its headquarters in Sydney, Australia. Oscar Wylee then branched into physical stores, with its first store opening in Australia in 2015. Oscar Wylee went on to open their first two stores in New Zealand in 2019 followed by their first store in Canada in 2021. Oscar Wylee now has over 130 stores across Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Contrastingly, Specsavers was founded by couple Doug and Mary Perkins in 1983, officially launching in 1984 on Guernsey Island, located in the English Channel. It expanded across Europe and the US and made its way to Australia in 2008. Specsavers has over 2600 stores worldwide as written in their 2022-23 Annual Review. Oscar Wylee and Specsavers are both widely known eyewear companies that provide a variety of prescription and non-prescription glasses.
What are Some of the Distinctions between Oscar Wylee and Specsavers?
Some distinctive characteristics of Oscar Wylee are their in-house designed glasses and free eye test for international students initiative. Oscar Wylee’s glasses are all in-house designed glasses. Incorporating both global and local inspiration, and past and present aesthetics, they are hand-assembled and hand-checked ensuring a high standard of care. This makes Oscar Wylee’s glasses of a consistent quality with a distinct individuality from more notable brands. Both Specsavers and Oscar Wylee accept bulk billing from Medicare and private health insurance. Oscar Wylee extends extra assistance to international students in Australia and New Zealand. If students buy a pair of Oscar Wylee glasses, then they can receive a free eye test on the same day.
Some of Specsavers’ distinctive characteristics compared to Oscar Wylee include their branded glasses, audiology services and a larger target market. Specsavers offers branded eyewear, such as Ray-Ban, Mimco and Hugo Boss. This can be favourable to customers who desire the reputability and appeal of branded frames. Specsavers provide audiology services such as hearing tests and hearing-related products such as hearing aids. This can be convenient for customers who seek services for maintaining both eye and hearing health. Specsavers have a larger market share and customer base in Australia, Canada and New Zealand as well as the other continents they operate in such as Europe and the US. With a significant customer base, around 40 million plus worldwide, Specsavers can reach a more expansive target market with their numerous stores.
What Stylish Eyewear Options Does Oscar Wylee Offer?
Some stylish eyewear options from Oscar Wylee are Serge, Drew, Parker and Alya. From vintage-inspired, modern, practical and minimalist styles, there is a pair for every preference. Read more about some of the stylish eyewear options at Oscar Wylee listed below.
- Serge: Serge is a classic frame with a timeless square shape and acetate make. Its unisex, modern appeal makes it an option for anyone who wants a bold accessory.
- Drew: Drew is a trendy transparent frame with a distinct square-round frame. The acetate and stainless steel build makes for an eye-catching and durable pair.
- Parker: Parker is a versatile pair, as its square-round, unisex frame will suit many faces and many occasions.
- Alya: The unique Alya frame has a striking round frame and TR90 build, for a lightweight, stylish look.
*Serge, Drew, Parker and Alya are all Oscar Wylee frames that are available online and in-store
Why Choose Oscar Wylee or Specsavers for Specialised Lenses?
Oscar Wylee and Specsavers both have specialised lenses for customers to add to their eyewear.Oscar Wylee has extra thin, super thin and ultimate thin lens options alongside their standard lens to accommodate stronger prescriptions. Oscar Wylee have photochromic lenses, tinted lenses, polarised lenses and prism lenses. Oscar Wylee also has lens add-ons. Anti-reflective lenses are included with every lens type which is scratch-resistant and reduces reflection. The premium anti-reflective lens coating add-on does this and is also anti-static, scratch, and smudge resistant, while the blue light filter reduces potentially harmful blue light from digital screens. Specsavers has a scratch-resistant coating that comes with every lens. The Ultraclear Superclean lens option is also scratch resistant as well as being anti-reflective, water-repellent, smudge resistant, antistatic and providing a blue light filter to reduce blue light that emits from digital screens. Specsavers has other lenses such as thin lenses, sun tint and UV, Reaction photochromic lenses and polarizing lenses. They have ones that Oscar Wylee does not carry such as specialist multifocal lenses for lifestyle habits such as SuperDigital for those who use devices frequently, SuperDrive designed for driving, and SuperTask for up-close work.
Do Oscar Wylee and Specsavers Offer Blue Light Blocking Lenses?
Both Oscar Wylee and Specsavers offer blue light blocking lenses. Oscar Wylee allows glasses wearers to add a blue light filter to any optical prescription up to 1.67 index, or to non-prescription glasses. The Oscar Wylee Blue Light Filter product includes a basic anti reflective coating. Specsavers offer a blue light treatment to reduce blue light with their Ultraclear Superclean lens option.
Do Oscar Wylee or Specsavers Offer Hearing Aids?
Specsavers offers hearing aids alongside hearing tests. Oscar Wylee does not offer hearing aids or hearing tests.
Do Oscar Wylee or Specsavers offer Contact Lenses?
Specsavers offer a variety of contact lenses. Oscar Wylee does not offer contact lenses.
How Long have Oscar Wylee and Specsavers been in Business?
Oscar Wylee has been in business since 2012, initially starting as an E-commerce store. Oscar Wylee’s first physical store opened in Chatswood Interchange in 2015. Contrastingly, Specsavers has been in business since 1984, starting with physical stores in the UK and Guernsey, separate from the headquarters. Specsavers has since expanded, now operating across three continents in numerous countries.
What Products and Services does Oscar Wylee Offer?
Oscar Wylee provides prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses, and sunglasses. services at Oscar Wylee include bulk billed eye tests and a lifetime guarantee of adjustments or professional cleaning for your Oscar Wylee glasses.
Does Oscar Wylee have In-House Eye Specialists?
Yes, Oscar Wylee has in-house eye specialists. These are optometrists who conduct extensive eye tests, including kids' eye tests, diagnose eye problems and write prescriptions. Oscar Wylee also has retail staff that provide stylistic assistance so customers can pick out the glasses that suit their face and style preferences.
Can you Order Prescription Glasses Online from Oscar Wylee?
Yes, you can order prescription glasses online from Oscar Wylee. This can be done directly on the website during checkout. You can provide them with your optician’s contact information and Oscar Wylee will get in touch with them, upload a copy, or click "send later" and send Oscar Wylee a copy via email. These can be delivered to your doorstep or in-store.
What Products and Services do Specsavers offer?
According to the Specsavers AU website, as of March 2025, their products include prescription glasses, designer glasses, sunglasses, non-prescription glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids. Specsavers' services include eye tests and hearing tests.
What Brands does Specsavers carry?
Specsavers carry some notable brands. These include their in-house range, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood, Mimco, and Marc Jacobs to name a few.
Do Specsavers Have In-House Eye Specialists?
Specsavers employ in-house specialists, namely optometrists that conduct eye tests including kids’ eye tests, write and dispense prescriptions and offer advice on eye health. Specsavers also employ retail staff in their stores that provide stylistic assistance for customers to pick a suitable pair of glasses.
How do the Product Ranges of Oscar Wylee and Specsavers Differ?
The product ranges of Oscar Wylee and Specsavers differ through their collections, eyewear categories and glasses brands. The product range differences of both companies are listed in more detail below.
- Collections: The eyewear collections of Oscar Wylee and Specsavers differ from each other. Oscar Wylee’s eyewear collections will often focus on a feature or aesthetic. For example, the Memory Twist Collection features glasses made from Memory Metal material, while the Muse Collection focuses on bold, eye-catching designs. Specsavers features collaborative collections such as the sportier Adidas range and the feminine Florence by Mills.
- Eyewear categories: The eyewear categories for Oscar Wylee and Specsavers are organised differently on the website. In Oscar Wylee, they are organised by glasses and sunglasses, which are again organised by gender, material and frame shape. Contrastingly, Specsavers organises their glasses by type, collection if applicable, age group and gender as of March 2025.
- Glasses brands: The glasses brands that Oscar Wylee and Specsavers have in their catalogue differ. Oscar Wylee produces in-house designed eyewear. These pieces take inspiration from current trends and vintage pieces, allowing for an original, individual look for each wearer. Specsavers also offer their own range of glasses alongside other branded glasses such as Quiksilver and HUGO for those who prefer brand names.
Where are Oscar Wylee Stores Located?
Oscar Wylee has stores located in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The head office is located at 320 Sussex St, Sydney, Australia. There are currently more than 130 stores across Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Can Oscar Wylee Ship Their Products Globally?
Oscar Wylee does not ship its products globally. However, customers are eligible for domestic shipping in Australian, New Zealand and Canada. In Australia, all domestic shipping orders are free.
Where are Specsavers Stores Located?
Specsavers stores are located across numerous countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and other European countries. The company’s headquarters is located in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel.
Can Specsavers Ship Their Products Globally?
At the time of this article being written, Specsavers do not ship their products globally to customers outside the countries where they have physical stores. According to the Specsavers website, you will need to ship domestically from a country where they operate such as the UK or Australia.
Which Brand offers a Better Selection of Glasses, Oscar Wylee or Specsavers?
The brand that offers the better selection of glasses will be subjective, depending on the individuals’ stylistic preferences. Specsavers has a wider catalogue which includes branded glasses. Oscar Wylee’s catalogue consists solely of a wide variety of Oscar Wylee designed glasses that take inspiration from a variety of present and emerging trends, suited to every face.
What are the Main Alternatives to Specsavers?
The main alternatives to Specsavers include Oscar Wylee, EyeBuyDirect, OPSM, 1001 Optometry and Bailey Nelson. These are the main alternatives to Specsavers, and their distinguishing characteristics are listed below.
- Oscar Wylee: Oscar Wylee creates solely in-house glasses for distinguished eyewear that are stylish, affordable, and suited to every demographic. Oscar Wylee also offers a free eye test for international students when they purchase any pair of glasses on the same day.
- EyeBuyDirect: EyeBuyDirect is a budget-friendly eyewear brand that is solely based online, with home try-ons options for many frame styles.
- OPSM: OPSM is an Australian eyewear company with a range of glasses, lenses and optical technology. OPSM also has a global eyecare charity, OneSight.
- 1001 Optometry: 1001 Optometry offers many brands of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Some of their notable branded glasses include Prada and Gucci.
- Bailey Nelson: Bailey Nelson's wide glasses range are designed in Australia. They also have accessories such as clip-on's which are polarized lenses that can be attached to the front of prescription glasses using a simple clip mechanism.
- Warby Parker: Warby Parker is an American eyewear brand with a variety of glasses collections and helpful customer features such as virtual try on's.