Use lenses ? Buy them online ? If yes, a heads-up about www.eurolens.com.
The name and the site appearance strongly suggests a European-based operation. Prices/shipping are a little lower than other comparable sites. However...I didn't discover until after placing an order that the company operates out of a PO Box in Louisiana - and it took two emails to a customer service address for confirmation that goods were shipped from US.

Shipping didn't take place until 2 weeks after I'd placed my order and the package - by 'expedited mail' - didn't arrive until 2 weeks after that - an exact month for the entire process. An email querying the delay was unanswered.

When they arrived, the goods were as-ordered, so no quibble there, and despite a green sticker, no customs duty (on this occasion) was payable.

If you're happy to wait for your goods and are prepared for the possibility that you'll get charged duty, go right ahead. Otherwise, maybe nb my experience and opt instead for a (more expensive, but quicker) Europe-based seller ?

On the subject of contact lenses, how easy is it to get solutions in Italy? I'm bringing a couple of bottles to get me started and figured it must be available, maybe in pharmacies? Something like Bausch and Lomb Renu or comparable...anyone know?

Renu is available. I've seen it in the pharmacy area of our local hypermarket but otherwise I assume it's available in the regular pharmacies as well.

I have never had trouble finding solution. Most big malls have an "ottica" where you can get solution and lenses. One note: I have sometimes have trouble getting -10.50 lenses without ordering them a couple of days ahead of time. Many places only stock up to -9.00. So if you have bad eyes like me or need a special brand don't wait until the last minute.

Most places in the states require a prescription for buying contacts. Is Italy the same, and what do disposables usually run.

Sorry for the thread hijack just figured this would be better than starting a new thread.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by ShawnG:
Most places in the states require a prescription for buying contacts. Is Italy the same, and what do disposables usually run.

You'll find opticians in most Centro Commerciale and many supermarkets. So far, yes, I've been asked to show a prescription. Prices for daily disposibles: €14-€20 for 15 days. Not much brand choice

Online's easier/cheaper. No prescription. Get into www.google.it. Key in search for lenti contatto online. Choose option 'pagine in italiano' or 'pagine provenienti da Italia' and you'll be spoiled for choice re brands. Prices are brand-dependent but popular brands like B&L €35-€40 for a 45-day supply of dailies. Watch out for hefty postal charges levied by some companies.

Hi

I use these people:

http://www.lensonline.it/

They dispatch within a couple of days, and cost (slightly) less than normal opticians. I have never had a problem - I pay by credit card, and there is even a customer service department where they are pretty efficient!

Emma

http://www.emmina-milano.blogspot.com/

I use Guidoreno Ottica and Salmoraghi&Vignano for my daily contacts. I have the Moist ones from Johnson&Johnson. Neither asks for a prescription - hence I managed to increase mine unwittingly but thankfully with no lasting damage (I went for a check last time I was in the UK) Guidoreno will order scrips in which arrive in roughly 3 days, so not too bad. Guidoreno sells Base curve 8.50 in my lenses and S&V 9.00 in my lenses. They are one of the few lenses that have two different fits. But I have not needed the on-line stores at all. Even supermarkets and pharmacies will sell some solutions if you need them.