Ordering Glasses for Family in Nepal While You Live Abroad
- Ordering Glasses for Family in Nepal While You Live Abroad
- How it typically works
- If there's no current prescription
- Why coordinate this way
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I order glasses for a family member in Nepal while I'm living abroad?
- Does my family member need to visit in person?
- Can I pay from abroad for glasses my family picks up in Kathmandu?
- What information should I send to get started?
- Can you help if my family member has never had an eye exam?
- Related Reading
If you're part of the Nepali diaspora — living in the UK, Australia, the Gulf, the US, or elsewhere — and want to help a parent, sibling, or relative in Kathmandu get glasses or a new prescription sorted, you don't have to leave it until your next visit home. Vision Concern can coordinate with you remotely over WhatsApp while your family member handles the in-person part locally.
In Kathmandu and worried about your eyes?
Book an eye exam (NPR 400 ≈ US$3) with our English-speaking optometrists in Lazimpat, Boudha or Makalbari — exams by appointment; optical shops open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
How it typically works
- Send the prescription. A clear photo of a recent prescription, or of your family member's current glasses if there's no recent exam, gives the team a starting point.
- Discuss options over WhatsApp. Message +9779841466716 with frame preferences, budget range, and which branch (Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal, or Makalbari) is easiest for your family member to reach.
- Your family member visits the branch. They complete the in-person parts — a fresh eye exam if needed, frame fitting, and pick-up — at the convenience of the local team.
If there's no current prescription
If your relative hasn't had an eye exam recently, that's fine — they can visit any Vision Concern branch for a full eye examination first, and the team can advise on suitable glasses or contact lenses from there.
Why coordinate this way
Trying to guess frame sizes or lens options from abroad without local input can lead to a poor fit or a prescription that's already out of date. Looping in the branch directly means your family member gets a proper fitting and professional guidance, while you stay involved in choosing and paying for what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order glasses for a family member in Nepal while I'm living abroad?
Yes. Send your family member's prescription (a clear photo works) and any frame preferences through WhatsApp, and Vision Concern's team can help select suitable options and confirm pricing before your relative visits the branch to finalize fitting and pick-up.
Does my family member need to visit in person?
For an accurate fit and to verify the final prescription, an in-person visit to collect the glasses is recommended. You can coordinate the order remotely, but the actual eye exam (if a new one is needed) and final fitting happen at the branch.
Can I pay from abroad for glasses my family picks up in Kathmandu?
Payment arrangements can be discussed directly with your nearest branch over WhatsApp, since options depend on what's practical for both sides. Message the branch to confirm what works for your situation.
What information should I send to get started?
A clear photo of the prescription (or the previous glasses if there's no recent prescription), any frame style or brand preferences, and which branch is most convenient for your family member to visit — Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal, or Makalbari.
Can you help if my family member has never had an eye exam?
Yes. If there's no current prescription, your family member can visit any Vision Concern branch for a full eye examination first, and the team can then advise on suitable glasses or contact lenses based on the results.
- What Affects the Price of Glasses and Contact Lenses in Kathmandu
- Best Eye Clinic in Kathmandu: What to Check Before You Book
In Kathmandu and worried about your eyes?
Book an eye exam (NPR 400 ≈ US$3) with our English-speaking optometrists in Lazimpat, Boudha or Makalbari — exams by appointment; optical shops open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.