Minor eyeglass repairs: often done immediately and free of charge
A loose screw, a crooked arm, or a broken nose pad: it happens faster than you think. At Van der Geest Optiek, you can have your glasses repaired in Haarlem. We’ll first take a look at the problem and then give you an honest assessment of what can be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.
We offer small eyeglass repairs—such as tightening a loose screw or replacing a nose pad—as a courtesy. If you purchased your glasses from us, this service is always free of charge; if you bought them elsewhere, it’s usually free as well, subject to consultation and at your own risk. If we have time, we’ll usually do it right away while you wait. If we’re busy, we’ll work with you to schedule another time. You can just drop by, give us a quick call if it’s convenient, or make an appointment. Do your glasses feel uncomfortable or sit a little crooked? Then they aren’t broken—they just need to be adjusted.
Major eyeglass repairs: soldering, welding, and replacement parts
If your glasses are broken because the frame is cracked, it often takes more than just a simple fix. That’s why we always discuss major repairs with you in advance: how much it will cost, how long it will take, and what the outcome might be.
- Soldering and welding: A broken metal frame can sometimes be soldered or welded. We have this done by an external specialist. For titanium, small breaks, and thin metal frames, they often use laser welding—a very precise welding method. Not every break can be soldered or welded; it depends on the material and the location of the break. Because this is done externally, it takes longer than a minor repair.
- A new part: If your glasses are from a brand we carry and the part is still available, we can order a new temple, hinge, or other part from the supplier.
- Re-lensing in a different frame: If a repair isn’t possible, we can sometimes re-lens your glasses in a different frame, or you can choose a new pair. Your lenses may then sit slightly differently on your face. If you purchased your lenses from us, the warranty expires after re-lensing. We do not offer any warranty at all on lenses not purchased from us. We’ll discuss this with you in advance as well.
If a plastic frame is broken, it depends on the material. We can sometimes weld an acetate frame ourselves in our workshop using acetone, if that’s possible and the frame isn’t too old. This isn’t possible with other plastics; if we carry the brand and the part is still available, we can order a new one. We don’t use glue, because a glued joint usually doesn’t hold.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Glasses
With a few simple habits, your glasses will last longer:
- Put on and take off your glasses with both hands so the arms don't get bent out of shape.
- Never place your glasses on the lenses; always place them on the arms or in a case.
- First, rinse your glasses under cold or lukewarm running water—never under hot water—to remove dust and sand. Then wash them with a small amount of mild hand soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry them with a clean, 100% cotton cloth. Never use dish soap, alcohol, paper, or wet wipes.
- Keep your glasses away from heat sources, such as a warm car dashboard, a hot oven, or a sunny windowsill. Heat can damage the coating. Read more about heat and crazing.
Things to Know Before Getting Your Glasses Repaired
We assess each pair of glasses individually to determine whether a repair is feasible. If a repair is not possible or if we advise against it, we will always work with you to find a solution. Glasses that are already damaged or older may break further during a repair. That risk lies with the owner of the glasses; we always point this out to you in advance, as stated in our terms and conditions.
If your glasses for soldering or welding are sent to an outside specialist, they will be shipped. Van der Geest Optiek is not responsible for any loss during shipping. We’ll let you know in advance how long it will take, approximately. You can find a complete list of our rates on our rates page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyeglass Repairs in Haarlem
We perform minor repairs, such as tightening screws or replacing nose pads, free of charge. For major repairs, we always discuss the costs with you in advance.
Yes. We usually perform minor repairs and adjustments on glasses purchased elsewhere free of charge, subject to consultation and if we have the time. However, this is done at your own risk. In the unlikely event that something breaks, we cannot accept responsibility for it. We do not repair very expensive or rimless glasses purchased elsewhere. In such cases, we will work with you to find a solution.
We usually take care of minor repairs right away. Soldering and welding on metal frames are done by an outside specialist, so they take a little longer. We always let you know in advance when you’ll get your glasses back.
No, we don't use glue, because a glued joint usually doesn't hold. We can sometimes weld an acetate frame ourselves in our workshop using acetone, if that's possible and the frame isn't too old. If we carry the brand and the part is still available, we can order a new one.
That’s often the case. We have an outside specialist laser-weld titanium, small breaks, and thin metal frames—a very precise welding method. Not every break can be welded. If that’s not possible, we can sometimes transfer your lenses to a different frame, or you can choose a new pair of glasses. We always discuss the costs with you in advance.
For minor repairs, you can usually just drop by. Want to make sure we have time? Give us a call or make an appointment.
Are your glasses broken? Stop by at 86 Generaal Cronjéstraat in Haarlem, call us at 023 5254 131, or schedule an appointment using the online calendar on our contact page.
No rights may be derived from the information on this page or from any apparent errors or typos. We always assess whether and how a pair of glasses can be repaired in the store first.
