I'm *much* more likely to wear prescription safety glasses than
goggles or similar eye protection. I realise that safety spectacles
aren't as good as the best goggles etc. but they are still going to be
much better than the likely alternative.

Presumably most safety spectacles are paid for by businesses or other
workplaces and thus 'ordinary' opticians don't get to know much about
them.

I don't know the current regulations. But the normal plastic lens used in
specs are almost bullet proof and used to be considered an acceptable
alternative, especially if side guards are fitted.

Nobody uses glass in specs these days do they? It's fragile, heavy and
expensive. Plastic lens' need not be thick, they can be made with thin edges
(at extra cost). My right eye is -6 and the plastic lens is neither thick or
heavy.

Just ask your optician for the specification of their plastic lens options.

CJH