Inexpensive eyeglasses?

[prof12]

I just returned from opthamologist where they checked me for cataracts and retinal neuropathy since I have diabetes. I received a thorough check-up that lasted nearly 4 hours with the dilation. It was well worth the time and found eyes were in great shape. But I was told I need glasses. After buying some for my wife earlier this year and spending $1400+ for 2 pair I was wondering if anyone knows of less pricey (read cheap) places that will take the prescription and make decent glasses. I sure don't want or need all the bells and whistles these places try to upsell. Thanks. --prof12

[Chuckanut]

Goggles4U. Mail order. I've heard they are made in China. Very inexpensive. They usually have a deal the first pair of single vision glasses for about $10 including the frame. UV coating is about the only extra you get at that price.

[pjm-7]

You may want to check Replace A Lens. They can use your existing frames or purchase new ones. Their shop is in Denver and do most business through the mail.
Eyeglass Lens - Replace Prescription Lenses - ReplaceALens

[Spudd]

If you want to buy your glasses in person, I have had good luck at both Walmart and Costco.

[Sarah in SC]

Walmart is fine, usually well under $100 for single vision.

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spudd If you want to buy your glasses in person, I have had good luck at both Walmart and Costco.

We're planning to try Costco soon.

[ernow]

Clark Howard talks a lot about Zennioptical.com. I've used 39dollarglasses.com and had good luck with the lenses and metal frames. A couple plastic frames had the temples askew but were usable.


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[Brat]

I purchased my last bifocal glasses at Costco. The service was excellent. I avoid coated lenses and opted for photochromic lenses instead.

[CoolChange]

Lifehacker just did an article/survey/whatever-they-do on the Five Best Online Glasses Stores.

My most recent eye exam and glasses were both from Wal-Mart; and, I was pleased all around.

[mpeirce]

Bought four pairs of glasses at Costco yesterday.

DW and I both got our eyes checked and since we had a change in prescription, we drive directly over to Costco after the checkup.

We both bought a regular pair and sunglasses. Both of mine were around $100 (frame and lenses) while DW's was a bit more since they were bifocals - and possible notch nicer than mine ;-)

Total cost for four pairs was $585

My last pair also came from Costco and are about four years old, they're a bit worse for the wear and are certainly due for replacing now.

[savory]

I used Costco. I had to also buy a membership and it was still a good value. First time I used a 'discount' provider, although they did accept my insurance. I am happy with my glasses and the price.

[6miths]

Very happy with Costco. I usually buy two pair at a time as I find visual acuity is pretty mission critical - absolutely so before ER. I have bought six pair there in total over the years and have been very happy with product and service.

[Rustic23]

I have used Zenni for about five years. I pay about $39 for my bifocals. I have a pair of polarized bifocal sunglasses that cost about $85. It takes four to six weeks to get them in the mail. I have broken the frames and when I ask for replacements they sent them free.

[SumDay]

Wow, what a timely thread!

Has anyone had "readers" made, rather than buying them off the rack? I've been thinking of trying it, but didn't want to waste my $$$. From some of the links I've seen above, it might be worth a shot. I haven't found any readers that I've been too pleased with (cheap, shoddy frames, lenses don't seem as sharp, etc.)

[sengsational]

I bought a pair from Zenni Optical. My expectations were very low because (I heard you don't get much customer service if something goes wrong). But the glasses were exactly what I ordered, came quickly (from China), and were $20 (that includes shipping). I could have gone even cheaper, by not adding scratch resistance. Not a bifocal or anything, but $20, delivered to my door? That's a bargain!

[45th Birthday]

My son told me about www.warbyparker.com. Haven't needed new glasses, so haven't tried them. They seem to have more fashionable frames with lenses for around $100 per pair. You can order five frames and decide which (if any) you like, and then return them for free. Shipping is also free, and they have 30-day returns on the glasses. There is also an online tool where you can use your webcam to take a picture of yourself and try on glasses. Looks pretty neat, but as I've said, I haven't tried it.

I use www.readingglasses.com for cheaters. Lots of choices, including expensive ones, free shipping and free returns. Many parameters to help search, and quite a few reviews.

[ERhoosier]

Followed my optometrist when he went to local Sears optical. Great quality glasses but wait for the sales. Best seems to be 2 for 1 sale. IIRC they also have some group discounts (AAA, AARP, etc.).
Also read good reviews for Costco, but I'll bet as with most chain retailers the local service may vary.

[walkinwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumDay Wow, what a timely thread! Has anyone had "readers" made, rather than buying them off the rack? I've been thinking of trying it, but didn't want to waste my $$$. From some of the links I've seen above, it might be worth a shot. I haven't found any readers that I've been too pleased with (cheap, shoddy frames, lenses don't seem as sharp, etc.)

I haven't had readers made, but got a pair for the computer - to allow me to read about 3 ft away since I have a huge screen. I got them from 39dollarglasses.com and am very pleased with them.

[aja8888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjm-7 You may want to check Replace A Lens. They can use your existing frames or purchase new ones. Their shop is in Denver and do most business through the mail. Eyeglass Lens - Replace Prescription Lenses - ReplaceALens

I've been using them for years ^^. Very good service. I just tried 39dollarglasses for a spare pair and was very satisfied.

[growing_older]

Had good results with Costco for when I wanted to see and try on frames. Mine were about $160, so more than the $100 other people are reporting, but less than the $350 the optician wanted. I've also had very good luck (and even good customer service when I messed up a prescription one time) from Zenni Optical. For $20 I can always have spare pairs around. Highly recommended.