Questions re: cheap(er) eyeglasses:

[ret5hd]

Back some time ago (a couple years?) there was discussion here about how to get cheaper eyeglasses.

It involved getting the prescription the regular way thru an optometrist, then ordering them thru the mail.

Any suggestions on where? What the process is? How much $$$ can I expect?

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I just got new glasses. Took prescription to local discount place.

Total cost for plain glasses and frames was $96.56. They had them ready in 1 day.

[cbabe]

2. One consideration is having your

glasses fitted or adjusted as needed.

I’ve always needed some adjustments with every new pair for better fit/vision.

Stores are not very happy adjusting or fixing online purchases as it cuts into their profits.

You might take this into account when pricing new glasses. Or maybe offer a small cash ‘tip’ to the store.

[Lemonwurst]

3. Avoid Warby Parker

We really wanted to like them, glasses for $125, supposed egalitarian company values, blah blah…

We ordered once, and they accepted the order and charged our credit card right away, but a few days later notified us via Email that the prescription *required* that we purchase an optional film coating - something that’s an anti-scratch feature, and nothing to do with the prescription at all, essentially doubling the cost.

The prescription was just a typical one for nearsightedness, for a 19-year old healthy person, no bifocal progressive lenses, nothing. The website didn’t let us decline the anti-scratch film option to keep the order in progress, and also wouldn't let us cancel the order. For that, we had to call in and wait 1/2 hour for someone to pick up.

Subsequently, we learned that they don’t let you change your Email address online, or opt out of marketing Emails, or otherwise control the personal info they collect from us as customers. To me this is a whole pile of red flags, and we vowed to never do business with them again.

If anyone out there has had good luck with them, fine, but I’m now always on the lookout for anything that might end up like Smile Direct Club, and Warby Parker sure feels like that.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

4. Costco for me. I have a difficult Rx and get high index, bifocals, and photo gray. Last pair was $200.

[Sogo]

5. I've gotten glasses for years from Zenni.com

You just need to have a prescription and know your PD number (pupil distance).

Very inexpensive, yet very fashionable.

I've been totally satisfied and couldn't recommend them more highly.

[Jerryatric]

8. I agree, I've used Zenni for years and I love them.

I wouldn't buy glasses anywhere else now that I know about them. Their prices are amazing and their glasses are the same as you'd get anywhere else.

[lpbk2713]

6. I bookmarked an OP from March 2021 for future reference.

Hope this might be of value to you.

Link: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181482576

[yellowdogintexas]

7. I ordered glasses and contacts from GlassesUSA and was very pleased

You can load your photo into their website and virtually "try on" the frames to see if they look right. The glasses I ordered were no line bifocals and the alignment was perfect.

Their contacts are all name brand and much cheaper. They offer specials so best thing is to go out to their website and poke around.

For the record, I have never ever been charged to have my frames adjusted anywhere regardless of where the glasses were purchased. I would walk out if I were told there was a charge.

[TexasBushwhacker]

9. 2 issues - size of the frame and pupillary distance

AKA "PD", which is the distance between your pupils in millimeters.

Regarding the size of the frame, a good start are the frames you already wear, assuming they fit well. Inside one of the arms you'll find a series of 3 numbers like "53-18-138". That stands for the lens width, the bridge width and the length of the arms.

Assuming your current glasses fit well, your lenses should be no more than 1 or 2 mm narrower or wider. The bridge should be no more than 1 mm narrower or wider.

If you have a low nose bridge and high cheekbones, seek out glasses with a "universal bridge".

For measuring your PD, there's an app for that! It's called "Glasses On".

Others have mentioned Zenni, and I've gotten several pairs from them. I've also gotten glasses from EyeBuyDirect, Goggles4U, DiffEyewear and others. If you like variety, you might check out PairEyewear. They sell base glasses that are $60, then magnetic toppers that are $25 to $30 each. The combinations are endless!