Frugal Eyeglasses...

**peanut** · 08-24-2008, 10:20 PM

Has anyone any experience getting good eyeglasses frugally? I have astigmatism in one eye and am having trouble wearing progressives. My new optometrist put me in the top of the line progressives, just to see if I can wear them at all...that was his excuse anyway. But I couldn't afford new frames with the lenses. The lenses for reading and regular glasses were $800!!!

Is there anyway to get these cheaper? I can't really even afford the lenses... We can just barely do it right now, but we're really struggling with these costs. Both DH and I wear glasses, and they are supposed to be upgraded every 2 years. We can't take this kind of hit.

Has anyone tried on-line discount prescription eyeglass places? What's your experience been? What's the quality of the lenses like?

BTW, my new lenses will be Nikon SeeMax lenses.

Jean

**perSue** · 08-24-2008, 11:20 PM

I'd check out some local stores that may have some running specials - some list on TV, others radio or in local coupon savers (ie, ValPak or those in local newspapers or supermarkets).

Or if you have an eye Dr. you can talk to them about negotiating a good price for something. Choose less expensive frames - OR you can always buy super cheap frames you like and ask that your Optomitrist use those frames to put in your new lenses - so you only pay for the part you really need to see with!

Cheap frames can be bought at Dollar Stores, Flea Markets, Thrift shops, etc.

But what I'd do first is get your exam, talk to your Optomitrist about what types of lenses you'll need and state you have an extra pair of frames setting around and see if they'll do it for free or just a few dollars.
(Some places may charge like 10$ for the "labor" of using YOUR frames... vs a few hundred for some name brand ones there in the store!)

Good luck!

**peanut** · 08-24-2008, 11:35 PM

Thanks Sue. The $800 is for the lenses alone. they'll be putting them into my existing frames. though I did get a warning that they couldn't guarantee the frames, and if they went, so did a $700 pair of lenses. Sigh. But I just couldn't afford an extra $300 apiece for two sets of frames!

Jean

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 08-24-2008, 11:40 PM

My friend used this website:

http://zennioptical.com

She ordered one prescription pair and loved them... So, then she ordered a second pair (for back-up) and also prescription sunglasses. She was really pleased with the company and the product. VERY inexpensive and they didn't charge a ton for shipping, either.

I've never tried it, so don't have my own experience with the company to share...but thought I'd pass along hers.

Good luck with your glasses hunt!

**happydog** · 08-25-2008, 06:21 AM

I second the vote for zenni optical. They are wonderful. When you get your prescription, ask if they would measure the distance between your pupils, and any other measurements that would be necessary for the prism for your astigmatism. If you end up getting traditional bifocal lenses, you might want a measurement for the placement of the D line of the second lens.

My son has worn bifocals since he was a baby. Zenni has done a great job making his, which are a difficult prescription (+7.5).

**sueh** · 08-25-2008, 07:18 AM

I 3rd that vote for zenni optical. I bought 2 pairs of glasses from there and have been very satisfied.

**lwlynch** · 08-25-2008, 07:20 AM

I did the zenni also for my daughter. The total with shipping was $38.00 and they were perfect. Just make sure you get them to measure the distance.. you know better yet. Copy a fill out form from the zenni website and take it with you and they can tell you what to put in it.
good luck..

**Michelle** · 08-25-2008, 08:17 AM

www.39dollarglasses.com

Yours probably won't be only $39 since it sounds like it's a special prescription, but they will be less expensive. Lauren's glasses are a bit more because her prescription is really high...but it sure beats the $300 that I was quoted elsewhere.

I've ordered through them a few times for Lauren's glasses and my glasses. Kathryn started wearing glasses earlier this year, and I bought her a couple of pairs too.

The quality is excellent IMO as is the customer service.

**Katybird** · 08-25-2008, 11:32 AM

I have purchased 6 pair of Zenni glasses. I have 5 regular and 1 pair sunglasses and they were all spot on with the prescription and of all of them I only have one pair that I did not care for. I ordered a rimless pair and ordered the clear plastic legs and bridge and even though they are virtually invisible, they do not sit evenly on my face so I don't wear them but all of my others were great. I highly recommend them. Lots of my coworkers have ordered through them and were pleased also.

**Momto2Boyz** · 08-25-2008, 11:54 AM

DH and I both use America's Best. They do the 2 complete pairs for $79...you can add upgrades if you like and it is still relatively cheap. You can check them out. I asked all kinds of questions before I actually ordered my glasses, (I was waiting for the hidden fees) and they were really good about answering my questions. And the only "fees" above the $79 was tax, and we got eye exams, and 2 complete pairs of glasses.

**JustJoy** · 08-25-2008, 12:54 PM

My just got 2 pair of glasses at For Eyes last week for $199.

**tbs727** · 08-25-2008, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Luv2BeFrugal

My friend used this website:

http://zennioptical.com

She ordered one prescription pair and loved them... So, then she ordered a second pair (for back-up) and also prescription sunglasses. She was really pleased with the company and the product. VERY inexpensive and they didn't charge a ton for shipping, either.

I've never tried it, so don't have my own experience with the company to share...but thought I'd pass along hers.

Good luck with your glasses hunt!

YES YES YES! I am always singing the praises of Zenni optical. It will save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. I purchased two pairs last year and I love them. The lenses are great and the frames are good quality. I paid $23 for both pair. You would have to pay more for specialty lenses but I think they are something like $39. You can get very nice frames for $8. I will attach a photo of me in my $8 (frames and lenses) glasses. Please feel free to PM me if you have questions.

**JerryG** · 08-25-2008, 01:34 PM

I too struggle with glasses / costs. I have used a discount chain before and they messed up my prescription BAD. I have never ordered via the internet. What do you do for adjustments? I need mine adjusted every few months or so as mine frames get beat up at work.

**FrugalWitch** · 08-25-2008, 02:23 PM

I'm another die-hard Zenni optical fan. DH and I have bought 7 pairs from there and been completely happy with every pair.

Even DH's bifocals with the anti-glare coating was under $42 and the frames are identical to a frame we priced at Sam's Club for over $200!! (the Sam's price was for the frames only, no lenses)

I have 2 regular and 2 sunglasses, DH has 1 regular (he tried to dodge the bifocals) 1 bi-focal and 1 sunglasses. We got the additional anti-glare coating on each pair. I'd guesstimate we spent maybe $125 for all 7 pair.

**peanut** · 08-25-2008, 08:31 PM

So I picked up my prescription today. I specifically ask if the information I need for my astigmatism is on the form. She said, quote "everything is there". I get home and didn't check till now (6:30 p.m) and find there is nothing there in the prism spaces. So does that mean he doesn't think I have a bad enough astigmatism to account for? or does that mean it was not given to me? Sigh... He did say in his office that one eye had 'a slight astigmatism'.

Jean