Buying prescription eyeglasses online

[flagdaytwins]

Anyone purchase prescription eyeglasses on line?

 

[kfeuer]

My sister purchased glasses from 39dollarglasses.com and was extremely pleased with them. However, before she ordered she went to a B&M glasses store and picked out some frames she liked and measured them, so she knew ahead of time how the frames would look.

 

[summerrluvv]

I ordered from 39dollarglasses.com as well and am very pleased! I only wear them at night, and have no complaints.

 

[disneysteve]

I don't understand how this works. First of all, I'd have to pick out frames in person. Secondly, when I buy glasses, the tech takes measurements of my eyes so that the lenses are ground correctly centered. How do they handle this online?

 

[summerrluvv]

I don't understand how this works. First of all, I'd have to pick out frames in person. Secondly, when I buy glasses, the tech takes measurements of my eyes so that the lenses are ground correctly centered. How do they handle this online?

You measure the distance of your pupil yourself. They give you instructions online.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

You measure the distance of your pupil yourself. They give you instructions online.

I'm not sure that I would trust an amateur to do this properly. You could potentially mess up your vision by measuring incorrectly and then wearing those glasses. Most eyecare professionals not only measure the distance between pupils when they fit you for your glasses, they do it again when they dispense them. (And they measure the glasses themselves when they arrive from the lab to ensure that they were ground and inserted properly...mistakes happen more often than you would think).

 

[summerrluvv]

I'm not sure that I would trust an amateur to do this properly. You could potentially mess up your vision by measuring incorrectly and then wearing those glasses. Most eyecare professionals not only measure the distance between pupils when they fit you for your glasses, they do it again when they dispense them. (And they measure the glasses themselves when they arrive from the lab to ensure that they were ground and inserted properly...mistakes happen more often than you would think).

It doesn't take that much skill to hold the tape measure up to your eyes and measure the distance. It's certainly something most people are capable of doing. If you measured wrong, your vision would be distorted with the glasses and you would immediately know something is not right. I think it's great that companies like Wize Eyes and online retailers are out there because eye doctors charge WAY too much for glasses. Frames at the place I got my eyes examined were average of $259.00! $259 for the same thing you can get online! And that doesn't include the lenses. Of course most people are union and using their insurance to pay for the glasses so they don't care what they cost, but for an out of pocket payer like me, online is the only way to go. I suppose if I had bi-focals or something I wouldn't trust online, but for part time wearers I think this is the only way to go!

 

[lordog]

I'm an Optician in California and it is my job to help people select their eyewear, do a lifestyle analysis to figure out the best frames and leneses for their needs and more importantly, take accurate measurements with precise tools and not a ruler. A few things can go wrong. If the measurements are not accurate, the glasses can actually be worse for you than without them for many reasons that I will not go in to, but also, who is checking the glasses for accuracy. Even here at our optical shop, glasses come back from the lab with incorrect prescriptions and other problems, that are simply due to human error--it happens, but that's why WE check them. You are assuming accuracy when you receive those glasses in the mail. I obviously don't think it's a good idea, unless they are non prescription.

 

[disneysteve]

eye doctors charge WAY too much for glasses. Frames at the place I got my eyes examined were average of $259.00!

That's true. That's why you should never get your glasses from the eye doctor. I've been wearing glasses since I was 9, as has DW. We've never paid anywhere near that much for glasses. Last time around, I went to For Eyes and got 2 pair (one regular, one sunglasses) for $99. Maybe it would have been a bit cheaper online, but I'm willing to pay a little more to have a trained professional do the measurements and be able to go back there for adjustments or repairs.

Plus, like I said, I'd still need to pick my frames in person even if I was ordering them online. It isn't the kind of thing you can just buy based on a photo on your screen.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

It doesn't take that much skill to hold the tape measure up to your eyes and measure the distance. It's certainly something most people are capable of doing. If you measured wrong, your vision would be distorted with the glasses and you would immediately know something is not right. I think it's great that companies like Wize Eyes and online retailers are out there because eye doctors charge WAY too much for glasses. Frames at the place I got my eyes examined were average of $259.00! $259 for the same thing you can get online! And that doesn't include the lenses. Of course most people are union and using their insurance to pay for the glasses so they don't care what they cost, but for an out of pocket payer like me, online is the only way to go. I suppose if I had bi-focals or something I wouldn't trust online, but for part time wearers I think this is the only way to go!

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

BTW, did you notice that 39dollars require that MA and NY residence MUST get a professional to measure the PD, rather than do it themselves? I'm not sure how that can prove or disprove that it was done by an optician or optometrist but it's on the same webpage where they tell you how to take the measurements.

 

[7lords]

I've got them from here (many pair) and haven't had any troubles. I have a friend who is an optrician and has checked them and has only seen a problem with one pair.

Goggles 4U

 

[summerrluvv]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

BTW, did you notice that 39dollars require that MA and NY residence MUST get a professional to measure the PD, rather than do it themselves? I'm not sure how that can prove or disprove that it was done by an optician or optometrist but it's on the same webpage where they tell you how to take the measurements.

Well, since you need an RX to place the order, I would imagine you could ask your eye doctor to measure the distance between the pupils while you are there.

I am in NY and was not required to send documentation that a professional measured me.

For me, the frames they had online were similar to the ones I already owned and the measurement of the frames were almost the same. I suppose if you are a first time wearer of glasses, you might pick out frames in the store the first time.

 

[Rella Bella]

Well, since you need an RX to place the order, I would imagine you could ask your eye doctor to measure the distance between the pupils while you are there. I am in NY and was not required to send documentation that a professional measured me.
For me, the frames they had online were similar to the ones I already owned and the measurement of the frames were almost the same. I suppose if you are a first time wearer of glasses, you might pick out frames in the store the first time.

This is the wisest thing you could do.

AND also to take them to your doctor after you receive them to be sure the RX is correct.

After 22 years as an optician I can tell you, even "professionals" can mess up a pupilary distance if they aren't careful, and it is really part of the prescription so ask your Dr to do it.

Please don't try online with a bifocal! That measurement just as critical, and more difficult to get right!

As for going to a store to try them on and then ordering on line to save money... I worked at an independently owned shop (not a chain store) and this was one of our pet peeves, we invest thousands in inventory as a convenience to our customers and people feel free to use them for their own purposes. Some would even ask us to take measurements for them! Oh sure, my boss would love to pay me to help you save money somewhere else.

I would love to explain the difference between a $39.00 pair of glasses and a $250.00 pair, but that would take us off topic… trust me you are not comparing apples to apples.

 

[summerrluvv]

I would love to explain the difference between a $39.00 pair of glasses and a $250.00 pair, but that would take us off topic… trust me you are not comparing apples to apples.

What is the difference? Where they are manufactured? I know it's not quality because my $39 pair are just as good, if not better than my eyeglass shop ones.

 

[disneysteve]

I would love to explain the difference between a $39.00 pair of glasses and a $250.00 pair,

Actually, I think that applies to the topic. People don't want a "bargain" if they are getting an inferior product. So please elaborate.

The only difference I've ever been able to find between the inexpensive glasses I've bought and the expensive ones is mine don't come plastered with some designer's name on them. They fit fine. They hold up well. Never had a problem.

 

[Rella Bella]

Actually, I think that applies to the topic. People don't want a "bargain" if they are getting an inferior product. So please elaborate.

The only difference I've ever been able to find between the inexpensive glasses I've bought and the expensive ones is mine don't come plastered with some designer's name on them. They fit fine. They hold up well. Never had a problem.

Okay... first I'm glad you're happy with your glasses. That's what's most important -- ultimately being a satisfied customer.

Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes quality, some are primarily concerned with price, some with fashion, some with comfort, some with durability – and some have a list.

The biggest difference – other than fashion concerns – is in the quality of the actual metal; how it reacts to heat and cold, how it reacts to skin acids and the strength of the solder points. Most metal frames have a base metal that is covered by a layer of a somewhat higher quality metal, the thickness and excellence of this metal layer varies widely. When it wears off -- sometimes fairly quickly, sometimes after a year or so -- the base metal can irritate your skin (it usually has a very high nickel content), or may even turn green. I have actually seen men with greenish grooves in the sides of their heads. Some of the most inexpensive frames are tough as nails, but that makes them almost impossible to adjust, so they can be uncomfortable. There used to be a lot of problems with the sizing being accurate… but now that everything is computerized that isn’t much of a concern.

If you wear your glasses part time or change the frames yearly (and don’t wrestle with your kids), you could do fine with an inexpensive frame. If you want to wear your glasses for 2 years or more, are picky about comfort, or want a lot of fashion choices, you might want to make more of an investment.

As for designer frames, sometimes a name is just a name – it means nothing – some of them are very low quality. But some are known for quality; Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein are two that have a proven record of excellence.

Keep in mind there are a few other reason for using a local shop or chain. First, if you have a problem with your Rx, or your Dr. changes your Rx for whatever reason, it is customary for your optician to correct the mistake at no charge. On the internet you will pay… maybe not full price but certainly more than complementary. The second reason is that if you break your glasses you will have to start over. Some of the newer materials can’t be soldered, you won’t be able to get parts locally and it could be inconvenient to mail in your glasses for repair to use your internet guarantee.

The internet sights have come a long way in the last few years, I wouldn’t’ necessarily rule them out. Just ask a lot of questions, know what you’re buying and remember where ever you have them made, get your Dr. to check the Rx before you wear them.

 

[disneysteve]

The second reason is that if you break your glasses you will have to start over. Some of the newer materials can’t be soldered, you won’t be able to get parts locally and it could be inconvenient to mail in your glasses for repair to use your internet guarantee.

I'll throw in another plug for ForEyes here. A few months ago, the spring on my left earpiece snapped. I went over to the store and they still sell the same frames. The tech took the display pair off the rack, removed the earpiece and used it to replace mine. I paid $10 and was on my way in less than 10 minutes. Couldn't have been easier.

 

[flagdaytwins]

Thanks for all the responses -- I see I'm not the only one sick of paying $300+ (I have a strong presc.) for eyeglasses! I also got aggravated with my optician last year bec. he wouldn't give me a copy of my prescription (even AFTER I bought a $3oo pair of frames) last time around (I saw my ophthamologist and went to the optician immediately after; no chance to copy my presc. myself). Lesson learned.

I didn't know about pupil measurement and such (I knew the optician did it, but I see you could try it yourself...).....so I've learned something from this forum. Probably will find a more affordable local optician to do business with and perhaps try a pair of pres. sunglasses online.....

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[disneysteve]

I also got aggravated with my optician last year bec. he wouldn't give me a copy of my prescription

Why should the optician give you a copy of your prescription? The only reason you would need that would be if you were planning to go elsewhere. Not really in his best interest. If you ever need a copy, call your opthalmologist. He's the one who wrote the prescription and he should be happy to give you a copy or even fax it to the optician of your choice.

 

[summerrluvv]

Why should the optician give you a copy of your prescription? The only reason you would need that would be if you were planning to go elsewhere. Not really in his best interest. If you ever need a copy, call your opthalmologist. He's the one who wrote the prescription and he should be happy to give you a copy or even fax it to the optician of your choice.

Maybe she meant the Optometrist, most people, including myself, confuse the terms.