Cheap Eyeglasses

[janette]

My 12yo DD was prescribed glasses last year, we got them with very nice frames and she lost them after a couple of months. Her eyesight was borderline so I didn't replace them. Took her in this year and and her eyesight has gotten worse so she really needs to start wearing glasses.

Our insurance covers lens every year but frames every 2 years. This is a plan that has a list of places you can go. All of the places on the list are private optometrists, the one we go to has frames starting at $140. If we get glasses there the lenses would be covered but we'd have to pay for frames. If I go elsewhere I know I can get cheaper frames but not sure about the cost of lenses; insurance might cover part of it but I'd have to submit it and not sure how much would be covered.

What is the best / cheapest place to get eyeglasses? How much do the typically run for frames / lenses? I'm wondering if I can get them for less then the $140 I know I'd have to spend at the optometrist.

TIA!

 

[EthansMom]

I read a recommendation on the DIS Budget Board for http://www.zennioptical.com a couple of months ago. They have glasses (frames and lenses included) starting at $19.95 with $5 shipping. DH and I both wear glasses so I printed out the thread.

Wouldn't you know it, a couple weeks later, DH completely lost his glasses, so I ordered him new ones from Zenni. He got two pairs of the bendable titanium frame glasses for roughly $40 each. And they are just as good as any glasses we've paid $300 for in the past!!!!!

They are able to offer such low prices because they only sell their own non-designer glasses (that look just like the designer ones) and they don't advertise other than "word of mouth". The glasses took about two weeks to arrive and came in an inexpensive hard case with a cleaning cloth.

I would highly Zenni Optical to anyone who needs glasses.

 

[Hedy]

You might want to check out your llocal warehouse store-BJ's has pretty good prices on frames/lenses.

 

[ducklite]

You get get her prescription from the eye doctor and then go to one of those mass market places when they are having a BOGO sale and get two pairs of glasses from a certain selection for $100 or so.

Anne

 

[*Fantasia*]

hi janette,

how about checking lenscrafters? i hope this info will help.

telly

LensCrafters Coupons and Offers
Eyeglasses or RxSun as low as $134.95
At LensCrafters, you can get a frame and prescription eyeglass or sunglass lenses for only $134.95. Designer styles included! What a great time to buy a back-up pair of eyeglasses or a new pair of prescription sunglasses. It’s also a terrific way to get custom-made readers at a great price. Some restrictions may apply. See store for details.

50% Off Children's Eyeglasses
Get serious savings on our great selection of glasses for children age 12 and under when they're fitted with FeatherWates® Plus lenses. See store for details.

 

[Michie]

I would NOT order glasses through the mail for a child. My DD wears glasses and it took forever to find frames that would fit. She is in between child and adult frame sizes. They have to fit to work right.

 

[RangerPooh]

The last few times that DH and I needed glasses we shopped around. This being said, we have purchased them at Walmart, Shopko, and Costco. We paid under $140 for the frames and lenses (eye exam was extra but was done at a different time). Childrens glasses should be even cheaper. Just shop around.

I once took DH to LensCrafters for glasses and regreted it! We paid almost $300 for an exam and glasses! He even purchased middle of the road glasses.

 

[pixiepower1971]

I agree that she might be in between adult and kids size frames, My dds 8 and 10 are. I usually pay $100 for polycarb lenses for the girls.


What about going with contacts for her. They cost less and are harder to lose. Disposables are very inexpensive now. Then you can really go cheap on the frames since she won't wear them often.

If she doesn't like them she won't wear them!

 

[janette]

Thanks all, she did find some on the website shown and I think we'll go with those. She won't wear them all the time and that is part of the problem, she needs them to see the board etc but takes them off most of the time. That is how the 1st pair got lost. I'm not as concerned about fit as I would be if she wore them full time.

Contacts aren't an option for the same reasons, maybe later but not right now. My 15yo DD has worn contacts since 5th grade but she's worn glasses since 1st, her eyesight was worse then her sister's are now. I just don't think she's ready for the work of contacts and especially since she sees pretty well without correction. She'll still be able to do her sports and other activities without the glasses.