Going rate for new glasses with no insurance?

[jackie101]

I found Walmart and BJ's the cheapest. Got my 12yr dd a complete set of glasses for under $20 and my son at BJ's for under $40

 

[MsSharkBait]

I have ordered several pairs of glasses from Zenni Optical. I actually just got two pairs in the mail yesterday (only $42). It's funny, because I get compliments all the time the Zenni glasses I wear most often (#330429) and never get any on my $300 Coach glasses!

 

[Marionnette]

I have coke bottle vision, my left is the worst. I live in my glasses, from waking up to going to sleep. Even with additional coatings, I have scratches and marks after a while.

Coastal only gave me two options, $50 or $80 for lenses.

I think that between the high prescription and the need for numerous "upsells" on the lenses, you're going to have a hard time finding anything cheaper. Most people who have "Coke bottle vision" want polycarbonate lenses instead of glass (it's lighter), polished edges (to make them look less thick), and often a bit of tint (to take away the fishbowl appearance). If you're adding an AR coating and then scratch coating, the costs add up. There is also a lens that is a high-index polycarbonate that is a bit pricey but often worth it to someone who has a high prescription and always wears their glasses.

If you go with one of the online places, you're going to have to accept the fact that you will need to replace the pair before the year is over. If you go to a B&M optical place, you might find one that will guarantee the scratch coat for a year. They should cover for small scratches but not deep gouges. Not too many are going to cover for that because it means replacing the lens instead of polishing the blemish out. And if the lenses have been tinted, both lenses have to be replaced.

In the long run, it's probably going to cost you the same amount OOP over the course of a year. It's just a matter of whether you want (or can) spend it all now or if it works out better for you to pay a lesser amount now, knowing that you're probably going to have to pay it again later.

So I guess you can pay for cheap glasses now and pay for them again later this year or you can pay for the more expensive glasses now at a place that will guarantee the lenses.

 

[My3Princez]

I think that between the high prescription and the need for numerous "upsells" on the lenses, you're going to have a hard time finding anything cheaper. Most people who have "Coke bottle vision" want polycarbonate lenses instead of glass (it's lighter), polished edges (to make them look less thick), and often a bit of tint (to take away the fishbowl appearance). If you're adding an AR coating and then scratch coating, the costs add up. There is also a lens that is a high-index polycarbonate that is a bit pricey but often worth it to someone who has a high prescription and always wears their glasses.

If you go with one of the online places, you're going to have to accept the fact that you will need to replace the pair before the year is over. If you go to a B&M optical place, you might find one that will guarantee the scratch coat for a year. They should cover for small scratches but not deep gouges. Not too many are going to cover for that because it means replacing the lens instead of polishing the blemish out. And if the lenses have been tinted, both lenses have to be replaced.

In the long run, it's probably going to cost you the same amount OOP over the course of a year. It's just a matter of whether you want (or can) spend it all now or if it works out better for you to pay a lesser amount now, knowing that you're probably going to have to pay it again later.

So I guess you can pay for cheap glasses now and pay for them again later this year or you can pay for the more expensive glasses now at a place that will guarantee the lenses.

I disagree with the bolded statement. I've had my Zenni glasses for 3 years, and my Mom has several pairs from there and has never had one break or need to be replaced - she just likes having the variety.

 

[Marionnette]

I disagree with the bolded statement. I've had my Zenni glasses for 3 years, and my Mom has several pairs from there and has never had one break or need to be replaced - she just likes having the variety.

The OP said that she is hard on glasses, often scratching the lenses, and needs to have a guarantee that they will be replaced if they become too scratched. I was referring to the fact that the online places will not offer such a guarantee.

 

[princessbride6205]

Did you all ask at the eye doctor about the pupil distance? I really need Rx sunglasses - but I'm also super cheap.

 

[gcoolie]

We just got my son a new pair at Target for around $200 with their insurance policy and transitions. They run various sales. If you keep track of the time limit on the insurance you can replace the glasses for the exact same pair right before it expires for $25. I also just got the scratched lenses replaced in mine for $25 (although they actually just sent whole new glasses).

 

[Lewisc]

Sears Optical (luxottica) runs 2 pairs for $99 a couple of times a year. Coke bottle sized lenses. You'll probably pay an up charge for high index lenses. What kind of lenses? Bifocal? What approximate power?

Some of the mail order vendors don't sell, or have high surcharges, high scripts.

There is no "going rate". Smaller boutique shops will charge $$$ whatever the market will pay. Places like lenscrafters charge $$$ (even after coupons).

Less expensive places may have a more limited selection of frames.

How are you scratching your lenses? Cleaning? Only clean with a spray designed for cleaning glasses and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Some people think they can clean their lenses dry, with the cloth.

COSTCO probably offers the best combination of good lenses and a good selection of frames. You can definitely get lower pricing, particularly if you have no preference regarding designer frames.

Assuming zeni can handle your script without up charges, and assuming you're OK with their frames, buying a couple of extra pairs of glasses and skipping the scratch warranty may be the way to go.

 

[reneaterry]

I got mine from zenni optical also and love them. I liked that I was able to take a picture and see the glasses on me before buying them.

 

[sz9144]

I have ordered multiple times from 39 dollar glasses dot com and love the glasses! They are so sturdy, and with the $15 off coupon code they ended up costing $24! I paid over $300 for similar glasses at LensCrafters.

 

[SandrA9810]

Right eye is -4, .50, 28
Left eye is -4.5, 2.00, 145
Just single vision (no bifocals or anything like that).

Coastal seems to have the easiest site to navigate and I like their frames more than zenni. I don't do the plastic/colorful kinds, just wire frames. I can get two pairs from coastal for $160.

Slightly disappointed I can't have the great deals every one else is talking about. Even with the promotions at the store, it's still an upcharge for everything else on the lenses.

I've had a ton of issues with my glasses since I got them, including coatings wearing off after just a few months. I tried contacting the place I went to (private practice place), but once I told them I moved out of state they refused to help me. I ran in circles with them to try to work something out and they wouldn't budge. I only had them about a month or two before I left Florida.

Minor scratching on the edges, I'm used to that. But coatings shouldn't wear away completely on both lenses.

 

[sz9144]

Right eye is -4, .50, 28
Left eye is -4.5, 2.00, 145
Just single vision (no bifocals or anything like that).

Coastal seems to have the easiest site to navigate and I like their frames more than zenni. I don't do the plastic/colorful kinds, just wire frames. I can get two pairs from coastal for $160.

Slightly disappointed I can't have the great deals every one else is talking about. Even with the promotions at the store, it's still an upcharge for everything else on the lenses.

I've had a ton of issues with my glasses since I got them, including coatings wearing off after just a few months. I tried contacting the place I went to (private practice place), but once I told them I moved out of state they refused to help me. I ran in circles with them to try to work something out and they wouldn't budge. I only had them about a month or two before I left Florida.

Minor scratching on the edges, I'm used to that. But coatings shouldn't wear away completely on both lenses.

HAve you tried 39 dollar glasses dot com?

 

[undertheradar]

Costco

 

[NYCDiane]

How do you buy glasses online?? Don't you have to be measured for glasses? And if you have bi- or tri-focals, they have to measure where to put the cut in the lens?

 

[SandrA9810]

HAve you tried 39 dollar glasses dot com?

$25 isn't a bad upcharge for the coatings. And with the $15 off, it's only $50 shipped for one pair.

Coastal does offer the option for higher index lenses though. Ihave noticed the size of my lenses have slimmed down over the years, so I'm guessing I have a higher index lens now than thebasic poly carbonate. Coastal does offer a 1 year return, so thats a perk.

Thanks for all the online suggestions. Now I just need to get this PD thing figured out so I can order a pair. Much better prices than the $300 - $400 quotss I got in the stores. Maybe now I can order a few pairs for just in case.

 

[queenofthehive]

I have to recommend Coastal.com. I have ordered from them two years in a row and I feel the glasses are great quality and the price is even better. I was sick of paying $350 plus for a pair of glasses AFTER insurance at Eye Doctor office. I can order a pair of glasses with no insurance for half that price. Insurance is such a racket sometimes... I found out about them from couponingtodisney blog. They mentioned the sale for a free pair of glasses. I ordered one for my husband and myself. Just had to pay the shipping. So go to that blog and search for any recent codes/ sales for new customers. Also, one of my shipments was lost on the mail and they sent out another pair pronto with no issues. I also want to add that my last order was for progressive lenses and the special "thin" lenses because I am blind as a bat - and my total was $175. You couldn't even touch that price at the eye doctor....

 

[Marionnette]

$25 isn't a bad upcharge for the coatings. And with the $15 off, it's only $50 shipped for one pair.

Coastal does offer the option for higher index lenses though. Ihave noticed the size of my lenses have slimmed down over the years, so I'm guessing I have a higher index lens now than thebasic poly carbonate. Coastal does offer a 1 year return, so thats a perk.

Thanks for all the online suggestions. Now I just need to get this PD thing figured out so I can order a pair. Much better prices than the $300 - $400 quotss I got in the stores. Maybe now I can order a few pairs for just in case.

Getting the PD right on the money is going to be key to how happy you end up being with these glasses. You have a lot of astigmatism in your left eye.

 

[sz9144]

Getting the PD right on the money is going to be key to how happy you end up being with these glasses. You have a lot of astigmatism in your left eye.

39 dollar glasses will allow you to return the glasses for refund or new pair if they aren't right

 

[aprilgail2]

How do you buy glasses online?? Don't you have to be measured for glasses? And if you have bi- or tri-focals, they have to measure where to put the cut in the lens?

I was thinking the same thing- and even with just regular glasses they measure the distance between your eyes, make sure the frames are the right size for you etc- SO not worth saving a few dollars to get glasses that really are not sized right for your face.

 

[sz9144]

I was thinking the same thing- and even with just regular glasses they measure the distance between your eyes, make sure the frames are the right size for you etc- SO not worth saving a few dollars to get glasses that really are not sized right for your face.

For some of us it's more than a few dollars. I paid $300 at LensCrafters for my sons glasses which broke within a few months, and only $24 for glasses online and they are great- sturdy and well made