Marvel Dh just got a new pair Friday, we have awesome insurance and all he paid was $70 for the exam, lenses, and frames, oh and warranty that replaces them no matter what!! He got the frames that were in the medium price range and were not cheapest, the thing that ran up our cost was the fact that his eyes are so bad the lenses that are covered would have been like coke bottles so we paid for the upgrade thin lenses..... other wise it would have cost us only $10!
Before we had the good eye plan DH paid about 300 for his glasses (nice light frames) and transition lenses and I paid only about 100, but i did get cheaper once since i only use them to read when my eyes fatigue or when i want to look smart.

Actually I don't think they work on me so i have began to buy the cute reading glasses from cvs and they work much better and are cuter, i have to have them when i am in a choir so i like to coordinate my glasses to my outfit!
I would totally check out costco, our
walmart here is really good too! My dad and my sister could go anyplace they want to b/c they have the $$ but they love the optician at our walmart...of course
ymmv!

I have been waiting for a chance to use that one!
ETA:
Your in NY, of course they were crazy $$$! LOL!