Contact exams are more than regular eye exams. They have to measure your eyes and take all these readings that are unnecessary for people just chosing to wear glasses. A more important issue is how much you can pay for the actual glasses and contacts. My contacts are not bad. I have 1 month disposables and it was about $50 for a 6 month supply. My glasses are another subject all together. I have three piece mount frames and paid a lot to get my lenses reduced. My glasses cost about $580 ($250 frames, $330 lenses), but I love them. They are the nicest pair I have ever owned. 3 piece mounts are so much more light weight than regular metal frames (I assume you wouldn't plan on getting plastic). When I first put them on, I was like no way, I will break them they are so small and flimsy, but they are incredibly strong and durable. I think most people try to get cheap frames and just regular lenses, but think about it this way. These are an accessory you wear every day of your life (well unless you have contacts too) so don't skimp. Get something you are going to be comfortable in and not embarassed to wear. Don't go with a small eye doctor's office, because they often do not have very many styles of frames to choose from and are often much more expensive than elsewhere. I went to a place called Eyeglass Studio (sister store called Optical Elements) in the FL Mall. They were great. They carry more upscale designers (Gucci, Cartier, CK, Armani, Oakley...) my frames are CK. If you have the money to spend, do not skimp on something as important as your eyewear.
