Where to go for an inexpensive eye exam, glasses and possibly contacts?

[rcpae]

My middle daughter is in need of an eye exam. She last went two years ago, when we had vision insurance. We no longer have any type of vision insurance. Could anyone suggest an inexpensive option for a basic exam? Also, once we get her prescription, any inexpensive ideas for glasses and contacts? Thanks so much!

 

[FoodLover]

Most Costco stores have an independent optometrist who charges very reasonable fees. Plus Costco is sooo much less expensive for glasses and contacts than the chain optometrists and even the online contact lens companies.

Best of all, when Consumer Reports tested the accuracy of the glasses made by several major companies (Lens Crafters, etc), Costco was one of the very few they ranked highly.

 

[Kycha]

I go to the optometrist at our local Walmart. It costs $65 for the eye exam. I don't wear contacts so I don't know if there is an additional charge for that exam. When I lived in PA(2 years ago), we paid $40 for the exam at that local WM.

And I use Zenni optical(zennioptical.com) for my family's glasses. DH has a very strong prescription, plus astigmatism and he needs bifocals. I got him 2 pairs of glasses(no line bifocals) for $100 from Zenni. I have also read good reviews for Coastal contacts.(coastalcontacts.com)

 

[kchughes]

Before I had vision insurance, I used the optometrist at Walmart and got glasses and contacts there. I also got glasses at BJ's, but we already had a membership due to the fantastic diaper and formula prices. My glasses would not have been a great deal if I had to purchase a membership to get the glasses. BTW, I often do better taking the current advertised special over using my vision benefit when it comes to glasses. Especially this time of year with all of the back to school specials.

 

[buzz5985]

I recently had my eye's examined at Costco the charge was $60. I purchased two pairs of glasses. One with progressive lenses which were $199 and another pair without the progressive lens for $100. I stopped wearing contacts many years ago, so I can't help you there.

 

[cmjaffe]

We went to Walmart and were very pleased by YMMV for my daughter (new to contacts) and son (had them for years).
We usually go to Costco (pract. independent of Costco) but eye exam was much higher than others. I'd compare prices.
We bought the glasses and contacts themselves at Costco though. Can't beat their prices.
Carolyn

 

[daughtersrus]

Sam's Club also has reasonable prices. A little known fact is that you do not need a membership to use the optical dept.

My DDs have purchased several pairs of glasses from Zenni and have been very happy with them.

 

[dis-happy]

It costs more to get the exam for contact lenses. I usually have to pay around $100. for it.

Once you get your contacts prescription, check around. Wal-Mart, Costco, BJ's all seem to have the best prices. Even better if you get a coupon that lets you buy 3 boxes and get one free.

 

[tinkmom2]

Wal-mart is awesome. We were customers at Stein optical but after a bad experince switched. My DH's complete glasses were around $117 but he had bifocals and anti glare added. We have a DD that also wears glasses and that's where we will be going.

 

[Jennabeth]

Walmart. I avoid the store if I can, but haven't found a better deal than their optical department. Once I have the exam, I order my contacts from Walgreens.com. Right now they have 25% off all contacts. I wear disposable and just ordered a year's supply (8 boxes) for less than $150 with free shipping. We are Costco members, but found Walmart's exam prices are cheaper.

 

[ah1126]

I would call the doctor where she went 2 years ago. I know my doctor gives a discount if you are a past customer.

When we were growing up, we would go to Walmart. I would just call around to a few places and and ask their prices.

 

[FoodLover]

I found the Consumer Reports article I mentioned in my earlier post:

http://www.consumerreports.org/heal...re/shopping-for-eyeglasses/overview/index.htm

 

[TinaMcTeer]

You could see if you have a goodwill optical near you. That's where my oldest got her glasses at. $36 for the eye exam, $25 for her glasses and lenses and than we bought another pair from zenni.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

I called around and found that the local, independent eye doctor right across the street from where I work charged a few dollars less than walmart for the eye exam and contact fitting. My insurance ended up covering the exam anyway because they submitted the claim with a medical reasoning to my insurance, again not something I am sure a chain would consider doing (I realize the OP said no insurance but I'm just mentioning it anyway). I would much rather give my money to a small company anyway so I went with him.

Coastal contacts often has really great deals on glasses (online)