How exactly to do I comparison shop for glasses?

[Nika]

DH needs new glasses, and I keep hearing on well-meaning podcasts that one should comparison shop and can get a huge difference in price.

How? Even when you go to the store you have to ask for each one, it is not like in electronics where you have a model number right on display and can shop on-line too. You have to try it on, than wait until they play with the calculator for 2 minutes before they tell you a price for each.

And we do want a quality frame and lenses, we just want to pay the least amount you can get them for. But things like glasses are very hard to comparison shop for.

And what neighbourhood are we better off going to? And chain or independent stores?

For example, assumptions that you can't get as good a deal in affluent areas are not always true. For example, you are not a pro, you will probably be more ripped off if you buy a used car in a poor neighbourhood than in a rich one (granted, you'd be buying different cars, but I am talking the percentage of the car's worth and general prevailing attitudes).

Or one can assume that large chains deal in large volume and can offer better prices, but not always true. For example stores like Zales. once we did enough reserach on diamonds it became apparent that it was a horrible deal and you can do much better in some independent stores.

If anyone here worked in eyeglasses industry, can you offer any insider advice?

[disneysteve]

Comparison shopping for glasses is like doing it for mattresses. It is extremely difficult because no two stores sell the same product, or at least it is very hard to tell if they are the same product. Each store has a special product line made just for them.

We typically go to ForEyes. We've found their prices to be better than others, though America's Best is also good. I just have the impression, which I can't back up, that their quality is lower. Stay away from places like Lenscrafters. The reason they keep putting out those 50% off coupons is because they charge 2-3 times as much as everyone else. I hear people talking about spending $300 or $400 or $600 on glasses which is insane IMO.

At least at ForEyes, the price is clearly marked on each frame.

[Nika]

Thanks DisneySteve, I looked it up, and the closest ForEyes to us is in Philadelphia (that is quite a way from NYC) If we are there anyway, than maybe.

Yeah, we are one of those folks that spend $500+ on glasses. That is what I end up spending no matter where you go -- Cohens or Lenscrafters or small shop.
Last time we got DH's glasses in Hong Kong. Good selection, service, cheaper.

The thing is, you really have to try them on and allocate some time. Even if you are going to one shop. Going to several is just not feasible.

[gattaca]

I've gone to LensCrafters in the past. I usually wait for the buy one get one free sale. My husband and I both wear glasses so it works out well for us. I haven't spent more than $250 each. I now go to Pearle Vision since I've moved. They are independently owned and they treat us really well. Again, I wait for the BOGO sales. Last time I had to get Rx sunglasses so that was the second pair.

[snafu]

The whole thing about the frames is a joke. They may be designed in Italy or France but they are made in China, Vietnam or now some African countries. A branded designer product is not an improvement of a non famous brand in frames. There are factors that influence frame choices starting with lens requirements. 2nd is the bridge nose fitting, individuals with wide noses can find non adjusting nose fitting uncomfortable/irritating. 3rd is preference between 'statement making' frames, wires and those that merely support lens with temple stems. 4th are all those personal factors like color, tone/value, square, rectangular, round.
How To Choose Glasses To Suit Your Face Shape (Eye Health)

As for the actual prescription, the faster it's done, the more it costs. If you want to get the biggest bang for the buck use an on-line optical like Zenni. They rate very highly with a terrific guarantee. If this is 1st pair ever, take someone who's opinion your trust and go to the biggest outlet like Len Crafter and try on frames in off time when they're not busy.

[photo]

When I buy frames, I buy only what I really like. My current frames are over a decade old, but I really like them. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to comparison shop for frames.

Lenses are extremely tricky, and the internet is little help. I've found that there is a difference in lens quality. Costco, Wal-mart, and other chains generally use older technology for their lenses, which may work for some, but not necessarily if you have a strong Rx or need multiple-vision lenses. The only thing that worked for me was to do research at the library (online, at my local one) for optometry articles that speak about different technologies. I found out the reason I hated Costco's non-glare coating is that it is a fairly cheap version.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by snafu

If you want to get the biggest bang for the buck use an on-line optical like Zenni.

I checked out Zenni's site a while ago and for the life of me could not figure out the measuring system. Their descriptions were poor and I had no way of knowing if what I was doing was correct. With glasses, even a small variation from the proper measurement can make the glasses essentially worthless. Though their prices are incredible, unless I was positive the measurements were right, I just wouldn't feel comfortable ordering that way.

[Gary Barzel]

I have gone into independent neighboring stores in the past, I find that they are usually accommodating with their service, and will generally provide some sort of discount when asked. The lenses themselves typically are in the same range. If your husband has a stronger prescription there are other factors taken into consideration, like thickness etc. But you could get an estimated price on how much stores usually charge per amount you want it to be thin.

[photo]

Also be aware that sometimes you don't need polycarbonate lenses, if you have a lower Rx. Polycarbonate is more impact-resistant, which is preferable for children, athletes, and those prone to accidents, but if you don't need them, you are not only paying extra, but polycarbonate has more distortion than CR-39 (regular, plastic) lenses. I personally prefer the optical quality of CR-39. Also, anti-reflective coating can cost up to $100 extra. I don't care for it but some people have a strong desire for it.

[snafu]

DS, we get the measurements from the ophthalmologist; isn't that standard?

[Dumbledou]

All of my families’ prescription glasses are from online stores this year. Have purchased from glasses2you and Zenni Optical. After comparison, I prefer Zenni because of their cheaper prices, professional customer services and various selections.

[orenwach]

I have used zenni in the past and liked them. They have new features which make it a little easier than they used to be. You can upload a picture of your face and virtually "try on" your glasses. Their prices are hard to top

[feh]

Another satisfied Zenni customer here.