I won't go back through all the warnings I posted about that before, but if you do order from one of those cheap places (including cheap walk-in optical stores), be sure to have the glasses checked by your dr. There are a LOT of mistakes made by those places, because one of the ways they keep costs down is to have the work done by unqualified (read very low-paid) workers.

I'll count that as a NO from az. :-)

And I won't repeat my tale of all the problems I had last time with the local optical shop, which is not a cheap chain (the tale about how the high $$ glasses broke and could not be repaired, they were unable to get parts, etc.).

Actually, OK--if you do recall my previous posts, I get my glasses very cheaply.

I buy mine at cost, at the dispensary at the college that trains opticians in our area. Last pair--designer frames with clip on sunglasses, Varilux progressive lenses, Crizal non-glare coating (that's the most expensive one)--cost me a total of $213 BEFORE my insurance picked up their share. At DD's shop, the same pair would have been around $800--AFTER the family discount.

There are good ways to save money on eyewear. Getting them made by the expert professors who are teaching the next generation of opticians, on state-of-the-art equipment that isn't even in most optical shops yet is one of the better choices, IMO. I may be buying elbow macaroni these days to save .30/pound over the cuter shapes, but my eyes are one place where I just don't think it pays to skimp.

Thanks for that link, Rita. I have not used them but alot of the people on another forum I visit have used them and have been very satisfied! I'd be happy to point you to the post if you are interested. I think I may order sunglasses from them.
~Betsy

My boss's wife (a cardiac RN) has orderd from Zenni Optical last year, she has had no problems with the glasses. the site does specifically tell you what measurements they need you to get BEFORE you leave your eye exam. the only drawback I see is if your lenses fall out (like I've had with Pearl Vision taking them back it seems every other month!) or templets coming loose...

I posted it awhile back and I have since talked to a few more people that have used them and they have no complaints either. My neighbor's daughter brought it up just last night and has gotten 4 pair and says they are a perfect fit, etc. I plan to use them next month after my eye exam, getting my contacts with my insurance and glasses from Zenni.

Once I broke a pair of expensive frames and the optician wanted $250 to replace them (the lenses were still okay). I did a search for the numbers/name on the inside of the frame and found the exact frame for about $80. online. My regular eye doctor's office swapped out the frames for me at no cost although I'm sure they wondered where I got them from.

So, maybe you could just order the frames online then have lenses put in by your optician?? You'd have to try on some frames and write down the numbers, I'm thinking I had to measure the width across the front too.

No matter where you buy your frames, any optical place will adjust them for you, put a lens back in, replace a screw, for no charge. That has been my experience in CA and in Iowa.

I bought a pair of reading glasses on a JC Penney special for 99.00 and then found out when I received them that the glass was thicker than the frames. I also had to go back several times and the last time, the gal either super glued the screw in or put something in to hold it permanently. I suggested they make better frames that should hold the screws more that a week and next time I will make sure the frames will be ok. I told here they should have called me to pick up different frames, but this "gal" just rolled her eyes and that did not go over with me and I let her know it. No place here really good for glasses, that I have found.

Yes, my daughter was here this weekend and showed me her glasses she bought from the place over the internet (can't remember the name except it starts with a Z) and she is very satisfied with them.

She recently had laser surgery and just needs them for reading.

As I had written before, I feel everyone pays too much for their frames and lens...The mark-up is terrible...And most frames should have a guarantee on them, if they break, you should be able to have them replaced free of charge...Shop around when you're getting your glasses/frames...Of course, make sure the RX is correct but don't let any one talk you into all the added expense....The big thing is, make sure the RX is right...

I am so glad for all of the positive comments! I don't think I'll get it done before vacation, but I plan to order some right after we get home. THANK YOU!

Our insurance pays $100 toward eye care every two years, which is laughable. My exam was over $80...

I didn't see the previous posts about these glasses but I'm thinking I might try them. I'm overdue for a new pair and they cost a ton. I get the super thin, progressive bifocals.