The other day a friend called and asked me for some advice on personal finance. I was pretty flattered because it has only been a year since I first began reading and studying personal finance. In only one year I have already seen the positive effects that studying has had on my life. Looking back, I realize that what was most beneficial to me was automating my payments, measuring my current expenses, and cutting back on large expenses.
This post is about how I was able to save money on eyewear, which had been a large expense for me.
Normally my vision insurance covers my purchase of glasses, but this year I broke my glasses and when I went to the store I was told that I wouldn’t be covered by my insurance. When I was told the glasses would cost me over $250, I didn’t know what to do. As I am in school, I am sure you can understand that I did not have that type of money to spend.
After looking at less expensive glasses, which were not much lower in price, I decided to look online for help. When I looked online I found out that I could have bought the exact same pair of eyeglasses online that I had been looking at for less than half the price. I read online that a frame that costs less than $25 to make in Europe can retail for at least $150 in the United States.
As I continued to look online, I found the answers to all of the questions I had about purchasing eyewear online. For one, all I needed in order to buy glasses online was a prescription and a PD measurement from my eye doctor. Also, if I needed to have my frames adjusted, I could just go to a local optical shop and they would do it for a very small fee.
I decided to purchase a pair of glasses online and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. Now I also purchase contacts and sunglasses online. I am able to save $10 for every contact box I buy online.
You can purchase sunglasses online too. It is kind of silly for me to watch people purchase sunglasses at retail stores now because I realize how much they are overpaying for sunglasses.
Purchasing eyewear online not only lowered my costs, but it also saved me a lot of time. If you are looking to cut your large expenses this year, seriously consider looking at shopping online for your eyewear. If you want to know where to start, here are some popular websites to purchase glasses:
Here are some websites to look for sunglasses:
Lastly, here are some popular websites to purchase contacts:
Buying glasses online is the cheaper option to buy. There are number of online sites available where one can shop for cheap eyeglasses. The list is really good. I have visited the sites and find them highly helpful. Along with these there are other sites that are also very helpful.
Zenni optical. Glasses delivered to your door for less than 10 bucks. My brother ordered his sunglasses from them and they seem very fashionable and durable. Occasionally they have free shipping deals. Thats when you want to buy. Im keeping an eye on some 8 dollar glasses i want there.
Great advice! I wish have read this earlier. My spectacles I bought online just arrive a few days ago…
@lazygirl & Harrison: Try using eyebuydirect.com’s try it online feature which allows you to import your face then superimposes the different glasses on your face. Worked great for me and now I have a pair of cheap, high quality, designer glasses. Couldn’t recommend the site more. You guys can always try out the glasses at a shop and then find the exact model online, saves you a TON.
Some of our competitors have been used on this web page but you should really try our website Simply Eyeglasses at http://www.simplyeyeglasses.com.
We are an Optical Lab and we give you an exclusive 7 Day Money-Back Guarantee for prescription lenses so there’s no risk to try us.
I just wanted to get our name out and let others know about us.
@lazygirl & Harrison: Try using eyebuydirect.com’s try it online feature which allows you to import your face then superimposes the different glasses on your face. Worked great for me and now I have a pair of cheap, high quality, designer glasses. Couldn’t recommend the site more. You guys can always try out the glasses at a shop and then find the exact model online, saves you a TON.
I’d love to buy glasses online but it’s one of those things that I have to try on first before I buy. When I’m trying on frames, even the weight of it matters and how they pinch my nose.
I don’t know but I am a bit apprehensive the moment I came across this. I mean how can I decide the look and feel of ‘that’ eyewear frame unless I have ‘actually’ worn it?
I don’t think I could ever decide on purchasing eyewear online unless it is some particular model number from a known brand.
What do you think?
I saw this article (via Lifehacker) a couple of years ago and my wife and I have been buying our glasses online ever since. The only extra step is to get your pupil distance from the optometrist. Otherwise, it’s ridiculous how easy it is.
http://www.43folders.com/2007/.....eyeglasses
GlassyEyes (http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com.....works.html) is the most informative site I’m aware of regarding online glasses. They’ll tell you how and where to do it, help with customer service if you need it, and explain how to deal with your eye doctor.
I have no affiliation with them, just please with the information. I’ve gotten 6 pairs of glasses for under $150, including memory frames and prescription sunglasses.