The price of glasses

[newguy]

The wife and I went to get eye exams yesterday. When we talked to the folks at the counter to order new lenses for our current frames, the price quoted was almost $1300.00 for both of us! This is almost double what we paid for the same process two years ago. We use a regional chain and have done business with them for twenty years or more. I was so shocked I walked out after a half hour of sales talk about this offer, and that.

We wear no line bifocals, and were getting lenses for both our glasses and sunglasses. That is, regular lenses and polarized lenses for the sunglasses. We have no special needs. This works out to over $160.00 per lens. Is this normal, or are we getting screwed? Jim

[marjamar]

All health care is (and has been for years) getting more and more geared toward insurance purchasing the service/product. Use to be, differences in pricing for the insured vs the uninsured, but I'm pretty sure the insurance company has finally campaigned (what does that mean anyways) well enough to *entice* the heath industry to make a "on price fits all" mentality mandatory.

What better way to force everyone to pay for health care insurance?

-Rodger

[Trisquire]

And then you've got the whims of fashion. Today's style will be passé next year.

Tom

[LightFlight Sara]

I just got new glasses last month and my insurance doesn't cover the cost of frames and lenses. For both regular glasses and sunglasses, I paid over $500. When I asked about using my own frames for my sunglasses, I was told it was cheaper to buy frames + lenses in a package deal then to just buy the lenses. I also got 40% off the sunglasses since I bought the $20 insurance for my regular glasses. It might benefit you to inquire about deals if you get the frames included and since they're a chain, ask about price matching other local chains and discounts (AAA member, estabilshed customer, age related, etc). It never hurts to ask. Good luck!

[newguy]

Sara, I will ask about the discounts you mentioned. Thank you. By the picture, Dave is a lucky guy. Jim

[eflightray]

I had my eyes tested in June this year and had new frames and lenses. There was an offer on of 'buy one pair get the second pair free', (the cheaper pair free). So I decided to have a clear pair and a sun glasses pair.

So if you want to compare with my UK prices.

Eye test - free (I'm over 60 years old)
Frame one including single vision lenses - £99 (good quality metal half frames with side springs).
Additional coating, anti-reflection, anti-scratch etc - £30
Frame two including single vision lenses - Free (would have cost £85)
Additional coating, Polaroid SV - £42

Total cost £171 (approx $340)

That was private not an insurance claim, and was with one of the biggest retail outlets not one of the discount shops that sell frames considerably cheaper, (usually out of date 'designer frames').

[Buran]

I just bought pairs several weeks ago. I have insurance but decided to forgo the hassle and wait. At lenscrafters, I purchased two frames with blended bifocals; one pair tinting in the sunlight and one pair glare protection. Those glasses plus exam came to ~$700.

[newguy]

Checked out AARP website and found Lenscrafters is on their discounted providers list. We will go over there and see what their total is. Thanks all for your input. Jim

[Usta Bee]

When I asked about using my own frames for my sunglasses, I was told it was cheaper to buy frames + lenses in a package deal then to just buy the lenses.



:censored: it, I'd just buy one of the lenses and use it as a monocle like Colonel Klink.

[LightFlight Sara]

Thank you Jim, your kind compliment is appreciated! Good luck with your search! :)

Usta Bee, I think you have a brilliant idea but I think my mom might have once told me that if you make that face for too long, your muscles will freeze and your face will be stuck like that for the rest of your life. :rolleyes: Although, it might make for some interesting wedding pictures if I ever did decide to go with that look!

[Usta Bee]

Usta Bee, I think you have a brilliant idea but I think my mom might have once told me that if you make that face for too long, your muscles will freeze and your face will be stuck like that for the rest of your life.



'Tis true.....I think that's part of the reason I have such a tough time with the ladies. :o :(

[LightFlight Sara]

Usta Bee, I don't think it's your face giving you a tough time with the ladies, it's your fashion sense. Try a different colored shirt and I'm sure you'll be beating them off with a stick! ;)

(Sorry for getting off topic Jim! :) )