Getting new eyeglasses can be a hassle. Lenses can be expensive, and add on frames you’ll actually want to be seen in and the price goes even higher. What can you do?
Separate The Expenses
If you have a low prescription (considered to be under +2.00 to above -5.00) you might want to buy your frames and your lenses separately. This will allow you to shop around for the best deal on frames, including online. You are entitled to your glasses prescription and not obligated to buy your glasses from the same place you get your exam. So don’t be afraid to ask for your prescription in writing to go elsewhere!
Price Match
Shop around. Because frames are mass produced, the markup is generally the same in a given location, but you can still find sales. Ask your local optic shop if they’ll match the price of other local retailers. (But probably not that online vendor.) Often large discount vendors like Walmart and Costco will have good prices on quality glasses, but not the widest selection. Warby Parker, the popular online retailer, can fill lens scripts up to -18, although most opticians caution that if you purchase frames online, you should still have the prescription filled by a professional, and have the frames adjusted to suit your face. Also consider waiting for sales or 2-for-1 specials!
Remember Add-Ons
Anti-glare or anti-reflection coating costs more, as do transitions lenses and other features, so be sure to factor that into the overall cost of your eyeglasses. If you can get a name-brand AR coating, it’s a good idea to do so. Letting more light into your eyes helps you see better. However, if you can’t afford a decent one it may be best to skip the coating altogether, as cheap ones can just smudge and scratch easily.
Educate Yourself
It can help to read up on what materials are used in lenses, how lenses are properly fitted, and similar before embarking on purchasing your own pair. You’ll end up with a pair that fits you better if you know what the salesperson is talking about, and you’ll be able to discuss your options to avoid unnecessary upsells.
Choosing Your Frame
If you wear contacts most of the time or only need your glasses for certain activities, consider purchasing an off-brand or “house” brand frame. Designer frames, of course, cost more money, but they aren’t necessarily higher quality: most frames are mass produced. That said, in order to earn their designer status, the best shape, colour and trends are reserved for the eyeglasses that end up labelled designer.
Take Care Of Your Eyes
While we can give you as many tips as we can find, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a bathing suit or next week’s groceries we’re talking about. Wearing glasses that don’t fit or have outdated lenses can contribute to the deterioration of your vision and overall health. Anyone who’s ever had to get frames adjusted for repeat headaches knows this.
If you have a high or complicated prescription, it may be worth saving up and spending the money to get high-quality professionally-fitted eyeglasses from the same place you get your eye exam. The optician selling the frames will be able to consult with your doctor if necessary. (It is kind of like the relationship between your doctor and your pharmacist, in that one does the medical work and one does the selling.)
If you wear glasses a lot, or the lenses are thick or require coatings, it can affect how you view yourself since glasses can change your face dramatically. If you are concerned that this could impact your mental health or self-esteem, it also might be worth saving up to ensure you get the right frames for you--there is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, especially when glasses aren’t just a fashion accessory! It is possible to get designer frames for a bit less using the advice above, but if you need to bite the bullet and pay there’s no shame in that. It’s your vision.
Eye Exams Available
Come in for an eye exam at Sundridge Mall. Our easy online booking system makes it a snap! You can also check out the eyeglass frames we have on offer, or talk to Dr. Jivraj about trying out her locally-designed line of eyewear.
