quality prescription glasses?

[asdfasdf]

I am about to get a new glasses prescription and wonder if anyone has found something cheaper than lenscrafters.  Glasses are expensive for me because I require progressive lenses.  I can't remember the exact cost last time, but it was several hundred dollars.  I'm wondering if anyone has personal experience with something onilne and cheaper. 

It seems like something hard to buy online because you really need to try on frames to see how they look on you. 

[madage]

My wife got her last pair from Costco (brand-name frames) for significantly less (about half?) than her previous pair, which were from Lenscrafters. She's never been brave enough to go the online route, but I've heard several success stories there, too.

[StarryC]

Here is a thread discussing this from last week with different opinions on internet glasses: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/mustachian-specs/msg111469/

[NumberCruncher]

I've gone the online route, but I've got a simple prescription. Zenni Optical, Goggles4U, eyebuydirect, and 39 Dollar Glasses are all reputable places. (some discount codes here: http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com/).

If you have the prescription, you can start going through the process of ordering glasses just to see what the cost is at the different sites. I know my mom has progressive lenses and tried looking online for cheaper glasses and was disappointed. I think the cost for her out of pocket online was more or less the same as going through Costco or the like, so she went with the latter (and has always been very pleased with the results).

Many sites will have this cheesy "try it on" application where you upload a photo and put various frames on your face -- haven't actually used this before. I just take note of the width, etc, to make sure the frame in question fits my face.

Some sites will do a "home try on" thing (http://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on for example -- just found with a google search)

[brand new stash]

I've used the online places in the past for my own prescription sunglasses and been really happy with them, although the frames were slightly wider than I expected.  I would be hesitant to use them for my main pair. 

My daughter just needed her first pair of glasses two weeks ago.  I got the eye exam plus brand name frames plus lenses for $105 at My Eye Doctor.  I price compared with Costco and it was cheaper at My Eye Doctor.

[mc6]

I have some glasses on order from Zenni Optical as I type.  I'm keeping my expectations low.  I had the optical stand at Costco really mangle a pair of glasses I had asked for them to tighten up. 

[CanuckExpat]

I've used Coastal for glasses. Has worked fine for me, and been very cheap. In fact, I usually try to get the frames that qualify for "free" first pair, and then only pay shipping; comes to something like $10-$20 total.

[Hunny156]

I have a simple script, I'm just VERY blind.  I've used Zenni several times w/good results.  Hubby got his last set of glasses at Sam's Club - they were of good quality and reasonably priced.

I'm more of a contact lens wearer, but have been using the glasses more often as a result of persistent dry eye.  I'm glad that the Zenni glasses have held up and look pretty decent!  Now I'm just wondering if it's time to bite the bullet and go for Lasik - glasses aren't my thing, and now the contacts are giving me trouble, soo frustrating!!

[ArtieStrongestInTheWorld]

I also recently went to Lenscrafters (walkable from my house) and was shocked at how much some of the frames were - even the cheap options.  In the past, I've had very good luck getting glasses at Walmart, although their cheapest frames seem to be very basic in style (which fits me very well, but may not suit others).  I haven't used some of the online mail-order glasses services, but am intrigued and will probably try one of them next time (assuming they are cheaper than Walmart/Costco/etc.).

[Hunny156]

My sister worked at Pearle Express for many years while in high school/college, and we learned a lot about the industry.  All those BOGO promotions - the free pair is purchased in bulk for about $3/frame.  They tag the frames at $100 or so to make you feel like you are getting a high quality pair, but all frames are subject to massive markups, regardless of quality.

Ever heard of Luxotica?  They pretty much own the market, and if memory serves, they also own Lenscrafters.  60 minutes did a piece on them a few months back.  They are the reason glasses are so expensive.

[gecko10x]

Check out http://www.warbyparker.com/

From their site:

A collaboration between four close friends, Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. Prescription eyewear simply should not cost $300+. The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price.

My wife just purchased some and they were quite nice and helpful.

[Lentils5eva]

My wife got her last pair from Costco (brand-name frames) for significantly less (about half?) than her previous pair, which were from Lenscrafters.

My parents both made the switch to BJ's Wholesale club and got their glasses for about 75% less than they were spending at the local optometrist. (Nice glasses, too!  No horrible 80's flashbacks in sight)