[Pat]

What’s the best frugal way to get glasses. I have insurance but they still usually run around $500 with that and I really do need a spare pair.

I have trifocals, so none of the cheap online places I’ve found can do them.

[Maureen]

Susan Daugherty your statements is fairly accurate regarding most single vision prescriptions.

As a certified optician, I can assure you that this is not the case with a bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses orders as your would also need a segment height to position the reading area properly.

Further, with any higher power, a qualified, experienced optician would measure the optical center on single vision lenses and the customary front base curve for any higher power order.

Your optician can also confirm the fit of your frame selection as well as whether the lens materials is a good choice for the style of frame.

Frugal shopping is great and online sources may provided you with a. good value for simple prescriptions and it’s not usually a big financial risk.

Any other type of lens or stronger Rx and you are much less likely to get a satisfactory result.

Cutting your qualified, experienced optician from your purchase (in many ways) can be penny wise and pound foolish.

[Lana]

Zenni has been great once you get your prescription. If you get your exam done, make sure your optometrist puts the pupillary distance on the form, too.

[Rich]

Get glasses @ Walmart. I’ve been getting glass there for 10 years. Not as expensive as chains or private eyeglass shops and if my frame breaks I can buy a new one for only $18.

[Joan]

Americas best
Two pairs under $100
Don’t know about trifocals but get a pair of single and a pair of one of the bifocals

[Mary]

Eye Buy Direct.
I have trifocals also.
They don’t take insurance but I submitted the receipt to my insurance and got a reimbursement.

$160 frames and lenses.
That was in 2024.

[Ava]

I’ve used Walmart for years. I usually get 2 pair of bifocals and the exam for around $500.

[Judy]

I have trifocals got mine for $200 on line with USA Glasses….would have cost me close to $500 at WalMart.I ordered rimless medium size lens this past August…

Good luck

[Murphy]

After much shopping around for expensive bifocals that have all the extras I need, I used insurance and paid the difference getting my best deal at America’s Best.

Mine are usually $500 – $700.

[Serena]

I am in Canada. I get mine through the Zehrs optical centre called Theodore Pringle. I wait for the 50% off sale and then my coverage just covers my trifocals with new frames.

I got Vogue frames this year. Total cost was less than $500 before coverage.

[Susan]

Try Zenni they offer a wide variety of prescription needs. The only thing you need is your PD measurement from your eye dictor to order from Zenni.

Some doctors do not want to give it to you. Also, Costco will allow you in to do glasses, use the hearing center and pharmacy without being members.

I think Sam Club’s do as well.

I like WalMarts, usually if you tell them that you are trying to go inexpensive as possible for a spare pair they can point you in the direction of the less expensive options.

[Susan]

Progressive lenses are tricky. I get mine at Walmart. They will re-do them if they aren’t working right.

There are just some places in life when cheapest option isn’t best.

[Tina]

Costco I have VSP insurance through work. I got my exam with the digital pictures even. I can get contacts, or 2 pairs Rx glasses or a combo of 1 regular and 1 Rx sunglasses.

I opted for 2 pairs of progressives with designer frames and transitions lenses instead of sunglasses.

[Teresa]

Costco. I got a frame, progressive, high index lenses with non-reflective coating for under $280 (in 2023).

[Michelle]

Costco. Paid $800 for glasses at the eye doctor. 2 years later paid $220 at Costco.

They are holding up well and I have no complaints.

[Jess]

Hi Pat! It really depends on the prescription & what you want or need on your lenses. A trifocal or a progressive (no line) costs more than a single vision but there are many options of lenses & add ons. What else would you need?

For example: I need my glasses to be transitions because I have a light sensitivity.

It also helps if you go to where your insurance is “in network.” Once you know what you need on the lenses, go to your local places & compare pricing. I hope this helps!

[Laura]

There are various free apps that will measure your PD and they are very accurate.

I just used it and ordered two pairs of multifocal glasses from LensCrafters online

[Lisa]

I have a tough prescription too and My regular eye glass place can’t even make them for me anymore.

I was surprised when Lens Crafters said they could do it and for only $230 with insurance (the insurance didn’t cover that much).

[Author]

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