Designer Eyeglasses and Discount Spectacles

How Do I Look?

If I pay $200 for a pair of glasses, please tell me to have my head examined, not my eyes!

Designer eyewear is the rage these days. Near- and far-sided people alike are making spectacles of themselves by spending a small fortune on eyeglasses.

On the other hand, cheap readers are available at dollar stores, for those who know what magnification number they require.

How can the vision-challenged spot a sensible solution?

Choose providers wisely.

First, there is a difference between an optometrist and an optician. An optometrist is an eye doctor, and an optician makes and sells eyeglasses. Often, these two professionals may be housed in the same location.

Purchasing eyeglasses at the doctor's own office is almost always considerably more costly than obtaining them at a retail store or even online. Ask your eye doctor to write you a vision prescription, so you can do some comparison shopping.

Discount stores offer a larger selection and price range. Look at Sam's Club, Sears, Shopko, Wal-Mart, and other big-box retailers. (Many of these even offer licensed eye exams with real optometrists.)

Employ the internet, if possible.

Try ordering eyewear (and even contact lenses) through online sources. These accept written proof of prescription, usually through a fax or e-mail attachment.

Ordering online is particularly easy, if you have already tried on a specific style of frames or if you are ordering a replacement pair of glasses.

Check your insurance for vision coverage.

Ask about insurance coverage before you order your glasses. (Check with both your insurance company and the eyeglass provider to be sure.) Will the supplier bill your insurance directly, or will you have to pay up-front and file a claim for a reimbursement?

Call in reinforcements.

Take a trusted friend with you when you go to select your new glasses. Try on several frames to find a good fit at a good price. Certainly, you want to pick a style that flatters your face.

A friend will give you honest appraisals, instead of steering you to costlier glasses for a higher sales commission.

Keep an eye on quality.