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i find myself in need of spectacles. Even though new glasses will be a permanent part of my face i am feeling frugal and am looking for the best deal out there. it seems to me that this is the kind of thing that can have an enormous price range. any suggestions? thanks.
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Q&A
Where should I get eyeglasses?
[35 posts] [29 contributors]
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JimSweeney
E. Fton
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Posted 3 years ago # -
KSquared
Literally Hell
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I got a pair of Kate Spade frames and lenses for about $200 at Costco. I'm pretty happy with them and right now they have a coupon for $30 off a complete pair. I'm sure there are cool places I don't know about though so I'm looking forward to seeing other people's suggestions too.
Posted 3 years ago # -
marzipan
Italian Village
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I second Costco. They have a smaller range of frames to choose from than other places, but they are more affordable. Also, their optics department seems to do really well on Consumer Reports' tests, so their lenses are apparently not only cheap, but also well-made. I got my glasses from Costco, and I think both lenses together cost only about $70, plus about $120 for Jil Stuart frames. I'm very happy with them.
Posted 3 years ago # -
roy
Downtown
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Sweeney: Stay in the hood, try Dr. Larry Gill at Central and Mound. He's a fantastic optometrist with a wide selection of frames and a seasoned staff who can fit everyone perfectly. Dr. Gill's wife Marilyn manages the office and is a real sweetheart.
1454 W Mound St
276-5441Posted 3 years ago # -
spookygoddess78
Northland-ish
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I'm not sure what your definition of frugal is, but I would recommend Columbus Eyeworks in the short north. They have a great range of frames in terms of both style and price. Their ongoing customer service is fantastic and the Dr. and staff are very cool. And, they are a small, local practice/business.
Posted 3 years ago # -
pez
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It was cheaper for me to pay cash out of pocket at Walmart than to pay the copay on my glasses at the regular eye doctor. Under our VSP plan, I think it was close to $100 that I would have paid, so I asked for the prescription and left. With everything, Walmart was about $65 IIRC.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Silk
Old North Columbus
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If you aren't heart set on buying locally, try http://www.zennioptical.com You can't beat them price-wise - glasses starting at $8 complete with single vision lenses. Seriously. And even the $8 are nice looking. One of my all time favorite pairs of glasses came from their $8 category.
Posted 3 years ago # -
TaraK
shoe-mocker
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Silk wrote >>
If you aren't heart set on buying locally, try http://www.zennioptical.com You can't beat them price-wise - glasses starting at $8 complete with single vision lenses. Seriously. And even the $8 are nice looking. One of my all time favorite pairs of glasses came from their $8 category.Agreed. I understand the allure of buying at a physical shop where you can try them on, know you're not messing anything up, etc., but there are some super cheap online options. That said, cheers for supporting local businesses. Win-win?
Posted 3 years ago # -
jn4jenny
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TaraK wrote >>
Silk wrote >>
If you aren't heart set on buying locally, try http://www.zennioptical.com You can't beat them price-wise - glasses starting at $8 complete with single vision lenses. Seriously. And even the $8 are nice looking. One of my all time favorite pairs of glasses came from their $8 category.Agreed. I understand the allure of buying at a physical shop where you can try them on, know you're not messing anything up, etc., but there are some super cheap online options. That said, cheers for supporting local businesses. Win-win?
Double agreed. I bought two pairs from Zenni Optical in '07 and was very happy with them, so I bought two more pairs (with updated prescription) at Glassesunlimited.com last month during their $15 special (yes, that's $15 total including shipping). Try http://www.glassyeyes.com, a blog about buying glasses online, if you are gun shy. At $20-$50 per pair, you have very little to lose. At worst you'll end up with a spare pair for around the house and in the car.
Another option is to hit up vintage clothing shops, accessories shops, or sunglass shops until you find a frame you like. Take them to Costco or Sam's Club to get the lenses put in. I used Sam's Club once to get a pair of new transitions lenses in an existing frame that I absolutely adored and couldn't bear to part with.
Posted 3 years ago # -
turbo ninja
Formerly Crumb Bus, Oh. Now Durm, NC.
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Anyone know an optometrist who'll measure pupilary distance without going through a whole screening/fitting process? I've seen that it's the tricky measurement if you want to get your glasses from an online vendor but my lousy, insurance-approved optician is apparently wise to the scheme and won't tell me because "it's not part of the prescription."
I've seen some methods for DIY measurements but I don't want to get it wrong and turn myself crosseyed or something.
Posted 3 years ago # -
kessler
Georgian Heights
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turbo ninja wrote >>
Anyone know an optometrist who'll measure pupilary distance without going through a whole screening/fitting process? I've seen that it's the tricky measurement if you want to get your glasses from an online vendor but my lousy, insurance-approved optician is apparently wise to the scheme and won't tell me because "it's not part of the prescription."
I've seen some methods for DIY measurements but I don't want to get it wrong and turn myself crosseyed or something.I had the same problem, and called where I purchased my last pair of glasses and they told me.
I have now bought 3 pairs from zennioptical, and have been happy with them. less then 25.00 for a pair of glasses was frugal enough for me. I'm actually looking to buy a 4th pair. That way my mood can dictate my frame choice to go with what i'm wearing.Posted 3 years ago # -
JimSweeney
E. Fton
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wow. a few hours later i have a lot of options. CU is magic. thanks all.
next question: cat handcuffs - not the full set, just for the front feet. anyone?Posted 3 years ago # -
michaelcoyote
!seabus
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JimSweeney
E. Fton
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jn4jenny
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turbo ninja wrote >>
Anyone know an optometrist who'll measure pupilary distance without going through a whole screening/fitting process? I've seen that it's the tricky measurement if you want to get your glasses from an online vendor but my lousy, insurance-approved optician is apparently wise to the scheme and won't tell me because "it's not part of the prescription."
I've seen some methods for DIY measurements but I don't want to get it wrong and turn myself crosseyed or something.It isn't tricky at all, although the optometry shops would like you to think so. Get a basic ruler and a trusted buddy (don't try to do it yourself). Have your buddy measure several times as you look beyond them into the distance. My husband measured mine 4 times and got 63 mm every time.
I've heard on other forums that the Sam's Club optometrists will sometimes do it for you. But seriously, it's easy enough to measure at home.
Posted 3 years ago # -
vestanpance
Harrison West/at work OSU
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Posted 3 years ago # -
joev
Merion Village
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turbo ninja wrote >>
Anyone know an optometrist who'll measure pupilary distance without going through a whole screening/fitting process? I've seen that it's the tricky measurement if you want to get your glasses from an online vendor but my lousy, insurance-approved optician is apparently wise to the scheme and won't tell me because "it's not part of the prescription."
I've seen some methods for DIY measurements but I don't want to get it wrong and turn myself crosseyed or something.You really should get an eye health exam every year-18 months. Lots of chronic diseases can be seen in the eyes before they manifest elsewhere. That said, you should be able to take your prescription anywhere to have glasses made.
Posted 3 years ago # -
HeySquare
German Village
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Just make sure to get a good fit, with the correct prescription, and good style. There is no other item of clothing or accessory that you will wear more. I've had my current frames for... four or so years now, and I still get compliments on them. Although they were pricy, the cost over the years I've had them, especially since I wear my glasses every day, makes an investment in a good pair of frames very worthwhile.
Posted 3 years ago # -
sugarplumclarey
COLUMBUS
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Do you have to be a Costco member to buy glasses there?
Posted 3 years ago #
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