Beginning glasses search - YouLookFab Forum

Hi everyone,

I'm finally going to get some eyeglasses. I've worn contacts for many, many, many years. I'm thinking that if I get some glasses I like, maybe I'll give my eyes a break from the contacts once in a while!

Because I haven't bought any in so many years, I need some basic advice from spec wearers.

My insurance covers at 100% "standard plastic single vision, bifocal or trifocal lenses". They have a frame allowance of US$130, with "20% off remaining balance".

You can get various lens options for additional copays as follows:

UV Coating - $15 Copay
Tint (solid and gradient) - $15 Copay
Standard Scratch Resistance - $15 Copay
Standard Polycarbonate - $40 Copay
Standard Progressive - $65 Copay
Standard Anti-Reflective Coating - $45 Copay
Other Add-ons and Services - 20% off retail price

I don't know what most of those are. I seriously doubt I will wear them more than one day a month, so I don't think I need a lot of fancy extras. I know I don't want UV coating or tint. Scratch resistance sounds like a good idea and I don't know what the rest of the options are for.

Is $130 reasonable for frames? If not, how much should I expect to spend? What options would be reasonable for someone who only wears glasses once in a great while?

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I just got my new pair that I wear in the AM before my shower and in the evening when my eyes are getting dry from my contacts. I got mine at Sears Optical for a total of $229 (total) Yes, you can find a decent pair of frames for $130 especially since they arent' going to be worn daily. Costco has a decent selection as well. I think with Costco, you would have to pay up front and then submit to your insurance. You probably want to avoid the specialty optical shops in the mall as I found their frames to be quite pricey.

You probably want scratch resistant coating and I'm not sure what the benefit of the anti glare is, but I know mine have it

Vani

Jenny, I've been meaning to post this for the benefit of others too, so your thread is timely. DH doesn't have vision insurance (self-employed and all that) and recently bought designer frames at least 40% less compared to the prices at Visionworks, Lenscrafters etc.. His first specs he paid full price at Lenscrafters for the frame but for a second pair he noted the model numbers of the styles we shortlisted and then found the least price online, on ebay. Of course, as with everything on ebay, you will need to do your homework wrt the seller etc. but he paid $150 for what was $250 at Lenscrafters. Again, I don't know how ebay will work with your insurance claims, but there are other sites online where you will get really good pricing on designer frames. The quality and durability of designer frames is worth the research IMO. He also bought and got his lens fitted online at another discount site (I'll find out and let you know if you are interested) and they did a great job. We don't have a Costco nearby and the selection at Sears and Sam's Club were pretty sad, so this worked out very well.

JennyK (NC)

Active Member

Vani - that's something to consider. I hate to think of spending that much on glasses I'll almost never wear. :-/

This thing has me overwhelmed already. I don't want to face the walls upon walls of frame styles. ack. My appointment is next Tuesday and I'm already having an anxiety attack over it.

My face is oval to long, so I'm in the category of "you can wear any frame style!" which is horrible. Too many choices. LOL!

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I'm clueless when it comes to picking specs Jenny, just wanted to wish you good luck with that sea of options;-)

Please don't worry too much. You are stunning and I know you'll find a pair of specs that suits you perfectly!

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