Getting new prescription glasses can be a real pain, especially when you see the final price tag. I've always been on the lookout for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Recently, I embarked on a quest to find the best place to get my new glasses, and my journey led me to explore options like Costco and online retailers. It was quite an eye-opening experience, pun intended!
For years, I stuck with traditional optician offices, but the costs kept climbing. I started wondering if there were better, more affordable alternatives. My first thought was, "Should I get my new prescription glasses from Costco?" I'd heard whispers about their competitive pricing, so I decided to investigate.
I decided to explore Costco's optical department. They offered their in-house "Drive" lenses, which were designed specifically for driving and outdoor activities. I was intrigued by the idea of having lenses with a tint level that was perfect for both scenarios.
After doing some research and talking to friends, I realized the main advantage of Costco might just be the price and the variety of frame styles. I found that I could potentially save a significant amount compared to other retailers. I also learned about online options that could further reduce the cost, cutting out the "Luxottica tax" as some call it.
One thing that really stood out to me was a comment I heard about a leading consumer magazine rating Costco optical as a "Best Buy" over several evaluation periods for chain stores. Apparently, the cost is noticeably less than many optician offices, and the quality is generally considered just as good. This meant my insurance benefits could stretch much further, which was a huge plus. I could afford more pairs of glasses each year.
For example, I could potentially get 6-10 different pairs from Costco for the same price as just 2 sets from a place like LensCrafters. That's a big difference!
I also considered online retailers. The idea was to get my prescription numbers and then use them to buy cheaper glasses online, avoiding the markups from larger companies. I even tried Warby Parker in the past, but this year, I decided to give Costco a shot. And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised.
My Costco glasses were cheaper than my Warby Parker ones, and I actually liked them better. The return policy was also great, which gave me peace of mind in case the prescription was wrong. I was so happy with my experience that I ended up getting prescription sunglasses and computer glasses there as well. Now, I'm not sure I'll shop anywhere else for my eyewear!
While exploring different frame styles, I stumbled upon something that really caught my eye. I found some retro cat-eye frames that I absolutely loved. It's important to find frames that not only fit well but also reflect your personal style.
I've been using the MERRYS DESIGN Retro Cat Eye Women Glasses Frame, and I'm really happy with them. They're stylish and comfortable, and they work perfectly with my prescription. These particular frames are the MERRYS DESIGN Retro Cat Eye Women Glasses Frame Ladies Trending Eyewear Myopia Prescription Optical Eyeglasses S2113 Myopia 1.67. If you're looking for something similar, you can check them out here.
Here are a few things I learned during my quest for affordable eyewear: