I had an eye doctor’s appt today, and I need new glasses. The last pair I bought were at LensCrafters, and they’re ok, but I’m worried about either spending too much because they’ve got a designer name on them or getting something that’s not going to last.
How can you tell when you go to shop for glasses if they’re good quality at a reasonable price? If you’ve bought glasses at a national chain store before, would you recommend that store?
Take some one with you who has good taste. Seriously. You’ll have your glasses on your face very waking moment (unless they’re just for reading or something).
You can find “good” glasses at just about any place–Lenscrafters, etc. I got my latest pair of eyeglasses at an independent optomistrist and the staff there were wonderful at explaining what shape, color, etc. I should have for my face and why. I finally narrowed it down to two pairs, but both were expensive (my definition of expensive–$400). At first, I balked at the price, then realized they made me look great (smart, even) and were really neat glasses. These were something that I would have on my face 14-18 hours per day, every single day. I bought them and have had tons of compliments from friends, strangers, etc.
Yes, they were “designer” frames, and yep, they were expensive, but they were also one of the best investments I’ve made to date.
By “good” do you mean from a purely cosmetic perspective, or do you mean quality of lens and proper diopter perspective?
Well, they look cool (cosmetically) and I can see real well out of them. That’s what counts, right? As far as the quality of the lens, I guess it depends on what you’re doing while wearing them. I’m not playing raquetball or wrestling, so I’m pretty easy on my glasses. The only time I take them off is to shower and sleep, so it’s not like I’m taking them off and laying them down somewhere that people will sit on them.
What the heck is diopter perspective? Is it important? Now I’m worried that I’ve overlooked my diopter perspective.
Relax. It’s just the prescription. At least that’s what I meant.
I got reading glasses a couple of years ago and need to get them upgraded soon. I’m getting more and more friggin’ blind every year now. The last thing I care about is looks. They’re glasses; who gives a shit. A good frame and scratch-proof lenses are more important. IMHO.
I meant good quality lenses and frames that will holdup for a few years. Like phall, I do wear mine all day, every day and I don’t want to have to buy a new pair every year so I need them to be reasonably durable. But I want them to look decent as well.
I’ve got a pretty good idea of the style I want. I’ve had glasses since I was 15 so I’m comfortable picking out something that will look good. I just don’t want to get ripped off by buying a pair that’s cheaply made but has a designer label.
I’m also wondering if places like FramesDirect have good deals or just cheap junk. Has anyone used them or any site like them before?
I’ve got a slight obsession with frames. Fortunately, I also have a good vision plan that allows me to be a little more choosy when shopping.
Over the past 10 years or so I’ve tried a whole mess of brands - Armani, Kate Spade, Guess, Gant, Alain Mikli, Robert Marc, and a few I don’t recall.
The first 3 brands were not all that. OK, but they all ended up breaking. The brands I don’t recall also ended up breaking.
The last 3 I love. They’ve lasted the longest, and I love the styles. But, I may only buy Robert Marc frames (sunglasses and eyeglasses) for the foreseeable future. They are just awesome. They just feel so solid and sturdy. The hinges are so well made, I’m certain they will last me a very long time.
I always buy my glasses at smaller, local optometry shops though, so I don’t know how widely available any of those brands are. And if you are paying solely out of pocket, the Mikli and Marc brands will be a bit pricey. Still, I highly recommend them and think they are totally worth it.
I’ve never found any genuine quality difference between no-name and designer frames. As far as I can tell, they’re all made by the same companies. Call me a cheap bastard, but I buy glasses at “America’s Best” and get the two pairs for $49.00 glasses - and that includes exam. And they’ve worked every bit as well as the overpriced ones I got from Lencrafters. This works for me because both my wife and I wear glasses and go shopping for new glasses together. And we only really care about looking good for each other.
By the way, no matter how “scratch-resistant” a pair of lenses are supposed to be, they’ll scratch. I do a lot of electrical, electronic and mechanical work, and every scratch has been made by some piece of flying debris that could have cost me an eye.
My only complaint about them is that bifocals cost more, but it is reasonable as there is more labor involved.
I buy my bifocal reading glasses online at Zenni Optical. Good quality, including anti-reflective coating and no-line bifocals for $20-$50. They have a great selection of frames, and if you don’t end up liking the way they look, or if they break, or you lose them, you’re not out that much compared to the $200-$300 storefront kind.
You have to have the prescription details from your eye doctor, of course.
I’ve purchased glasses from
twice now. I have been pleased with both the price and the quality. Lenscrafters is a giant ripoff, IMO.