Glasses

Save money on glasses with these advanced tactics.

Glasses can be incredibly expensive if you buy them from an eye doctor or mall vision store. Throw in some expensive and unnecessary optometrist visits and this all becomes a drag on your wallet. Use these tactics to save money on glasses, with or without a prescription, and find out how to get a cheap vision exam if you need one.

Do you really need prescription glasses?

Depending on your vision problem you might need some sort of corrective lenses but you may not need prescription glasses. What is the difference? Prescription glasses are those made to order based on a detailed set of vision corrections as documented in your written prescription. Basic corrective lenses adjust for generic faults like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Nearsightedness is where you can see things clearly if they are very close, but you can’t see things far away. This is also known as myopia.

Farsightedness is where you can see things clearly if they are far away, but you can’t see things close to you.

If you only need glasses for things like computer work or reading, you may be able to buy corrective lenses without a prescription. When you only need glasses for driving, you may be able to buy corrective lenses without a prescription. In cases where you have a complex prescription that compensates for something significant such as a lazy eye, astigmatism, or have drastically different vision power between your left and right eye, you may need prescription glasses.

There are two types of non-prescription corrective lenses. Reading glasses are the ones most people are familiar with. These are used to read close up such as to read or use a computer, in this situation non-prescription readers may be a cheaper option. If you only need glasses to drive or see things far away, a pair of myopia glasses may be an option. Myopia glasses are just like reading glasses except they have negative correction values whereas reading glasses have positive correction values.

When non-prescription glasses are an option, you can skip the time and money wasted on constant eye exams and open up a whole world of eyewear styles. Most non-prescription glasses are significantly cheaper than prescription eyewear. A cheap pair of non-prescription glasses can cost as little as $5. Glasses of higher quality or with extra features like photochromic lenses average about $15 – $70.

Where To Buy Non-Prescription Glasses

Readers (positive number glasses)
These are the easiest to find. Most chain drug stores and big box stores like Costco, Walmart, and Target carry various types of readers. Readers from these sources are basic and come in limited styles. If you are looking for something a bit more stylish, there are more options when you look online.

Amazon has a variety of reading glasses. Cheap 5 packs of glasses in interesting styles and colors, unique styles for under $20, and some higher-end glasses such as Peeper’s brand. Even Peeper’s are usually under $30. Shop Amazon reading glasses here

Ebay is another source of cheap reading glasses. Quality varies and some ship from overseas. You will find more options than a big box store and possibly better deals than Amazon. If you can wait a few weeks for your glasses to arrive, you can find some super cheap options here. Shop Ebay reading glasses here

Aliexpress has some of the best deals on readers. Check user reviews of the individual glasses and the seller’s rating. If you are looking for a unique pair of readers Aliexpress will probably have something to suit. We found some nice-looking $1.50 readers there. They were light and comfortable, but they lasted about a year. If you are looking for more durability, look for pairs with spring hinges or at $5 or higher price points.

Aliexpress processes transactions through their US-based payment system and has a purchase guarantee in case you are not happy with your purchase. Shipments from China usually take 2-3 weeks to arrive in the US.
Shop Aliexpress reading glasses here

Myopia glasses (negative number glasses)
Myopia glasses are harder to find. You are unlikely to find these at a drugstore chain or big box store but they are out there if you know where to look. If you need a basic correction to improve your distance vision such as for driving, this may be for you. Use your existing vision prescription to estimate the negative correction number as a starting point to find a proper strength in non-prescription myopia glasses.

If you plan on using these to drive, look for photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight. Another option is to buy two pairs, one with a sunglasses tint and a clear pair for night driving. Clip-on sunglasses could also be used.

Amazon carries myopia glasses, many come with Prime shipping. A standard pair can be had for about $11 with free shipping. Amazon has a wide variety of styles and some unusual offerings. If you want a pair in a hurry, this is your best bet. Shop Amazon for myopia glasses

Ebay carries a variety of myopia glasses. Most ship from China with varying price points. Everything from classic styles to the more daring.
Shop Ebay for myopia glasses

Aliexpress carries the largest selection of myopia glasses and sunglasses. If you’re after something unusual, or higher quality non-prescription myopia glasses, this may be your best bet. Various sellers on Aliexpress have been our go-to for myopia glasses. Check product and seller ratings before buying.

Prescription Glasses

If you need prescription glasses and have a current prescription you can buy them pretty much anywhere. The best values are going to be online. If you really need a hands-on experience, there are retail options that won’t break the bank. If you don’t have a current prescription but know your prescription or have an expired copy, there are options for that too. Remember that you have a legal right to a copy of your prescription.

Retail if you really need it
Costco, Walmart, and Target are your best bets if you need some in-person help or really want to try on glasses before you buy. All three require a valid eyeglasses prescription to order glasses. Prices here will be significantly less than at an optometrist. The big box stores wall off their on-site doctors from their glasses store. This helps prevent some of the questionable tactics doctor’s offices and the big vision chains use to extract more money.

Glasses at the big box stores will be cheaper than at an optometrist’s office but watch the details. Some charge significant fees for the lenses themselves and any needed add-ons. This can make that bargain pair of frames suddenly cost as much as those overpriced glasses at the optometrist. The big box stores accept many vision insurance programs and insurance discounts on glasses. Also, check for sales and other discounts that may be available.

Buy online
Buying prescription glasses online has been a major trend that has seriously cut into sales at traditional eye clinics. There are a few major players, some are better at certain things than others. Buying online includes the convenience of dealing with this task wherever and whenever you want. The time savings alone may make buying online your favorite option.

Buying online does come with some drawbacks. Adjustments and repairs are your responsibility. Most online glasses sites have how-tos for basic adjustments. Check the measurements of the pair of frames before purchasing to assure they will fit your face. Glasses can be purchased online with most HSA/FSA cards.

Zenni has prescription glasses starting at around $8. Some coatings and bifocal lenses come with an extra cost. Most Zenni frames are under $50, with many great styles under $20. Zenni needs your prescription to make your glasses but they don’t police the expiration date on your prescription. Zenni remembers your past orders and your prescription.

If you need to replace your glasses, just go to your account and reorder another identical pair. This feature is great if you frequently lose or break your glasses, or if you have a kid that breaks theirs. With such low prices on most glasses, you can keep a spare pair at home. Zenni has lots of tools to help you select the right pair of glasses including an online frame try-on tool. Shop Zenni for prescription glasses

39dollarglasses operates similarly to Zenni. Most basic glasses cost $39. Single-vision lenses are included. Bifocal or transition lenses cost an additional $80. They also have an option to have new lenses put into your old glasses for a fee.
Shop 39dollarglasses for prescription glasses

Coastal operates similarly to other online retailers. Glasses start at around $30 but lenses and any coatings are an additional fee. Coastal offers many of the “designer” brand frames you would find in a doctor’s office. If you have your heart set on a pair of those, this may save you some money over buying them from a doctor’s office. Shop Coastal for prescription glasses

Warby Parker frequently comes up when discussing buying glasses online. Their prices are much higher on average than Zenni. Warby Parker frames seem to be slightly better quality than the super cheap bargain glasses but on par with some of the better offerings at places like Zenni.

Warby Parker has some additional perks for the price, such as a box of frames to try on at home and retail stores in some locations. Their prices vs. a doctor’s office are still quite a bargain. Glasses start at $95 including basic lenses. Some insurance is accepted. Shop Warby Parker for prescription glasses

Buy Online From China

Buying online from China can yield some significant savings and frame selections not available from US-based online stores. Some of the more expensive offerings here are on par with high-end designer frames in quality. Aliexpress has a number of optical stores on its platform. When buying via Aliexpress, check to make sure the frames include the prescription lenses or they clearly spell out how to add lenses to your order.

Some sellers separate out the lenses from the frames in their store. Others include the standard lens option with the frames. Most sellers will have all of the selections to provide your prescription right there on the frame purchase page. Glasses marked “optical” or “prescription” will direct you to those capable of prescription lenses.

Taro Fujii offers some unique and classic Asian-style glasses. These average about $30 for frames, and $20 for base prescription lenses. This seller offers other frames in different styles at a lower price point, with some as low as $4.
Shop Taro Fujii

Hepidem specializes in high-quality acetate frame prescription glasses. They carry classic styles, designer look alike, and some cutting-edge styles. Acetate frames with single-vision prescription lenses average about $35.00. This store has a limited selection of glasses with distinctive buffalo horn temples. Add-ons like bifocals, and various tints are an additional fee.
Shop Hepidem

Esnbie offers a wide variety of glasses styles. Most start at about $20 with lenses starting at $14. If you can’t find what you want elsewhere, this seller probably has it. They also offer clip-on sunglasses that fit many of their standard frames.
Shop Esnbie

Free Prescription Glasses

If you or someone you know is a veteran, they may qualify for free eye exams and glasses through the VA. When you qualify for VA benefits some or all of your vision care may be covered. Those who already qualify for veterans’ health care should be able to get your vision exam for free. Veterans who are blind or have low vision may qualify for more advanced vision services. Veterans with the following qualifications may be able to get prescription glasses for free through the VA.

If you or someone you know is low-income or visually impaired, they may qualify for free vision services or glasses through the Lion’s Club. Contact a local Lion’s Club for more information about their vision programs.

Get A Cheap Vision Exam

Eye exams in the US average $50 to $100. They can cost more if the doctor’s office tries to add on extra services. Target, Walmart, and Costco all have “independent doctors of optometry” at their locations that have an optical department. The doctors operate independently but are bound by some of the chain’s rules and pricing.

Even these chain-affiliated doctors can vary widely in quality or ethics. Check Yelp or Google reviews for any serious complaints or problems before scheduling an appointment.

If you have not had a glasses prescription before, you will need to do an in-person eye exam. Before paying cash for an eye exam, if you don’t have vision insurance, check your main health insurance policy. Some group health insurance plans include basic vision insurance. This can reduce the price of an exam.

Warby Parker has a prescription check-up app. For $40 you use an online test to see if your current prescription is still accurate. A doctor reviews the test and writes a new prescription if needed. If you don’t need a new prescription there is no fee.
Check out the Check-Up App Here

Online Vision Test will do a recheck of your current prescription. If you have an old prescription, they can do a new exam and write a new prescription for just $12.99. They do both glasses and contacts.
Find out more at OnlineVisionTest.com

There are plenty of options to avoid the pitfalls of the eye doctor’s office. If you have found a great option we haven’t covered, let us know in the comments.