Wait! Before you continue reading this post, make sure you check out this one first. All set? Great, let’s move on.
As I am now doing TWO segments a week for the F-O-X, I’ll be posting two posts a week with the details of what we discussed on the show. Why? Because:
A. Some folks can’t watch the show (out of state, at work, not interested, hate Rupert Murdock), but still want the frugal information. And sadly, not all my segments are available on the Interwebs.
B. Some folks did watch the show, but Keith and I were dinkin’ around so much, it was hard to understand or hear what tips we were discussing.
C. I am VERY LAZY, and the notes from my segments are like pre-written blog posts. Slackers unite! Or untie! Whatever floats your boat.
And now, let’s get on with the show. And the tips – How To Save BIG On Eyeglasses
Ira Mitchell is the awesome, frugal founder of www.GlassyEyes.com. This website gives instructions on how to order your glasses online, which will save you hundreds of dollars on frames and lenses. There is also an extensive forum page, where you can ask any question you might have on the process. Plus, Ira has product reviews, and tons of discounts/coupons for your online glasses.
Ira provides these simple steps in how to get started:
Get your eyes examined by an eye doctor, so you can get an accurate prescription. Ira recommends you have this done annually. I recommend you shop around for the best rates – not all doctors charge the same, and some places jack up their prices for same-day visits. Around $100-$150 is the norm.
Get your full prescription from the doctor. As Ira says, “You paid for it. Make sure you leave with it.” The law requires doctors to give you this information – and most won’t balk at offering it up.
Get your Pupillary Distance (PD). According to Ira, this isn’t a part of your prescription by default. However, you can either ask your doctor for this measurement, or you can do it yourself. Ira even offers a step-by-step process on how to measure your PD using an old pair of glasses. You will need your PD to order glasses online.
Get your frame measurements. You can use the measurements from your old frames, if you like them. For a new look, find a pair you like at the store and write down the measurements from the frame. The measurements are usually stamped inside the temple and/or on the bridge. (Mine are on the temple.)
Find a frame. There are tons of online eyeglass vendors to choose from – and Ira has reviews, coupons, and discounts for most of them on his site. One tip while shopping? Keep in mind your frame measurements, not just the style of frame.
Choose your lens options. You can really jack up your bill here, so choose wisely. Read the forums for opinions and reviews on which options work, and which options might be unnecessary. Ira also recommends ordering a pair of prescription sunglasses. These are normally a luxury, but from online stores, you’ll pay less for sunglasses than a nice dinner out.
Place your order. Be sure to use a credit card, and not a debit card, just to be on the safe side. (If you haven’t had an issue using your debit card online, have at it. Especially if you are against using credit cards. No judgment here.)
For even more savings, Ira and participating vendors are running the Spectacle of Summer Savings – offering deals on glasses all summer long. Right now you can save 30% at Goggles4U.com, but act fast, as their stock is limited. And last – thank you, Ira, for letting me bogart your site for my segment today. You rock!
2 Comments
Disclaimer: I’m not being paid by anyone to say anything (sadly). I just wanted to say that glasseyeyes is an incredible site- I’ve been a member for over a year now. I also wanted to say that (thanks to Ira) I used an online vender to purchase glasses for both my kids, and I saved boatloads of money!
My (then) 11 yr old son was diagnosed with light sensitivity; our Dr & I discussed options, and we decided that the best option for us would be lenses that got darker in the light, instead of 2 pairs of glasses. My total bill for my son’s glasses, including the “Transitions” type- not the official Transitions, but same concept- lenses was $50. That also included UV coating that I paid $5 extra for- I figured if he was light sensitive, he would really need the extra protection offered by the coating. They all come scratch-resistant, as far as I can tell.
My 14 yr old daughter broke her glasses not too long after that, and we spent a total of about $30 for hers. We didn’t get her anything special for her lenses or anything, except for UV coating.
We used EyeBuyDirect; I love this site, and have recommended it to everyone I know. One bit of info: at least in the case of EyeBuyDirect, you don’t get the opportunity to purchase any sort of extended warranty plan or anything like that, but, as low as these prices are, it’s maybe something to think about to just buy a “backup pair” when you place your order. Also, at EyeBuyDirect, when you create your account, you can actually save your script info on the website- a very handy little feature.
Again, I’m not getting paid by anyone- I’m just a huge fan, and if I can post a comment that gets someone interested in saving boatloads of cash, then I’m all up into that. =D
I love the info on GlassyEyes.com. I was given the go-ahead to wear reading glasses all the time, since I don’t yet need “normal” glasses, and I read soooo much. I look forward to trying Ira’s web site’s deals someday.