Tips on buying eyeglasses for first time?

Need to buy prescription eyeglasses for the first time. Any tips on how not to get ripped off by paying too much? Are there options I really shouldn't waste money on (anti-glare, etc.)? Any tips for good prices? Sams Club?

Zenni.com !!

I've been buying from them for years. The frames are just like the super-overpriced ones at the opticians. Just make sure to go to an opthamologist first, for an accurate prescription. The website will ask you for this info.
My eyes are TERRIBLE, and require very hi index lenses. I literally have saved hundreds of dollars with ZENNI, and no complaints, so far.
Just try on frames anywhere, and then look for comparable ones on the website. You want to make sure that they're comfortable.

Updated On: 8/18/14 at 06:26 PM

Go to an opticians?

I've been very happy with Lenscrafters. If there is one in your area, they usually have an optometrist in-house and their prices are significantly lower than a private optometrist or ophthalmologist.

(If you need a fancier doctor or don't trust a discount house, you can go to your doctor and simply ask for a prescription instead of buying your glasses though him/her. Then take the prescription to Lenscrafters and make use of their lower prices.)

Whenever possible, Lenscrafters will also make simple repairs to your glasses (even if you didn't buy from them, but they probably don't want me to advertise that).

I've been wearing glasses during all waking hours for 50 years now (and I am legally blind without them). So like Mister Matt, I do have some experience on the subject. (Matt's suggestions re style are excellent, but let me add that the shape of your frames will depend on the shape of your face.)

"Like heavy lenses, bulky heavy frames can also cause pain behind the ears or on the bridge of your nose."

This bears repeating. If you are going to wear your glasses for long periods of time, take this into consideration.

Over the past few years, there's been a fad called "Geek chic" where the glasses were square, "nerd" type glasses. I bought a pair, and they are so heavy on the face.

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I get my glasses at Zenni, too! I bought two pairs, one $6.99 with no add-ons, one $9.99 and added anti-glare. I really just planned to test the quality before buying a more expensive pair. I have worn the $9.99 pair for over a year now and they are absolutely perfect. I have never had a pair last this long without scratching. I love that they have the same frames, which I really like, in different colors. I planned on ordering more, but these are so great, I just never got around to it. I want to get a pair of prescription sunglasses next. You can afford to buy MANY pairs and just switch them out to match outfits. I also like that you can email them a copy of your prescription and they will double check it before making the glasses. I recommend them to anyone who wears glasses.

For those interested:
Go to any eye doctor and tell them you just need your prescription up front. The exam is usually around $50. Some may tell you that you have to order glasses from them, but legally, they have to give it to you. Friends have found that telling them you are just there for the prescription helps. I like to try on some frames there and write down the numbers on the ones I like, so I have an idea what to aim for as far as size. Bridge width and temple width are really important. You want something comfortable on your nose and that will fit the width of your face, so writing down the best fit in the store makes shopping online much more foolproof. Then go to Zenni.com, upload a picture of yourself and virtually try on the frames. Then you just plug in your prescription. It's really simple.

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Updated On: 8/20/14 at 01:24 AM

I buy mine at Costco. I have a complex prescription (bi-focal, astigmatism) and paid $246 a few weeks ago (frame was $79). That's about half of what I paid at an optical store 4 years ago. I can't imagine buying glasses online, without trying them on and having optician adjust the lenses according to my measurements.

And what I like about Costco is that the frames are out in the open and I can try them on to my heart's content without having an annoying salesman pressuring me into buying expensive frames with bells and whistles.

I have a simple prescription so I can use one of the two "included" lens options. $6.95 is the cheapest frame they have and include the two thinner lens options. My problem is astigmatism and the weighted contact lenses give me headaches. I like my glasses. If you have a simple prescription, you can get glasses at a steal. I chose one pair of metal frames and one plastic they are cute and stylish and rectangular, which works on my big oval head. lol

So, yes. $28 for two complete pairs, one with anti-reflective coating, tax and shipping.

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Updated On: 8/20/14 at 01:40 PM

Using the virtual "try on glasses" function here is an approximation of what the glasses that I choose look on my face. Did I make an okay choice for the shape of my face? You won't hurt my feelings... I can always return them and exchange them.

I agree. Well done!