Where To Buy Your Next Glasses | Optician Advice

Online, chain store or independent? Where should you buy your next set of glasses? In this video I take you through 4 factors that commonly influence where people buy their glasses. I'll give a professional perspective that will give you the confidence in your next prescription eyewear purchase.
Topics Include:
Cost
Frame Selection
Turn-Around
Insurance
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Camera: Panasonic Lumix LX100 (new version): amzn.to/2S5o4ly
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Lights: Limo Photo Studio: amzn.to/2xEE3xW
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[@lindcobbs4615]

I have medicare and medicaid and every time I visit an independent eye glass shop they break out a shoe box not even half full of mostly outdated and very unattractive eyeglasses. Not to mention most chain stores don't accept my kind of insurance. I opted to purchase my eyeglasses online and so glad I did. Online eye ware is much more affordable, especially for people on a tight budget or low income and they have an array of choices you can't find in local chain stores without having to take out a loan to get what you really want and need.

[@skywalker7611]

I have the same situation. I just went to buy glasses at Shopko and they want to charge me over $600. and that's with 40% off. Where online did you shop, if you don't mind sharing ?...

[@hellok1ttyluver]

@Jay Reel this is so spot on . Greedy assholes especially since these stores mark crap up over 90%. I have a certain amount of vision benefit every year but good luck finding someone to accept it . I am going to start ordering online also.

[@mitty2575]

There is really no such thing a vision medical insurance plan… whether is public or private, eye exams and prescription glasses won’t be covered. I use to spend $10-20 per month in a vision plan and all that gave me was a discount for glasses and I ended up still spending money regardless… so i stopped taking vision plans. I’ve been going to an independent dr for my vision for over 20yrs.

[@marilynmoney2771]

You gave better information!

[@crypticmoni]

I will always choose $1 over $5 coffee or any drink

[@EyeInfluence]

I love my less than $1 coffee that I make at home using coffee bean I purchased from Costco. Can't beat .50 cents a cup haha

[@BrianJacobi6969]

Ugh!!!! Bro, get to the point!!

[@RTEK4]

Bruh shut the video off

[@marilynmoney2771]

We agree he repeats himself

[@lexbeltran1354]

Nice explanation and presentation. You explained everything very clearly. I'm getting an exam this Monday

[@KisDraga]

Are there any online stores you recommend? My eye doctor (independent shop) warned zenni frames are very poor quality and often mess up peoples RX...When I looked it up I read online RX are almost 50% wrong... I've also read that online eyeline measurements are often off because they only take one measurement whereas the eye doctors need to measure vertical and horizontal. I don't have a strong RX (I do have astigmatism) but I dont want to mess up my vision with a simple mistake. I need two pairs (everyday and reading/ computer) My doctors frames start at around $400 and the lenses were quoted at $180/ each. Putting down $1200 is pretty brutal...I'm going to go back to look deeper into their selection this week..... If I do need to throw down several hundred dollars I want to make sure I feel confident about the frame and look...but I want to make sure I consider EVERYTHING (the docs shop as well as online options)... but would love to hear your thoughts on the caution thats out there regarding online prescriptions.

[@savystylist8051]

Could anyone give me their best advice on where to go if I bought my frames online, but still need my first exam / prescription... & lens purchase/ install. I know I did the process backward, but I couldnt pass up the great deal on the frames. I heard that Walmart & Costco MIGHT still allow you to bring in your own frames ( brand new, not old). I dont have vision insurance. I recently heard of "America's Best " &the 2pr deal with free exam. I wonder if that would be a good way to save money because all I need is the lenses anyway. Thank you for ur time :)

[@superdave292]

$20 frame lasts you one year. $200 frame lasts you two years or even three years when you have a new prescription. How much would you pay for a frame?

[@SoraTsukiyomi203]

Hey, I really like your videos as they feel really informative and professional. Lately I've been looking into getting computer glasses as I spend almost all day looking at my phone or my computer. The place I usually go to recommended Eyezen+. I was wondering what your thoughts on those lenses are as opposed to something like what Felix Gray or Gunnar offers. Edit: I just wanted to add that I would be getting prescription lenses that are fairly strong when I buy the computer glasses.

[@EyeInfluence]

When it comes to prescription options, especially high prescription I suggest getting the glasses made with opticians. They are more familiar with how to handle those lenses. As for lens coatings, look into the Shamir Blue Zero. Is a great, colorless lens by a highly respected lens maker.

[@SoraTsukiyomi203]

Thanks! I really appreciate the quick response. I'll look into Shamir Blue Zero. I just had trouble deciding what's a good company to go with because even though I went to the same optician as always, it felt like this time around he was trying to sell a product to me the way a car salesman would try to sell a car, so I couldn't really tell from just his word whether or not Eyezen+ was the best option or not. I'm still considering Eyezen+, but I'll definitely see how Shamir Blue Zero compares to it. Edit: After looking into it, it looks like Eyezen+ is actually a lens rather than a coating? I'm not quite sure. While Shamir Blue Zero seems to be a good coating and they offer their own types of lenses as well. So at this point I'm wondering can you do something like get Shamir Blue Zero on Eyezen+ lenses?

[@EyeInfluence]

Yup, you are correct. Eyezen is like a low powered progressive. There is a little magnification at the bottom of the lens. The lens alone filter 20% of blue light and you can add Shamir Blue Zero to block out much more than that. Add both to make a great set of lenses. Eyezen, made by the same company that makes Crizal coatings, has their own blue light coating called Precencia. I’m not a big fan of it because it has too much pink color on it. Blue Zero claims to be virtually clear so I’d suggest giving that a try better.

[@SoraTsukiyomi203]

Thanks :D That seems like what I'll probably go with. It seems like a good combo. I have Crizal coating on my glasses that I use outside my house along with a transition coating (as for exactly what they do for that, I'm not sure) and I have to say that I love them. Really appreciate your input as it has helped me finally reach a decision after looking for computer glasses and researching them for the past 2 months.

[@EyeInfluence]

Just as an added bonus, all Transitions lenses block blue light. :). I heard it directly from the representative of the company. The reason they don’t promote that is it’s not a new product and it wouldn’t bring them any added revenue like creating a “new” product would. So it’s good to know your eyes have been getting blue light filtering for a while then.

[@_therealzk]

I agree doctors and your local place maybe good for health and quality name brands. BUT if you buy glasses year after year and you know your prescription and PD. Places like Warby Parker and Zenni offer quality frames and lens. For $100 you could buy similar quality as your name brand for $500. I have paid $600 at my doctors office before and after knowing how to buy online, I regret every penny. Brands are honestly not what they use to be.

[@Dwaine888]

good advice and great beard

[@melissaharris30]

Most Luxottica retailers are now taking VSP, but also they're taking out a lot of their labs from stores.

[@EyeInfluence]

Interesting that they are taking out the labs. VSP at LensCrafters? I doubt you get your full benefit. Places like Costco have been claiming they take VSP but when you look close at the number you see that they are really just submitting out of network claims. Maybe LensCrafters is doing the same. I’ll look into it. Thanks for the info. :)

[@melissaharris30]

LensCrafters is out of network with VSP, but Pearle Vision, Target, and some other Luxottica chains are in network. Yeah, they are taking out labs. In my state, there's one LC left with a lab still and the other ones all have a central lab that provides lenses/frames. 😁

[@EyeInfluence]

Thanks for the info. really appreciate it.

[@melissaharris30]

No problem! I love your channel and you're pretty informative. 😁

[@kennethsouthard6042]

@@EyeInfluence I thought Luxottica owns VSP

[@IvyANguyen]

Is it safe to buy online if you already saw your ophthalmologist at a place that does a lot of eye care like Wills Eye in Philly & have your Rx straight from them?

[@EyeInfluence]

Yes. that prescription, as long as it's current, will do just fine.

[@IvyANguyen]

@@EyeInfluence Do you have a video on add-ons that can be confusing to sort through the options? Different variants of Transitions and filtering, coating. Given that some of these can run north of $150 each, it's good to know which we really should invest in and where the law of diminishing returns comes into play.

[@tonjahooper1502]

I got my glasses on line and they do fine

[@spacecatboy2962]

if you dont have glasses, can you do a test on the computer to know what to get

[@otiebrown9999]

On Line. Good.

[@davidhobbins3636]

I'm 41 and finally have to get glasses, and start out with the most expensive type, Transitions, because I need them for reading, midrange computer screens and distance. Man, the sticker shock! The sale sign that says 2 pair for $89 is just for walking in the door.

[@EyeInfluence]

Maybe you mean Progressives? Those are for multiple focal ranges. Yes, those can get pretty pricey.

[@davidhobbins3636]

Yes, Progressives. All these fancy words, lol!

[@cappzap]

i've heard that purchasing glasses online is risky because creating prescription lenses can be a delicate process that can be messed up without an optometrist. are most widely known websites generally reputable with their lenses (the website i'm looking at uses crizal coating) or is it always superior to buy lenses from an optometrist in that respect?

[@danielch6662]

Go to an independent store. Ask how much they charge to do an eye exam and write you a prescription but not buy anything. Alternatively, it is possible to do this at some eye hospitals. Make sure it is done by an optometrist rather than an opthalmologist. You don't want a consult, don't need one, and don't want to pay for one. All you need is somebody with an eyechart and a set of trial lenses, or an optometer.

[@FantazmagoricalOne]

Glasses USA is great for me. They have great service and TRY ON services too. Decent prices. I truly do like them. My doctors office...WAY expensive. Used my prescription on Glasses USA site. I can see great out of my glasses. I wear rimless. Really unique glasses!

[@Detroit-gx5nd]

Plus you can use your VSP insurance if you file a claim

[@yanosy01]

Made my glasses in 6 days - then they were “lost” by shipping - but did not admit to them being lost for 9 days

[@jumarelrichie1127]

Ive been to Wal-Mart vision but not target optical. How is target optical.

[@EyeInfluence]

When it comes to customer experience, what matters most is who you work with. The Optician makes all the difference.

[@culinarykid92]

So my eye doctor has trashed me using Zenni (or any online retailer) due to "a not very good quality" pair of glasses. However, I've noticed that the glasses selection is better online and the vision with them on is as good as a store. I've even tried glasses without and with the premium coating and noticed I don't notice a difference. I have not however tried removing antireflective coating, and have no intention to do so. As for insurance, my work allows me to get VSP for less than $130 a year. But I still paid $70 for my glasses. But with Zenni, I paid $60 for blue blocking glasses and $80 for their premium coating on photochromatic glasses. Both seemed as good at far cheaper prices as the Crizal Prevencia for my local optometrist and Transitions I got through Lenscrafters, respectively.

[@EyeInfluence]

There are many online options these days, many of which are improving their frame selection and lens coatings. For some, the quality difference with frames and coatings may not be too noticeable, while for other it's a huge difference. It's not fair to make a general state against all online retailers because there are good and bad options online as well as good and bad options with brick and mortar stores. I'm a firm believer that the optician makes the difference. A good optician will take a patient's specific lifestyle, visual demands and routines into consideration and fit them with the best glasses based on that information. I've made glasses that cost over $1,000 and plenty that were $0 after insurance. In both cases I've had people say those glasses were the best they ever had. Not because of what they paid, but because the glasses were tailored to their needs. Find the place that does that for you and you'll be fine.

[@culinarykid92]

@@EyeInfluence Yeah, well I like my optometrist as he is very good at his work. And he is a straight shooter when I ask a question (like no contacts because my left eye is way too sensitive and bad). He just isn't very glasses knowledgeable. That or he wants to make money, as glasses sold on site are a huge revenue source. The Opticians there are much more knowledgeable about glasses and are reasonable. Just financially, Zenni works best for me, but I would use an in person solution if my prescription changed drastically or the quality of Zenni went down.

[@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana]

Your eye doctor is just afraid of the competition. I used to edit papers for Ruby Huang, from Taiwan. She told me that when she needs new glasses, she has to go back to Taiwan. The quality of American glasses just is not good enough.

[@karenl.1695]

Zenni sent me a new pair of eyeglasses but wrong RX. they hired foreign workers lately. Never do with Zenni again.

[@markglenn24]

After all that I'm still having alot of trouble figuring out where to buy from ? Wheres can you get a good deal locally or online on some top of the line progressive lens with Premium AR like Crizal Sapphire , Zeiss Pure Coat , Shamir Glacier ? Don't want to pay Lencrafters prices 1k plus for me. Is there a way to make VSP save you on premium glasses ?

[@EyeInfluence]

Eyeconic is actually owned by VSP. You can use your benefits on their website and have access to all your benefits, plus, a great selection of frames. That may be a good choice for you if you want the convenience of online shopping with the savings of vision insurance. check them out www.eyeconic.com/how-to-apply-insurance-benefits

[@mikhailmamontov2155]

I buy spare eyeglasses online for low price, but good ones from an independent store where I get an excellent service.

[@davidauld9489]

Just been to Vision express for the second time I purchase Hugo Boss varifocals last time in 2019 not impressed with their frame the Hugo logo faded quickly the frame was plastic and not a strong as I expected I complained and I got another test and they tried to sell me new ones the assistant in Silverburn Glasgow tried to hard sell I asked for my prescription and also had to return to get it signed as it wasn’t signed . Totally disappointed with this seller expected a free or low cost repair.Nothing offered and said they couldn’t when I asked.

[@rcalzadilla]

Somehow I get similar feelings when considering a dentist, buying eye glasses, a cell phone, buying a new or usef car, a shaver, toothbrushes, toilet paper, chicken at the supermarket, the list goes on ad infinitum....... But your presentation is very nice, thanks.

[@EyeInfluence]

Here to serve. Thanks for your kind words.

[@vapeking466]

So are you saying I do not have to buy glasses from my eye doctor? I can just go to lens crafters after seeing the doc? I do have insurance and I am using a network provider at least this time anyway. Do lens crafters have thier own doctors?

[@EyeInfluence]

Technically you glasses and contacts prescription are universal and can be filled anywhere. Legally, in the US, your eye doctor has to give you a copy of your prescription for you to take. You can certainly take it to LensCrafters. :)

[@ginni333]

The best price on eyewear is online. The brick & mortar chain retailers are more expensive for the same thing. I just get my rx from americas best for $89 & get my glasses online.

[@EyeInfluence]

@@ginni333 You are right. Part of what you pay for at your local store is the knowledge and experience of the Optician that helps with your order. Some people build a relationship with their Optician and they are willing to pay for the experience. The good thing is that the consumer has the choice. Everyone gets what they want. :)

[@jigataalli4583]

Ginni Terhune. Where online

[@lexbeltran1354]

@@jigataalli4583 Zenni, eyebuydirect, firmoo,

[@redciroc1211]

I'm looking to buy a pair of Cazal 6020 and get some real good quality pricey lenses im willing to pay the price,I found a place in Beachwood Ohio

[@drefen21]

I want to like your explanation of the difference in quality which may or may not be negligible , because the points that you are making in the beginning just sound like good marketing. iPhones for example are quality products but so is every other premium phone and t uh e iPhone 11 is really an optimal quality and cost while the pro and Max are overkill and expensive, and except for a few ppl are completely unnecessary for the added cost because you get 95-97% of the everything you want in the iPhone 11. It's like buying GUCCI are you really paying for quality after a certain point?

[@EyeInfluence]

I agree. I only used iPhone as an example because my audience is mostly based in the US and apple has a huge market share of the smartphone market. You're not the first one to bring up this point so I'll make the comparison different on the next video touching on this topic. You are correct, within a category there is very little quality difference. For example, Lenscrafters and Pearl Vision will be the exact same quality level. In fact, they are owned by the same company. Costco and Walmart are in the same category and in the same way most optical stores fall into the same category. so within their category there will be little to no difference. Now, between Walmart and a boutique optical store there will be a noticeable difference. not just in the frame offerings but also in the lens quality. Retail stores offer customer roughly 30-50 lens options. Private optical stores have access to nearly 3,000 lens options. that is not an exaggeration. I hope this helps a bit. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@embracethesuck1041]

I've never been in a situation where VSP saves me money. Everyone just kills their discounts to make up for the loss.

[@gretchenburton7184]

Yes. My insurance was so disappointing. The optician was rude and dishonest. My share of cost was $152 for a pair of generic cheap glass frames. I asked if they had any frames made in italy, she said most are made in China. I went back later and found a section of frames which were all made in italy. The doctor was so nice but her optician rude deceptive and horrible.

[@cheese5851]

I don’t have insurance. I had to pay 540$ outta pocket for my exam/prescription and frames. The bulk of the price was the frames, fortunately Vision Works had a bogo deal. I feel like it was money well spent, and I got very nice/stylish first time frames . I’m excited for them to come in so I can see clearly.

[@nlindste]

I have vsp and they actually are encouraging customers to go to eyeconic.com.

[@julio85019]

Nicholas Lindstedt just bought some on there yesterday. Also with vsp

[@estoylisto]

I'm in mid 30s and needed glasses for the first time.... I thought vision is priceless so I decided buy what I like and the fastest I can get ...went to one of the big stores (although I have excellent health insurance, I didn't cover for glasses)..paid about 450$ after discount.... unfortunately, I found that my glasses are annoying...I can see my daughter in the back seat in the reflection of my glasses when I drive ... went back to the shop and they can't fix that (they said the glasses has anti-glare coating that all they can do)... now I can't use my old sun glasses and prescription one is expensive...I'm ordering a photochromatic prescription lenses with anti-glare and anti-blue ray for less than 30$ ... I'll see about the quality when I get it ..however I know my expensive glasses quality isn't satisfying enough

[@user-kp3ib5jd2p]

Soooo ... how goes it ? Are you happy now !? Five months already 🤣 let me know

[@sarkerm2]

Look up Luxottica. All major retailers, doctors and even insurance is owned by them. Because of their monopoly they can charge whatever they want. Go to Costco and get yourself a pair for $100.

[@EyeInfluence]

Not that cut and dry. It’s like saying Microsoft owns Apple and every other computer maker. Yes, they are dominant to say the least, but there are other options. In regards to Costco, their lenses are just ok. They are the value option but there is a clear difference between their product options and high end lens options.

[@lexbeltran1354]

Costco is one of the places I would avoid

[@EyeInfluence]

@@lexbeltran1354 I love their pizza, the glasses... I wouldn't send my mother their to get glasses. :)

[@redciroc1211]

I have Caresource and my eye glasses are always very very very cheap and crappy,I'll just pay out of pocket

[@3cardmonty602]

I’m poor and my glasses broke. Where can the poor and destitute go?

[@marilynmoney2771]

Wow lots of talking till the point We go to the same cool Dr Collins in NH He does the exam Frame selection Or Contacts Btw you get what you pay for Inexpensive are all plastic Costco only. Increased 14 percent We get it you keep repeating The same thing

[@kennethbutzer9165]

Holy Hell dude! All I want is a straight forward answer on how to get the best deal on glasses, not a dissertation on how to use the biggest words you can think of to sound smarter! I could've slept eight hours in the time it took you to say what ever the hell it was you where saying!!

[@DonaldsonClan]

You lost me at Apple is the best phone...

[@malbicho2135]

There are soooo many fallacies in his presentation lmao

[@marilynmoney2771]

Are YOU AN OPTICIAN? WHY DOES YOUR TITLE SAY THAT? WELL ITS A LITTLE MISLEADING

[@hdcreyes]

iPhone is the worst possible example. It should not be used as a standard of quality. Just saying..