How To Save Money On Prescription Glasses
In general, people who wear glasses pay approximately £150 per pair. Health insurance does not always cover prescription costs, but you have a variety of options that are more affordable.
When you wear the right glasses, you won’t have to squint at your TV screen or computer, even if you have a refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness. But clear vision is not inexpensive.
You can expect to pay £150 per pair for a pair of glasses if you are among the 166 million Americans who wear glasses. You may need to pay hundreds more if you choose designer frames and include upgrades such as polarized lenses and anti-glare coatings.
You may be required to pay for at least part of your prescription glasses out of pocket if your health insurance does not cover the cost.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid overspending on your next pair of glasses.
Plan before you shop
The more informed you are, the less likely you are to overspend. Check online for frames, lenses, and upgrades that are available. Bring a specific list of brands and prices to your eye appointment.
Take your prescription with you
Even better, you should not buy glasses from your optometrist. Instead, once you have had your eyes examined, take your prescription with you and compare prices.
You should be careful when purchasing eyeglasses at retail eyeglass shops. Consumer Reports readers will have to pay double or triple what they would have paid at an online retailer or discount store when they purchase from an eye doctor’s office or independent eyeglass store.
Comparison shop
It is important to try on several different brands once you have determined what lenses you need and which frame you prefer. Even if your favorite influencer wears Prada frames, they will not be noticed when they are on your face. It is likely that you will be able to find frames that are much less expensive.
Explore your insurance options
You should check your health insurance coverage before you use your credit card. You may be able to save money on glasses by having a vision plan like VSP. If you don’t know what is covered, please contact your company’s human resources department or your insurer.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It is important to keep in mind that the sticker price is not fixed. There are some retailers who will work with you to reduce the price, especially if you tell them that you found the same glasses at another store at a lower price.
Try discount and online sellers
Retailers often mark up glasses by as much as 1,000 percent. Shop online or at a discount store for the best deal.
Beware of upselling
The likelihood is that your optometrist will attempt to sell you some kind of special lens that could add a significant amount to the total cost of your glasses, such as a scratch-resistant, UV-blocking, or anti-glare lens.
When choosing a lens, consider what you require, rather than what the salesperson suggests. Most lenses today protect against ultraviolet light and have scratch resistance. There is no evidence that blue light damages your eyes, so the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend glare-reducing lenses, especially if you often drive at night. However, you may wish to purchase glare-reducing lenses.
