For those of us out there who have to wear glasses or contacts on a daily basis, we know how important it is to have our eyes checked regularly. But with the increasing prices of gas, food and everyday items, how can one afford to take care of their eyes? Well, I will show you some of the best places to get a great eye exam and purchase glasses and contacts so that you can afford to keep your eyes in good health.
First, the best place we have found to have an eye exam for both contact and eyeglasses or just have your eyes checked, is Costco. Most Costco’s have an independent optometrist who does eye exams for a cheaper cost, but without loosing what you need. Generally the exams for eyeglasses will run you anywhere from $45 and $75 dollars if you want contacts. You do not need to have a Costco card to be able to have an exam there, but if you want to purchase eyeglasses you will need a Costco membership card, which you can get a one day pass to purchase glasses or contacts on the day of your exam to do so. Both my husband and I were able to get glasses for under $150 but they could cost you more if you want fancier frames. They don’t have the best selection, but if you want something basic then you could most likely find something there. Go to Costco.com and find a location near you to schedule an appointment.
Another place to get an eye exam for a decent price is America’s Best Contact and Eye Glasses. Generally you can get the eye exam for free with two pairs of eyeglasses for $69.99 but the cost of lenses is not in that price. Additionally if you want a contact eye exam, it would be in addition to the price but they are not much higher then Costco. They also have an eye-care club that is meant to save you money on eye exams. For a small fee you can get free eye exams, free glaucoma and dilation tests, and discount on eyeglasses and contacts for up to five years. They have a large selection of frames from you to choose but they are not located in every state so you may not have one near you. You can visit their website at twopair.com.
Some Wal-Marts have optical departments in which you can get a good pair of glasses and contacts with an eye exam for a decent price. Though lately I have heard some bad reviews, but I believe this depends upon which location you go to. They also have a pretty good selection of frames to choose from so you could easily find a pair that you like.
If you already had an eye exam in the last year and are looking for a replacement pair of frames, second pair, or contacts you could try ordering online. The best I have found in this case are Zenni Optical, Glasses for Less or Goggles for You in which you could get frames and lenses for about 25-75 percent of the cost that you would at your local eye store. For Contacts, you could try the infamous 1-800-CONTACTS, Discount Contact Lenses, or Brand Name Contacts. If you are going to be ordering online, you will need your current prescription that is not outdated and for glasses you will need your p.d. (pupil distance). Also, something I would recommend if you are wanting to order online and not in store, go to a local eye glass seller such as Lenscrafters and try on a few frames to see what you like then go online to find the frames that you want.
It’s easy to find a way to be able to afford and take care of your eyes if you are willing to spend a little work and research. I’m sure there are lots of places locally in areas that offer some of the same deals as the above retailers, all it would take is a little phone call to check their prices. Also, sometimes some of the bigger eye glass chains have coupons out in the Sunday newspapers for discount lenses and frames, which could save you even more if you are looking to have your eyes exam there.
