[cooper83]

Just had an eye exam for the first time in nearly 9 years. Last time I was there I had better than 20/20 vision. This time around...I need glasses! Bit of a shock, but glad I didn't wait another decade before my vision gets worse. So...

Where's the best place in terms of bang-for-your-buck? My girlfriend goes to Walmart; do they carry the latest styles? I'm thinking of the "geek chic" thick-framed, rectagular plastic frames.

I don't need to wear them all the time, just in front of a computer or TV screen, driving at night, etc.

I hope to go shopping tomorrow, any tips are greatly appreciated.

I tried to revive the following thread from the archives - is everything still relevant today? http://digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16528

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

Actually, I've become a huge fan of Clearly Contacts. I've bought a few pairs of glasses from them (I have for having more than a few pairs of sunglasses/eyeglasses and watches). Return policy is excellent and prices are great. The one catch is you can't see what they look like on you until you've bought them.

You're in for sticker shock when you start looking at glasses. Lenses can be really expensive. When you find something you really like, see if you can find it at a place like Clearly Contacts online and save yourself a whack of money.

 

[BCScott]

I currently have 5 pairs of glasses from Clearly Contacts, 1 pair from Zenni, and 2 pairs of prescription sunglasses from Globaleyeglasses. All have been very good and the 8 pairs cost far less than the $750 quoted for 1 pair of single vision glasses from my local optician. My wife has a pair from Clearly and my son has 2 pairs. I've had 1 pair need repairs and 1 pair that was hideous. Both times, Clearly Contacts emailed a return slip and the broken ones were replaced, the ugly ones refunded. You don't even have to pay until you receive them and are happy. "tellafriend" in the coupon code section should get you a 20% discount.

 

[wprager]

Someone at work recently got glasses from eyebuydirect.com. Prices are unreal (in the $20s). I'm seriously considering getting a backup pair from them.

 

[mr weather]

If you're a Costco member their prescription eyewear is competitively priced.

I've been wearing glasses for over 25 years so you don't have to tell me about how expensive they can be!

 

[dogbolter]

+1 for clearlycontacts

They always have promos for discounted and even "free" glasses. (free glasses usually end up costing you around $30) You just missed the Vancouver free promotion with Toronto and Ottawa coming up. These things are quite regular.

Check their American sister site coastalcontacts as the prices are sometimes cheaper but they still ship from Vancouver.

Check the forums at redflagdeals for the current promotions (and other eyeglass places) or Facebook them for coupon codes.

 

[Tom.F.1]

My wife and I got ours at Costco and thought we did OK.
Recently found out CAA Members get 30% off at Lenscrafters.

 

[rpr]

30% off Lenscrafters is still 60% too much. My last pair was from Zenni, next ones will be from Clearly Contacts.

 

[Proteosome]

I was doing some quick research on glasses at clearly contacts and the prices seem ridiculously cheap.

I do have a question though. I need a high refraction index lens due to my poor eyesight. However, these lenses tend to have a lot of chromatic aberrations that reduce the performance, especially for cheaper lenses. Does anyone know if clearly contacts offer higher quality lenses - preferably glass?

 

[cooper83]

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks BCScott for the coupon code. Unfortunately the list of coupon-exempt frames seem to be their entire inventory!

I made my rounds yesterday, found some frames I really like, and Lenscrafters had the best price locally. Checking online at ClearlyContacts, they're not available there.

On the other hand, my benefits package covers vision care for X amount every two years, so I don't think I need to worry about price as much as I initially thought.

I realized when I got home that the frames I like the best are actually a women's model! The optician didn't tell me that when I was trying them on. Other than a bit of colour on the inside frame, they look exactly like the men's/unisex models. I don't want women's glasses, but I suppose nobody will know

 

[mr weather]

Don't ask don't tell!

I got my last pair through Lenscrafters. I have coverage through my employer so the out-of-pocket wasn't too bad. Plus, the parent company of Lenscrafters is a client of my employer so we get a good discount already.

 

[TECHNOKID]

Very interestin thread, keep the comments coming. I never wore glasses except for simple reading glasses. After my latest eye exam, I was proposed glasses for ALL reading (books), reading (on the computer) along with driving. I almost pulled the trigger at COSTCO. I was really glad when I first read that post on the day it came out since our company insurance doesn't cover the glasses but only the eye exam

I find this a little puzzleing buying glasses online but if their return policy garantees satisfaction, heck why not Anyone has any bad comments on Clearly contacts?

 

[cooper83]

Went back to LensCrafters today, tried the frames I picked out last week and decided to go with something else. The guy helping me "accidentally" gave me a bigger discount than what was advertised, so the whole thing with tax + extended service plan came to $405.

Being a first-time four-eyes, I'm glad to go with a local store just in case I need help with adjustments or repairs, but I can definitely see myself using ClearlyContacts.ca for my next pair.

Thanks again for everyone's advice

 

[dogbolter]

Congrats on the new purchase. It is always nice to have full service when purchasing an unfamiliar product.

Now that you know what you are looking for, and if you are thinking of ordering from any of the on-line retailers in the future, just make sure you keep a copy of your prescription. Many retail places keep it for their records and so you have to go back to them for your next pair of glasses. Also, ask for your PD. This is the distance between your pupils. Easy enough to measure yourself but better to have the professional measurement.

You will need both your prescription and your PD to order on-line.

 

[TrevorBenster]

This place Glasses Vancouver has a large selection of glasses. The "geek chic" look you want will probably be found there. Price wise dunno lol