Cheap Eye Exam in Charlottesville?

Colleges & Universities University of Virginia
1

<p>Yea, totally unrelated to academics, but I don’t know whom to ask. What is a place in Charlottesville with cheap eye exam and is accessible by buses (I haven’t learned the bus system yet, but will try!)? Since my glasses are not strong enough for me to see the board, I’m thinking of getting a new (cheap) eye prescription and then order frames and lenses online so that I don’t pay exorbitant prices.</p>

<p>The UVa health insurance card I got was sent to my home, but I probably can use the temporary printed paper card.</p>

2

<p>I would first ask student health - even if they do not do them, they probably have recommendations. Then, I would also say that there is a glasses place over at Barrack’s Rd (accessible by bus, “Northline” I think?) and they will fix things for free (like one of my screws fell out and they fixed it for free for me). I love the South (that would have cost you in Philly!).</p>

3

<p>^Do I go to the lady at the front desk to ask that question? </p>

<p>I just want to make sure I ask the right person since the last two times I was there, the people there felt a bit intimidating…</p>

4

<p>You can just call in if you don’t want to go in person!</p>

5

<p>VisionWorks, the place in Barracks Road, is an optician. You can get prescriptions filled there but they can’t do eye exams.</p>

6

<p>No it’s a different place, the Spectacle Shop I think. It’s behind Barrack’s near the parking hq on millmont ave.</p>

7

<p>The Spectacle Shop is an optician too. Unlike VisionWorks, they are local rather than part of a chain. But they might have an optometrist next door. If so, that would be easily reachable by bus.</p>

8

<p>Ah, thank you.</p>

<p>Do you know which one is cheaper and more accommodating about filling in descriptions so that I can buy them online (I’m thinking of asking for my pupillary distance)? Since they are running their own glasses shops, they may not like me buying glasses elsewhere.</p>

<p>If either place has cheap glasses, I may buy there instead. I checked the VisionWorks website, and they have a coupon for a 50% discount off one complete glasses.</p>

9

<p>I am a physician but not an ophthalmologist. However, when my vision started to change while I was still in school, I often would use the glasses sold at the drugstore temporarily when I had neither the time or the money to get my prescription updated. I would not tell my optometrist. However, recently I finally asked what he thought of the over the counter glasses. He said they caused no problems, were not harmful for the eyes, and in a pinch would be a good option. They do not lead to a deterioration in vision. He said that if you can see better with them, use them for the time being. Most are for those far-sighted, so you may have to visit a few places to find one that includes those for near-sighted folks.</p>

<p>That is my 2 cents. For the time being, you could give it a try.</p>