This is one area where I prefer to spend my money local. I have 2 friends who are optometrists and they have extremely talented opticians who have found frames for me that really work with my face and Rx. Plus I can always stop in for tightening, adjustments or just a good cleaning.
I imagine the margin on glasses helps support their medical practice, which I am happy to do, since I would not want to have to use a chain optometrist.
Yes, glasses are expensive, but they are custom made for you and they are (usually) something you wear everyday. TO me it is worth spending as much or more than I spend on a handbag or coat that does not get as much use.
For readers or a spare pair, maybe I’d do online. Just my two cents
The above companies mentioned all have good reputations when I did my research last year. I bought my last frames online- with the size specs that suited including the distance from top to bottom of the lens. The first time there was an obvious scratch that took a bit of time to replace due to weather shutting down the ordering office near Seattle that week. I chose to go with my local office for the lenses (they did not offer my preferred frames and the ones I chose were good quality) because I wanted Crizal brand and other upscale (not the highest) features.
I have had glasses since age 6 (think blue sparkles plastic frames). I find frames I like and they get discontinued! Would keep the same ones again and again. I developed a nickel allergy and dicovered that gold titanium frames have too much nickel in them (frames always manage to hit part of my cheek, side)- fair, dark blonde hair so black not my thing.
I am tired of glasses sold for fashion over function. At least the super narrow styles are out now- I can’t imagine enough room for my progressives with my reading and distance functions!
Think about the style- many online places for advice. Think about the material- plastic versus metal, hinge flexibility, nosepiece style and adjustability. Sizes are another thing. Even in the local eye doctor’s (MD/OD) office they can’t order all of the desired features in all sizes. Higher price merely means fashion, not quality.
btw- you can stop in many places for tightening, new nose pads with no charges- not a big deal.
I would get a new eye exam rather than using a one year old prescription because your aging eyes may have changed recently. CC parents are of an age where those changes are occuring! If you already have expensive progressives you don’t want an outdated Rx.
Physician here. Remember that your eye exam includes not only the refraction but an exam of the whole eye, including the retina, pressure et al. Frankly, for the refraction those bigger places may have better equipment than the small/solo office with the good ophthalmologist.
So much easier for those younger with simple, basic needs. I’m waiting for eventual cataract surgery with lens implants so I can see the numbers on my bedside alarm clock… Those of you who can say “what big E?” on the eye chart know what I’m talking about.