How To Save On Glasses And Still Get the Best Ones

Millions of adults and children have poor eyesight, and they require glasses to correct their vision and see the world clearly. Glasses may be a necessity for you to work, to drive, and more. If you are included in this group of individuals who need glasses to see clearly, you may be well-aware that you can easily pay $200 or more on glasses each year. You also may need to pay for the eye exam as well as contact lenses. This can dramatically increase your vision expenses. In some families, there are multiple people who wear glasses. This means that you can pay an incredibly high amount of money on glasses and vision expenses each year. If you want to know how to save on glasses, rest assured that there are several options available for you to consider.

You Can Save on Glasses If You…

When you need to know how to save on glasses, it is important to understand all of the costs associated with this. For example, you will need to pay for an annual eye exam to have your prescription updated. You will also need to buy the frames and lenses. You can learn how to save on glasses for each of these and other related expenses.

1. Buy Insurance

If you do not currently have vision insurance, you are missing out on an easy way to save money on your glasses and other related expenses. Vision insurance is generally very affordable, and it can provide you with discounts on the eye exam, frames, and lenses. If you have multiple people in your family who wear glasses, vision insurance is a veritable necessity. It will keep your eye care expenses as low as possible.

2. Shop Online

If you only plan to wear your frames around the house and do not particularly care how they look on you, you can shop online to find great prices for glasses. You can also try to find a pair of designer frames you like in local stores. Then you can look online to see if you can find them available at a lower price. In many cases, online prices for stylish designer frames are cheaper. Online retailers do not have the same overhead that e-retailers have.

3. Look for Deals Through Discount Retailers

There are some discount retailers that offer incredibly low prices on frames as well as lenses. If you want to know how to save on glasses, you should head to your local discount retailers to learn more about their prices. This may include Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club and others. Typically, these discount retailers offer full optical services in many of their stores, including low rates on eye exams, frames and the lenses for the glasses. In addition, many of them will accept your vision insurance coverage. This means that you can get an even better deal on the vision services you need through these shops.

4. Think About Group Membership Discounts

Another idea to consider if you want to know how to save on glasses is to consider the groups and associations you belong to. Make a list and review their websites carefully. You may be surprised to see that some offer vision benefits or discounts through select retailers or online websites. You may even qualify for discounts through credit unions, credit card companies, and other sources.

5. Avoid Extras You Do Not Need

When you shop for your lenses and glasses, there is a good chance that your salesperson will ask you if you want optional services or features. For example, they may offer you anti-glare lenses, scratch-resistant glass for the frames, tinted lenses and more. These all sound like great features, but you should carefully consider your need for them.

For example, if you only wear your glasses at night while watching TV in bed, you may not need any of these extra features. However, if you are prone to dropping your glasses, you may benefit from paying a few extra dollars for the scratch-resistant glass. Saying no to option services that you do not need can save you a tremendous amount of money when ordering your glasses.

6. Use Your HSA or FSA Funds

Many people have a health savings account or a flexible savings account through their workplace. But it is easy to forget about this benefit. You deposit pre-tax dollars into these accounts, and you can use the money for a wide range of health expenses. This includes all expenses related to your glasses. You may have enough money saved in your health savings account or flexible savings account to completely pay for all of your vision expenses. This means that you will not have to pay a dime out of your own pocket.

7. Re-Use Your Old Frames

One of the most significant expenses related to getting new glasses is the frames. It may be nice to update your frames periodically. However, most frames can be recycled for several years or more without issue. This is particularly true if you only wear your glasses at home, such as in the evenings after you take your contacts out. If this is the case, you may not care how the frames look. On the other hand, you may have invested in trendy designer frames last year. You can continue using them for the next year or two. By re-using your old frames, you may cut your vision expenses in half.

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8. Look for Discount Codes and Promotions

Another option to think about if you want to know how to save on glasses is to search online for discount codes and promotions before you make a purchase. Consider all of the local optical stores in your area, and look online for discounts for these retailers. Then, consider online retailers’ discount codes and online coupons. In some cases, you can purchase frames online for a discount. Then, you can use a different offer to get your lenses from a local optical shop.

9. Review Charitable Organization Options

There are many charitable organizations that offer health and vision discounts and services to individuals in need. Some may require you to qualify by having verified low income or a documented financial need. Just a few of the organizations that you may consider looking for assistance through include the Lions Club, OneSight, New Eyes for the Needy and others. By using these programs, you may qualify for discounted or free eye care.

As you can see, when you need to know how to save on glasses and related vision expenses, there are many fabulous options to consider. Through some of these options, you may not have to pay a dime out of your own pocket to get the glasses you need. In other cases, you may be able to combine ideas to maximize your savings. A smart idea is to thoroughly research and compare the options, and you might be surprised to learn how much money you can save on glasses. If you have comments or questions about how to save on glasses, please leave a message in the space provided below.