Recommend place to get eyeglasses prescription filled?

[padmaster]

I had my eye exam done at The Eye Center several years back and was very pleased. I had originally gone in for contacts but then decided later to get glasses. The Eye Center gladly gave me my prescription. For whatever reason I didn't want to get the glasses there (I guess I thought they would be super expensive) and decided to go to Lens Crafters on University. BIG MISTAKE!!!! I'll just say I will never go to Lens Crafters again!!!! My wife and I are members of Costco and have discussed getting our eyes checked there but just haven't gotten around to it yet. I have heard rumors they are a little picky about what insurance they will accept.

[cnygreek]

Originally Posted by padmaster

I have heard rumors they are a little picky about what insurance they will accept.

I have VSP insurance and Costco took it no problem and handled all the insurance stuff right there.

[cnygreek]

Originally Posted by Emptynester1

Thanks Cyngreek for reminding me, as I am in a new location and will need to fill a prescription this week.

No problemo. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about an unknown like Costco handling my glasses. But then it dawned on me that my eye doctor does all the really hard work. From there it just comes down to manufacturing and Costco wouldn't align themselves with a bad supplier.

So, I took a chance and had an awesome experience.

My first pair of progressive lens I got from my optician and I think for the frames and glasses I spent like 900 bucks. I spent a fraction of that at Costco and there is no difference in quality between the two.

Now, the only real downside with Costco is that you won't get the infinite number of lens and coating options that your optician or lenscrafters or pear vision or whoever will provide. So, that is something that each individual customer will have to decide for themselves. For me it wasn't a big deal, but for others it might be more of a deal breaker.

[RocketDawg]

The last couple of times, I've used the optical shop on Redstone Arsenal (it's not government but an independent contractor) and they've done very well. They're not the cheapest place in the world, but the lenses are great. I got real glass (high index so they'd be thin), what they call DigiMax (supposedly ground just for you to your prescription), and progressives. I think the lenses with all the non-scratch coatings and such were close to $500. I used existing frames.