Inexpensive prescription glasses in Durham area (eyeglasses, insurance, credit)

[quietstormnc]

I need glasses (after ten years without) just for reading. So nothing fancy, not progressive or bifocals. Of course where I had my eye exam, the frames with my 30% discount are around $120. So I thought I would shop around to find something less expensive. I went to Target and found some frames under $100 and they said the lenses would be half off then gave me a quote for $112 just for the lenses for reading glasses! That seems a little high in my opinion for the lenses. Anyone have thoughts about where I could find something a little lower priced?

Thanks in advance!

[adlnc07]

You could try one of the warehouse clubs, but for really inexpensive glasses your best bet will be online. Or you could go with $10 readers from the drug store. :-)

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by adlnc07

but for really inexpensive glasses your best bet will be online.

I have good luck with online prescription glasses from Coastal. Sometimes the first frame is free. You need to measure your pupil distance on your existing pair, and have the paper prescription to enter.

[butterflies1375]

If you just need them for reading, you might try the drugstores. My husband has prescription glasses for reading, but he actually prefers his spare pair from the drug store. There are also a lot of options online.

[Sayantsi]

I couldn't find a reasonable store in the area so I tried online:

Zenni Optical - Eyeglasses, Prescription Glasses, Bifocal, Progressive Eyeglasses, Rimless Glasses

Send in your prescription, get glasses. I have a few pairs from them now, but one I like was only $12. I can't see buying $200+ frames from a local place again.

You might also want to look at Designer Frames & Online Eyeglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker

$95 frames with lenses, and they ship you frames to try on.

[ljd1010]

Originally Posted by Sayantsi

I couldn't find a reasonable store in the area so I tried online:

Zenni Optical - Eyeglasses, Prescription Glasses, Bifocal, Progressive Eyeglasses, Rimless Glasses

Send in your prescription, get glasses. I have a few pairs from them now, but one I like was only $12. I can't see buying $200+ frames from a local place again.

You might also want to look at Designer Frames & Online Eyeglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker

$95 frames with lenses, and they ship you frames to try on.

My husband recently ordered a pr of glasses from Zenni Optical. They are progressive lenses, very stylish and the prescription is perfect! He paid only $60!!!

[CalicoskiesNC]

In the last 6-7 yrs, my family has ordered Zenni optical glasses at least 20 times. We all wear Zenni sunglasses, mine are progressive bifocals and I love them. We all get one pair per year on vision insurance then order our spares, sunglasses and just new styles for soooo cheap using Zenni. Highly recommend. The only con is it takes 2-3 wk for delivery and when/If you return a pair you only get 50% credit.

[don6170]

People seem to love or hate Zenni. I have had good luck with them. Note - in addition to your prescription, you will need the PD (Pupil Distance ?). The eye doctor will have a device for this. Other people seem to do fine with a friend and a ruler.

[quietstormnc]

Thanks, everyone! I will check out all of these suggestions.

[cheapdad00]

Originally Posted by don6170

People seem to love or hate Zenni. I have had good luck with them. Note - in addition to your prescription, you will need the PD (Pupil Distance ?). The eye doctor will have a device for this. Other people seem to do fine with a friend and a ruler.

Another vote for Zenni Optical. Have also used Goggles4u or some other outfit. The only catch is to accurately get your PD correct. I love the concept, my wife hates it even after I explain to her the local places are doing the same thing (ordering from an internet place who makes the glasses for them), just marking up the price $200+, as she thinks they are going to screw it up.