Where to get cheap eye glasses (Raleigh, Durham: appointed, eyeglasses, buy)

[StanFischlerHockE]

First time eye glass wearer here. I was surprised by the costs of frame and glass at a popular shop in Raleigh (The official eye center of the hurricanes). Is there any locations in Raleigh - Durham that have lost cost eye glasses? I just need them while on the computer and do not care what they look like. Cheaper the better.

Thanks.

[Sal_M]

I just got a great deal at BJ's, they were running a 60% off sale. I paid under $60 for a brand new pair of glasses.

[danielbmartin]

I've heard good things about Zenni (a mail-order vendor) but haven't tried them.
Eyeglasses Online - Buy Prescription Glasses & Eyeglass Frames | Zenni Optical

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[MikeJaquish]

$38 at Wal-Mart.

Limited frame selection, but adequate.

I have a pair for playing basketball, and am going to get a pair for computer.

[apexgds]

Find someplace to get an eye exam, then request your prescription (make sure they include your pupillary distance) and go to zennioptical.com. I know it probably sounds crazy to order glasses online, but it's really a great service. Every time I've recommended them, my friends have been super happy with the results.

You can upload a photo of yourself, size it to their template, and "try on" the frames in their very large selection.

My current glasses (my second pair from Zenni) were about $25, and I LOVE them more than any of the expensive frames I've bought in the past.

[pitroad]

You get what you pay for ..... I've learned the hard way

[lauradrops]

Zenni is great. Used them for the first time last year.

[take57]

Zenni. Zenni. Zenni.

I really can't wear a particular frame for more than a day or two before the bridge of my nose gets all funky (inflamed, skin irritation, etc.). Obviously that can get expensive in a hurry. I have something north of a dozen pair from Zenni over five or six years and in only two instances I've been disappointed. One, the Rx was off, the second, the frame ended up just looking goofy although they are fine as computer glasses.

I've had the Rx checked on a number of pair and the glass was cut spot-on in every case but the aforementioned one. Expect a two week delivery (really not too different than a brick & mortar). The prices have crept up some over the years but there are still plenty of values.

Ordering is easy, the only problem you may run into is the PD measurement (pupillary distance - the distance between the center of your eyes, measured in millimeters) If you have an old Rx, you might find it written down, but don't count on it. Don't count on your eye professional to be much help either. Despite whatever they may say about putting the patient first, they are likely to be a**holes about anything that cuts into their business. Fortunately, it's a relatively easy measurement to take yourself (there are online guides and Zenni will be happy to send you a little measuring tool) and if you're off a little, you're not going to go blind.

I can't recommend them enough. By the way, for any dispensing vision professionals out there ready to lay into me for this post, great have it and bite my shiny metal a**. You should be f'n ashamed with the price markups you're charging. So sad to use fear, uncertainty and doubt as a business model. Almost criminal when you think about the number of people who need glasses but are put in a position of not being able to find affordable help.

YMMV

[StanFischlerHockE]

I will try Zenni and walmart. Thanks

[don6170]

Originally Posted by take57

Zenni. Zenni. Zenni.

I've used Zenni and was happy with what I got.
I've heard good things about Buy Eyeglasses & Prescription Glasses under $10 - Goggles4u