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I bought a pair from Sams Club and overall experience was fine. Prices were cheaper than my old optometrist. Their selection was less than them though so that might be a deciding factor. You can go there and price them out without having to buy anything.
We've used Sam's Club for years and have been happy (for glasses only - not exam). They have a decent selection and the prices are much better than other retail stores. I haven't been to Costco though, so I can't compare with them. You don't need to be a Sam's Club member to use the optical department.
Optician: A non-MD who specialize in the fabrication and fitting of eyeglass and contact lenses.
Optometrist: A doctor who specialized in comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye.
Ophthalmologist: A doctor who is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems.
I figured the best mix is to get my eyes checked every 2-3 years. I alternate visits.
First I go to an Optician, just for the Rx review and new glasses update if necessary. Then,
The other visits, I go to an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, for a comprehensive medical exam of my eyes, (including a retina photograph). There are a lot of medical problems that can be diagnosed with a good look (pun intended) at the eyes.
Going to Walmart or some other discount stores for the first should give you fine care, but you should probably also regularly go to an eye-MD.
Seriously incorrect information! Your Optician cannot do "an Rx review and new glasses update".
An Optician cannot fit contact lenses or write a prescription for eyeglasses. They sell and fit eyeglasses, and sell contact lenses.
Your definition of Optometrist and Opthalmologist are correct. However, the vast majority of people without any eye disease can visit an Optometrist once every 1-2 years. Many people never visit an Opthalmologist until they are old enough to need cataract surgery.
IF the Optometrist sees a problem, or if you have certain chronic medical conditions (diabetes, for example), a trip to the Opthalmologist is warranted.
Have not purchased eye glasses from Sams but Fred at BJ's in White Oak is excellent. He was highly recommended to me by another optician. If you go there call and make sure Fred will be there and ask for Fred!!!!
Have been getting glasses from Sam's Club for years with no problems. I have my exams done there and get frames as well as lenses, and things have always gone smoothly.
When I priced my progressive lens glasses at Sams (no transitions as I hate it), the lenses were around $250, and the only frames they had that I liked were around $100. At Costco, lenses were $129, and my frames were right around $60. I will say that neither place had nowhere as big a selection as a regular optical shop.
I just got a new Rx for glasses. We're BJ's members, so I thought I would check there or Walmart first. Do you know if they take insurance? Ours is more or less a discount, but every penny helps these days with me not working.
(Obviously THIS rabbit doesn't have good eyesight! Must.eat.more.carrots!)
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