Both of my daughters need glasses and vision insurance is the only insurance we don't have. I have never worn glasses, so am not familiar with the process. What is the least expensive route? Recommendations on eyeglass stores and/or optometrists with the best deals would be appreciated! Thank you!
We like Target Optical best. Their frames are very reasonable and are covered by a year-long guarantee for breakage etc. They also do not charge extra for the better lenses as I recall.
I worked as an optician for more than 10 years. One thing no one ever tells you, having vision insurance doesn't always mean the best deals. At a lot of the places I worked, you couldn't get the sale price on frames if you were using insurance. It's the insurance company's rule not the optical shop. Sometimes it's best to find a frame you like and then ask what kind if discount's can be applied to the purchase. Then use your insurance for lenses. Still, a lot of places will give you discounts on the complete pair that out do the insurance price all together. The best advice is to go in and talk to the optician. Ask what sales are going on and if any additional discounts are available. Then, after you have that information, ask them to price it out with your insurance.
I would start with calling around to check on prices for an exam. Frames vary on price depending on what is picked out, and usually another price for the lenses. If the lenses are a stronger prescription they can roll the edges so they don't look so thick. Not sure on the cost of that. I've seen coupons in the mail for places like EyeMasters, LensCrafters, etc. That would help with the price. We have vision ins. as part of our health ins., but it only gives a 20% discount on lenses and frames only with one of the listed Doctors. You can do just as well with a coupon and see whoever you want.
Check out costco, I work there and frames and lenses are pretty inexspensive. I have bought glasses and cotacts there and they dont bleed my pocket dry. I believe polycarbonate lenes are less than $50 and frames are anywhere from $50 up. You can call and get a price for what you are looking for. The glendale location number is ###-###-####, then just hit prompt for optical. They do exams also but I dont recall the price, I think its like $35. Hope that helps.
