I have a problem that has been seeking a strategy. I currently have about 10 pairs of glasses. I have 3 primary: 1) tinted, polarized, distance; 2) photochromatic distance, 3) photochromatic near (computer, tv). I have backups for each just in case one gets lost or broken, especially if I'm away from home; they get stored in the car (times 2 for two 'daily' vehicles). I then have two pairs that are somewhat special - Rudy Project for sports / activities (hiking, shooting, kayaking, pickleball, etc) and low tint, polarized for night time driving in the rain (this is new for me as I aged, reduces the glare off wet streets, etc, especially given blinding LED headlights).

This is very expensive to maintain, both frames and lenses. Especially since I don't buy chicom frames - only Japanese (I've been buying Four Nines for the past 10 years or so) or EU (Italian like Rudy Project). And lenses are usually Hoya Phoenix.

I recently needed a quick replacement frame. Of the frames offered (very limited selection) by my optometrist, I chose (ugh) Oakley made in chicom. The alternative was Silhouette (made in Austria? France? Somewhere in Europe) I preferred the Oakley earpieces. Buying chicom frames is leaving a bad taste in my mouth for several reasons. One key reason is that I've never had a chicom frame last more than a couple of years. I have Japanese frames that I'm still using after more 20 years (Kata, Kikuchi).

I do like the Rudy Project but I couldn't figure out the lenses being offered - which lens material and coatings. I'll probably spend some time figuring it out later - need to talk to their customer service.

Anyway, long story short - moving forward, I'll probably just buy Rudy Project w/ interchangeable lens. Then, with just a couple of spare lens, I should be able to minimize the number of frames and lenses. I can quickly and easily replace lenses with spares if needed. One backup frame per car is then all I need.

To this end, I'll be buying lenses online from RP.

I may try Zenni recommended above. I'm very hesitant given the price of lenses though - $400+ for trivex with coatings. Will be checking for positive experiences and potential concerns.

If you have a problem with Chinese made frames and lenses I don’t think you will be satisfied with Zenni. I’m not certain, but I suspect everything they offer is of Chinese origin.

That said, I’ve worn glasses from Zenni for years and have never had a complaint about durability or lens quality.

It’s a 150 mile round trip to the nearest town with an optometrist and optician, so Zenni has been a great convenience as well as a money saving option.

150 miles? Yipes. Online availability is valuable unless you make the trek regularly.

I’m a happy, repeat customer at glassesusa.com.