quote:

Originally posted by JALLEN:
Why buy new frames every time?

I bought frames many years ago, and still use them. My lenses run about $360, bifocals, transition, anti glare. I don't skimp on glasses.

I do the same thing. I have two identical frames and rotate the new Rx into each.

I guess the online glasses do have the advantage of saving you money on riflescopes and high end TVs. No point in buying expensive scopes and electronics if the final filter before your eyes is a $2 piece of Chinese plastic.

quote:

I guess the online glasses do have the advantage of saving you money on riflescopes and high end TVs. No point in buying expensive scopes and electronics if the final filter before your eyes is a $2 piece of Chinese plastic.

I don't understand this comment.
Are you saying that if you buy your lenses online you will get a $2 piece of Chinese plastic?

Here's what I'm looking at for lenses at frames direct:
Lens Type: Progressives
Lens Material: Hi Index 1.67 $ 319.00
Lens Package: $ 99.00
Details: Standard Package includes Edge Polish with Scratch Coating, UV Protection and Premium Anti-Reflective
Promo Code (50catch): - 209.00

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:I don't understand this comment.
Are you saying that if you buy your lenses online you will get a $2 piece of Chinese plastic?

In some cases, yes.

I actually looked into this a bit (including a thread here) for a pair of cheap spares to keep in the car. What I found was quality ranges from mediocre to horrible. I decided to stay with the local optician.

Another vote for Warby Parker. My daughter-in-law loves them and told me about them. I have only purchased a pair of non-prescription subglasses, but she has purchased a couple of pairs of glasses from them: good quality, good price, great service.

At Sams I can get Zeiss or a Seiko Proceed (1.67) lens for a bit more.

I don't know what the quality of the lenses would be at frames direct but supposedly they are from a quality manufacturer.

I have used Zenni for the past 6 years. Prices were very low. Quality was mixed.
I tried several different lenses and frames, and decided on using a progressive non coated lense. Along the way I had some duds where the lenses were just not "right" or they broke very quickly in everyday use. I now replace the glasses annually, and am very happy with the optical clarity of the lense type I have decided on, however my prescriptions are fairly slight.

1st of all, thanks to all who responded.
I looked at each of the sites and I have ordered from FramesDirect. They had the frame I liked... not cheap, but overall about $200 less than my local optical shop. So far, they've been great to work with.

OK so here's what I ordered:

Model: Ted Baker B336
Color: Tortoise (TOR)
Size: 54/17-140
Lens: Progressives
Lens Material: (1.67) Hi Index Essilor ($319.00)
Lens Package: Premium (129.00)
Add-ons: Kodak BlueReflect with Anti-Reflective
UV Protection
Edge Polish
Scratch Coating

Other Detail: $319.00
Frame Price: $155.24
Total Lens Price: $448.00

Sub Total: $603.24
Shipping Price:
(Express (UPS)) 0.00
Total Discounts/Savings: -$268.64
Total: $379.24

Now.... Let's hope that the Hi-Index Essilor lenses aren't a $2 piece of Chinese plastic!

I learned that FramesDirect, based in Austin, TX was purchased about two years ago by Essilor, a leading lens manufacturer.

Varilux® lenses: the first and still the best

The very first progressive lens, invented in 1959, was a Varilux lens. Since then, Essilor has led the way in research and development, making Varilux lenses the most recognized progressive lens brand in the industry.

I realize I'm late to the party, but my current frames I got from Coastal.com and would not hesitate to purchase from them in the future.

I've used Zenni for years and have had no problems. I am particularly hard on frames, so I keep a couple for spares. Less than half the price of progressive glasses locally.

I started using Zenni Optical over a year ago and have been very happy with their glasses and their prices.