I'm at the point of needing to replace a pair of glasses. Has anyone had useful experience with online purchases of glasses (in the U.S.)? There are a number of options; perhaps I need to find some recent issues of Consumer Reports, if they've included online retailers in their reviews.
I'm fussy about comfort and appearance, but the prices that are charged especially for the frames nonetheless seem ridiculous.
Don't think, just do it. I've had much better experiences online than I have with local and chain eyeglass shops. The prices charged by most shops are an insult. Do your part to disrupt this monopoly, while saving yourself a lot of money.
If you're cheap (I am) I'd recommend Goggles4u. If you search for coupons, and you can get a basic CR39 backup pair for $10 ($5 if you're willing to 'Like' them on Facebook first), a decent polycarbonate AR pair for $25, and a great pair for $40. Interface is awful, communication is awkward, shipping is slow, but prices are great and product quality is generally high.
If you want less hassle, try EyeGlassDirect. They are US based, respond to email, and are a fraction of the cost of your local shop. You can get two pairs of AR polycarbonate for about $100, no coupon searching necessary.
Both of these places will put new lenses in your existing frames for about the same price. I've even gone so far as to order designer frames from Ebay, and have them shipped directly to Eyeglassdirect to have lenses put in.
If you want more info, www.eyeglassretailerreviews.com and glassyeyes.blogspot.com are good starting points. But don't get bogged down. Skip the research and do it!
ps. As another poster points out, Costco isn't bad, but once you start buying online even their prices will seem extreme. But they (and Walmart Optical) are good places to get a prescription and exam.
Thank you for the informative response. Currently, I have a rather nice (and pricey, but I received superb follow-up service from the local, non-chain shop over a period of several years) Italian frame with polycarbonate lenses. One thing that has slowed their replacement is that this model is no longer offered, as of some years ago. But both the frame and the lenses are reaching an unavoidable end of life.
The shop has changed hands, it appears, and also, extrapolating prices forward to today, they would simply be more than I'd be comfortable paying right now. But I'd still pay relatively more for something similar -- just without the final round or two of high markup.
This pair has lasted well over a decade. So I don't view the past expenditure as a waste -- both for the resulting durability and for the consultation that led me to this model. But, again extrapolating in my imagination, looking at upwards of a grand for a pair of glasses just seems extreme.
I'll have a thorough look at your recommendations. Thanks again.
I'm fussy about comfort and appearance, but the prices that are charged especially for the frames nonetheless seem ridiculous.