Prescription glasses and safety glasses on-line?

[A930Rocket]

Got my eyes checked a few weeks ago and need to update my glasses. The shape, etc. of my eyes means contacts won't work, so that's out.

Why the heck are prescription glasses so much at $500-600? I have insurance, but just hate to be ripped off and I always feel that way when done.

The frame isn't too bad, but the lens is a killer, when you add in lightweight lenses, progressive bi-focals, scratch resistant, non-glaring, etc.

Has anyone bought prescription or prescription safety glasses on-line? I've always been "measured" and a few other things when getting them. How does this work on-line? How do you figure out what frame looks best without trying them on?

[TimT]

I have bought prescription glasses online for years now. All the info should be on your prescription, sometimes the pupilary distance is left out... ask your eye doctor for that info... mine is easy since my pupils are symmetrical its a little factiod that I remember..

You can have new lenses installed in the frames you already have, or if you like the style just buy another of that frame style, or go to a big box store that has a optician and try on frames till you find what you.. then buy online.

[scottmandue]

I also have been buying online for a few years.

Zenni Optical - Eyeglasses, Prescription Glasses, Bifocal, Progressive Eyeglasses, Rimless Glasses

Yes, trying to figure out how they will look on you is a problem.

I find it helps to get your hands on a style you like (in my case one I already had on hand, measure the hight/width of the lenses, bridge, temple and match that to the online spec.

My last three pairs totaled a little less that $100

[A930Rocket]

Thanks guys. Sounds like the way to go.

I found Zenni a few minutes ago. My Doc didn't/doesn't write the pupilary distance (he sells glasses also and another guy measures them). I'll have to check what else is on or missing on the script.

[scottmandue]

Yeah they usually leave the PD off.

If you want to DIY.

Put on a pair of glasses, get a sharpie, go to a mirror, carefully put a dot on the glasses where your pupil is, remove and measure, remove sharpie dots with denatured alcohol.

Primitive but effective.

[flatbutt]

PD is important. I got it wrong once and it was like looking thru a fishbowl.

[A930Rocket]

I'll call or go by the Doc in the morning to get my PD. They probably have it from the last 3 pair of glasses I ordered from them.

One thing I noticed was that my OS CYL is -4.5 The Zenni on-line ordering only goes to -4.0

Also, they don't carry bifocal safety glasses of any kind.

I have an email into Zenni to see if they can get my script.

[911pcars]

If you buy online instead of the neighborhood brick and mortar shop, DIY the measurements yourself. That way, the B&M stores can service real customers. Wonder why there are fewer camera stores? I understand Ritz Camera just closed shop.

Do you have a Walmart or Costco nearby? Prices should be competitive. In addition, you have return, warranty, customer service privileges and a pro. optician on duty.

If you find a good online source, let us know.

Sherwood

[VINMAN]

This is who my company uses for safety glasses. Always had excellent results with them.

Prescription Safety Eyewear Programs US Safety

[MT930]

Rx Safety -- Prescription Safety Glasses | Prescription Safety Eyewear | Bifocal Safety Glasses

I have used these folks a few times for my shop prescription peepers.