Buying Power
It had been three years since I got my last eye exam. And Grace had always hated my glasses from the dot-bum days anyway. So we decided it was time for a “makeover”.
Contacts were originally considered briefly, but I simply couldn’t stand the idea of having foreign objects in my eyes. And plus somehow my eyelashes get into my eyes very easily (sometimes a few times a day), it’d really be a biatch to have to take out my contacts, cleanse it with a special solution which I’d have to bring with me, and then put it back on. So contacts were out.
Then we started shopping for best prices for eye exam, lenses and the frame. My requirements were simple: Transitions lenses, cheap but elegant frames, and preferably discounted/free eye exam.
We stopped by LensCrafters for pricing.
Transitions lenses: $300
UV/Scratch resistant coating: $70
Eye exam: $75
We didn’t even bother looking at the frames; we walked right out.
Next stop, Costco.
Transitions lenses: $140 (UV coating included)
Scratch resistant coating: $10
Eye exam: $45
Frame: $119
Not feeling like a jackass: Priceless
No brainer there. But I was annoyed that there was such a big difference in price discrepancies. Does Costco really do that much more business than LensCrafters that they can afford to cut such a bargain with Transitions lens? All I know is, I felt empowered that I didn’t have to be robbed.
Back to my eyes: As it turned out that my eye sight actually improved. I attribute my eye sight having stayed at almost exactly the same level for the past 10 years to my stubbornness on always using the best lenses available. Some people I know would get “lens + frame” deals for $99. Corrective vision is all about quality of light being passed through the lenses that help you see. Having the best lenses puts less strain on the eyes. The same principal applies in photography — skills and camera body aside, lens is the single most important investment for serious photographers. Bad lens = poor quality prints.
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September 26th, 2005 at 4:42 pm
I don’t understand why eye exams and glasses are so expensive here in the U.S. I always use my annual trip to Taiwan as a chance to get new frame and lenses, by which the eye exam is always free. Lenscrafter is such a rip off. Good thing you walked out.
September 26th, 2005 at 5:58 pm
I did that about 10 years ago. Unfortunately I can no longer travel back to Taiwan at will due to some issues with my passport + status (too long to get into).
I guess eye exam are not free in the US because the exams are performed by real optometrist (or so the name tags say) who then issue prescriptions. I am not sure how it is now in Taiwan, but I have a feeling whoever is doing the eye exam is no optometrist (correct me if I am wrong). Then again, I am just guessing…
September 27th, 2005 at 12:05 pm
Chu, I can’t read your reply to above post… is is white on white?
Anyways, I have 2 pairs of Costco glasses, and am very happy with them and with their pricing
Their frames are also way cuter than any I found elsewhere.
Of course, I get my vision checked in Austria, where it is included in public health care (vision check included, decent frames for glasses - not).
November 29th, 2005 at 5:24 pm
single vision transitions plastic lenses — 210. no added charge for scratch coat or uv — 70 for anti glare — free one hour service — 30 day guarantee. as a lenscrafters employee I can argue the price but not the customer service. did the employee speak english well?
November 29th, 2005 at 5:45 pm
mommymoon, I am sure there’s a market for LensCrafters. And the fact that they still exist and are doing well explains the need for such price for service.
I would like to add that I did have to wait a week to pick up my glasses at Costco. Perhaps LensCrafters is a lot faster in this case? Costco also has far fewer frame selections (some of which are pretty lame).
I am not sure why you are saying the Transitions lens costs $210; the employees at the store here in Blossom Hill, CA clearly told me $300 plus other added charges. Maybe the cost of lens can change based on geographic locations.