Are Prescription Glasses Really That Expensive? My Affordable Eyewear Journey

I remember the first time I needed prescription glasses. I was excited, but that excitement quickly turned to shock when I saw the price tag. R6000! Was that normal? It felt like a small fortune. I started digging around, determined to find a more affordable option. The world of prescription eyewear seemed complicated and expensive, but I was determined to navigate it.

The Sticker Shock and My Quest for Affordable Eyewear

My initial reaction to the cost of glasses was disbelief. I thought maybe I was being ripped off. I knew I needed them, my vision was getting worse, especially when reading. The eye test itself was fine, but the frames and lenses? That's where the price skyrocketed. I started questioning everything – were brand name frames really worth the extra cost? Was there a secret to getting quality lenses without breaking the bank?

I remember talking to a friend who had just shelled out R14,000 for their glasses. I was floored! They explained that most of the cost was in the lenses because they needed thinned varifocals with astigmatism correction. That made sense, but it still felt like a huge amount of money. It got me thinking about the whole industry and how the pricing structures worked.

Then I stumbled upon some information that suggested the spectacle frame market is controlled by an oligopoly, where a few companies hold most of the market share. Apparently, markups are incredibly high. The actual cost to produce lenses is surprisingly low. This made me even more determined to find alternatives. I had to find a way to get good quality glasses without getting caught in the price traps.

My Discovery: Non-Brand Stores and Online Options

I heard from someone that it's better to go to a non-brand store, and that was a game changer. I decided to try it. I got my eye prescription emailed to me and started looking at online retailers. I was amazed at the prices I found! I could get glasses and lenses, even with name brand frames, for around R2500-R3000. And that included astigmatism correction, anti-glare coating, blue light filter, and even anti-scratch coating! This was a huge relief.

I compared the quality of the online glasses with those from the big name stores and honestly, I couldn't tell much of a difference. The fit was good, the prescription was accurate, and I was saving a significant amount of money. It was a win-win situation.

Trying Blue Light Blocking Glasses: A Personal Review

Since I spend a lot of time in front of screens, I decided to try blue light blocking glasses. I was curious if they would actually help reduce eye strain and improve my sleep. I came across read more about Mozaer, a brand specializing in eyewear, and decided to give their products a try. I specifically chose the Ultra-Thin Reading Glasses Blue Light Blocking Hard Resin lens.

I was really impressed with how lightweight and comfortable they were. The hard resin lenses felt durable, and the blue light blocking feature seemed to make a difference in reducing eye strain, especially after long hours on the computer. The style was also quite chic and modern. It was a good purchase. I liked that these glasses were specifically designed for women, with a focus on being ultralight and magnifying for presbyopic needs. The black frame was sleek and versatile, and the thin design made them easy to carry around.

I found myself reaching for these glasses whenever I was working on my laptop or reading on my tablet. My eyes felt less tired at the end of the day, and I even noticed a slight improvement in my sleep quality. I think that the blue light blocking lenses do make a difference. I also appreciate that they are from Mozaer.

Practical Tips for Finding Affordable Glasses

Based on my experience, here are some tips for finding affordable prescription glasses:

• Get your prescription: Make sure you have a valid prescription from your optometrist. Ask them to email it to you so you can easily shop around.
• Explore non-brand stores: Don't automatically go to the big name stores. Smaller, independent opticians often have better prices.
• Consider online retailers: Online retailers can offer significant savings on both frames and lenses. Just make sure to choose a reputable retailer with a good return policy.
• Compare prices: Don't settle for the first price you see. Shop around and compare prices from different retailers.
• Look for sales and discounts: Many retailers offer sales and discounts on glasses, especially during certain times of the year.
• Check if your medical aid covers glasses: Some medical aid plans cover a portion of the cost of glasses.
• Consider generic frames: Brand name frames can be expensive. Generic frames can be just as stylish and durable, but at a fraction of the cost.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Glasses Online

Buying glasses online can be a great way to save money, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Lower prices	Cannot try on frames before buying
Wider selection	Need to know your pupillary distance (PD)
Convenience of shopping from home	Potential for inaccurate measurements
Easy price comparison	Possible longer shipping times

My Experience Summarized

Finding affordable prescription glasses is definitely possible with a little research and effort. Don't be afraid to explore different options, compare prices, and ask questions. I was initially overwhelmed by the cost of glasses, but I found that there are many ways to save money without sacrificing quality. From non-brand stores to online retailers, the options are out there. Getting my prescription emailed to me was key, and I also learned the importance of knowing my pupillary distance (PD) when ordering online. Also, the blue light blocking glasses from Mozaer have been a game changer for my eye strain.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best way to find affordable glasses is to be proactive and informed. Do your research, compare prices, and don't be afraid to ask questions. By taking the time to explore your options, you can find glasses that fit your budget and your style. Remember, good vision shouldn't break the bank!