Well there is, you can buy them online. Many online opticals have popped up around the internet, these stores offer a greater value for your money. Online optical stores offer eyeglasses at a lower price due to their higher volumes and lower overhead. The only drawback is that you cannot try the frames on over the internet, some stores have solved this with digital try on. Others offer to send you multiple samples to try on to help make your decision easier. You do have to be aware, as some are processed in China and can take multiple weeks to receive. Not all online eyeglass retailers are inexpensive; some have comparable prices to your local optical without the personal service you receive locally.
To purchase your eyeglasses online you will need your Rx from your doctor and you will need a PD (pupilary Distance), which is the distance in millimeters between your pupils. Most people have their Rx available, but don’t have their PD. To find your PD the easiest way is to stand in a mirror (or have a friend) with your current glasses on and take a sharpie and dot the center of your pupil on each lens then measure the distance between the two dots. Next you have to choose your frame; this is a personal choice along with a technical. You have to love your new frames as they will be with you all day every day.
The frames also need to be correct for your prescription, if you wear a progressive lens you will need a frame tall enough to let you change from distance to near. If you have a high prescription you will want the smallest frame to make it the thinnest possible. Next you will need to choose the type of lens you need. If you have a higher script you might want to look into higher indexes. The higher the index the thinner the lens, standard plastic is 1.50 and the highest index available in plastic is 1.74. The higher the index the higher the price is going to be. Also you will need to decide if you want a single vision, bifocal, trifocal or progressive style lens.
It should take less than 2 weeks to receive your new glasses. Once you receive your new eyeglasses you will need to adjust them to sit on your face correctly. You can adjust plastic frames by dipping them in hot water to soften up the temples. Also be careful adjusting nose pads as they are usually attach on thin metal that can break if over bent. Now that you have the best eyeglasses for a great price, Take good care and they will last until your doctor changes your prescription. Then you know where to get your nest pair of discount eyeglasses.
Tony Lea- 25 years of optical experience