When it comes down to why certain eyeglasses are so expensive, the short answer is that the lack of competition drives prices up due to the fact that there are few companies currently producing eyeglasses worldwide. This fact makes everything associated with glasses, from the frames to the lenses, significantly higher.
Additionally, opticians typically subsidize eye tests and then inflate the prices of eyeglasses by up to as much as 250 percent. Sure, frames and lenses today are manufactured with better technology than they were a generation ago, but once the fashion component is added to sunglasses and eyeglasses, one can understand how eyewear costs have skyrocketed over the years.
In this article, consumers’ common questions about glasses, the prices associated with them, the reasons behind the current prices, and the average amount a pair should cost are addressed in full.
The Hidden Costs of Glasses
There are generally three categories associated with manufacturing costs resulting in eyeglasses’ end price: materials, labor, and overhead. These are direct costs, with a marked difference in standard versus premium glasses. Because they utilize distinct manufacturing procedures, the reflected prices are vastly different.
Standard progressive lenses leave adequate room at the bottom if you require near vision, allowing you to see something far away and up close.
Plus, the transition between the two is seamless and painless for your eyes. Additionally, standard lenses are more affordable as prescriptions cover most.
Premium progressive lenses are customized for your eyes and offer an even wider viewing area than standard lenses. They also work with smaller frames, a benefit that standard lenses do not offer.
If price is not an issue, then premium progressive lenses are the best option to make, especially if you require customized lenses or have a complicated prescription.
How to Afford Premium Eyewear
Affordable eyewear does not have to mean low quality. In fact, there are several ways to go about getting premium eyewear and save lots of money in the process.
Prada glasses and sunglasses are fashionable and functional and worth the cost because of their superior craftsmanship and form. Knowing the type of glasses you need makes it that much easier to shop for eyewear and procure glasses that are within your budget range.
If you are uncertain about the type of glasses you need, the best tip is to search online or try on glasses at an optical store in your neighborhood. There is no better way to audition glasses than trying them on directly in a mirror and seeing if they are framed properly for your face.
There are online tools that can be used to check how frames will look on you, so this is a viable option if you don’t have access to certain brands. Like your frames, you should know the coatings and lenses that can help you get the best glasses for your requirements. Opticians can go over the details and help you with the selection process, but it will pay off in the long run if you have done a bit of research on your own.
Ultimately, you want to be satisfied with your eyewear purchase, and one of the best ways to ensure that you achieve that is by reading customer reviews of the optical shop or online glasses store you decide to use. If others have great reviews about products, then you are more likely to feel secure in your purchase and the quality of the materials.
Be sure to check the warranty of the eyewear you purchase, as most companies allow you to get an adjustment in the future for free. If you are purchasing online and for any reason don’t like the look of the frames on your face, you should see if you are allowed to return them for another option if you are dissatisfied.
For those seeking eyewear and having vision insurance through an employer, it is advisable to use those funds to cover the eye exam and the eyeglasses for premium lenses. An online locator can help you determine which shops in your area or online retailers accept your vision insurance plan.
Quality Fashion Can Be Affordable
When searching for quality eyeglasses, know that it is possible to find quality eyewear that doesn’t break the bank and is still as fashionable and functional as you need. Whether you decide on a well-known brand or a small independent label, eyeglasses that suit your face and lifestyle are easy to procure if you take the proper steps before purchasing. Quality glasses that provide optimal coverage will last a lifetime and definitely be worth the investment. We hope you enjoyed this collaborative post from one of our partners.
Check out some of our related posts:
