In a Consumer Reports’ fall survey, the eyeglass and contact lens stores that topped our ratings received high marks for overall satisfaction. Results were based on more than 11,000 members who, collectively, reported on eyeglass purchases at 18 retailers.
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We asked respondents to tell us about a variety of attributes, including product quality, price, selection, fitting, customer service and follow-up service, and more. Out of all the attributes we asked about, product quality was the biggest predictor of a respondent’s overall satisfaction with his or her retailer. That makes sense; after all, your glasses need to do their job of correcting your vision, holding up to daily use, and fitting, feeling, and looking good on your face.
Still, there are plenty of trade-offs to make. For example, retailers that got high marks for service, fitting, and follow-up, including independent retailers and private doctors, also tended to cost more. Some of the least expensive options for online shopping tended to receive somewhat lower scores when it came to product quality. And some of the retailers with the highest Overall Scores, including Costco Optical and Sam’s Club Optical, are only accessible if you’re a member.
The takeaway is that when you’re figuring out where to get eyewear, the option that works best for you is the one that meets your individual needs the best. Our ratings highlight exactly what survey respondents reported each vendor provided—or didn’t. Here are some considerations that may come into play when you’re looking for an eyewear store.
Cost
Whether they’re buying online or at a walk-in store, many CR members told us that cost is one of their chief considerations when choosing an eyewear retailer. The median price respondents paid after insurance for a pair of glasses was $205, but there’s a lot of variance when it comes to eyeglasses. The cheapest stores in our ratings sold glasses for a median of less than $100, while the priciest had a median of more than $300. And a handful of respondents reported they paid as much as $1,000 for a pair of frames.
One cost-saving possibility: Look online. People who found their glasses there paid a median of $111, while those buying in-store paid $215.
Service and Follow-Up
If it’s important to you to get help and information from your eyewear retailer and you don’t mind paying more for a new pair of glasses, it may be worth it to buy from an independent local optical shop or a private doctor’s office, where you’re more likely to get exceptional personal attention.
Convenience
Some people may have plenty of walk-in stores available nearby, while others have few local options. But more and more people are drawn to the convenience of buying glasses online. Even though frames have to fit (and ideally be flattering), online retailers are increasingly coming up with ways to give you a sense of how frames will look on you, from letting you “try” them on an uploaded photo of yourself to allowing you to order and evaluate multiple frames and return the ones you don’t want.
When you’re buying glasses online, the selection is likely to be good, and so are the prices. But both may vary a lot from site to site, so it’s still worth shopping around.
There can also be drawbacks to buying online. You’re taking a chance if you buy frames without having tried them on to see how they look and fit, so you may want to stick with an online retailer that offers a way for you to try them before you buy. It can also be a hassle to return glasses you’ve purchased if there’s an issue. This can be more problematic if you order eyeglass lenses along with your frames, especially if you have a complex prescription. And if your frames need adjusting, you’ll probably have to find a local professional to do it.
All that said, it’s worth noting that satisfaction rates averaged about the same for online retailers as for walk-in retailers overall.
One retailer that strives to give you the best of both worlds is Warby Parker. It sells eyeglasses online and in walk-in stores, which also provide eye exams.
Where and how you should look for glasses will depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re not fussy about frames, a discount store may be right for you. If money isn’t a primary concern, your ophthalmologist or optometrist (if they sell eyewear) or an independent eyeglass store may be your best choice. But if you’re looking for savings, a great selection of frames, and the personal touch that comes with dealing with a professional in person, you might consider splitting up the process, as we discuss below.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If you’re having your eyes examined (which is always a good idea to rule out any underlying eye health conditions, as well as to get an up-to-date prescription), ask the doctor for advice about which lenses are best for you and whether there’s anything you need to consider when buying frames or lenses. For example, if you’d like progressive or other multifocal lenses, a narrow frame might not be able to accommodate your prescription. And rimless and semi-rimless frames may be problematic if you have a strong prescription that requires thicker lenses.
Also discuss add-ons, such as anti-glare coatings and transitional lenses, to find out what your doctor thinks. If your doctor’s office sells frames, try some on to get a sense of what you do and don’t like. And ask the staff for advice about what will work best for you.
If you’re planning to buy your eyewear elsewhere, make sure to ask the doctor to measure your pupillary distance (the distance between the center of each of your pupils) because online vendors will need that information to create your glasses properly. There are some online tools for this, but a professional can do the job more accurately. Note that some offices may charge for this. About a third of respondents in our survey who bought their glasses online but got their pupillary distance at another location had to pay for this service.
Comparison Shop
If you look for frames at your doctor’s office and don’t find anything that you like or think is reasonably priced, try some walk-in stores. Many brands and frames are available from multiple retailers, so write down the brand, model number, and size of the frames you’d consider buying. You’ll find that information marked on the frame’s temples (the pieces that connect the glasses to your ears).
Once you have a few top picks, search the web using those brands and model numbers. There’s a good chance you’ll find the frames you like at a much lower cost. If you plan to buy your lenses online as well as the frames, check the site’s lens prices, too.
Divide and Conquer
You may be able to save some money if you purchase frames online but have the prescription filled at a local discount store. You’ll probably have to pay a little extra to have lenses put in frames you bought elsewhere. The store may be willing to adjust your new frames if needed.
Or Consider One-Stop Shortcuts
If your eye examination is at Costco or Target and you spot a frame you like there, you might not need to look any further for lower prices. A Warby Parker store may be another one-stop option, especially if you only need single-vision lenses, because those are included in the prices of their frames.
Report Any Problems Right Away
After you get your new glasses, alert the retailer immediately to any problems you notice with the frames or lenses. Some retailers will let you exchange frames that you find you don’t like for little or no cost, even if you ordered prescription lenses. If you find defects or just don’t like your glasses, be aware that warranties and store policies vary, so there may be time limits involved.
Are you someone who relies on glasses or contact lenses daily? If so, the options for purchasing eyewear can seem endless. However, not all options are created equally.
Optical boutiques, particularly those that integrate ophthalmology and optometry services, offer a unique experience that sets them apart from standard eyewear retailers.
Let us explore why shopping at an optical boutique, especially one within a professional eye care clinic, can be the best choice for maintaining your ocular health and upgrading your eyewear experience.
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An optical boutique is more than just a place to purchase glasses or contact lenses. It is often part of a broader eye care facility that offers services provided by highly trained eye care professionals, such as ophthalmologists and optometrists. These full-service boutiques combine personalized attention with medically approved solutions, ensuring that patients find eyewear tailored not only to their style but also to their specific vision requirements.
Unlike retail eyewear stores, an optical boutique integrates medical knowledge with fashion, resulting in an experience that prioritizes both your health and aesthetic preferences.
Shopping at an optical boutique provides a range of advantages that retail chains or online stores simply cannot match.
Here are the top benefits of visiting an optical boutique for your eyewear needs.
Optical boutiques within eye clinics offer a unique advantage — both ophthalmologists and optometrists are available onsite. If your prescription requires adjustments, there is no need to schedule a separate visit to a doctor. You can undergo a comprehensive eye exam, consult with a specialist about your eye health, and receive your prescription all in one location.
This integrated care benefits individuals with complex eye conditions like glaucoma, astigmatism, or diabetic retinopathy. You can rest assured that your eyewear prescription accurately aligns with your medical needs.
Optical boutiques do not just stock items; they carefully curate their collections based on both function and style. You will find premium brands and frames selected for their quality, durability, and fashion-forward designs.
The onsite opticians work closely with brands known for their craftsmanship while educating you on which frames and lenses suit your specific prescription, face shape, and lifestyle.
Unlike large retail chains, optical boutiques provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Opticians take the time to understand your individual preferences, ensuring you find glasses or contacts that meet your needs.
For example, if you lead an active lifestyle, your optician might recommend lightweight frames with impact-resistant lenses. If you work on a computer for extended hours, they may suggest blue light-blocking lenses.
This tailored approach ensures that you leave with eyewear designed to enhance both your vision and daily routine.
Optical boutiques often partner with state-of-the-art lens manufacturers to provide advanced options you may not find at retail stores. These include progressive lenses for seamless transitions between distances, anti-reflective coatings for screen glare, or photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light conditions.
Professional advice ensures these features are not just accessible but also customized to your prescription and lifestyle.
Working with a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist ensures your purchase is not just about aesthetics but also improves your quality of life. For patients with conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia, properly fitted eyewear can have a significant impact on long-term eye health and comfort.
A healthcare-driven approach ensures you are using lenses and frames that support your eye health rather than causing unnecessary strain or discomfort.
Shopping at an optical boutique is simple. Follow these steps to ensure the best experience possible.
Before selecting your eyewear, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at the clinic. This ensures your prescription is accurate and up to date.
Speak with your optician about your daily habits, style preferences, and any specific vision challenges you face. If you spend significant time outdoors, for example, polarized lenses may be a great choice.
Take advantage of the in-person experience by trying on a variety of frames. Onsite opticians can guide you toward shapes and sizes that compliment your face and suit your lifestyle.
Work with your optician to select lens options that suit your prescription and usage. Options include scratch-resistant coatings, thinner lenses for high prescriptions, and lens tints.
Do not hesitate to ask your optician about care tips, adjustments, or warranty options. The staff at an optical boutique is there to provide guidance long after your initial purchase.
At Advanced Sight Center’s optical boutique, we are committed to elevating your eyewear experience by combining state-of-the-art medical expertise with stylish, high-quality frames. Our onsite team of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians is here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you are updating your prescription for daily use or searching for your next favorite pair of sunglasses, we make every visit personalized and enjoyable.
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