Has anyone used this site to purchase eyeglasses?

[rateyes]

http://www.eyebuydirect.com/

And, if so, is it worth it? I need new frames and lenses, and just don't want to sink $400.00 into a new pair of eyeglasses.

[lindisfarne]

1. There are a few recent discussions on various online options for buying fairly

cheap glasses - try searching "glasses"

[Oregone]

2. Go without them

Life is more interesting as an impressionistic painting

[hlthe2b]

3. I've used framesdirect.com and was pleased

[The empressof all]

4. I was actually pleasantly suprised with Costco optical

Far cheaper than anywhere else and they had a decent selection. I just got a pair of really nice non glare bifocals and a pair of good reading glasses for under $200. And I got a "high" priced and "medium" priced frame.

[robinlynne]

6. I ahve heard many raves about cvostco for glasses. Am planning to get my next lenses there.

[Turbineguy]

12. It's great.

You go in, pick your frames and lens types (they can help you choose). There are no special deals, two-fers or other BS ways to jack up the price. Then in a few days they call you to pick up your glasses.

They refill your cleaning solution for free.

[The empressof all]

14. Actually, my Costo gave me $25.00 off my second pair

I can't wait to get my new "eyes"!

[tammywammy]

10. Do you have to be a member to get glasses there? n/t

[noiretextatique]

5. i've heard good things about zenni optical

i haven't used them yet. but i plan to soon. their prices are good.
http://www.zennioptical.com/cart/home.php

[SoCalDem]

7. Lots of testimonials here.. Looks like a fair deal

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4591570&mesg_id=4591570

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

9. We must have been posting at about the same time.

I just ordered from the a couple of weeks ago and can't wait to get them.

[kristopher]

13. We've used them several times

they compare favorably in every way insofar as the product itself is concerned. And the price? Less than 10% of the optician's price. As for service, my wife went back to the optician 3 times trying to get a pair of $400 glasses adjusted properly and was never satisfied. So far the frames from Zenni (and one other online provider) have fit much better from the outset. This is probably because since you are inputting the distance between your eyes to your ears, you are more aware of those measurements when you make your frame selection.

In any case, as long as the online service remains an option neither of us will ever go to a local retailer again.

[DangerousRhythm]

15. I have ordered from them three times... (PICS)

I've gotten a total of five pairs of glasses from them, three regular pairs for me, one for the fiancé, and one pair of sunglasses for myself. I love them! I had the same pair of $350 glasses since about 1995 and in 2005 one of the nosepieces broke off, leaving me walking around with a missing nosepiece until the end of 2008. At such a high cost, glasses were never a fashion option until I discovered the joys of online optics. :D

I got a test pair, $8 frame, thinnest lenses possible (1.67), very lightweight on my face (this is a good thing!) and all around perfect:



In the next order I got two for myself. The first one is an art-deco style, stainless steel frame, around $45 with the thinnest lenses I could get, 1.67:



I love them a lot but I don't tend to wear them unless they go with a certain outfit. They're a bit heavy because of the metal, very sturdy. The pair I constantly wear now is tortoiseshell, a bit on the cat-eye side, around $37ish I think, because I got the lenses thinned a bit at 1.61.



Sunglasses were surprisingly inexpensive. The frame cost $8, a few bucks more for tint and shipped I believe the total was $17 shipped... for prescription sunglasses! I didn't bother to spend more for thinner lenses on these, they're 1.57, which is why it was so cheap. I have a fairly strong prescription, too, but the chunkiness of the frame hides the thickness of the lenses quite well so it worked out.



I'm very happy with the ones I've gotten from them. :)

If you're thinking about getting online glasses, for the price, I really wouldn't hesitate. Just make sure your optician gives you your PD (pupillary distance) measurement. FYI, I know some people don't like them but the opticians at Walmart can do this for you. If all else fails there are instructions online that tell you how to measure your own PD, but I'd say that's a last resort as I believe your optician is obligated to tell you your PD measurement if you ask. Don't quote me on that though... I'm not sure if it varies from state to state. I'd also recommend going by your current pair of glasses and not really deviating much from those measurements, which can usually be found on the glasses somewhere, probably on the nose piece or inside of the arm. If you don't wear glasses currently, I'd recommend trying on frames wherever you can and noting the widths (nose and total width) and arm lengths that fit your face well, just as a rough guide.

Shipping from Zenni has always been quick for me but I know some people have had issues where it takes longer. I've always gotten my glasses within a few weeks of ordering, which I think is perfectly fine as I wasn't in a hurry. I can't vouch for other online services but I'm sure they're all pretty decent. Check out this blog for more info:

http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com/

Sorry, I didn't intend for my post to be so long, but there you have it... good luck!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

16. Very cool looking glasses! Zenni should show actual photos because seeing yours makes them

so much more appealing. :)

I have a strong prescription too but decided to try their 1.57 lenses first. A pair of sunglasses (all of $14.90 complete) and a pair of cool acetate frames that cost about $29.00 complete with the anti-glare coating. I am on pins and needles waiting to receive them. I keep going back to their site and looking at other frames and if I like mine when they come, will probably purchase another pair for the heck of it! ;)

[DangerousRhythm]

18. Awesome!

I hope they work out well for you! :toast:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

23. Thank you! I received notification from them last night that my first pair is on its way. :)

Have a fantastic day! :hi:

[Fumesucker]

22. +1 on Zenni optical..

My granddaughter just got glasses from them, they look good, fit well and the price was extremely reasonable.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

8. No, but after reading a thread that recommended Zennioptical.com

I ordered a couple of pair from them 2 weeks ago.
Their glasses start at $8.00 complete and they have a flat rate mailing fee of $4.95. It's supposed to take a while to get them, but they are supposed to be good.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

11. BTW... the NY Times mentioned Zenni in an article about good cheap glasses.

[rateyes]

17. THANKS EVERYBODY! nt

[Spirochete]

19. I've used them

I'm wearing a pair now I got from them about 3 years ago. They cost me $22. I have another pair I got from them I use for reading, with bifocles, cost me $44. They're good glasses for the price.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

20. I used zennioptical.

Got 3 pairs, with clip on shades, for about $200.00

No line progressive bifocals, hi-index plastic, tinted, high minus (I'm very nearsighted). Had to get full frames b/c of the thickness of the edges of the lenses, but I found some that worked.

I switch around between the styles.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

21. i have also used zenni several times for my daughter

she has a simple correction, and being a young fashionista, likes to have several styles to choose from. We were very pleased. You just can't beat the price.