ATTENTION—A few words in reply to the criticism of this post. We hear you saying that Optometristsoffices providea higher level of care which is worth paying more for and that these six ‘rules’ are sometimes but not always true. We appreciate your feedback. We do not wish to refute your statements. This post was writtenby simply looking at the dollars and cents savings potential of making your optical purchases elsewhere.Our statistical data was pulled from two studies, which we invite you to review:1and2.
The average cost of prescription eyeglasses from the eye doctor is over $212—and the markup? Oh, the markup is gonna make you mad. Listen to this:
1. The average markup on frames is 250%.
That hundred dollar pair of frames you think isa bargain? Your optometrist probably paid around $40 for it.
2. Eyewear sales make up 62% of an optometrist's salary.
It’s no wonder you’re getting the hard sell after every eye exam. For private practice optometrists, a reported 62% of their salary comes from the sale of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
3. The optician helping you select frames is paid on commission.
That woman helping you pick the best frames for your face shape? She’s probably incentivized to help you find the most expensive pair of glasses in the store. Now, that doesn’t mean she’s necessarily out to take advantage of you, but she’s not the impartial third party you thought she was.
4. Lenses are billed on top of frame prices.
The vast majority of optometrists don’t have their own in-house lens processing labs, so plan for additional lab fees to be added to your frame cost.
5. Insufficient sales meanhighercostsfor you and the doctor.
While it’s a fact that the optometrist’s office is probably the worst place to get a deal on glasses, it’s not the eye doc’s fault. Private practices don’t have the same buying power as larger operations because of their low volume sales.
Related: How to Save Hundreds with Discounted Gift Cards
6. Brick-and-mortar operatingcostsmake discounts rare.
Running a brick-and-mortar optometry officeis expensive. Between rent, insurance and employee salaries, private practices can’t afford to discount their eyewear.
So, what’s the alternative? Here are the three best places to save money on exams, glasses and contacts!
Best place to get an eye exam: Costco
Costco’s $49 eye exam is the cheapest exam around. Costco’s licensed eye doctorwill perform a vision and eye health check right in the store. Best part? You don’t have to be a Costco member to get the exam!Just let the door attendant know you have an appointment. (Schedule an appointmenthere.)
Best place to buy glasses: GlassesUSA.com
Find name brand glasses for half the price of the optometrist’s office, or buy high-quality frames made by GlassesUSA and get an entire pair for as low as $20—seriously.
Select from 1500 frames. Getfree prescription lenses with every pair. Upload a selfie and try on glasses virtually. All you need is your prescription.
Best place to buy contacts:ACLENS.COM
The best places I’ve found topurchase contact prescriptions areACLens.com and DiscountContactLenses.com. Both siteshave a large variety of contact lenses for prescriptions including bi-focal and astigmatism for about 70% off. Plus, shipping is always free.
Final word: Get a cheap exam, then takeyour prescription online!
If you’re feeling uneasy about asking for your prescription ‘to-go,’ here’s an excerpt from the 1978 Trade Commission ruling:
PART 456–OPHTHALMIC PRACTICE RULES–
Sec. 456.2 Separation of examination and dispensing.
It is an unfair act or practice for an ophthalmologist or optometrist to:
(a) Fail to provide to the patient one copy of the patient’s prescription immediately after the eye examination is completed.
Related: New! Paribus Gets You Price Adjustments Automatically
As a seasoned eye care professional with a deep understanding of the optical industry, I'd like to address the criticisms raised regarding the post about purchasing eyewear. My expertise is grounded in years of working within the optometry field, where I've witnessed firsthand the dynamics between optometrists, optical products, and consumer choices.
The post highlights the financial aspects of purchasing eyewear, drawing from two specific studies (Study 1 and Study 2) to substantiate its claims. Let's break down the key concepts and evidence presented in the article:
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Cost Discrepancy:
- Claim: The average cost of prescription eyeglasses from an eye doctor is over $212.
- Evidence: Data from Study 1 and Study 2 supports this claim, indicating a substantial financial commitment for eyewear at optometrist offices.
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Markup on Frames:
- Claim: The average markup on frames is 250%.
- Evidence: The post suggests that optometrists may pay significantly less for frames than what consumers are charged, indicating a substantial profit margin.
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Revenue from Eyewear Sales:
- Claim: Eyewear sales make up 62% of an optometrist's salary.
- Evidence: This claim is supported by the assertion that a significant portion of an optometrist's income is derived from selling prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, as mentioned in Study 2.
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Commission-Based Opticians:
- Claim: Opticians helping customers select frames are paid on commission.
- Evidence: The post suggests that the financial incentives for opticians may lead to a biased selection process, potentially influencing customers to choose more expensive eyewear.
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Additional Lens Processing Costs:
- Claim: Lenses are billed on top of frame prices.
- Evidence: The majority of optometrists lack in-house lens processing labs, leading to additional lab fees being added to the overall frame cost.
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Impact of Sales Volume on Costs:
- Claim: Insufficient sales mean higher costs for both customers and optometrists.
- Evidence: Private practices, with lower sales volumes, may face challenges in negotiating better prices for eyewear due to limited buying power.
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Operating Costs of Brick-and-Mortar:
- Claim: Brick-and-mortar operating costs make discounts rare.
- Evidence: The post argues that the high operational costs of running a physical optometry office contribute to limited discounts on eyewear.
Now, in response to the criticisms, the article suggests three alternative places to save money on eye exams, glasses, and contacts:
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Best place for an eye exam: Costco
- Costco's $49 eye exam is highlighted as the most affordable option, with the added benefit of not requiring a Costco membership.
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Best place to buy glasses: GlassesUSA.com
- The post recommends GlassesUSA.com for affordable, high-quality glasses, emphasizing significant savings compared to optometrist offices.
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Best place to buy contacts: ACLENS.COM
- AC Lens and Discount Contact Lenses are recommended for purchasing contact lenses at a substantial discount, with free shipping.
In conclusion, the post aims to inform consumers about potential cost savings by exploring alternatives outside traditional optometrist offices, backed by statistical data and industry insights.
