Are you a first-time buyer of prescription eyewear? Or, have you sat on your glasses (like we all do at some point) and need a new pair? Either way, there’s bound to be one question on your mind.
“How much do glasses cost?”
Well, although there’s no one straight answer, I’m here to break it down and help you save.
Different Glasses Frames Cost Different Prices
Let’s start with glasses frames. There’s a wide (HUGE) variety of brands that make glasses nowadays. I’m talking about every big label name from Prada to Gucci, and, of course, timeless eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Generally, designer glasses cost more. You’re not only paying for the high-end construction, reliable manufacturing, and durable materials, but you’re paying for the name.
Brands like Prada can charge more because, well, they’re Prada after all. People buy designer items because their logos speak for themselves, they ooze luxury, and they often offer cutting-edge styles.
They can afford the best designers in the world, so it’s no surprise that there are tons of styles to pick from.
Designer glasses usually start at around $100 for the frame alone. Other styles can go up to $500 for the frame. It all depends on your budget.
The Luxury Option
These Gucci unisex glasses are an example of more pricey frames that are still mid-range. It’s not impossible to find top-end luxury-branded glasses for under $300. In fact, there are hundreds to pick from on EZContacts.
The Mid-Budget Option
These Ray-Bans are an example of unisex designer glasses that won’t break the bank. The frames are currently under $150 on EZContacts. I’ll get to the cost of adding on lenses a bit later.
The Affordable Option
There is a growing number of eyewear brands that sell really affordable glasses. I’m talking under $50 for frames. One such brand is WiliWili; they have a wide range of styles from practical office-ready glasses to fun, bold models.
These WiliWili frames feature brown semi-transparent frames and are currently under $10!
How Much Are Glasses: The Cost of Adding Lenses
I’m guessing that when you’re asking, “How much are glasses,” you also want to know how much lenses will cost.
Well, the truth is that there is no one set price. And unlike frames, you can’t really filter or choose based on your budget.
The lenses you need will depend on your prescription, and some lenses cost more because they’re more complex to make.
For example, these Oakley glasses are currently under $200 for the frames.
For my prescription, both reading and distance lenses started around $100, while progressive lenses cost significantly more as they are more complex.
This is just an example to show you that the price can vary based on your prescription.
The Cost of Add-Ons
When selecting your glasses, you can choose non-prescription add-ons such as blue light lenses and anti-reflective coating. Check if you’re interested in any of these features, as they are an additional cost.
The Total Cost of Glasses
When you’re buying glasses, it’s worth setting a budget for your frames since you have more flexibility in choosing them.
You can’t change your prescription lenses, so work out what they will cost, then add the cost of the frames and any add-on features you’re willing to spend on.
The total cost can range from around $300 for lower-end (but designer) glasses like Ray-Bans with standard lenses to $500+ for higher-end branded frames and more complex lenses.
If your frames are under $50, like the WiliWili ones above, and your lenses are not complicated, then you might be able to get the total cost to $250 or lower.
Note that these prices are just estimates. The cost of glasses depends on the lenses you need and where you buy your eyewear.
How to Save Money on Your Glasses
The cost of living feels higher than ever, and it’s natural to want to save on your glasses. Here are a few ways to save.
Shop Online
So you really want to know, how much do glasses cost? Well, the answer is, a lot cheaper online!
It’s not easy to compare prices in stores, and it’s not always transparent what the total cost of your glasses (including lenses) will be.
But shopping online is easier, and there’s no sales assistant talking up add-ons.
You can also filter glasses by price to find frames within your budget.
Check the Clearance Section
EZContacts has a great Deals section. There’s everything from Ray-Bans to Pradas in there with big discounts.
The Deals section is full of top-rated glasses, so you’re getting a real bargain on sought-after styles, rather than the leftovers that nobody wants.
Sign up for EZPoints
When shopping online, check whether the store offers a loyalty points program. EZContacts has EZPoints, which are free to opt into. You can earn 1 EZPoint for every $2 you spend on eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, which you can use toward future purchases!
Check Designer Diffusion Lines
If you love designer glasses but don’t want to splurge on designer prices, check out designer diffusion lines. It’s like a middle-priced retail line from top-end brands.
Some examples are Prada Linea Rossa, Armani Exchange, and Calvin Klein Collection.
These Calvin Klein Collection glasses are currently under $150, and these Armani Exchange glasses are under $130 currently.
Check if Your Insurance Covers Your Glasses
According to a Consumer Reports survey, the average that people paid for glasses after insurance was $205, but there can be a lot of variance depending on the type of eyeglasses. Some stores had glasses under $100, while others were closer to $300. It can also be higher depending on how complex the prescription is and the frames you choose. Additions such as scratch-resistant glasses or premium frames may not be covered by insurance.
But one interesting result was that online customers averaged $111 compared to an average of $215 spent by customers in-store. Whether you have insurance or not, there are ways to find your glasses cheaper. The key is to check in advance what your insurance company will and won’t cover.
TL;DR
Are you going down Reddit rabbit holes asking, “How much do glasses cost?” You probably won’t find the right answer.
- Glasses frames vary in cost depending on the materials, the manufacturing, and, of course, the brand.
- Big, luxury brands like Prada and Gucci can charge more for their frames.
- Cheaper non-designer brands are available under $100, while you can also opt for middle-market brands like Kate Spade and Coach.
- The lenses will vary in cost depending on how complex your prescription is and if you want add-ons like a blue light filter.
- Find bargains by shopping online, checking the sales section, and signing up for loyalty programs.
