Comparable alternatives to discount Rx eyeglass vendors?

[Zero Knievel]

Mostly a rant.

 

For years, I used Doctor VIsionworks in Bristol, TN for eye exams and glasses.  The eye exams are very affordable and with the "buy one get one 50% off," it worked great as I get Rx glasses in clear and tinted for night/day use.  My eyes are sensitive to sunlight, so going out without sunglasses is bad enough, but really problematic when wearing corrective lenses.

 

Last time around, I opted for flexible titanium frames.  The clear ones I like.  The tinted ones I tolerated.  For the lens type I selected (for less weight), they could only make the lenses so dark, and at that level, it was barely usable (I really need it darker).  The fit of the tinted ones also wasn't done right, but that's on me for waiting past the 100 day guarantee to correct it.  They did their best, but actually mangled the arms in the process.  Within 100 days, I could have insisted on replacement frames, but live and learn.

 

This time around, I went with new frames and did what I usually do.  They didn't offer samples to choose my tint.  They eyeballed it and picked a tint.  I go to pick them up and the tinted...though similar to what I have now...DOES NOT block the glare from bright light.  It needs to be darker.  Tech says they can send it out to get the next (and last) step of tint, but that's waiting two weeks to get them back.  I initially agree.

 

On the way back to the office, I realize I need better assurance, so I go back and ask to see a sample of what that darker tint will be.  If it wasn't sufficient, I would have to select a different lens material which can be tinted darker.  They only had a few samples and not in the color I needed.

 

This floored me.  The rationale is that hardly anyone wants tinted Rx lenses and usually just go with polarized lenses.  More so, the local shop had its lab shut down, so they have to send glasses out to be done elsewhere.

 

Okay, I get closing labs so not every store has one, but WTF is the deal with no longer having samples?  How is a customer supposed to make a choice without an idea of what the end product would be?  I'm talking to the Kingsport, TN location, which has a lab, to see what they can do as they are part of the same chain.

[SwampNut]

I was told by multiple shops that nobody gets polarized, and indeed it's hard to order.  Which is good, because that sucks for screen usability.  What they do highly recommend are all of the advanced coatings that block blue light, UV, IR, etc etc.  The actual glare, without blocking much light.  So I've run with the high-end photochromic add-on (Nikon I think) for a long time.  Dark enough when needed, even inside a car, but not so dark that it's challenging to see.  No glare, big improvement with computer screens, no blocking from polarization.

 

Sam's Club is cheap and reliable with a nearly blanket guarantee for at least a year.

 

[Zero Knievel]

Well, here’s where I’m at.  The glasses are about as dark as they can be with the polycarbonate lenses.  The tech will try to get them darker.  If that’s not good enough, we’d have to change the lens composition (plastic).

 

The problem is that all frames and lenses are made by essentially 3 manufacturers…who are really owned by a sole parent company.  Aside from a few expensive boutique brands, everyone gets their supplies from them.  In recent years, lenses come pre-coated, and these inclusive features limit how dark the material can be stained.  The tech agreed that this is frustrating for people who need dark Rx sunglasses.

 

That said, they showed me another option….

 

Most people ask for tinted lenses, BUT there are also polarized lenses WITH mirror coating.  These are substantially darker by virtue that they reflect light instead of filtering it.  So, I made a note about this for future reference.

[tomek]

https://www.eyebuydirect.com/?channel=cpc&source=google&matchtype=e&kw=eyebuydirect&adid=433125060419&addisttype=g&utm_term=eyebuydirect&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=1.US-EBD-EN-B-NA-Eyebuydirect-Exact-NA-NA-Ecom-NA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwy8i0BhAkEiwAdFaeGLkJdFSOCiT11qVYH0OYJtDKXJZJ970XjWvTH8HiqKJ-oyVMoxneERoCD8UQAvD_BwE 

 

I've used them number of times. Usually takes them around one week to get prescription glasses l. 

 

 Some of their frames can be polarized, some not. I prefer polarized but just tint is OK as well. I always want green g15 tint, no guess work. I know what I want. 

 

 I used to get expensive glasses, but it got old quickly. I drive for living, wear glasses pretty much all the time, so they don't last long. 

 Just ordered one clear for helmet, and one green tint for car/truck/outdoors. Frames are ok but screws have the tendency to back off. Even with thread lock. Lol. 100 bucks total for prescriptions. They always have some sort of coupons. 

 

 Having said that quality of something like Rayban frames is second to none. They last long time. Even their polarized lenses are different in the sense only round section right in the front of your eyeballs is polarized, and the rest not. Or maybe the other way. The point is you can see shit on displays, etc. Cheaper lenses are uniform, entire surface polarized or not. 

 

Edited July 13, 2024 by tomek

[tomek]

I've had this for about 1.5 years. Holding up really well. Carbon fiber/titanium frame hybrid polarized green prescription lenses, can't remember how much I paid, probably around 100 bucks or so. 

 

 Walmart will make nice polarized lenses to about anything you bring BUT if prescription from their place is too old they won't make lenses  till you get fresh one. That was 80 bucks last time, plus 120 for lenses. 

 

 Now, my prescription have not changed ever, or since I realized I need glasses for long distance, so it feels like waisting money, but other online places are more expensive vs Walmart even with cost of prescription. 

 

[Zero Knievel]

Almost got it all done.

 

My bifocal tinted came back.  It's dark enough to do the job.  Brought in my motorcycle glasses and computer glasses to have the lenses replaced with the new Rx.  They were ready today.  They have to redo one of the lenses on the motorcycle glasses because it's slightly blurry.  It turns out one of the lenses is 3/100 off alignment.  Most people don't notice anything less than 5/100.  I'll have to remember to bring my clear bifocals when they come back because it was only when comparing them in the office that I noticed the motorcycle lenses were off.  At the store, I didn't notice the issue.