Online Glasses Update [edit]

After looking through several poorly-designed navigation tools on a few websites, and after a 17-day wait, I received my first pair of prescription eyeglasses completely ordered online.  Total cost (including shipping): $36.09!  I took them to a brick-and-mortar optician to have them adjusted (for free), never mentioning where I got them from.  I also had them tested by the same optician, and they are exactly the correct prescription. 

I said I was going to do this, and now I have.  Are they designer frames?  No.  But they are by far the coolest looking pair of glasses I've ever owned.  [I've had Calvin Klein and Flexon frames, and neither looked as cool as these.]  The anti-scratch coating apparently isn't very good, because I've noticed some very superficial scratches already -- but you have to look carefully for them, and they do not at all obstruct my view of anything.  I'm not even sure how they got there, to be honest; they seemed perfect out of the box, and I have zero complaints.  For $36.09, who cares if one coating isn't as good? 

I then went and ordered two pairs of prescription sunglasses.  One pair is for wearing around town; the other is a prescription pair of wrap-around sports sunglasses for cycling and other outdoor sports.  Total cost for both, including shipping?  $104.  Money.

I'm going to buy at least one more pair of glasses as a backup, and possibly another pair of prescriptions sunglasses.  At these prices, why not?  Again, for the article that started me on this kick in the first place, click here.  

[EDIT: In case the idea of buying glasses online freaks you out, or in case you think you are shafting local businesses, think about it.  A business is entitled to make a profit.  A 100% profit would be totally acceptable.  Making glasses isn't rocket science, but it isn't a total joke either.  However!  I balk at giving businesses ONE THOUSAND PERCENT PROFIT.  Seriously, that's what you do whenever you go into LensCrafters, or when you go into one of those smaller boutique opticians.  They are salespeople, they are hucksters (for the most part), and they are charging you ridiculous premiums for something that should be at least 800% less expensive.  But if you're really paranoid and can't imagine doing this online, just buy the frames online.  Then take them to a local optician to have the frames filled with prescription lenses. That method might provide a bit more peace of mind, since you won't have to do any mailing if the lenses are screwed up.  Read the article, and read Ira's blog.   The truth will set you free.]

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