When it comes to high fashion, designer glasses can make the outfit.
If you're wondering how you can afford to buy designer glasses, fear not! There are several ways you can get the hottest trends in eyewear on the cheap.
Read on for a list of six ways you can get your hands on some gorgeous designer glasses without breaking the bank.
1. Use Insurance to Your Advantage
If you currently have vision insurance, your plan should cover at least a portion of the cost of your new glasses. Most eye care insurance plans have an allowance of around $200 to $400 per year for the cost of frames and lenses.
Visit your eye doctor or look online to see what kinds of designer eyewear are available. Compare pricing and then use your vision insurance to help pay for your new high-end eyewear.
Even if the insurance doesn't cover the entire cost, it's still a great way to get designer glasses on the cheap. A pair of Gucci glasses can cost a fraction of the price when you apply your insurance coverage to the bottom line.
2. Ask for a Written Prescription
The glasses sold by your optometrist's office are usually more expensive than other places. To combat the high cost of designer glasses, ask your eye doctor for a written prescription.
You can take your prescription and use it online or at other retailers who may have better prices on designer glasses. Make sure that you get your PD, or pupillary distance reading as well.
Once you're armed with a written prescription, it's much easier to comparison shop. Don't feel pressured to buy your new glasses at the doctor's office. They must give you a copy of your prescription, and you have the right to use it anywhere to buy designer glasses.
3. Buy Designer Glasses Without the Bells and Whistles
Many retailers offer you a myriad of add-ons that claim to improve your vision and the quality of your glasses. Things like anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings and other features can cost you big time.
You don't necessarily need all of these add-ons as long as your prescription is accurate. These additions will increase the cost of your glasses and may not offer you much of a benefit when you look at the big picture.
Most eyeglasses come with some level of protective coating for glare and scratches. You may want to spring for the anti-reflective coating, but you can skip the other extras if you really want to save.
4. Look for Sales and Discounts
Just like clothing and other fashion accessories, designer glasses go on sale as soon as new styles come out on the market. Be on the lookout for clearance sales and you can score some pretty sweet deals on high-end, designer glasses.
You should also shop around the holidays to get great prices on your next pair of glasses. Look online for discount codes and other sales that can save you a significant amount of money at checkout.
Many online retailers will offer new customers a special discount on their first purchase. If you see a pair of designer glasses that you can't live without, consider joining their email list or signing up for specials and use the code to your advantage.
5. Split Your Costs
You don't have to buy your frames and lenses together in one place. In fact, you could save a lot of money by purchasing your new designer glasses in one place and having the lenses made at another.
Look around to find retailers who sell eyeglass frames only, and then take your prescription and new frames to mass retailers like Wal-Mart Optical or Lens Crafters. They can add the lenses to your frames, often at a fraction of the cost.
It costs a lot of money to make high-quality lenses, and many smaller retailers will pass those costs over to you. The big box stores and larger brand name eye care places can usually get you the same quality lenses at a much lower price.
6. Shop for Used Frames
If you've been eyeing that gorgeous pair of Coach or Versace glasses, you might be able to find them for a huge discount if you buy them used. Look online at places like eBay or Craigslist to see if you can score a used pair at a hefty discount.
Make sure the used glasses are in excellent condition and that the seller posts clear pictures of them online. Once you're confident in your purchase, you can have the lenses replaced with your prescription.
You might need to have your new (used) pair of eyeglasses tightened and re-fitted so they're comfortable on your face. However, this method is a great way to save a lot of cash on high-end, designer glasses that someone else no longer needs.
Don't Pay Too Much for Designer Glasses
If you're looking for ways to buy designer glasses for less, try some of these tips to help you get a great deal on your new eyewear. Remember to find out how much your insurance covers, and you could be pleasantly surprised.
Shop online to find and compare the best prices, and consider getting your lenses made elsewhere for even more savings. Skip the fancy add-ons unless you absolutely need them and use those sales and discount codes to your advantage.
Shop for the hottest glasses and trends in eyewear on our website today and check out our FAQ page for more information.
