RSS
Cheap eyeglasses are a reality. Check out Eric's review of Zenni Optical
Subscribe
When your eyeglasses break or need to be replaced, what do you do? If you're like most people, you go to your optometrist and get a prescription and then you head to an eyeglass store for the actual pair of eyeglasses. And those eyeglasses are really expensive, aren't they? Even going to an eyeglass store like Lens Crafters or Cohen Fashion Optical over at Kings Plaza can be expensive, with costs exceeding $100 for a single pair of basic glasses. However, there is a solution. There is a place with cheap eyeglasses that are just as good as what you'll find elsewhere. The place I'm talking about is Zenni Optical and their prices will blow you away.
Before we go any further, a disclaimer: this author has exactly zero relationship with Zenni optical other than being a satisfied customer. No money has been paid to him or Examiner.com for reviewing Zenni Optical and no goods were offered, nor was this review requested or in any way initiated by Zenni Optical or Examiner.com
Now, back to the review, which is what you want to know about anyway. Zenni sells full prescription eyeglasses starting at just $8 per pair. Yes, that's right, eight bucks. Talk about cheap prescription eyeglasses, huh? Their prices range up to around $40 and there is an extra charge if you want bifocals or thick lenses. They also charge extra for anti-glare coating (though it's $4.95 extra as opposed to around $50-$100 extra elsewhere). Shipping is just $4.95 no matter how many pairs you order, so it pays to order for the whole family at one time.
The way Zenni is able to offer their eyeglasses for so cheap is that they are manufactured overseas at a lab in China (though the quality is just as good as anything bought here) and that points up the biggest drawback with Zenni optical. They take a few weeks to send you your glasses, so if you simply must have them in an hour or two, you'll need to use someone local.
Another drawback is that there are no designer frames. Then again, if you were looking for designer frames, you'd probably be looking elsewhere anyway. One other major drawback is that you must provide them with your PD (pupilary distance) number. This is the distance between the black part of your eyes and it's used to calculate exactly how large the frame needs to be. While they tell you how to do it yourself, it pays to contact your eye doctor and ask for your PD number since the do it yourself method rarely produces accurate results. Your PD number will not be written down on a prescription, however your doctor will provide the number if you request it.
I've personally purchased all my glasses from Zenni for the past eight years or so and have never been disappointed with them. In this tough economy, it pays for all us Brooklynites to stick together and find ways of saving money. I strongly suggest dropping by Zenni to check them out at www.zennioptical.com.
One more note: For those truly suffering in this economy, there are also discounted eye exams available at Lutheran Medical Center, which range in cost from $15-$50 depending on income (bring three pay stubs, unemployment statements or some other proof of your income when you go).
Zenni Optical
www.zennioptical.com
Park Ridge Family Health Center of Lutheran Medical Center
6311 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718.492.8233
Related Articles:
Comments
Elections 2010Get exclusive Examiner coverage of the July primaries, candidates and more hot issues.
Real estate changesObama is considering making it harder to buy a home. See how the change could affect you.
