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 |  | Low: $8-$160 |  | National Average: $196 |  | High: $500-$600+ |
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Eyeglasses are both a medical device and a fashion accessory. According to national law, patients purchasing eyeglasses from a U.S. retailer must have an annual eye exam to accurately determine their prescription. But the hardest part can be finding frames that fit the patient's face and style.
Typical costs: |
- Prices vary tremendously, depending upon the type of frame, lenses and type of retailer. Glasses can cost just $8 or up to $600 for those without insurance. For name brands, prices can range between $50 and $1,000 or more. At an eye doctor's clinic, prices for eyeglasses will vary depending upon the frames, lenses and region of the country. The average price for eyeglasses nationally is $196, according to Vision Service Plan[1] .
- Discount retailers, such as LensCrafters[2] or Pearle Vision, offer a range of options. Prices range from $159 for standard, metal-alloy frames to more than $500 for designer frames.
- Patients can also purchase eyeglasses online, through discount merchants, like Eyeglasses.com and ZenniOptical.com. Prices for discount lenses purchased online range from plain metal alloy frames with lenses for $8 to designer eyeglasses with lenses for $535.
- Insurance coverage for eyeglasses varies depending upon the company. Copays range from $0 to $50 for lenses. Some insurance companies put a cap on the amount a patient can spend on lenses. The Lia Health Alliance plan will pay up to $120 a year for glasses, and the patient must pay any additional cost.
Related articles: Eye Exam, Contact Lenses, Colored Contacts, Prescription Sunglasses, LASIK Eye Surgery
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What should be included: |
- Eyeglass purchases should include metal frames, nose pads and lenses. In some cases, the retailers may list separate charges for the frames and the lenses. The listing may also include care information for the lenses and frames. AllAboutVision.com describes different types[3] of frame styles and lenses.
Additional costs: |
- Most experts recommend that patients purchase eyeglasses through a U.S. retailer because overseas merchants are not bound by Food and Drug Administration regulations. Patients must have an annual eye exam to purchase eye glasses through a U.S. retailer, at an average national cost of $114. See How Much Does An Eye Exam Cost.
- Specialized lens materials and lens coatings will be an extra cost. These upgrades can range between $20 for a UV coating on the lenses to $300 for light-weight frames. The cost for these items will vary tremendously. AllAboutVision.com describes the different lens materials and coating options[4] .
Discounts: |
- Discounted and free eye exams are available through a variety of programs and foundations. The National Eye Institute[5] maintains a list of many of these programs.
Shopping for eyeglasses: |
- Patients with a personal or family history of eye conditions should consider seeing an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist for their eye exam. Find a list of ophthalmologists through theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology[6] or search for an optometrist through the Optometrist Network.[7]
- If face-to-face interaction and an establishment to visit with questions is preferred, then an eye care clinic or boutique might be the best place to make a purchase. If time is a factor and the patient does not need a new prescription, eyeglasses can be purchased online.
- AllAboutVision.com provides a primer on choosing[8] the best frame for a patient's face shape. Some online retailers allow customers to upload a picture to see how the frames look on their face. Try it out free via Frames Direct.[9]
- Buying online is not necessarily the cheapest option; always check all possible sources before buying. Often eye doctors will offer a free eye exam with the purchase of eyeglasses.
- When shopping online, investigate the company, making sure the lenses are FDA-approved.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Still trying to figure this out in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: November 18th, 2021 07:11PM |
Please remember, when comparing what you pay for glasses with and without insurance, that you need to include the cost of the insurance. One post had an example of $660 without and $384 with insurance. A savings of $276. Until you figure at $20/mo premiums, the annual cost of the insurance to give you the lower rate is $240, which leaves you with net savings of $36. Unless you've paid for insurance last year as well and didn't get glasses. If you get glasses in this example every two years, add an additional $240 per year in insurance expenses for every year you don't get glasses. If this person gets glasses every two years and pays insurance every year, he/she would be underwater by $204 for this pair of glasses. |
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| Posted by: Julie C in Savoy, IL. | Posted: November 13th, 2021 05:11PM |
| Type of Frame: Marcolin ($430) | Type of Lenses: Varilux progressive high index |
| Store: Regional So. Illinois chain |
I am extremely nearsighted (-11.25) and hard to fit for progressive multi-focal lenses because frame size and shape are limited; I need a frame that can handle thick lenses. The ad-ons I chose (coatings, high-index, etc) really added to the price. Final total was $1,148 - 30% because I bought contacts too. I’m ok with that: 2-yr warranty, excellent service, precision work (important with my rx). |
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| Posted by: Diana Evans in Prescott, AZ. | Posted: December 1st, 2020 01:12PM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic | Type of Lenses: Progressive |
| Store: Nationwide |
I was totally shocked it came to 385 for one pair of glasses! Usually 220 at costco. I asked about the advertising and they said it’s just on tv |
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| Posted by: Lady 70 in Sedona, AZ. | Posted: September 1st, 2020 03:09PM |
| Type of Frame: Thin metal | Type of Lenses: Wide Progressives Polycarbonate |
| Store: Sedona Eye Care, Arizona |
Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80.
Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses. |
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| Posted by: Bobby Sammy in Middletown, RI. | Posted: March 22nd, 2020 05:03PM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic ray ban new 2020 model | Type of Lenses: Eyezen 1 brown trans |
| Store: Na |
675 before insurance
275 after |
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| Posted by: Sabrinametlifegirl in Tulsa, OK. | Posted: November 28th, 2019 11:11AM |
| Type of Frame: Metal with plastic sides | Type of Lenses: No line bifocals w/ anti glare for compu |
| Store: Harrel |
Frames listed as $195. Co-pay on lenses $10. And anti-glare $75. With ins would have $600.00 insurance for the year $120.00 It was well worth getting the gold plan. |
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| Posted by: a user in Ann Arbor, MI. | Posted: October 3rd, 2019 02:10AM |
| Type of Frame: | Type of Lenses: Progressive |
| Store: Rx Optical |
Why did Pearl Vision quote $1,600 before & then $600 after insurance was applied. So I went to Rx Optical pre-insurance $660 & $342 when insurance applied. All the same bells and whistles. I'm going to end optical insurance soon because it doesn't seem worth it. |
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| Posted by: Fashion victim in Woodway, TX. | Posted: August 29th, 2019 03:08PM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic/designer | Type of Lenses: Progressive, cristal |
| Store: Fru fru optique |
Got the frames online because I’m on my 5th identical pair since 2009. Frames were $89. In 2009 they were $450. My lenses were so expensive. I’m curious to know what they would have been without insurance. Total out of pocket was an inauspicious $444. The bill makes no sense to me, especially the $25 materials copay. |
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| Posted by: Amberleigh in NY, NY. | Posted: June 14th, 2019 08:06AM |
| Type of Frame: Titanium | Type of Lenses: Digital ARC Progressive |
| Store: crazyspects.com |
Recently purchased a light weight eyeglass with digital antiglare progressive lens only at 85 bucks. Mo surprisingly I have found it's with UNBREAKABLE lens. |
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| Posted by: juju in Salt Lake City, UT. | Posted: February 28th, 2019 07:02AM |
| Type of Frame: titanium | Type of Lenses: progressive (HD) |
| Store: Costco |
Last pairs of glasses in 2017. Purchased Nikon Lens a HD progressive lens that has a wider hour glass than customary one. All coatings for approx and titanium frames (harder to find and more expensive but well worth it. They last forever) $500. I also purchased a pair of computer glasses for approx $150.00- polycarb lens with all coatings and Plastic frames.
Purchased the same glasses two years earlier for $450.00. It pays to shop around. You can get high quality glasses for a lot less than $1000.00.
I too take my vision very seriously but you don't need to get suckered by a high price tag.
Take some time to shop around. I have found that small company optical shops have higher prices because they do not have the buy power larger company's have. Suprisingly I have purchased my last three pair of glasses for w/o insurance for less than with insurance just because the ones the insurance listed were more expensive than other places. |
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| Posted by: MikeTheDude in Taylor, MI. | Posted: February 7th, 2019 01:02PM |
| Type of Frame: Ray Ban $250 | Type of Lenses: Digital Progressive |
| Store: Pearl |
I'm new to progressives too and it has been a long time since seeing a doctor. Headaches from long hours at the computer drove me in. But I was shocked at the price. I actually spent $1700 for the progressives and a second pair of Computer glasses. the lenses were both top of the line, the second frame were Flexon at $350, but the first pair was 40% off the lenses and the second pair was 50% off total. Still %1700 Yikes. My daughter says go to Costco next time |
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| Posted by: Nancy Boswell in cleveland, GA. | Posted: January 4th, 2019 06:01PM |
| Type of Frame: $120 | Type of Lenses: Bi-focal-2nd best progressive/transition |
| Store: eye doctors office |
I felt like I had been taken advantage of after I left but after looking at these posts, I realize I paid for what I'm getting...Also, being purchased locally, if I have issues, it will be convenient to adjust. |
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| Posted by: s0undguy78 in houston, TX. | Posted: December 2nd, 2018 06:12PM |
| Type of Frame: Armani Exchang frameless bottom | Type of Lenses: progressive |
| Store: lenscrafters |
out of pocket. varalux ultra thin anti glare anti reflection |
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| Posted by: Eledaa Ma Sun in Pikesville, MD. | Posted: November 27th, 2018 07:11AM |
| Type of Frame: Normal Frame | Type of Lenses: Double len |
| Store: Aqua Vision Care, Pikesville, MD 21208 |
I am very surprise that I can paid up to $450 to get another double len glasses with Aenta Vision Insurance because the first one I get back 2016 with my old Vision insurance company is cheaper than that. I believe the viison clinic I attend is not the one too costly or the insurance company not cover anything. |
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| Posted by: Zing in North Dartmouth, MA. | Posted: September 7th, 2018 12:09PM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic & metal | Type of Lenses: Progressive Clearfield gray |
| Store: VisionWorks |
I believe 232.00 bucks a pair should be about average. |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in Tampa, FL. | Posted: August 5th, 2018 05:08PM |
| Type of Frame: Coach | Type of Lenses: |
| Store: Target |
Paid 168 with Humana Insurance (price before insurance $500). Included blue light protection. Still seemed expensive but cheaper than what I have paid in the past. I got glasses at Costco for a little less without insurance. |
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| Posted by: Bridgett in sheboygan, WI. | Posted: March 13th, 2018 10:03AM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic light weight | Type of Lenses: Plastic |
| Store: Wisconsin Vision |
Just ordered New Glasses, I opted for Plastic Frames this time around as I wanted something that was light weight and I didn't want the Nose Pads. I purchased 2 pairs, My primary pair is a Progressive Lens Bifocal and the 2nd pair was for when I am reading or on my computer at home as it bothers me to use the Bifocal for that. I spent a total of $482.40 after insurance for the 2 pairs. It not the frames its the lenses that kill you my lenses for the progressive bifocal are $182.50 each, this is where they are getting you, plus the add on of the anti glare so I can drive at night ( otherwise I get the Halo effect from the on coming headlights and the street lights). |
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| Posted by: a user in Raleigh, NC. | Posted: February 9th, 2018 06:02AM |
| Store: My Eye Doctor |
I was sticker shocked. I have insurance and the lens is where I took the biggest hit. I chose Progressive Lens. But it would have worked out the same if I bought 2 sets of glasses. |
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| Posted by: D W M in Lebanon, OH. | Posted: January 24th, 2018 04:01PM |
| Type of Frame: Stainless Steel | Type of Lenses: Series X Progressive Varilux |
| Store: Village Optical |
Purchased a pair of glasses with progressive lenses UV AR and Transitions from a contractor with the VA 2 years ago for +/-$300. About fell over going down the stairs first day and was never able to acclimate my eyes to them. Fast-forward 2 years when my frustration not being able to see correctly finally got the best of me. The techs and doctor at Village performed a comprehensive exam and fitting - looking deep into my eyes with this new test taking detailed pictures vs the traditional dilation and a visual exam. I did not skimp on my eyes as good vision is something I do not take for granted. $178 in exams/tests, $230 frames, $720 lenses ($360 ea), and UV/AR and Transitions $300. After insurance my cost was $872 thanks to tax at the retail cost of all. Yes $900 is a helluvalot of money, but my vision is pretty damned important. We don't blink putting a $1000 set of tires on our vehicles, so I see nothing wrong investing $900 into my well-being for a quality pair of glasses. |
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| Posted by: Angela Black in Lincolnton, NC. | Posted: January 22nd, 2018 09:01PM |
| Store: Individual |
Im purchasing these glasses off facebook. They are coming from summerton nc to lincolnton nc. Value $300 |
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| Posted by: Shayebaye in Lansing, IL. | Posted: October 24th, 2017 07:10PM |
| Store: Visionworks |
I have insurance which covers $200, anti-glare, for myopic astigmatism, single lenses, designer frames—Deréon |
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| Posted by: Chen Kai Wen in Palo Alto, CA. | Posted: September 19th, 2017 06:09AM |
| Type of Frame: Adidas | Type of Lenses: Progressive |
| Store: Uber Eyes |
yes, like the proverbial 35$ Tylenol at the hospital or the military 700$ hammer, I feel I was royally overcharged--and insurance fraud was involved. No one, not even where I live in a stupidly expensive virtually internet company exclusive company town, should expect to be charged $1,221 for eyeglasses. With insurance, I paid $414, and still feel overcharged. |
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| Posted by: Senior Fluffy in Claremont, CA. | Posted: March 29th, 2017 08:03AM |
| Type of Frame: Plastic | Type of Lenses: Basic |
| Store: Light of Life Optometry |
Frame name: Academic P8000 black
Made in China
Frame Price Alone: $40
I am a frugal individual in need of new glasses. I went out looking for some glasses and came across this optometry. He had great prices. |
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| Posted by: melody roibnson in orange, CA. | Posted: December 30th, 2016 10:12AM |
| Type of Frame: | Type of Lenses: plastic i think not sure |
i thought they might be high priced |
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| Posted by: So Sad in exeter, NH. | Posted: December 6th, 2016 10:12AM |
| Type of Frame: plastic | Type of Lenses: Progressive |
| Store: Doctor |
I have just started wearing progressives, and was blown away by the price from the doctors office. I decided to purchase them online. I will NEVER do that again! I felt sick, dizzy, and actually fell. I spent 218 online. They would not let me return them. So I went back to my eye doctor. It was the best decision I could have made. My new glasses are fantastic. So sad I wasted over two hundred dollars online!! |
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External Resources: |
- www.universityhealthplans.com/custom/VSP_NtlAvgCost.html
- www.lenscrafters.com
- www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/overview.htm
- www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/overview.htm#lenses
- www.nei.nih.gov/Health/financialaid.asp
- www.aao.org/find_eyemd.cfm/
- www.optometrists.org/eye_doctors.html
- www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglasses_shape_color_analysis.htm
- tryontech.framesdirect.com/tryon_collection.aspx
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