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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Opthamology & Optometry > Transitions Lenses

Transitions Lenses Cost


How Much Do Transitions Lenses Cost?

 
average costWith Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurancehigh costWithout Health Insurance: $100-$400+

Photochromic lenses, sometimes referred to as "transition lenses" after the well-known brand name, Transitions, are eyeglass lenses that can change from clear to dark, depending on the environment.

Typical costs:

  • For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the glasses. Photochromic lenses typically are covered, at least partially, by vision insurance.
  • For patients not covered by health insurance, transition lenses typically add $100-$400 to the cost of prescription eyeglasses, which can cost up to $1,000, depending on the frames, lenses and any additional features chosen. While the average pair of prescription eyeglasses costs less than $200, a pair with photochromic lenses could cost $400-$650 or more. And pre-made, non-prescription safety glasses or sunglasses with photochromic lenses can cost as much as $200-$400.
  • For example, at EyeGlassLensDirect.com, prescription photochromic lenses[1] cost about $100-$450 per pair, not including the frame, which could add several hundred dollars to the total cost. And at EyeGlasses.com, it costs an additional $75-$95, on top of the cost of the glasses, to get Transitions[2] brand photochromic lenses.
  • At SafetyGlassesUSA.com, light-adjusting safety glasses[3] cost about $40-$220. And at SelectSpecs.com, photochromic sunglasses[4] , cost about $75-$400 per pair.
Related articles: Eyeglasses, Prescription Sunglasses, Eye Exam, Health Insurance

What should be included:
  • Photochromic lenses commonly are used by people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors, by people who wear glasses and don't want to get separate prescription sunglasses, and by people with sensitivity to light. They are available from a variety of manufacturers with several options for color (for example, brown or grey) and darkness of tint, and other features.
  • Like other types of eyeglass lenses, photochromic lenses can be placed in a frame of the patient's choice. Frame choices range from basic to designer.
  • AllAboutVision.com offers a guide to photochromic lenses[5] .
Additional costs:
  • Eyeglass cases typically cost from about $5-$30.
  • Microfiber cloths and lens cleaner typically cost less than $10.
Discounts:
  • Some online retailers offer discounts. For example, FramesDirect.com has an offer[6] of $15 off any frame with the purchase of Transitions brand lenses.
Shopping for transitions lenses:
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides an ophthalmologist locator[7] , and it is recommended to verify board certification by contacting the American Board of Ophthalmology[8] . WebMD offers a guide[9] on how to choose an eye doctor.
  • Transition lenses typically would be purchased through an eye doctor or an optical shop. Online retailers, such as EyeGlasses.com[10] and EyeGlassLensDirect.com[11] also offer photochromic lenses.
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
transition & progressive & exam and tax
Amount: $720.00
Posted by: Mostar in Phoenix, AZ.Posted: April 13th, 2021 01:04PM
More than what any place will tell you over the phone. They usually quote the least expensive that don’t cover the entire lens.
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transition & progressive with everything
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: E24 in rochester, MN.Posted: October 14th, 2019 04:10PM
Optometrist: lenscrafters
This price reflects the eyemed card discount. Including wire frames. I went for additional transitioning option in the car which is something new, hope it works just ordered them today.
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Transitions Lenses
Amount: $416.66
Posted by: A. H. in Honolulu, HI.Posted: August 11th, 2019 01:08AM
Just bought some from LensCrafters ala Moana. I paid $416.66 after insurance, but it costs $655.01 without insurance. Price does not include frames.
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Transitional lenses 8.25 with any frame
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Dutchman Flying in Kuala Lumpur, MT.Posted: May 28th, 2017 05:05AM
Optometrist: Optical Two
Included eye exam and any frame with terrible eyesight.
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Guarinty
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Jim Kuna in Wooddale, IL.Posted: November 3rd, 2016 07:11PM
Optometrist: ,VA hospital
How to get a guarantee for the glasses
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Transition lenses
Amount: $175.00
Posted by: mark r reeves, M.D. in el paso, TX.Posted: February 24th, 2016 08:02PM
Optometrist: yes
Ive had my eyes examined by 3 different physicians (m.d) & 3 optomitrists, and i've purchased 9 different sets of glasses in the last 10 years. None of them are any good. I spent thousands on transitions, sunglasses and clear glasses yet no one ever told me what i should buy.
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transitional lenses
Amount: $60.00
Posted by: Vee Cacioppo in slidell, LA.Posted: July 3rd, 2015 03:07PM
Optometrist: walmart
Not dark at all, still have to wear sunglasses, didn't know they had different strengths till fter I purchased them
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External Resources:
  1.  www.eyeglasslensdirect.com/Polycarbonate-Photochromic-Lenses-s/159.htm
  2.  www.eyeglasses.com/lens_price_list.cfm
  3.  www.safetyglassesusa.com/photochromic-main.html
  4.  www.selectspecs.com/view/items/tab/3/cat/72/page/1/
  5.  www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/photochromic.htm
  6.  www.framesdirect.com/landing/a/transitions-lenses.html
  7.  www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
  8.  abop.org/verify-a-physician/
  9.  www.webmd.com/eye-health/choosing-eye-doctor
  10.  www.eyeglasses.com
  11.  www.eyeglasslensdirect.com/Polycarbonate-Photochromic-Lenses-s/159.htm
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