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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $100-$400+ |
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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
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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.
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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 |
| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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: |
- www.eyeglasslensdirect.com/Polycarbonate-Photochromic-Lenses-s/159.htm
- www.eyeglasses.com/lens_price_list.cfm
- www.safetyglassesusa.com/photochromic-main.html
- www.selectspecs.com/view/items/tab/3/cat/72/page/1/
- www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/photochromic.htm
- www.framesdirect.com/landing/a/transitions-lenses.html
- www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
- abop.org/verify-a-physician/
- www.webmd.com/eye-health/choosing-eye-doctor
- www.eyeglasses.com
- www.eyeglasslensdirect.com/Polycarbonate-Photochromic-Lenses-s/159.htm
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