Reading Glasses Cost

Typical costs:

• For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays and coinsurance for the glasses of 10%-50%. Prescription reading glasses typically are covered by vision insurance.
• For patients without health insurance, reading glasses typically cost $10-$50 for a basic pair of pre-made reading glasses from a drugstore or other retailer. Cost can reach $200 or more for off-the-shelf reading glasses with designer frames. Prescription glasses from an eye doctor typically cost about $200-$1,000.
• For example,reading glasses cost $10-$30 at Walgreens. At ReadingGlassesShopper.com, all reading glasses^[1] cost less than $20, including bifocal readers, flexible readers and folding readers.
• At ReadingGlasses.com, reading glasses with designer frames typically cost about $20-$200 or more, depending on the frame and type of lens. Reading glasses cost from about $20-$260 at EyeGlasses.com.
• Prescription eye glasses, typically cost about $200 but can cost up to $1,000, depending on the frame selected, the type of lenses and any additional features, such as scratch-resistant coating or a tint.

• An eye doctor will do an eye exam to check for presbyopia^[2] , a common condition in which aging eyes lose their ability to focus on items nearby, which can make reading difficult. It is important to see a doctor to determine the exact cause of any vision change, and whether a prescription is needed.
• If the patient has presbyopia and does not already wear glasses, the doctor probably will recommend reading glasses, which can either be purchase off-the-shelf at a drug store or other retailer, or through an eye doctor or optical shop. Especially if a patient needs a different strength lens for each eye or has other vision problems, such as astigmatism, a doctor probably will recommend prescription glasses.

• Add-ons such as upgraded lenses, tint or anti-reflective coating price list can increase the price by $20-$70 or more.
• It is common to wear reading glasses on a cord around the neck so they are easily accessible when needed. At ReadingGlasses.com, designer eyeglass chains and cords^[3] cost about $15-$75, depending on the designer and material. Glasses cases^[4] can cost about $10-$80.
• Cleaning solution and microfiber cleaning cloths usually cost less than $20.

• Some online retailers offer sales and significant discounts. For example, ReadingGlassesShopper.com sometimes offers seasonal discounts of as much as 30% and also has a clearance section^[5] .

• It is recommended to visit an eye doctor for an exam after any change in vision, even if the patient plans to buy pre-made reading glasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides an ophthalmologist locator^[6] , and it is recommended to verify board certification by contacting the American Board of Ophthalmology^[7] . WebMD explains how to choose an eye doctor^[8] .
• Reading glasses come in full-lens style, half-lens style and even folding styles that can be carried more easily. AllAboutVision.com offers a guide to buying reading glasses^[9] .
• Off-the-shelf reading glasses come in different powers, or strengths. ReadingGlassesShopper.com offers a guide to finding the correct reading glasses power^[10] .

1.  www.readers.com/
2.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002021/
3.  www.readingglasses.com/search/search_results.php?searchinput=&sorting=4&cat_id=100...
4.  www.readingglasses.com/search/search_results.php?searchinput=&sorting=4&cat_id=100...
5.  www.readers.com/reading-glasses-sale-items.html
6.  www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
7.  abop.org/verify-a-physician/
8.  www.webmd.com/eye-health/choosing-eye-doctor
9.  www.allaboutvision.com/over40/readers.htm
10.  www.readers.com/resources/about-eyeglasses/reading-glasses/finding-your-reading-gl...

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