Selecting the right frame for someone is fun for the most part. There are so many factors I take into consideration, including cost if the patient has expressed a concern about their budget. As an optician, it is my responsibility to make sure the patient can see out of their glasses first and foremost. Sometimes it appears the patient confuses cost of the frame with the quality of their lenses. All too often I have someone come in to see me saying they can’t see and they spent a fortune on their glasses. “The frames alone were $800!” If the frames alone were $800 and you only spent $1000 on your glasses, you probably didn’t get a great pair of glasses. You purchased a beautiful pill bottle.
What is more important? The pills or the pill bottle?
I use this example often with my patients so they can understand the importance of filling their eyeglass prescription with a quality set of lenses first and then, if they don’t have a budget and can spend what they want on the frame, great. If they have a budget then let me help them find a frame within their budget which will also look great and fit well.
Sadly, from experience, I can tell you, not every optician feels this way. Some opticians are not really opticians, they are sales people. They sell you a more expensive frame, tell you you’re getting the best lenses, and then put a progressive lens from 2003 in your frame. You might have trouble seeing but you’ll look amazing!
Imagine going to a pharmacy and the pharmacist saying, I’ll fill your prescription but let’s take a look at these amazing pill bottles you can choose. They range from free to $1000+. I know this is a little over the top because pills only last 30-90 days but I’m trying to stress the importance of focusing Your budgeted dollars in the right direction when cost is a factor.
Don’t get me wrong, anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE finding the perfect frame and how much I love the unique and whimsical frames. Unique and whimsical in a lower cost isn’t always as easy to find but as the frame buyer at my office, I do try to find them so I can offer them to the patients wanting unique on a budget.
Frames costs range from low to high for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s the difference in material, sometimes it is where the parts used in it come from; for example, if a frame has hinges made in Germany vs hinges made in China, the cost may be slightly higher, where the frame is designed, as well as where or how the frame is manufactured. I am not saying NOT to purchase a nice frame. I just want to stress the importance of making sure you are putting the right lenses and features into the frame you selected.
If you have vision benefits such as VSP (Vision Service Plan) or Eyemed, it is important you utilize your benefits as fiscally wise as you can. If you wear contact lenses as well, have the optician price out both ways. It is almost always better to use your benefits for eyeglasses and pay for the contacts.
For progressive lenses, make sure your optician is selecting a lens suited for how you are going to use them. If you are someone who ALWAYS takes their glasses off to drive or watch TV, then talk about an occupational pair of glasses instead of a normal progressive. If you are on a laptop a lot, make sure the progressive lens has a wide intermediate area as well as some type of blue light protection.
It is important to have confidence in your optician. He or she is a crucial part of you seeing the world as clear as possible!
Have a great frame you love? Share a picture of yourself wearing them! I’d love to see them.
Have a great day everyone and see the world as clearly as you can! 🤓
If you liked this article and want to read more, please follow me on Facebook @PaulaTheOptician or subscribe to this blog. You can find my other writing, not related to eye care and optical on my site: HaliPawz Where I enjoy writing reviews, ADA adventures with my mom, as well as just some humorous things that happen to me.
If you like the pill bottles in the picture, please visit the site I found them in by clicking here
Paula Halifax 