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Letter Re: Inexpensive Spare Eyeglasses
Hello JWR,
Thanks for the site. Information is the best currency. I will send 10
Cent Challenge money in
February.
Just wanted to give you a link to LBWEyewear.com,
a site I discovered which sells [made-to-order] prescription eyeglasses. Most
normal pairs are less than $25.
Some less than $15.
I don't have any connection to that site, just a satisfied customer. I'm sure
there are others like it.
I have found that paying 200+ dollars for a pair of glasses is not economical
because I lose them often and break them. It's always good to have a spare
pair in the car, or BOB. And even though ordering eyeglasses on a web site"sight
unseen" means you have to guess as to the style / fit, it's better to
have a clunky pair in an emergency than none. Also, post-SHTF, optometrists
appointments are probably low priority. I think this falls under the category
of medical supplies, such as prescription medicines.
For the second time now I have ordered 4 pairs for less than 60 dollars. There
is a pair in each vehicle I own, one by the television, one in the shooting
bag, etc. Also, after ordering once I now know which to order that are stylish
for me. This company sent both my packages snailmail within two weeks.
Here's the catch: you have to know your prescription. That means you have to
call your eye doctor and finagle this information out of their
receptionist. Legally they have to give you this info, but that doesn't mean
they will. Optometrists make their money selling their ability to check your
eyes. They're selling you the eye exam, not the glasses. But they give you
the exam "for free", because you will buy the glasses for hundreds
of dollars. The manufacturing itself costs only a few dollars for common glass
Also, your prescription is more than what is written on your contact lenses
box. You have to know the power of your near / farsightedness, the axis of
any astigmatisms, and your pupillary distance. Doctors don't
often give this information on the first try.
In support of buying local and supporting independent retailers you may want
to pay your optometrist something for their service. I however cannot justify
another pair of over-priced specs. Offering to "buy the exam" may
be a more honorable way to go.
Hope this info is helpful! Best, - N.
