Prescription glasses in USA

[turnip666]

Is purchasing Prescription glasses in the US significantly cheaper than here?

I'm assuming that an optometrist there would be able to use the Australian prescription?

 

[chelzmalee]

I think they are cheaper, however it depends on if you buy online from a group like Clearly Contacts here in Aus where you can just input your script, or whether you go in store. If you go in store I think they would make you take an eye test - happy to be corrected, though!

 

[earlyriser]

This is only my own experience but I have purchased glasses numerous times from the States (used Lenscrafters a few times). Saved over $100 total each time (exchange rate was better) but I would always have issues with the lenses, they would scratch really easily or I would get transitions and it would peel subtly which became annoying. What I have done the last two years is used the frames from my US purchases and got the lenses here in Australia and so far no issues. All I had was my prescription and had no problems and didn't need any tests.

 

[scubabe]

I use a US website called eyebuydirect.com


They have special 2-4-1 deals once or twice a year and cheap postage to Oz, so I have somehow managed to attain 6 pairs of funky coloured "fashion" glasses for like $100 or something. I'd never have paid Australian prices for bright blue or fluro green glasses, but when you're only paying $10USD for 2 pairs of glasses (lenses included) then yes you can splurge and get some fashionable things that may or may not work for you long-term