If you donāt have vision insurance, you might assume that buying prescription glasses will be expensive. But with the right approach, you can get high-quality eyewear at an affordable price.
This guide will show you how to lower costs when buying glasses, from eye exams to frames and lenses.
Step 1: Get an Affordable Eye Exam
Even without insurance, you canāt buy glasses without a prescription (unless you already have a valid one). Hereās where to find low-cost eye exams:
1. Retail Optical Chains (Most Affordable & Convenient)
š” Walmart Vision Center: $50 ā $75
š” Americaās Best: $50+ (free if you buy glasses)
š” Costco Optical: $60 ā $100
āļø Best for: Quick, budget-friendly exams
2. Online Eye Exams (For Prescription Updates)
š” Warby Parker, 1-800 Contacts, Visibly offer online vision tests for $25 ā $50.
āļø Best for: Minor updates to an existing prescription
š” Pro Tip: If your prescription is still valid (less than 2 years old), you can skip the eye exam!
Step 2: Where to Buy Affordable Glasses Without Insurance
If youāre paying out of pocket, choosing the right store can save you hundreds of dollars.
Best Places to Buy Cheap Glasses
š” Online Stores: NextPair, Zenni Optical, EyeBuyDirect (frames from $10)
š” Wholesale Stores: Costco Optical (discounted frames & lenses)
š” DTCĀ Retailers: Warby Parker, NextPair (they cut out the middleman so you pay only for the value of the product and not the industry multiples)
Step 3: Choosing Budget-Friendly Frames
š° How to Save on Frames:
āļø Shop online for better value options (no store or service costs, so a better cost for money)
āļø Look for frame sales & discounts (usually there will always be something!)
āļø Choose Asian fit frames for better comfort if you have a low nose bridge (so they fit well with no need for after-sales)
Step 4: Choosing the Right Lenses (Without Overpaying)
Lens prices vary depending on thickness, material, and coatings. Hereās how to get the best deal:
Best Budget Lens Choices:
š” Standard Lenses (CR-39): $10 ā $30 (good for low prescriptions)
š” Thin High-Index Lenses (1.67 / 1.74): $50 ā $100 (for stronger prescriptions)
š” Blue Light & Anti-Glare Coatings: Often free with online purchases
š” Pro Tip: Online retailers usually offer cheaper lens upgrades compared to physical stores.
Step 5: Maximizing Discounts & Savings
āļø Use promo codes & seasonal discounts
āļø Check student, military, or first-time buyer discounts
āļø Buy multiple pairs at once (BOGO deals)
āļø Use HSA/FSA funds if available
Final Thoughts: Affordable Glasses Without Insurance
Even without vision insurance, you can find high-quality, affordable glasses by shopping smart. Buying online and choosing the right lenses can help you save hundreds of dollars! š”š