0
0
As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tightens its regulations on eye care providers, consumers are increasingly finding more affordable and convenient ways to purchase their eyeglasses, expanding their options beyond the traditional optical office lobby.
One notable shift is the growing popularity of online retailers like Warby Parker and Zenni Optical, as consumers look to save on prescription eyewear. Warby Parker has even posted record annual profits, signaling the growing appeal of online shopping for glasses. A 2022 Consumer Reports survey of 11,450 respondents found that the median price paid for glasses was $224 out of pocket, or $205 after insurance. In contrast, traditional optical shops charged a median of $511, often leaving consumers with hefty bills. Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League, notes that while the eyewear industry has cleaned up in many respects, hidden fees and financing costs can still add up.
“The industry has cleaned up a lot,” Greenberg said. “But you do have to watch out, because like any industry, they’re going to add fees if they can get away with it.”
Experts suggest several ways for consumers to manage costs while still getting high-quality eyewear.
Before Your Appointment
Understanding the types of eye care professionals is the first step in managing costs. Optometrists and ophthalmologists serve different functions: optometrists diagnose and treat vision problems, while ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care and perform surgeries. Greenberg recommends visiting these specialists annually for regular exams, which can detect a range of conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetes, and even brain tumors.
However, when heading to a traditional office, Greenberg advises asking upfront about costs. “What will the exam cost? Are there any additional costs attached? What is the average price of glasses?” This approach can help clarify potential hidden fees.
Ruth Susswein, director of Consumer Action’s consumer protection division, warns that many doctors attach extra charges to a routine vision test. “It’s not always clear to the consumer whether all of those additional tests are necessary,” she said. To avoid unnecessary costs, Susswein recommends asking doctors, “What is that test? Why do I need that?”
In cases of surprise fees, Greenberg simply says, “I don’t want to pay that.” She recalls a time when a “refraction fee” disappeared from her bill after she questioned it.
Know the Rules
Since 1978, the FTC has required that doctors provide patients with a copy of their prescription after an eye exam, a rule that some doctors have ignored. Recently, the FTC reinforced this regulation, now requiring that patients sign a statement acknowledging receipt of their prescription. This change aims to empower consumers to shop around for glasses outside the doctor’s office.
“Without prescriptions, consumers often settled on purchasing glasses at the optical office,” said Susswein. If a consumer doesn’t receive their prescription, they are entitled to request one, and if the doctor refuses, they can file a complaint with the FTC.
“There are those in the optometry industry that would look to curb our freedom of choice,” she added, emphasizing the need for more competition in the market.
Assess Your Options
Consumers now have more choices than ever for where to buy eyeglasses and contact lenses, contributing to greater affordability and variety. For those on a budget, over-the-counter reading glasses at general retailers like Target can be purchased for under $20. However, prescription glasses, which address specific vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness, tend to be more expensive, particularly for bifocals and trifocals that combine multiple prescriptions.
Consumers can also use their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help cover costs not fully reimbursed by insurance, including prescription glasses and eye exams. This option can lead to substantial savings.
Do Your Research
When considering online retailers like 1-800 Contacts, Greenberg advises reading consumer reviews to ensure the retailer accurately fills prescriptions. However, she also cautions consumers to avoid paying for add-ons unless they are truly needed. Extra features such as anti-glare coatings, UV protection, or scratch-resistant lenses can quickly inflate the cost of a new pair of glasses.
Local optical shops also offer customization services that might be worth the extra cost. For instance, IWare Northeast in New York customizes frames by hand, and Specs Optical in Minneapolis offers free frame cleaning and adjustments.
Avoid Financing Options
Greenberg cautions against financing eyewear, as these options often come with predatory terms. Instead, she recommends consumers seek out affordable alternatives upfront to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of debt.
By taking these steps—understanding costs, knowing the rules, and exploring all available options—consumers can save money while still ensuring they have the perfect pair of glasses.
