4 Money-Saving Tips for Buying New Eyeglasses
Eyewear is an essential purchase for a lot of people, and consumers are more than willing to spend on them nowadays. A report from Grand View Research notes that the eyewear market will be worth over $323 billion by 2030, owing to more room for customization based on personal needs and style. However, purchasing products like glasses isn’t always cheap; the cost of special lenses, lens coatings, and high-quality frames can easily bump up the price. Fortunately, there are ways to help minimize expenses so you can still buy a good pair of glasses without breaking the bank. Here are four money-saving tips to try:
Order glasses online
Online shopping has not only gained popularity due to its convenience but also its ability to cut down on expenses. Shopping for glasses online is no different. Purchasing them online can help you buy a high-quality pair for less than what you’d get at a store. Many online retailers also offer a number of discounts, promotions, and easy payment plans to stay ahead of their competition. To illustrate, buying prescription glasses online at Glasses.com allows you to take advantage of a buy-now, pay-later scheme for one. You can split your purchase into smaller installments, offering a fast, easy, and interest-free payment method. You can also enjoy discounts, such as 50% off prescription lenses and treatments with Transition lenses. You can easily compare prices, discounts, and promos while you shop around, finding the best deals on a pair you love.
Avoid unnecessary expenses
Thanks to advancements in technology, there’s an abundance of eyeglasses frames, lenses, and lens treatments out there. While exploring all of these options can be exciting, they can easily rack up the price of your glasses. Though this is listed as a cleaning tip in our post entitled “Spring Cleaning Time: Save Money or Make Money Eliminating Junk”, the idea of decreasing unnecessary purchases can also apply when buying new glasses. Focus on the features that will benefit you depending on your lifestyle. Spend a lot of time in front of a screen? Blue-light glasses can be a worthwhile option. If you drive a lot, an anti-glare lens coating can prevent reflections from affecting your vision on the road. Investing in high-index lenses can also benefit you if you have a high prescription, allowing your lenses to be lighter and thinner for comfort. Bottomline: being aware of your daily activities and lifestyle can help you make purchases that are worth it without spending too much unnecessarily.
Check what your insurance or accounts cover
Buying glasses can be expensive, but if you have the right insurance or accounts, you can take advantage of them and cut down the cost of your glasses or have them reimbursed. Some online retailers partner with specific vision insurance plans, so if yours is included, you can buy glasses at a discounted price depending on your coverage. Some retailers also provide instructions or receipts for filing vision insurance claims. Some retailers like Zenni Optical also accept flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) dollars, allowing you to use these accounts to purchase prescription glasses. Using these accounts to buy glasses can also prevent you from forfeiting the funds. Check with your provider to see what your insurance plan or accounts cover and if the retailer you wish to provide from accepts it.
Keep longevity in mind
There’s only so much you can do to bring down the cost of your glasses, but it pays to invest in a high-quality pair that will last you a long time so you don’t need to keep replacing or repairing them, increasing costs over time. Durable and comfortable glasses that suit your face and style can ensure you’ll be wearing them for years to come. They don’t need to be designer if you want good quality, but you can buy from trusted brands to ensure you get the best glasses for the best prices. When you purchase glasses with the intent of wearing them for a long time instead of choosing something trendy, you’ll be able to maximize your investment for longer.
For more budget-friendly tips, check out BudgetSavvyDiva.com for more budgeting, DIY, and lifestyle guides.
