Many years ago, glasses were purchased from your eye doctor, so the glasses-buying decision was pretty simple. It went something like this…have eyes examined by your trusted eye doctor, order glasses, and pick up glasses.

Happy days.

The problem then was that there were not many choices in lenses or frames. For the most part, that was okay since people didn’t even realize there should be more options.

With the advent of the digital age, we have been bombarded with information via television, the internet, and more recently, social media. It seems now there are too many options for almost every product available.

The same goes for glasses. And the times have changed in the optical industry. There are so many choices in eyewear, from brand name frames to progressive (no-line bifocal) lens choices to lens coatings. Not to mention sunglasses to protect us from harmful UV rays and lenses that protect us from the most harmful visible light, high energy blue light. All these choices have to be daunting for most patients.

Since I grew up in the eye care industry with an optometrist as a father, I have seen many changes in all areas of our profession over the past 30+ years. I have seen technology advance in a major way as far as the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease and advancements in contact lenses as well.

However, the eyewear side of our industry has seen the most interesting changes since that is the most retail aspect of our business. With more and more retailers entering the optical space, lens and frame choices have exploded. Not only can you buy glasses from your local eye doctor, but you can also buy them at big box stores and even online.

Of course, I would love it if my patients always purchased their glasses at my office, but I’m realistic about the fact that we can’t be all things to all people. When people purchase their glasses elsewhere, they may do so for reasons such as selection, pricing, convenience, and so on. This is okay with me as I am happy that we can at least provide them with a comprehensive eye health exam. But I wonder… have they considered the real cost of a pair of glasses?

There are so many things to consider when purchasing eyewear. Besides the obvious (how you look in the frame) you should also make sure that the lens type fits well for its intended purpose and that the glasses fit your lifestyle and the tasks for which you’ll be wearing them. For example, will you wear them all the time or are they only for computer use?

It’s kind of obvious, but you should also expect to be able to see well out of the lenses.

The factor not usually added into the cost of glasses is the people associated with the purchase.

• How well trained are the opticians in helping you get the look you desire?

• How well trained are the opticians in understanding the optics of the lenses to ensure that you are able to see out of your glasses as well as your doctor intended when he or she checked your eyes?
   

I’ll bet most people don’t realize that there is advanced training and certification for opticians.

The real cost of a pair of glasses includes the people who help you make your selection and who ensure proper sizing and fitting. When these people or their level of expertise are left out of the equation, the cost of a seemingly cheaper pair of glasses may leave you with a less than ideal experience.

Improper fit, poor vision, and other problems can add unexpected costs to your purchase. When you buy your next pair of glasses, please remember that there is more to think about than just the frame and lens.

I hope your next eyewear purchase is with one of our certified opticians at Clarke EyeCare Center and please don’t forget what goes into the real cost of a pair of glasses!