Can you easily comparison shop for glasses?

Question

Is it easy to go to any of the big chains or any of the smaller chains or independent opticians and get a firm price list for frames, lenses, coatings and the like? I haven't gotten glasses in almost eight years and I get the feeling that most retailers are cagey about letting you know how much you'll be paying for your glasses. I'd like to be able to get a firm price list, especially since the prices of all these things seem to vary.

Answer 1

SPECTACLE....could you help me with my question as well ? Thanx a lot !

This is the URL link to my question:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Answer 2

Yes, it is hard. I am not sure that it is "cagey" We all have our own prices for similar services, yes. But a lot does depend on your prscripeion and what it is that you are expecting from your glasses, so a price "menu" is hard to come up with. Glasses are kind of wierd becuase they are a "retail" item in a Healthcare environment. We deal with insurances and we have what is called "usual and customary" fees for the area we are in. We do price competitively, but sometimes not. How confusing, huh? It does make things look rather inconsistant, but usually if you do compare same product for same product prices will remain about the same for an area. Your predicament is to know what items are relaly the same. So, knowing what you need might be a better place to start and I could help a bit more. Do you have your RX? Can you post it and let us know what it is you are kind of looking for? We might be able to tell you how to ask your questions and then be a wise shopper as you go. I will check back later to see if you gave more info. SMOOCHES!

Ok, well, with your insurnace, some insurances are discounting programs and some are actual plans that pay a certain amount and you have certain copays for. So, for the latter, you would pay the same no matter where you go. Find out what the list of providers is for your area from your insurance. Can I ask what kind of insurance it is? I will check back again!  O^O