How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Eyeglasses can range from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive, depending entirely on your needs and typical use. Are you wearing your glasses most of your waking hours, or do you just use them for reading? Are you rough on your glasses, or do you take care of them? Is your prescription mild or strong? All these factors play a role in determining how much you should invest in your eyewear.As opticians or eyeglass technicians, it’s our job to guide you, the patient, toward what best meets your needs and wants. Let’s explore some examples of what pricing might look like, depending on your specific needs. Please note that these are not exact quotes or recommendations but rather estimates based on the types of clients we see daily.

If you’re someone who wears your eyeglasses all day, every day, you’ll likely want them to be both fashionable and highly functional. With extended wear, you may also have a stronger prescription that could benefit from advanced coatings and lightweight materials. This kind of pair can be on the higher end, potentially costing upwards of $279.00 for lenses alone (excluding any insurance benefits). These lenses might include anti-glare coatings, scratch warranties, high-index materials, and aspheric designs to maximize your field of vision. These features are well worth the investment, considering you wear them all day long!

On the other hand, if you typically rely on over-the-counter "cheater readers" but find they’re no longer adequate, you might need a custom pair. Perhaps you’re used to buying 4 pairs for $80 at CVS or Costco, but your vision needs have changed, and a stronger prescription is required. In this case, style and extra clarity features may not be as important because you only use the glasses briefly when needed. A simple custom pair could cost as little as $69.00. And if you’re rough on your glasses, you might even take advantage of a BOGO or second-pair discount!

Whether your needs are simple or complex, a good optician will provide honest advice on the right pair for you. Come talk to me, Jonathon, at GV Optical in Goleta, or call to set up an appointment with one of our independent Doctors of Optometry.