Need Help? Drop me a line.

Posted by Ira at Tuesday, September 11, 2007

It's been a crazy 10 months since I started the GlassyEyes blog. It's been one of the most surprising and rewarding things I've ever done. Nothing makes your breakfast go down better than reading an email from a single mother who was able to replace her broken (for OVER A YEAR) eyeglasses after finding your site.

I'm a software/web developer by trade and have had the good fortune of partnering with one of the smartest people I've ever known (and I've known him since junior high). We've been building a top-flight software company/consultancy for the past couple of years on a strictly nights and weekends basis. This week, I was able to leave the day job behind and make the night gig, the new day gig.

What does this mean to you as a GlassyEyes devotee (grant me my delusion of grandeur)? It means that I should actually have more time for the blog. My nights and weekends, while full of carting kids to soccer and hockey games will definitely be more open to take this site to the next level. I have some big plans -- so check back often.

Additionally, and maybe more importantly, I'm going to be more available to help you if you're in a snag with one of the retailers. Over the past 10 months, I've garnered some importance to their business models -- thanks to all of your purchases -- and they tend to respond to me (rather quickly) when I have questions or concerns for them.

So, please, if you're having trouble dealing with one of the retailers, let me know. I've had direct contact (and hence know how to get to them) with the people in charge at 39DollarGlasses, Goggles4U, Optical4Less, and Global Eye Glasses. I've tried contacting the others over time, but been less successful. I can't promise results, but I can promise that I'll try.

Oh, and as always, most of the other questions you might have, have been asked (and answered by myriad sources) in the forums!

Thanks!

[begin plug] and if you're ever in the market for some serious software or web development, check us out at freemind solutions (freemind.net). [end plug]

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22 comments:

At September 12, 2007 at 9:28 AM Unknown said...: This is a truly useful blog. Thanks for making it happen.
At September 12, 2007 at 9:30 AM Anonymous said...: Just ordered my 2nd pair from 39 dollar glasses through your link. With their "reward" money from my first pair and your linky discount, the glasses are 39 dollars INCLUDING shipping.

Thanks!
At September 13, 2007 at 9:30 AM Maria Stahl said...: Congratulations, Ira!

Signed,
Another Child of the '70s :o)
At September 14, 2007 at 12:17 AM justelise said...: Zenni Optical's web site seems to be downish (it's spitting out a bunch of SQL errors when you try to load the main page but it still sometimes loads whole pages), and has been for several hours. I'm a wee bit nervous as I placed two orders for glasses from them last week. I also returned a pair of glasses they agreed to repair because the lens broke after less than 3 months.

Anyone else experiencing issues with them?
At September 16, 2007 at 11:19 PM Doug said...: I don't need help yet - I just want to thank you for doing this. I placed an order with optical4less a few moments ago and am hoping for the best. You are truly doing a service for all of us optically-challenged working folk. Keep up the good work bro.b
At September 17, 2007 at 8:58 AM Unknown said...: A commenter on my blog just told me about yours. Yay! I came up with a very pleasing interim fix last night for my broken pair (and a very good idea for people designing them): magnets. I want to share so that anyone else having as much trouble reading their computer as i was can get some immediate relief: check it out.

http://subvert.com/blog/2007/09/16/supremely-nerdy-solution/
At September 18, 2007 at 2:54 PM Mary said...: Thanks for putting together this site.

I am still having trouble dealing with Eyefine.com. Here it is Sept 16th and still no glasses. We're going on 2 mths now. (ordered July 21). I did have to pay them an extra $30 to remake the glasses that were the wrong prescription - even though I returned them per the 30 day warranty, blah blah blah. Seems the warranty rules changed just for me. Isn't that special? So, now I'm out even more. Ugh.

I've called them so many times that now when I call, I hear the person on the other end groan before I'm doing saying who I am.

If I ever receive my glasses, and they have the correct prescription (Bonus!) I will still have saved $200 from getting them at JCPenny (Luxottica).
At September 18, 2007 at 2:59 PM Ira said...: @mary,

I'm sorry Mary, I've never heard of or reviewed EyeFine. I'll be sure to look back at this if I ever do, but realistically this blog isn't aimed at the designer market. We've a bit more of a "utilitarian" bent.

Good luck.
At September 19, 2007 at 3:04 PM onceupon said...: Help!

I have a pretty hardcore prescription but it's the ADD slot that is preventing me from ordering glasses online. Do you know of any online retailers that go up to a +5?
At September 19, 2007 at 11:01 PM Unknown said...: What's your feeling about buying those luxotica frames from a place like Global? I've been at those chain places and they have some nice frames like armani, brooks brothers etc. I ask because one of your earlier posts said to avoid those brands.

Also, do you think you can go to lenscrafters get the frame # to a armani one and then buy it online?
At September 19, 2007 at 11:19 PM Ira said...: @j,

I'm certainly not a fan of Luxottica. I think their current cornering the market is not good for anyone with eyes such as ours.

I avoid them -- and will continue to do so.

If you're set on Armani, I'd guess you could saunter in to a LensCrafters and get the number and punch it in online to find a better price -- it certainly won't be MORE expensive.
At September 20, 2007 at 9:12 PM Anonymous said...: Ira, here's one more friendly company for your list: EyeBuyDirect

If your devotees need extra special service then we're all ears...

:)
At September 23, 2007 at 1:38 PM Anonymous said...: O.K., I just ordered my second pair of glasses from 39dollarglasses through your link, because I was thrilled with the first pair I received. They are very nice and very tasteful. However, my inner fashionista requires some of those new, BIG, trendy Jackie O-style frames, with maybe a little bling on the side, for some fun perscription sunglasses. Any ideas?
At September 24, 2007 at 7:15 PM Irving said...: Your website has been extremely informative and the reviews section has lead me to 39dollarglasses.com

I have one question that I haven't been able to find the answer to anywhere.

Is the total width of the frame adjustable? Can it be done by a local optometrist?
At September 24, 2007 at 7:29 PM Ira said...: @Irving,

Frame width isn't adjustable. It's measured across the front, from the two furthest points.

As far as other adjustments so, different frames have different areas that they can be adjusted.

Apart from a couple of quick nosepad adjustments and a slight twist, I've not had much need for adjustments on any of these glasses -- putting them in a better light than the expensive RayBan frames I owned previously -- they stretched out of shape a week after each adjustment.
At September 27, 2007 at 2:52 PM Anonymous said...: Congratulations Ira! I wish you the best of luck in your business!

Thank you for putting up this great site and giving us so much usefull information. I was frustrated years ago when I had to pay around $300 dollars for glasses, but a few weeks ago when I found out that the glasses I want cost $400-$600, I said enough is enough!. I'm now going to try an online retailer. However, the only one that carries the frames I want is www.eyeglasses4less.com Have you heard anything about this one?

Thanks!

P.S. I can barely believe the markup that the former optician is telling us. What I don't understand is why some of the local small retailers don't sell for less? Normally, in a free market economy without a monopoly, I would expect competition to drive prices down. If markups are so enormous, you'd think someone would break the ranks and start a price war... just musing, but I'm curious if you have any ideas
At September 28, 2007 at 2:28 AM Anonymous said...: Where would be a good place to go for those that are cursed with larger heads? The glasses I need to replace are 56-18-145 and none of these places seem to carry anything near this size.

Thanks and keep up the great work.
At October 4, 2007 at 12:26 AM Anonymous said...: Hey guys can anyone tell me if there is a way to put prescription lenses in plastic sunglass frames? I have a pair of Gucci sunglasses that I love and I want to be able to wear them all the time. Lol I don't care if they have to jam the lenses in there. Any help would be awesome! Anthony
At October 4, 2007 at 3:06 PM Anonymous said...: Thanks for making this great blog Ira! Very helpful indeed.

I have a question; I've tried to contact 39dollarglasses via their form 3 times over the last few weeks about various order issues, but have not gotten a single reply. While 2 of the issues resolved themselves, I now have an issue with the lenses I've just recieved and need some assistance. Is there any other online method of contact that more direct than their form or online help system (they never seem to be around when I have time to chat there)?
At October 4, 2007 at 3:35 PM Ira said...: According to the 39DollarGlasses website "contact us" page:

Our calling hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (EST)

Call us directly at 1-619-308-4030

Toll free within US 1-800-672-6304

Let me know if that doesn't work.
At October 4, 2007 at 4:27 PM Anonymous said...: Thanks Ira

That's actually my last resort as there's a 5-6 hour time difference between me and the east coast. I was hoping there would be some super secret e-mail address or something hidden on their site somewhere ;)
Guess I'll have to find the time though as this rainbow halo around my eyes is getting annoying.

Thanks again :)
At October 5, 2007 at 10:13 AM Anonymous said...: Have found your site to be very helpful in search for new eyeglasses. Do you have any information concerning lbweyewear.com, an online retailer located in CA. Thanks for your help. Chuck