Unexpected Online Eyeglasses Epiphanies

Posted by Ira at Thursday, August 13, 2009

I've had a number of epiphanies over the past nearly three years of this -- beyond the obvious cost differences. Here are a few of them that seem to resonate with people:

It's amazing how little wear and tear these things show when you have more than one pair.
Prescription sunglasses? I can see outside in the summer -- without squinting! THIS is what the beach is like?
The frame's nooks and crannies stay very clean when you're not wearing the same pair each day.
I play (more) with the kids knowing that if my glasses get broken, I've got another pair to replace them.
It's really nice to be able to afford multiple pairs of glasses for specific purposes/settings rather than needing one pair to look nice and perform in all situations.

Please share your most surprising discoveries since entering the ranks of the online bespectacled!

12 comments:

At August 13, 2009 at 4:32 PM Abbie said...: I spend less time searching around for missing eyeglasses before leaving the house because with 4 pairs there's always some nearby!
At August 13, 2009 at 8:06 PM Rob Pahlkotter said...: I find that I am more willing to give a new style a try, especially if it is inexpensive. I mean if it is 20-30 bucks it is like buying a shirt online. Might as well give it a shot
At August 15, 2009 at 11:17 AM ajeep8u said...: I have several 'daily wear' pairs that I rotate - when one pair begins to irritate my nose or ears too much, I switch to another. Also I have a couple pairs with better temples (so the frames don't slide off my nose) and larger lenses for detailed work around the house.
At August 15, 2009 at 9:05 PM thriftyM said...: I now have a wardrobe of eyeglasses. I have an assortment of colors to match my clothes. I can even match my jewelry, because I have a silver pair and a gold pair too!
At August 16, 2009 at 1:55 PM CoreyW said...: I always looked forward to looking at new glasses when I would go to the store, but the fun of trying them on was followed by a constant sticker shock.

Now I can browse glasses online at a whim and it's really fun.
At August 16, 2009 at 7:12 PM oliver said...: I now have enough glasses that it wouldn't be a big deal to break open a pair of the less well-fitting ones to make some custom halloween costume goggle if the situation called for it.
At August 17, 2009 at 9:14 PM CoreyW said...: I guess I'm full of these.

It's a lot easier to splurge on high end glasses when the entry point drops.

I got a pair of Shuron Ronsir Zyl's through Optometrist Attic with lenses from 39dollarglasses. Total cost was around $125. That's for basic lenses in beautiful, hand-crafted, made-in-America frames.
At August 21, 2009 at 10:48 AM Courtney said...: I love the comments I get on the several different pair I get, plus it's a great way to introduce people to the idea of buying glasses online. I love saving people money!
At August 21, 2009 at 3:37 PM Unknown said...: I no more have to worry about paying for a new eyeglasses. Been living with on one pair of eyeglasses for more than 2 years. Could not afford extra and worried what would happen if my only eyeglasses got broken. No more worries. I now have plenty. Can you believe it that I've been using a same prescription sunglasses for 7 years??!! My wife told me that it looks old style and the prescription is not right. I now have two new prescription sunglasses for about $100 for both.

Eyeglasses was like one of my treasure in the past. But now, it's just like a disposable band-aid.
At August 29, 2009 at 4:53 PM sagecamel said...: Some Thoughts on Glasses

Greed, fear, and envy: it's not just the greed of the traditional optical industry that Ira has exposed, it's how expertly this industry has manipulated our fears, prejudices, and ignorance.

These fears are of science, of medicine, of medical technology, and not least, of shallow judgements based on appearance. Deep-seated prejudices concerning beauty and ability continue to drive our actions and decisions.

When you walk into any mega-optical-fleecing operation, every step of of the fine-tuned and insulting sales machine is designed to exploit your every emotional weakness and lack of information.

"You have a very difficult prescription -- you'll need special hi-index, blah, blah, that'll be $600."

Online optical challenges all that, but with its own potential abuses, if it were not for Glassy Eyes.

It's empowering in so many ways! Now that many of us have enjoyed success with it, we are sharing some fascinating and revealing experiences.

Quite a few of us have mentioned the attitudes and judgements of family and friends, that we have too many glasses, or that to view them as fashion accessories is wrong or frivolous. We try to deflect with the slightly self-deprecating Elton John humor, but there's a strong need to defend and justify.

What's to defend? Why should anyone ever have to justify being a smart consumer? Taking care of his or her vision before getting behind the wheel of a car? Wearing a new pair of safety glasses in the workshop? Taking as much pride and care in the face you present to the world, as you do in your car, or clothes, or kitchen cabinets?

Of course, a lot of people are just plain afraid of change. Hiding behind every attractive adult face, are all of the deep and still-unhealed scars of childhood and adolescence.

Change and growth can be so very good, and time does sometimes heal.

Eric
At September 3, 2009 at 8:24 AM Anonymous said...: I agree with the previous commenters. Glasses are now an accessory that can dramatically change your look, and for less money than a new outfit, or even a new shirt or purse. At these prices, glasses are one less thing to worry about.

Plus, it's gratifying to give them to charity (Lions Clubs collect glasses) after a few years or if a style isn't right for you.
At September 3, 2009 at 8:24 AM Anonymous said...: I also want to say how much I appreciate your effort in maintaining this blog. I have learned a lot and save significant money on sales that you have brought to our attention. Thanks!