Lots of people have been able to see better -- at a fraction of the typical cost -- using the online eyeglass retailers reviewed on this site. I'd like to propose that some of the savings you've realized could be used to help someone else see better.

Helen Keller International, is a global charity dedicated to saving site and saving lives. Over 75% of all blindness is preventable. Helen Keller International is a world leader in the fight against blindness and in providing efficient, free eye exams and eyeglasses for those truly in need.

For example, for about the cost of a night out at the movies, or a gift of $25, you will provide a vision screening and free eyeglasses to an impoverished student through our ChildSight® program.

For about the cost of a dozen roses, or a gift of $50, you will help establish seven vegetable gardens for a family that will save them from hunger and protect their health through our Homestead Food Production programs.

For about the cost of a nice dinner for two, or a gift of $100, you will give 100 children enough Vitamin A for one year, protecting their sight and lives through our Health and Nutrition programs.

For about the cost of a designer set of sunglasses, or a gift of $250, you will restore vision to five people by enabling cataract surgery through our Eye Health programs.

Do I want to see the end of traditional optical stores? If by "traditional", we're talking about $50-$80 anti-reflection coatings and 1000% frame markup, then yes. Do I want to wait two weeks for my glasses to come from Pakistan? No. Who does? There is a happy medium. I'm sure someone has found it too. There is a small store somewhere with a two-day turnaround on well-made, inexpensive, and stylish eyeglasses. I have a hope that this may be the wave of the future.

Is there room for the high-priced boutique? Absolutely. There will always be people with more money than sense or charitable inclination.