Prescription eyeglasses can be expensive, especially for those patients that require a special prescription, such as bifocals or trifocals. There are several costs involved with eyeglasses—the doctor's visit fee, the frames and the lenses. While the doctor's fee is not negotiable, there are ways to cut costs on the frames and lenses. 

Comparison Shop

Prescription eyeglasses can be most expensive when purchased at the doctor's office. Patients can easily obtain a prescription from an eye care professional and then purchase eyeglasses elsewhere. A stand-alone discount optical shop usually offers much better deals on prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Many shops also offer sales and buy one, get one free or get the second pair at a deep discount deals. The patient can also obtain an eye exam at these shops, as they all must have at least one licensed optician on staff. The cost of the eye exam is usually on par with the regular optician's prices, but the eyewear cost is generally much cheaper at a discount optical store. It is important for the patient to do some legwork and comparison shop to get the best deal on eyewear if purchasing at a local business.

Online Deals

There are several discount prescription eyeglasses providers online that offer deep discounts on sunglasses and eyeglasses with a valid prescription. The prescription should include all values for each eye, plus the pupillary distance between each eye. Again, this prescription can be obtained from a local optician, and then submitted online with the eyewear order, or sent by fax. Many of these sites offer designer eyewear at deep discounts, and provide a short turn-around time on orders with free or discounted shipping. This allows the patient to get prescription glasses at a deep discount, in the same amount of time it would take to obtain them from a local doctor.

Insurance Benefits

Another way to reduce the cost of prescription eyeglasses is to take advantage of vision insurance programs through an employer or an independent vision insurance provider. Some insurers will cover the entire cost of the frames and lenses, others offer partial coverage. It is important to be familiar with the policy and if necessary, choose an in-network eye care provider. For patients who have only partial coverage for eye exams and eye wear, a health savings account that allows the patient to defer pre-tax income for medical expenses can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost burden for eyeglasses and eye exams.