topic Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please in Community Chat

Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 11:01:55 GMT

I have to replace my 12 year-old eyeglass frames but can't afford new lenses.

(they're high-index progressives with a very strong prescription)

Is there someone that could professionally adhere my old lenses to new frames?

Thanks in advance for your assistance. 8-)

ETA:

in the past I was able to afford a backup pair, but I don't have one with my current glasses.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

kaydee50 — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:22:09 GMT

Where did you buy the glasses? I would think that they could take the lenses and put them into new frames.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

spumoni99 — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:26:53 GMT

Yes they can do that, I'm not sure what the details are I would talk to someone about it an eyeglass store.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:30:10 GMT

@kaydee50 :

at Warby Parker's website - I'm not near one of their B&M stores.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

Venezia — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:32:24 GMT

@feline groovy - Take your glasses to your optician and ask them to find a frame that will fit your lenses. If they can't order the same frame, they should be able to find something similar that will fit.

You don't say whether you currently have a plastic frame, but that's likely what they'd be able to put your lenses into. (Many decades ago I worked as an optician for a few years and we did that for customers. I can't see any reason, it can't still be done.)

ETA: I just read your above post. Have you checked Warby Parker to find out, if they still have the same frame or something very similar? Stranger things have happened!

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

Meowingkitty — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:39:11 GMT

When I wore glasses I found most places won't just swap lenses into new frames. Most likely they won't fit properly and they want you to have a new exam every so often. At 12 years old I would think the lenses have seen better days and even if you don't notice it your vision changes over time. If they were progressives or special lenses like mine were the optical place most likely won't do it. It's not a money grab, it's their ethics. You might be able to do it if they are frameless but again, most places won't do it just because the age of the lenses. It's been several years since I wore glasses and maybe things have changed.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

Venezia — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:34:45 GMT

If the customer's prescription hasn't changed and the lenses are in good shape, I see no reason why an optical store wouldn't put them into a new frame.

I haven't changed my eyeglasses for at least 6 years or so; no change in prescription and my current glasses are in excellent condition. Eyeglasses are very expensive, if you go to a reputable optician, so why shouldn't she try to get them put in a new frame?

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:43:22 GMT

@Venezia:

I have an acetate frame and don't have an optician.

Warby Parker doesn't make the frame anymore but I've found it on Poshmark and Ebay,. both new (reasonably-priced) and used.

Not that the replacement has to be the same one that I have, but at least I know it fits my lenses.

Interesting that you were an optician at one time!

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

I am still oxox — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:51:13 GMT

After 12 years arent the lenses scratched and somewhat worn down?

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:56:53 GMT

@Meowingkitty :

I definitely know that my vision has changed and have needed to get stronger prescription lenses for a long time.

I've worn eyeglasses since I was 5; single vision at first, progressives since my late 40s.

Yep, the frame definitely has seen better days but I've been lucky that it's held up so long.

The lenses as well.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:03:37 GMT

@I am still oxox :

Yes, the lenses are a bit worn-down but they came with a scratch-resistant coating that has held up pretty well.

Which I'm extra grateful for as I wear my glasses full-time.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

nycalady — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:04:27 GMT

You may want to consider looking into organizations that have programs to assist with the purchase of a new pair, exam, etc

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:05:36 GMT

@spumoni99:

I will check that out.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:09:15 GMT

@nycalady :

That's a good idea.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

Tori3569 — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:15:42 GMT

I'm almost positive that LensCrafters will do what you're looking for. Having said that, I've been getting very inexpensive prescription glasses from a website called Hip Optical and another called Zenni. You may find it easier to get new glasses from one of many online sites.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:17:37 GMT

@Venezia : I just read your ETA.

Warby Parker discontinued my frame but I have looked at their other options.

They were one of the first to have 'at home try-on' which has been very helpful.

They still have my current-but-old RX in their records, but need one within the last two years for their frames.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:27:35 GMT

@Tori3569 :

I'll look into Lenscrafters, plus Hip and Zenni.

I got my glasses from WarbyParker, which is also online.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

pdlinda — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:40:31 GMT

@feline groovy The Lion's Club has free eyeglass services for those who cannot afford to pay for their own eyeglasses.

I worked in criminal defense for many years and always contacted the Lions Club for inmates who couldn't afford eyeglasses. They were a wonderful provider with expert practicioners.

Just looked online and they are still providing those services.

Good Luck!

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

Meowingkitty — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:22:21 GMT

@Tori3569 wrote:
I'm almost positive that LensCrafters will do what you're looking for. Having said that, I've been getting very inexpensive prescription glasses from a website called Hip Optical and another called Zenni. You may find it easier to get new glasses from one of many online sites.

Since her prescription is very strong and difficult to make many chain places won't be able to make them. I was 20/800 or worse with astigmatism and progressives. My lenses were thick even though they were plastic. Places like Lens Crafters etc could not make them and I had to go to an independent optician who custom made my lenses.

Re: Help with Eyeglasses, please

feline groovy — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 01:28:31 GMT

@pdlinda:

Nice to hear your history with the Lions Club.

I appreciate you double-checking to see if they still provide assistance, along with the good wishes. 8)

Most free or reduced-cost glasses are single vision only, but maybe they cover up to a certain amount for people like myself who wear progressives.