Community Chat

[Venezia]

@feline groovy - Reading your subsequent post that you know your prescription has changed makes me ask, how long has it been since you've had an eye exam?  I hope it hasn't been 12 years.

If it has been, you really need to have an exam, not just a new frame.  You don't say whether you drive, but it's especially important for that.

If you don't have insurance to help with the cost, others have made suggestions for organizations that could help.  Please look into them.

[pdlinda]

@Venezia @feline groovy 

Yes, From my experience, the Lions Club eyeglass program includes a full eye exam by a skilled optician AND if it was determined that the guy/gal needed more clinical evaluation, they referred to an opthamologist, all at no cost.

[feline groovy]

@Venezia :

Re: an exam, I see an ophthalmologist yearly as I have eye health issues.

I no longer have a car due so there's no worry, but ITA with you re: the importance of staying current with vision tests - especially for driving.

I unfortunately can't afford vision insurance so I will definitely research the organizations mentioned here and others that might be able to help.

[pdlinda]

@feline groovy   From my experience, Lions Club will pick you up and deliver you back home when receiving their optical services.  Good Luck!

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

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. 

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@Meowingkitty   @feline groovy 

I also have found most places won't put old lenses into new frames.  They could break, no matter how carefully they are handled.

In addition,  whose eyesight is EXACTLY the same as it was 12 years ago?  

If a current eye exam doesn't match the old glasses, it's not a good idea to hang in there with old lenses.

@feline groovy   Doesn't your insurance or Medicare cover eyeglasses?

[feline groovy]

@Tinkrbl44:

I have original Medicare (parts A and B) and it doesn't cover eyeglasses.

I would need to add a 'Medicare Advantage' plan (part C) to help cover routine eye exams and glasses but can't afford it.

[elated]

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@feline groovy wrote:

@Tinkrbl44:

I have original Medicare (parts A and B) and it doesn't cover eyeglasses.

I would need to add a 'Medicare Advantage' plan (part C) to help cover routine eye exams and glasses but can't afford it.

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@feline groovy  I think you should contact a Medicare advisor and have her walk you through the Medicare Advantage Plans. I have Anthem Blue Cross and reside in Kentucky. The vision care on the plan pays for up to $250.00 for frames and your vision exam is covered every year. Also, as a supplemental benefit, they offer a debit card for $500.00 that you can use to pay for vision, dental and hearing. I use it every year to buy my glasses and frames. 

You just need to do research. Also Medicare Advantage Plans have a 0 dollar monthly costs. I hope this information helps you make your decision easier.

[Carmie]

I just ordered two pairs of glasses from LENSMART.  They were the only online company that  I could find that could fill the strong RX for my right eye.  My Cyl is - 6.5 and most of eye glass places only fill RX's to -5.0.  

This place is really reasonable for frames and lens.  I got two pairs of glasses for under $120 with one pair having a custom speciality lens. I only ordered single lens, not bifocal or progressives, but those lens' are reasonable too. One pair cost $13 and that included the lens. I am going to keep them in my car.  

Some frames are on sale for $1.  They also sell the frames without the lens, but why bother when you can get the whole prescription for such a low cost.

Take a look.  Progressive lenses with a strong RX cost $185, with a frame that is reasonable, you can get your glasses for about $200 total.

[AngelPuppy1]

I would think any reputable eye glass shop would be able to help you.  It you don't want to drive around, call some places first and see what they say.  

[feline groovy]

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