Costco eyeglasses

[Jess from VA]

This has been talked about before on here, with many saying how happy they are with the products and service.  

I had been using a local private practice for exams and glasses for a long time.  I did so last year and got an exam, and a pair of my usual Varilux progressives, and a pair of single/distance vision tint for riding/driving (for a small fortune).

But I have always been terribly hard on my outdoor working glasses and won't dare use either of my new pair for that, so I don't scratch and scrape the heck out of them.  So I've continued to use my older pairs (not much difference in prescription), which are now held together with little zip ties, and don't fit that well.  

So I decided to get another pair of single/distance vision clear with glass lenses (which outperform all others in scratching and hazing, although they are heavier, which is fine).  I called my regualar private opticians and told them what I wanted, and they said OK we'll get back to you.  And didn't.  When I called again they said they were having trouble getting the frames I wanted (same as last years), but they probably could, and they'd get back to me.  And never have.

I was in Costco just the other day (still waiting for a callback) and walked past their optical shop (right at the front of the store), and did a forehead smack.

I just got back from Costco where I got the best professional optical service I've ever had.  They don't offer glass lenses, but I can get two pair of polycarbonate single vision (with scratch coat at no extra cost) with frames for less than what I was going to have to pay for my one pair with glass from my private outfit.

While there I asked about the rule on how old scripts can be, and the lady told me the one-year-only on an exam rule was VA State law.  My whole life, my eyes have only very gradually changed, maybe a click on the diopter after 6-7 years.  I have no eye injury or disease, and will not be getting an exam every year, whether I need new glasses or not.  I've bought more glasses during my life because I trashed them, than because my eye's changed.  

So with only a month to go on my last script I also asked the Costco lady about a pair of extra progressives, and while the lenses are a bit higher than the single visions, they are still way cheaper than my private outfit.

So I got 3 pair of good new glasses and frames for a little more than $400, when my private outfit (that never calls me back) wants almost $300 for one pair of single/distance glasses.

I'm quite pleased.  So pleased, I tried to offer my Costco lady a cash tip, and she wouldn't take it (not even sneaky-like).  

And I thank you good fellows for the great advice on Costco eyeglasses.  

[Serk]

I've let my CostCo membership run out for political reasons, although I did previously get my glasses there... I'd quit using them more recently because my vision insurance isn't accepted by them.

If you want some decent cheap glasses from a place that doesn't give a rat's patootie how old your script is, give this place a look see:

https://www.zennioptical.com/

(Disclaimer - it appears they cut the lenses in China then ship 'em in to the USA. But they're cheap, and have been decent quality the times we've gone with them.)

[scooperhsd]

One thing I have to say about Transitions (the lenses that darken) - they work on UV, so if you have vehicles whose windows / windshield block UV - the Transitions do not work. I've taken to getting regular bifocals, and use polarized clipons.

[Jess from VA]

I don't like transitions, and only get purpose built specs.

My new single vision clears are also for riding my bikes.  My good half helmet (all I will wear), has a nice drop down half shield, but it is very dark (with no clear or light replacement shields), and when I need the extra protection from rain, wind or crud, and drop it down over my purpose built tints (only half dark), it's too dark for safe riding (unless riding straight into a bright sun).


Brian, I have the bargain version of Federal BC/BS health ins, and Medicare A & B, and have no coverage at all.  Thanks for the link, but will probably stick with Costco.  The best service I've ever had in over 50 years for glasses.  I don't really do much business there, it's hard for a single person to shop for food and other stuff by the ton.     

[Jess from VA]

The other humorous story about my Costco trip was telling my sales lady that while I used to be a bit vain about how I looked, those days were long gone, and I now was only interested in frames that were sturdy and stood up to abuse (though pink sequined frames and goofy colors were still out).  I said I had had two wives lose their minds and run away, and while I adored women in general, it was better if I never attracted any ever again.

This brought the very businesslike supervisor over who was quite attractive and built like the proverbial brick sh!thouse, who said "buddy, I don't know what you're talking about, you're a very handsome man, and I've had two wives myself and they're also long gone, and if I was interested in men, I'd be after you in a heartbeat."  I didn't know what to say to this, but now everyone was laughing.

As I finished up and walked away, that supervisor said "See you later handsome" and winked at me.

Put a spring in the old step I tell you.        

[h13man]

Eye Glass World has been my go to for 20 yrs. Never had any issues with their basic lenses both bifocal and my single vision Polaroid sunglasses. I tried progressive lenses and just couldn't adjust to them as when machining I needed that instant view that conventional lined bifocals provide. I'm not fashionista as thats the only reason for progressive lenses IMO.

[Jess from VA]

Progressive lenses aren't fahionista to me, they just give seamless transition at three distances (2 close and 1 distance).  It's more a matter of personal preference and what you're used to than anything else.

The two close distances help me with reading and close work a bit further away than a book.  Without moving my head as much to look look through top or bottom.  

[Serk]

The one time I tried progressive bifocals instead of old fashioned lined ones it killed my peripheral vision...

I just go with the lined bi-focals now... Peripheral vision is too important when riding.

(Just me, whatever works for you works for you, blah blah blah...)

BTW, when you get 'em we need to see some pics of your "eyelasses".....

[da prez]

   Jess , are you sure she didn't put her white cane down somewhere you didn't see.

                                              da prez

[Hook#3287]

The one time I tried progressive bifocals instead of old fashioned lined ones it killed my peripheral vision...

I just go with the lined bi-focals now... Peripheral vision is too important when riding.

(Just me, whatever works for you works for you, blah blah blah...)

BTW, when you get 'em we need to see some pics of your "eyelasses".....

I'm with Brian on this and if I was a Costco member, I'd of cancelled.

I do have a BJ's Wholesale membership I use a lot and have used the vision center there and it was fine.

I've also used Walmart vision centers at home and once in Fl when on a month vacation down there.
Also without complaint.

I ve used a local shop and again, no issues.

Good old bi-focals works for me, could not adjust to progressives.

In glasses either.

[scooperhsd]

When I first started wearing Bifocals (age 45) , I started with Progressives. This last pair, I decided to use a standard bifocal lenses. I would really like to get another pair that I used while I was still working - the ideal distance was the length of my arms, and they were single vision. Not good for much besides computer use, but they were perfect for that.

I also often had a pair of prescription sunglasses as well (in bifocal), so when I'm out running errands, I don't have to change glasses to read something. recently, I've switched to using polarized clipons for my shades.

[Hook#3287]

When I first started wearing Bifocals (age 45) , I started with Progressives. This last pair, I decided to use a standard bifocal lenses. I would really like to get another pair that I used while I was still working - the ideal distance was the length of my arms, and they were single vision. Not good for much besides computer use, but they were perfect for that.

I also often had a pair of prescription sunglasses as well (in bifocal), so when I'm out running errands, I don't have to change glasses to read something. recently, I've switched to using polarized clipons for my shades.

After deciding progressive glasses were not for me, my first set of bi-focals were not that great for computer work.  The bottom lens was focused to close.

I got another set with the lower lens focusing for just about 3' away and started using them all the time.

When doing mech work or anything close up, I switch to the original bi-focal set.

Works for me.

[Jess from VA]

Well, I picked up all 3 pair of glasses today, and they are perfect, and service was again perfect.

I decided to walk around a look at stuff, with the understanding I would buy nothing stupid.

Then I saw something I've been thinking about (with all the recent talk about bike work), a nice low rolling garage seat.  All steel frame, powder coat, durable caster wheels, and memory foam seat for $40.

Assembly was required, but being a man, I barely looked at the directions.  However, after a nasty blood blister on a finger, I looked at them more carefully, and completed assembly in short order.  I gave it a test spin around the driveway and it works like a charm.  

I already had two little stools with legs, but you have to stand up and drag them around for every move.  Now I can glide around.  It even holds one beer.



 

[F6Dave]

I've bought glasses from Zenni for several years now, and have been very happy with the price, quality and selection. I always get photochromatic lenses which work great outside, but darken very little inside a car where UV light gets blocked by the glass. So when driving I often use clip on sunglasses.

There is a new type of photochromatic lens that darkens even when driving inside a vehicle. Has anyone tried these? If they really work I'll surely get them the next time I buy glasses.

[scooperhsd]

Transitions Extra, and my experiance is that they didn't work much better than regulars.

[h13man]

I got to point no glasses at the computer.

For the stool, the issue I have with my similar vintage Napa rolling stool is the rollers need to be wider stance than the seat for better balance or I could fall off but not yet and I'm very petite.  The GK's loved playing on it and we also throw a large cardboard box onto creeper. What a hoot they had but that was when I had garage floor space. 

[Jess from VA]

I got to point no glasses at the computer.

For the stool, the issue I have with my similar vintage Napa rolling stool is the rollers need to be wider stance than the seat for better balance or I could fall off but not yet and I'm very petite.  The GK's loved playing on it and we also throw a large cardboard box onto creeper. What a hoot they had but that was when I had garage floor space. 

I'm small(er) too.  It seemed pretty stable in my quick tryout, but we'll see when I use it to go around the bike working.  (I will not be wearing a helmet.  )

My principle concern is that my body prefers to work sitting on my ass rather than using my knees (on concrete).