I was amazed during the last presidential election to see how much focus was placed on Governor Palin’s choice of eyeglasses and the near hysteria that followed as the demand for that same style went through the roof. 

Can you imagine paying nearly $600 for a pair of eyeglasses?  The optometrists of the nation were loving it.  They couldn’t keep them on the shelves long enough.  Heck who’s kidding, they never made ti the shelves they were all on special order and first come first serve ruled.

What’s incredible about that true scenario is that those nearly identical frames could be purchased online for a fraction of their retail costs.  As a matter of fact, most eyeglasses frames can be purchased online for pennies on the dollar compared to those same frames being purchased in brick and mortar shops.

Years ago, you only had one option when purchasing eyeglasses.  You were forced to purchase from a lens company that seemed to be part of a multinational monopoly.  You were charged outrageous prices and could only afford one pair let alone a backup.  Then came along the likes of Walmart and Costco.  These two giants were able to bring the cost of new glasses down to nearly half of what the former company was charging.

And now, we have even more choices and better selections with the advent of online shopping.  Buying eyeglasses online is easier and cheaper than ever before.  Why?  Simple, many online dealers use the same selling model as the giant bookseller, Amazon.com.  These online dealers don’t need to keep a warehouse full of lenses.  They can take orders online, craft your lenses, and deliver them to your doorstep in a matter of days.  They don’t have huge overhead, or thousands of employees with all the associated benefits involved with having employees.  So, without all the expense of a brick and mortar shop, these online sellers can offer their goods for even less than the giants.

Just a few months ago,  I needed a new pair of glasses and I found many sites online that offered cheap glasses.  I didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of eyeglasses but I did want a pair that was stylish.  I ended up choosing to purchase my eyeglasses from 39dollarglasses.com because I found their online selection one of the best.  There were many fitting styling options to choose from and they have an incredible 100% guarantee of satisfaction.  If for some reason I did not like the glasses I received, then I could contact their customer service and they would re-cut my lenses into a new style or give me a full refund, less a small restocking fee.  But the best news was, I was able to afford 2 pair of eyeglasses and a pair of prescription sunglasses for less than what I almost paid for them at a discount lens store. All together, I had my new glasses in about 8 days.

A few weeks later, my mom went in for her annual eye exam and found she needed a stronger prescription.  She took her prescription to a discount lens store that was inside her local Super Walmart.  She picked out the frames that she liked and since it was a discount dealer she was inclined to also purchase a pair of prescription sunglasses too.  Luckily I was there to keep her from going through with the transaction that was going to set her back $480.  She was willing to pay that amount because the store where she normally gets her glasses was at least 30 percent higher.   I found nearly the exact same lenses on 39dollarglasses.com and we were able to purchase 3 pair for a third of what she nearly paid. 

I don’t know why anyone would not want to purchase their eyeglasses online.  The only downside to purchasing eyeglasses online is if you need your new glasses in an emergency.  It does take about a week and a half to get your order unless you pay for rush delivery.  They claim that some of their lenses can be finished in one day and shipped within 2 to 3 days.  But like I stated, my glasses took about 8 days and my mom’s glasses took about the same.  On another note, shipping came priority mail for only $1.

One other downside which is easily solved too is there is no optometrist to do adjustments for you.  However, if you need adjustments, most optometrists will only charge a few dollars. 

Not much holding you back as I can see.  Go to 39dollarglasses.com and find your next pair or pairs of glasses!