UPDATED: Got contacts instead. (Prescription Sunglass thread)

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
I went to Lenscrafters to try and get everything done, but it was super packed and they had no appointments until 5PM tomorrow. The total cost for the two exams would have been $300 total or so. I couldn't get anything more than some double-talk from them.

As I was leaving, I went to a Sterling Optical that was nearby (and empty) and paid $149 for the entire exam + a pair of contacts to use.

WOW, I can't believe I didn't do this sooner. It took about 10 minutes for me to get used to putting them on and off, and I can't even feel them...lol It's just insane how I can see without frames in front of me.

I did order a pair of Nike frames with Polarized/Prescription lens to keep in my car. I also have my current frames for anything else.

I have to go back in a week to see if my eyes will fall out or something, but so far so good. No redness, itching or anything. :)
I'll get a pair of Oakleys from a store if the contacts thing works out well.
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I never owned a pair of real sunglasses because I always wore regular glasses. I saw a pair of Oakleys I really liked, but I can't see without my prescription. I don't want contacts either -- if I got a pair of Oakleys, can an optical place create prescription tinted lens for them?

Anyone ever do this?

EDIT: these glasses -> http://www.oakley.com/products/polarized-gascan/12-891
 
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JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,588
986
126
I'm pretty sure they can. My prescription glasses are Ray Ban so I don't see why they couldn't do Oakley too.
 

lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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Yes they can. A friend of mine bought a pair of sunglasses he uses daily which are not tinted. Looks weird, but hey whatever :)
 

Heller

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2006
6,551
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it really depends on your RX the thicker the lens the harder it is to warp around like the original lens do
 

bobdole369

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2004
4,504
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Your optometrist should give you a copy of your prescription (usually good for up to a year or so). Take those numbers and you can get glasses anywhere, even the internet for wicked cheap glasses.
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
I'm pretty sure they can. My prescription glasses are Ray Ban so I don't see why they couldn't do Oakley too.

If you buy the Oakleys from the place that is making the lenses, no problem. If you intend to buy the frames somewhere else, I suggest you get a ruling from the lensmakers before you spend the money on the frames. I would not be surprised if they don't want to do it.
 

dr150

Diamond Member
Sep 18, 2003
6,570
24
81
it really depends on your RX the thicker the lens the harder it is to warp around like the original lens do

Exactly.

I've had cool looking curved Oakleys not eligible for RX b/c my RX is too extreme (past -2.75). If you have a very weak RX, then it can be doable.

If any frame you choose isn't too curved, then you should be OK.

Also know, that you can't skate away without paying over $300+ for a good pair of RX.
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
Ah, I have really thick lens. I found the exact pair at lenscrafters here --> http://www.lenscrafters.com/eyeglasses/3/mens-sunglasses/oakley/okgascan

I might visit them today. They raped me last time on getting a checkup though, and I really need a new prescription. ugh

You don't have to get your exam at Lenscrafters. Get the exam wherever you want and take the prescription to Lenscrafters to get filled.

Remember, AAA members get 30% off at Lenscrafters with Show Your Card and Save.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
You don't have to get your exam at Lenscrafters. Get the exam wherever you want and take the prescription to Lenscrafters to get filled.

Remember, AAA members get 30% off at Lenscrafters with Show Your Card and Save.

How much should an examination cost. About 2 years ago Lenscrafters hit me with $250 for an examination + wanted $600 for contact lens exam.

I have insurance, but I don't think glasses are covered.
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
$250!? Incredible. I would guess $75 is a ballpark price for a thorough exam. Just call around to a few places and ask. Chances are Lenscrafters will be on the high end of the range but I can't believe they can get away with charging $250.

They do have "optional" things they like to add on to the exam (like the color photo of the back of your eye) but just stick to the base exam.
 

oogabooga

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2003
7,806
3
81
How much should an examination cost. About 2 years ago Lenscrafters hit me with $250 for an examination + wanted $600 for contact lens exam.

I have insurance, but I don't think glasses are covered.

that's pretty outrageous?

I think it was 75 for the exam for me - and my vision coverage paid 100%.

They offered the dilation + eye picture for 25, but I had taken it the previous year so I declined.

costco optical (at least the one near me since I think each is independent) charges 100 for a contact lens exam for your first time fitting/etc, and I think they charge 75 normally
 

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
23,045
1,213
126
How much should an examination cost. About 2 years ago Lenscrafters hit me with $250 for an examination + wanted $600 for contact lens exam.

I have insurance, but I don't think glasses are covered.

At Walmart I paid $125 for an Eye + Contact exam. This was mid last year it's about the same. This was with no insurance.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,404
8,575
126
i should get some prescription sunglasses for use out by the pool. take em off and go swimming, back on so i can see
 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
How much should an examination cost. About 2 years ago Lenscrafters hit me with $250 for an examination + wanted $600 for contact lens exam.

I have insurance, but I don't think glasses are covered.

$250 for eye exam and $600 contact lens exam? You're lying.
 

daw123

Platinum Member
Aug 30, 2008
2,593
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I paid £25.00 six weeks ago for an eye test. Even $75.00 seems steep, never mind $250.00
 

Heller

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2006
6,551
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0
to be a fair when the gascans first came out i had them put custom perscription lenses and it was $180 and insurance would not cover it.
 

Heller

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2006
6,551
0
0
i have contacts now and just put the original lenses back in. The place i took it to took weeks and had a hard time making them.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
$250 for eye exam and $600 contact lens exam? You're lying.

I am dead serious. They did take my Aetna coverage last time I went, but someone at work told me vision wasn't covered (I really don't know if she knows honestly) and I paid $250 out of pocket still. NOT including the frames that I paid $200 for. Exam was probably more now that I think about it.

I asked about getting a contact lens exam and was quoted $600 at Lenscrafters in Elmhurst, NY. (Queens.) Maybe I'll call them and ask first.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
i have contacts now and just put the original lenses back in. The place i took it to took weeks and had a hard time making them.

Oh, so I wouldn't be able to get them in 1 hour? That sucks. I'd just keep my current glasses if I had to wait weeks.
 

Corn

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 1999
6,390
29
91
I wouldn't have a place like lenscrafters put lenses in an Oakley frame, and chances are they wouldn't be able to put Rx lenses in those frames anyway because of the curvature of the lense. I believe Oakley has their own Rx lenses available for most of their eyewear, the only problem being the couple weeks it takes to get them and the cost.
 

MJinZ

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2009
8,192
0
0
I am dead serious. They did take my Aetna coverage last time I went, but someone at work told me vision wasn't covered (I really don't know if she knows honestly) and I paid $250 out of pocket still. NOT including the frames that I paid $200 for. Exam was probably more now that I think about it.

I asked about getting a contact lens exam and was quoted $600 at Lenscrafters in Elmhurst, NY. (Queens.) Maybe I'll call them and ask first.

Contact lens FITTINGs cost about $75 no matter where you go.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
Contact lens FITTINGs cost about $75 no matter where you go.

What's the difference between "fitting" and "exam?" The guy told me it required a whole new exam?

I guess they were robbing me. I hate these stores run by ghetto ass people. :\
 

TridenT

Lifer
Sep 4, 2006
16,800
45
91
What's the difference between "fitting" and "exam?" The guy told me it required a whole new exam?

I guess they were robbing me. I hate these stores run by ghetto ass people. :\

Ghetto ass people? But.. I thought you were ghetto ass people? You hate yourself!?! RACIST!