Why are eyeglass frames so expensive?!
Question:
Why are eyeglass frames so expensive?
I'm pricing eyeglasses for the first time in many years and I cannot get over the fact that they cost 100, 200 300 and sometimes much more. I know they are made to be adjusted in different places, but they are just plastic and metal. Then the lens price is added on and that's crazy expensive, too. After an eye exam, contact lens fitting/purchase and eyeglass frames and lenses - a person could spend $700 to $1000. Why?
Answers:
these are all MY OPINIONS...but...there are multiple reasons:
1) the cost of multiple "remakes" and "warranty" replacement is built into the cost of the frame & lenses. something like 15% of all glasses purchases have to be re-done or totally replaced for one reason or another. most of the "warranty" replacement really shouldnt be "warranteed". its patients driving over their glasses, sitting on them, etc etc but they gripe enough that we have to take it back and replace it for nothing.
2) there is no money in contact lens sales anymore
3) there is not very much money in examination fees anymore
so of you buy glasses at a private practice, you're paying for the doctor's student loans, staffing, rent, overhead, materials, expensive equipment, etc etc etc with your glasses purchase. for the record i drive a 1999 dodge pickup, not a lexus or anything ;)