could i buy glasses off the internet and then take them to my optician and have !

I've done this myself, because I prefer a particular design of glasses not found everywhere. (I like wire-rim glasses with a single-piece bridge.)

First of all, make sure that you order the proper size. You can find the size information from your current pair of glasses. You can also call the Internet seller and ask for their assistance in obtaining the size.

The next step involves finding an optician willing to work with you. Some are quite happy to prepare the lenses and install them in your glasses, while others will make up all sorts of objections.

Remember that there are many places to take your business. Don't allow an optician to bully you--just go somewhere else if you have to.

One more thing: before you buy from the Internet store, take all of the information you have found from that company and go to an optician and ask them if they can order the same glasses and make lenses for them. Sometimes they will end up meeting the same price.

Good luck.

ISLANDLER

I would definitely talk to your optician first. I would NEVER buy glasses myself over the internet, because not all frames are designed to fit every size head. Your optician can help guide you as to what size frames you should look for, and also tell you if they can make lenses to fit the particular frames you want. Your optician can order a whole variety of frames from catalogs or the internet, and most opticians are happy to help you with that. Opticians know that they can only stock a very small selection of all the possible frames out there in their small offices, and they really do want to make you happy.

I am a physician with over 18 years of experience.

So, I went to my fave discount eyeglass maker (who unfortunately wasn't in my group plan) and found some very nice frames for less than $50! The only problem was that since the optician in my group plan didn't sell them to me, they made me sign a wavier indemnifying the store from any responsibility, if their lens cutter could not fill the prescription correctly (Ie: proper center of vision, etc) The other thing was, they also refused to fit the frames to my ears and adjust the nose bridge once they were completed, which was no biggie to me as I just went back to the place where I bought the frames for a final fitting. It happened that in the end, everything worked out, but not without a big hassle. Perhaps your local optician won't be such a jerk, but be prepared in case they are. FYI, years ago, a friend of mine worked for one of the big chain eyeglass stores and he told me that they typically make at least a 400% profit on a pair of frames and sometimes even more! Which explains why I was able to get such a nice set of frames so cheaply.

Yes or no. Depends on how good quality your frames are. I wouldn't suggest buying the frames because it might end up with your optician telling your you frames aren't high quality enough to have lenses inserted.

HOWEVER, as an alternative, you can buy glasses on the internet that already have prescription in them. This saves you the trouble of going to your opticians. If you're looking for a site that is reputable, has a good selection of frames, high quality and cheap prices, try this one:

http://www.optical4less.com/

Take a look at the site and their frames. They have a virtual try-on feature that lets you upload a picture and place the frames on your face. This helps to give you an idea of how the glasses look. Good luck!

Absolutely you can bring your own frame into your optician to have your prescription lenses added!

When choosing a frame online, pay close attention to frame size. It's disappointing to pick a good shape and color but realize your choice is too wide or narrow. This is a common fitting error you can avoid.

Use your current glasses to help get the frame size correct. You'll want to look for a set of numbers on your current glasses that indicate the size, either on a temple or on the nose bridge. It usually looks something like "50 17 135" where, in this example, 50 is the eye size, 17 is the bridge size, and 135 is the temple length. All the number are in millimeters. These numbers are a good starting point, although you'll also want to pay attention to the total width of the frame (so the temples won't flare out around your head or the frame just be too wide) and the eye height. These numbers aren't usually printed on the frame, so you'll have to use a ruler. The online vendors usually list these additional measurements.

If you know your PD, or "pupillary distance" (the distance between your eyes, often found on your prescription), you can double-check the frame size. You want to constrain the frame PD size (eye size + bridge width) to be only up to 5 to 8 mm larger than your pupillary distance from your prescription. This constraint basically says "the center of the lens should be close to the center of the rim". If your prescription is strong, you'll want to keep the frame PD size almost exact to your actual PD to minimize lens thickness (but also want to consider using the services of your optician vs. "blindly" ordering online in order to keep asthetics and optics in check). For example, if your PD is 64 for a "50 17 135" frame, the frame PD of 67 is 3mm larger than your PD and is an appropriate size.

I agree 100% with Zen L. If you ask opticians then they are usually happy to get you frames on trial. they can also advise you as to whether they will work for your perscription. the other thing you have to consider is how they will look on you and whether they will be comfortable. You wouldn't buy any clothing over the net that was really expensive and you had to wear every day without trying it on first would you?

however if you have a complicated prescription, depending on the final thickness of the lense you might have limited choices.

We, here at home, go to Lens Crafters doctor for the prescription only. Then we hold on to it until BJ's or Cosco has a sale (few times a year). The frames are the latest in fashion and usually 1/3 of the price.

Hubby got two prescription glasses (one regular and one dark for sunny days) under $200. The lenses are progressive trifocals (expensive) with the anti-glare, anti-scratch and lightly tinted. Three years ago he paid almost $400 just for the regular one at Lens Crafters! Ridiculous prices. This big investment was for a pair of the frameless glasses that are very light and it seems like you are not wearing any glasses. Hubby however was very hard on them (off,on,off, on....) and the little screws kept getting loose until the whole thing fell apart.

Daughter wanted the frameless glasses and the doctor said her lense was not conducive for that type of glasses and she needed at least a frame to hold it on top.

With this economy you have to find where you can get the best for your buck. I would suggest you get the prescription and go to Costco or BJ's and talk to the optician there asking him/her if that prescription limits you on any glass style. Maybe they can also give you an idea of sizes that would fit your face width. After getting a response you can get online, pick a frame and take it back buying only the lenses from them.

A lot of people just replace the lenses on expensive frames that they keep for years. You are the customer..... they have to make you happy!

I don't see why not? Any reputable optician should do this with no problem. I've had older frames that I didn't want to throw out and I've asked the optician to just put in new lenses or tint the existing lenses to have a spare pair of sunglasses.

On the web, go to a site called $39 glasses. If you mail them your frames, they will cut the lens and install it into the frame and mail you back the finished pair. I did this a few weeks ago and saved myself a *bundle* of money.

go to the website Zenni Optical. their glasses are inexpensive and they do the lenses too.

prob so