As a frugalista, there are many things I am willing to skimp on. There are still a few items that I feel a need to pay full price for. Eyeglasses is one area where I have always thought you could not be frugal… until today.
I have been harassing my father for years about his habit of buying over the counter eyeglasses from the local CVS store. “Your eyes are nothing to play with”, I would tell him. You need a prescription. He always smiled and shrugged and said they worked just fine. As he didn’t have eye care insurance, he was happy with his $15.00 glasses, but I continued to worry, even offering to help him pay for them.
Today, my opinion of over the counter eyeglasses has changed. My husband saw the optometrist this morning and came home and reported that the doctor said he could use over the counter eye glasses if he wished. He could get prescription glasses, but these would be far cheaper.
The optometrist told him what strength to use and it turned out that he already had his own pair. He had self diagnosed himself some time ago and landed on the exact same prescription that the doctor ordered.
Now, do I suggest that everyone run to CVS or Walgreens and purchase their own eyeglasses? This is probably not a good idea. There are good and valid reasons to visit the eye doctor for an exam. The state of your eyes can signal larger illnesses and prevent blindness due to cataracts or glaucoma. Also, we don’t always realize it when our eyesight is beginning to deteriorate. Read 6 Reasons to visit your eye practitioner.
Still after visiting your eye doctor, if they determine that the kind of eyeglasses you need are the types that are sold over the counter ranging in price from $1.00 to $50.00, then why not?
Remember, over the counter eyeglasses are not for everyone. Here is an article that will help you decide if they are for you.
~If you liked this you should also read my blogs at the home blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.
Voluntary Recall Announced for Over the Counter Medications