Optics is one of the least well-reimbursed treatments, while the average price of glasses varies between $300 to $600 depending on the correction. Complementary health insurance covers part of the amount, but there are ways to pay less for your glasses. This article is part of our dossier on healthcare costs.
Our glasses budget remains the highest of the rich countries, with an average price of 300 dollars for a frame fitted with single lenses, and 600 dollars with progressive or rectangle lenses.
Take stock of their needs
It is fundamental. However, many go to the optician without first determining their needs. So they sometimes pay for unnecessary services. The lenses of your glasses can undergo several treatments that we will not fail to offer you automatically: anti-scratch, anti-reflective, polarizing lenses, anti-UV, anti-fog,… Some are essential, others much less. On the other hand, they quickly increase your estimate. So think about a maximum budget for your frame and list the corrections on the lenses that you think are essential. Write down this information and inform your optician as soon as you arrive of your specific needs.
Only change glasses
We hardly ever talk about it, but it is possible to change your glasses lenses without changing your frame. If your frame is still functional, you can therefore ask your optician to provide you with new lenses adapted to your new correction. If you love your current mount, this is a simple way to avoid unnecessary expense and waste! For a frame to last longer, it is essential to take care of it, to store it correctly. Some frames have better build quality and are stronger in the long run. A first price frame at 20 dollars is not necessarily of worse quality than a frame at 200 dollars! In some cases, you pay top dollar for the original brand or design of the glasses. Next time, focus on the materials used and their strength.
Ask for quotes to play the competition
All opticians are required to give you an estimate before your purchase. As part of my mystery shopper activity, I often simulate the purchase of glasses in stores where you just have to ask for a quote without buying. Do not hesitate to go around the opticians in your city and ask for quotes. As we have seen previously, refuse unnecessary treatments on your lenses so that you can compare prices more easily. When making your final choice, take the time to compare the price, but also the quality of the frames and lenses and especially the guarantees offered by the optician.
Renew your prescription at the orthoptist
Today, orthoptists can renew prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses like ophthalmologists. The delays in obtaining an appointment with an ophthalmologist are sometimes very long (between 8 months and 1 year depending on the region). Thanks to this renewal authorization directly at the orthoptists, patients will not only be able to be better cared for, but also save money. This will also reduce waiting times for an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Benefit from the network of partners of your mutual
Complementary companies often offer their members partner opticians who will give you lower prices than those on the market. The savings can reach up to 15% on the price of the frame and the lenses are offered 20% to 40% cheaper. Opticians, eager to attract new customers, adapt to the prices charged by mutual insurance companies.
Choose opticians from major brands
Among opticians too, large groups exist. Their advantage over independent opticians is that they sell a larger volume of optical products in their network. They are therefore able to obtain preferential rates from their suppliers and therefore lower prices, even if you need rimless glasses.
We hope these tips were useful!
