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Glasses USA (.com): The maker of my everyday eyeglasses

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:56:31 -0400

One of the lesser-known companies out there, GlassesUSA.com (click, new window) claims to deliver a superior quality product at a reasonable (but not dirt cheap) price. I have been impressed with their communication and apparently high level of customer service, but never had experienced their product first-hand.

The folks at GlassesUSA were confident enough with their glasses to provide me with a free pair, knowing that I was in no way obligated to return the favor with a favorable review. I received the glasses several weeks ago and have, to better judge the product, worn them exclusively since. My vision is such that I wear glasses from the second I wake up in the morning until the minute I go to bed. I have strong astigmatism and wear single-vision glasses and don’t require bifocals or trifocals; I have a current prescription (less than 12 months old).

All right, to the brass tacks. The company representative asked me to choose a pair from their website. I quickly navigated the website (good layout, simple search feature) and found the right pair for me. Having wanted to try out rimless eyeglasses for some time, I chose the “Philadelphia” frame (a simple search will find it). I chose this frame because it looked like it had good proportions and it has a 140mm temple length. For whatever reason, many of the online eyewear stores force me into a 135mm temple length. In reality, 135mm is somewhat short on most men’s heads, including my average-sized gourd. It works, but 140mm is more comfortable, so I was pleased that GlassesUSA had several options with the 140mm temple. The price on this pair is $59.95 with no extras and not including shipping. Widely-available coupons knock the price down 10% or so or take care of the shipping. So the actual cost is right around $60 out the door. You also need to fax, scan, or key in your prescription information (make sure to see your optometrist for an updated prescription if you don’t have one already).

About two weeks went by, and the glasses arrived. Excited, I ripped open the envelope and checked out my new specs (all pictures at bottom of this post). I looked over the included case and lens cloth (an appreciated extra, but ultimately destined for my sock drawer) and then went straight to trying on the eyeglasses. I immediately noticed the prescription was dead-on. Great lens grinding with no odd effects at the peripheral vision (it has been commented that some of the cheaper online eyewear stores struggle to grind out a perfect and consistent lens), the frame seems of great quality, and the look and proportions of the eyeglasses are dead on. By all accounts, a very high quality pair of eyeglasses. Certainly there are no noticeable differences in quality between this pair and the pairs I’ve paid $300 or $400 for over the years (naturally, the $300 or $400 pairs were bought at brick and mortar stores, not over the internet). The quality is noticeably better than my $30 pair from zenni optical -- specifically, the alloy frame seems immediately more dense and less fragile.

Two weeks later, I haven’t experienced any problems or noticed any manufacturing defects whatsoever. The glasses are comfortable, lightweight, and not leaving any pressure marks or sores around my ears or on the sides of my nose. I’ve actually received compliments on my eyes since wearing these glasses. Usually, I would receive comments on the glasses themselves when I would buy a new pair, but with a rimless pair, people seem to be noticing my eyes underneath! I don’t see switching back to one of my other pairs any time soon (other options include what’s left of my zenni optical pair (the nose paid mount broke off) and a nice-quality designer Izod frame (which retails for about $200 for the frame alone)). So yes, the eyeglasses at GlassesUSA.com are high quality and I would recommend them to anyone. What’s more, they are 50 to 70% cheaper than what you can buy from your optometrist. No, GlassesUSA isn’t as cheap as eyebuydirect, goggles4u, or some of the other china-based online eyewear companies, but the initial quality of product does seems superior. What was meant to be a sample pair has ended up as my 18-hour-a-day daily wearer. I’ll probably still go with the other guys for a dirt cheap pair of RX sunglasses, but I will definitely stick with GlassesUSA for my daily pair that will log the most use.

Click here to visit GlassesUSA

Some current coupons (see right panel if these have expired)
Celebrate independence with GlassesUSA! Take 20% off your final order of eyeglasses or sunglasses. Use Code: July20
Celebrate independence with GlassesUSA and enjoy free shipping on any order over $50! Use code:USASHIP

What comes in the mail (this is inside a non-pictured envelope)

The complete product -- glasses, the nicest case I've seen, and a cleaning cloth.

Another view -- I ordered the "Philadelphia" frame

Me, wearing the glasses.

20% off Mother's Day sale at EyeBuyDirect

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:39:22 -0400

Happy mother's day GBG readers! EyeBuyDirect is offering 20% off women's and unisex frames to celebrate. Here's the link. Sale ends Sunday, May 10.

Deal of the Week at EyeBuyDirect

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:52:28 -0400

I always thought parsley was a plant. And only a plant. In fact, the parsley for my kitchen garden just bolted to seed. But "parsley" is what EyeBuyDirect named the frame shown above.

But the point is, EyeBuyDirect has been offering certain frames at half off or even better for a very limited time. This week's deal is the frame shown above, named "Parsley" with lenses for $8.95. That's seriously cheap. What do you have to lose?

In case you can't tell, those are girl's glasses. And they're cute.

Visit EyeBuyDirect.com for this week's Deal of the Week.

GlassesUSA.com -- "We want to change the way Americans buy glasses."

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:35:14 -0400

What are we getting when we buy glasses online? My experience has been that we spend less and receive a really decent pair of glasses. Sites like BestBuyEyeglasses give us top-quality designer glasses for 40% less than we would pay at the eyewear store. EyeBuyDirect gives us really inexpensive glasses that do the trick.

Until now, I haven't seen a company online offering a middle ground -- glasses that aren't as pricey as designer frames but not as inexpensive as those on EyeBuyDirect . GlassesUSA.com seems to be taking on this market -- reasonably priced, high quality frames. I had a chance to send a couple emails back and forth with their marketing director:

All of our glasses are manufactured according to US guidelines- we actually surpass US guidelines during our manufacturing process...we are a group of people who are fed up with high priced eyeglasses made horribly. You can go to Target and WalMart to buy a pair of frames and the glasses are just barely up to industry standards.
We want to change the way Americans buy glasses...I went to America's Best to purchase my 2 frames for $69.95. I still have headaches when I wear those glasses. Yet, my glasses from GlassesUSA cause me no problems, no double vision- no headaches...I'm out to change. I believe in the company. Have you ever worked somewhere that you honestly believed in the work you do? That is how I feel about GlassesUSA. I love my job!
-Hillary Rubin, Creative Marketing Director, GlassesUSA.com

Hillary said she would send me a pair of glasses for review. So I'll let all of you know firsthand if they live up to the fairly high expectations I have for this company. Thus far, I am impressed with their product selection. A minor problem I have had at some of the online eyewear stores is a lack of selection of glasses with 140mm temples. The 135mm temples tend to be a bit short on my head. A minor issue, but something I have observed. For a gal, 135mm is fine, for most men, it tends to be a bit short.

The site has user reviews for many of their frames. I'm impressed with the "Columbus Black" rimless frames, these are pictured below. They have 2 4 star+ reviews and run $60 including a basic lens.

For women, the Hilarie Black reminds me of the glasses Tina Fey wears. $32 including a basic lens.

As a fairly new retailer, GlassesUSA.com has some decent promos going on. Use code: 2gusa15 for 15% off any two pairs. Use code GUSA10 for 10% off any order. Click here to go to GlassesUSA.com

The comeback of glasses

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:26:00 -0400

Designer Carrie Mundane in vintage frames.

2008 was the end of soft and pretty. Edginess is going forever mainstream in 2009. And what shows an edge more than bold and beautiful designer eyeglasses?

Simon Chilvers considers the comeback of glasses in this 2009 article from the Guardian:

With the overload of pretty celebrities in 2009, the power of glasses to cut through the chaff is even greater. Alexa Chung, whose look revolves around an offbeat boyishness rather than high-octane glamour, is the ideal pin-up for the specs revival. Actor Jaime Winstone was clearly gunning for extra cool points when she chose to rock a hefty tortoiseshell pair recently. Hip-hop royalty are getting stuck in too. Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z have all been swapping statement pap-proof shades for quirky nerd-like specs instead. Meanwhile, at a cinema near you, Gus Van Sant's Milk, set in the 70s, features Cleve Jones, a young gay activist (played by Emile Hirsch) whose square specs fit brilliantly with this current revival.
Click for the rest of the article and some great photos

Cazal eyewear is more relevant than ever. Take the 4111, pictured below. These german-made glasses are as much artwork as RX.

If you buy your pair online at bestbuyeyeglasses.com (click here), you'll enjoy paying about half what you would at the downtown boutique. Use the coupon the right for an additional 5% savings and free shipping.

Exclusive 12% off coupon at EyeBuyDirect

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:30:53 -0500

EyeBuyDirect's "Plasma" Titanium Frame

EyeBuyDirect noticed a lot of GetBetterGlasses readers took advantage of the buy one, get one free sale the other day. So their kind team offered the readers of GetBetterGlasses.com an exclusive coupon for 12% off. The coupon code is "GBGLASSES12" (without the ""). This coupon expires April 30th, 2009. Click to visit EyeBuyDirect.com (new window)

So why not pick up a pair of titanium eyeglasses -- like the "plasma" -- for about a quarter of what you'd pay at the eye doctor?

Here we go again: Buy one get one free at EyeBuyDirect.com

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:08:16 -0500

Another sign of the times? EyeBuyDirect has typically only offered their buy one, get one free sale twice a year. But they're doing again, only two months after the last time! So if you've been waiting to get your updated prescription, now is the time! Maybe you're ready to give online eyewear a try or maybe you just need a couple more pairs of specs.

The one-day sale is Monday, February 9th ONLY. So start lining up at the door.

Click here to visit EyeBuyDirect.com

If you're new to this (online rx eyewear) game, be sure to check out the posts shown in the right hand column to help get you started.

How much do you want to save on your next pair of prescription glasses?

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:01:32 -0500

Let's assume an average pair of prescription glasses and frames is $400.

Spending $400 on regular eyeglasses? We can do better than that.

Save $380:
How: Head over to Goggles4u Eyeglasses and pick out a pair of glasses from the $12.99 section
Pros: Cost: $20 shipped. That's cheap. Great for your kids who destroy their glasses anyways.
Cons: The frames would be alloy metal, not titanium or rimless. If you want thinner lenses or special coatings, you'll have to ad another $15 or so.

Save $300:
How: Choose a pair of rimless glasses at eyebuydirect. Add a superthin polycarbonate lens, anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings
Pros: $100 gets you a fully configured pair of glasses using superlight materials and with the lightest lens available. The coatings help your glasses stay like new for a long time.
Cons: Although the glasses will probably be great, you can't do an apples-to-apples comparison with most of the frames you'd find at your optometrist. This is because Eyebuydirect uses "house brand" glasses as opposed to Prada, Izod, or some other designer.

Save $100-$200:
How: Buy an exact replacement for your existing designer frames or purchase new designer glasses at BestBuyEyeglases.com
Pros: If you know exactly what you want, or if you are replacing your existing frames, you can key in the information from your current glasses and purchase literally the exact same pair for 2/3 or even 1/2 the price of what you usually pay. If you're after new glasses, you'll find the best designs from the most reputable designers in the industry.
Cons: You'll be spending two to five times as much for designer prescription glasses at BestBuyEyeglasses compared to with what you would spend at the online discounters.

No matter how you slice it, you'll save a bunch of money buying online. You're in control of your choice in prescription glasses, not a pushy salesman at the optometrist office. Better yet, if you use your health savings account, you could pay even less out-of-pocket.

Buying trifocals online

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:50:00 -0500

I received a comment from a reader wondering about the option of purchasing trifocals online. I did some research, so let me sum it up:

1. Prescription eyeglasses with trifocal lenses can be bought over the internet
2. Online generic discount shops such as eyebuydirect and goggles4u do not sell trifocals.

So where can you buy them? At the higher-end of the online eyewear world is one shop that sells designer frames way cheaper than the store - but still more expensive than no-name glasses sold by "discount" online eyewear shops. Bestbuyeyeglasses.com offers polycarbonate trifocal lenses for about $115, depending somewhat on your prescription. This price does not include the frame, which will run from $70 to $200 or so, depending on your choice. So, the bottom line is you can purchase a fully outfitted pair of trifocals online from about $200.

So after you've decided whether or not you want to purchase your next pair online, the next step is to choose a frame. Trifocal wearers should choose a frame that can hold a fairly large lens - after all, you have three slightly different prescriptions going on in a single pair of glasses. If you have a pair of glasses that you really like, but it broke or simply needs replaced, you can look at your existing pair for manufacture information.

Check on the inside of the arms of your frame. Typically the brand name is on the inside of one arm and the model information is on the inside of the other. On my glasses, for example, if I look at the inside of the left arm (or "bow) of my frame and then at the right arm, I find the following information.

L135mm CV IZOD (left)
Frame Korea X58 Gunmetal L135MM (right)

So what did I learn? I have an IZOD frame that has 135mm arms. The model of the frame is "X58" and the color is Gunmetal. If I take this information and head over to Bestbuyeyeglasses.com, were I roll the mouse of "Eyeglasses" and select "Show all designers." I find IZOD in the list, click, and then find my frame model. Alternatively, I could simply search for the frame model. If your glasses are several years old, you might find that either your frame no longer exists or it has been "updated" to something with a very similar model number.

If you are going for a new look entirely, simply browse the frame selection.

Above, the Capri Optics 7705 is a large, practical frame, and costs just $62.

Above, the Ralph Lauren RL 5019 is a stylish and modern full-rimmed pair of glasses. $146.

The hip Brooks Brothers 713 (above) looks great, is durable, and is less than a hundred bucks.

Click on any of the images above to go directly to the product page. Or simply browse around at Bestbuyeyeglasses.com until you find a pair that you like. You'll likely spend $200-$300 for a fully outfitted pair of designer glasses with trifocals. Saving a couple hundred bucks this way is a no-brainer.

Finally, use coupon code WINTER5 for free shipping and 5% off your orderg. This coupon probably expires in March 2009.

First annual Getbetterglasses.com holiday give away!

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:05:13 -0500

This holiday season, as a way to say thank-you to my readers and visitors, one lucky reader will receive an $80 gift voucher to EyeBuyDirect.com . Maybe you've never before purchased prescription eyewear online or maybe you're looking for an extra pair of specs or shades. So how do you win? Easy! Just leave a comment. The longest comment wins. Just kidding. But comments of only a few words or a single sentence won't be entered in the drawing.

Your entry comment should be on the topic of vision or your experience purchasing prescription eyewear, whether in a traditional store or online. Tell us about your astigmatism or the time a fat kid sat on your brand new glasses. So long as your comment contains some original content, you'll be entered to win an $80 gift voucher to EyeBuyDirect.com .

As always, you can read my story by checking out my first ever post, "Where it all began..."

The contest ends on Christmas day. I may extend the contest into January if I receive fewer than ten entries.

Happy holidays from GetBetterGlasses.com!

Save even more on designer prescription sunglasses

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:33:20 -0500

I just received several new coupon codes to use for prescription sunglasses at FramesDirect.com (link will open in a new window).

As you know, Frames Direct sells designer glasses and sunglasses at forty or fifty percent less than you'll see in any brick & mortar eyewear store.

Coupon Code	Description
10ALLRXSUN	$10 off any pair of prescription sunglasses
10AKRXSUN	$10 off any pair of Oakley prescription sunglasses
10RBRXSUN	$10 off any pair of Ray-ban RX sunglasses
10WILRXSUN	$10 off any pair of Wiley X sunglasses

All coupons expire 12/31/08

If you're looking for standard non-prescription sunglasses, you can still take advantage of this offer: simply choose a lens with no prescription.

EyeBuyDirect's semi-annual two-for-one sale (expired)

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:27:57 -0500

It's that time of year again. Each year, EyeBuyDirect.com holds a buy-one-get-one-free sale. It lasts for 24 hours and starts tomorrow. This is a great opportunity to get both prescription sunglasses and regular glasses, effectively for the price of only the more expensive of the two.

Don't forget that you can choose any pair of regular eyeglasses and simply add a tint to make them sunglasses. EyeBuyDirect.com has a separate sunglasses section, but those are only the designer frames. Otherwise, choose a regular frame and alter the tint. I like my shades tinted 80% grey, but where I live the sun is very very bright. You might prefer a 60% tint if you aren't skiing or on the beach.

My pick of the day? Check out the "Exchange" rimless titanium frame shown on the right. Just click on the image or the link above to go directly to that product page.

So happy shopping and enjoy the freebie! Remember the sale ends Monday at midnight.

Blogger left the doctor's office feeling "ripped off" ...

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:49:05 -0400

$200 later and not even any new frames to show for it, this blogger was fed up with traditional eyewear stores. Thanks to the internet and some online info, capitalism wins out and the guy gets a great pair of glasses for $25.

Check out his post. It's complete with great visuals of the goggles4u.com product. (use coupon "STTJ2W" for 5% off) So check it out. See what you'll get. Order some glasses online and think, "$350 glasses: no more!"

Mr. Golfer even mentions ditching his vision insurance thanks to newfound cheap glasses. Not such a bad idea. At my work, we're set up with health savings accounts. A great tool for buying glasses online with employer-contributed or at least pre-tax money.

Celebrity Glasses: Tina Fey

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0400

Tina Fey was instrumental in popularizes female 'geek chic' with her plastic-framed, horn-rimmed eyeglasses.

You'll notice that she doesn't necessarily wear the same glasses, but glasses of a similar theme: Plastic horn-rimmed-esque frames.

Want your own Tina Fey glasses? Well, first decide if you want designer, name brand glasses at a premium price or generic glasses at a hefty discount. Let's look at designer glasses:

The Kate Spade "Bebe" is an attractive choice and is available for $129 (retails at $217) plus the price of lenses. Probably about $230 out the door.

The Gucci 1579 is another classic choice that will fit the bill. A little pricier at $172 (compare with $286 at most eyeglass shops) and maybe $300 out the door with lenses.

Maybe you want to change your look without dropping so much coin?
Look no further than the "Mona" frame at EyeBuyDirect.com. It isn't a name brand, but it carries a one year guarantee and includes a basic frame for free! Use the coupon code in the side bar and save a little bit more. You could have these to your door for $50!

Whatever you choose, "geek chic" Tina Fey glasses are only a few clicks away!

Happy birthday to GetBetterGlasses.com!

nospam@example.com (Adam Zekmueller) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:35:33 -0400

I can't believe it, but this website just turned one! Over the course of a year, we've gone from an unknown to one of the top websites on the topic of buying eyewear online. I remember the day when my glasses arrived...the first pair I ever bought online. I thought, "wow, these are just like the glasses I typically buy from the optometrist for $300." I ordered a pair to replace my daily wearers and also a pair of prescription aviator sunglasses. One year later, they are holding up just fine although I did have to replace the nosepad on my daily wearers after about ten months (no biggie...any standard eyeglass repair kit from the supermarket checkout will have a replacement nosepad).

Click here to read my first ever post: "Where it all began..." You'll even see a video of the first glasses I purchased online.

Over the past twelve months, we've posted on a variety of topics, from helping our readers buy glasses like those worn by some notable celebrities to encouraging support for worthy non-profit / charity organizations that help people see (GIVE better glasses!)

GetBetterGlasses is all about helping you make the best decision when purchasing your next pair of glasses. In May, we posted a comparison of top internet retailers and before that in April, we explained how to buy designer eyewear --- the exact same makes and brands that your eye doctor carries --- over the internet at a great savings.

It has been a great year! Many thanks to our loyal readers and commenters