If you are a baby boomer there is a pretty good chance that your eye site is not what it once was. Whether you need reading glasses, bifocals or any other type of prescription lens, buying glasses can be a pretty expensive shopping trip especially if you do not have insurance coverage.
Despite the cost, it is pretty important to make sure you take care of your eyes, including getting glasses so that you can see. The good news is that there are several ways that baby boomers can save money on their prescription eye glasses. Here is a look at some of the options you may want to consider.
Medicare/Health Insurance
Before looking for other options you will first want to check your Medicare and/or other insurance plan to see what is covered. While Medicare does not normally cover the cost for glasses they do cover the cost of an eye exam. As for any additional insurance you have you will need to check your policy to see what might be covered.
AARP Discounts
AARP offers their members a discount eye care program including the cost of glasses through Pearle Vision. The savings can be significant giving members a 30% discount on eye glasses including single vision, bifocal and trifocal lenses. They also offer a 20% discount on contact lenses and an additional saving on eye exams. Every baby boomer over the age of 50 can sign up for AARP for just $16.00 a year.
Ordering Glasses On The Internet
Another option when it comes to finding cheap, affordable eye glasses is to look on line. There are multiple websites available that sell eye glasses for a discount. Most sites are easy to search through and you will just need to have and enter your eye prescription including your PD (Papillary Distance between your pupils) number. You can then browse through frames that are available for your prescription.
It may help to try on frames before ordering on line so that you will know what you like and what looks best on you. As a word of caution, if you do decide to order on line make sure that you know the companies return policy in case the glasses do not fit when you receive them.
Do You Just Need Reading Glasses?
If you just need reading glasses then you may want to consider not getting prescription glasses at all. Reading glasses can be purchased very inexpensively today at drug stores, department stores and discount stores. The cost varies but you should not have too much difficulty in finding a pair of reading glasses for under $20.00.
Lions Club
Finally, if you are really strapped and truly cannot afford to pay for a pair of eye glasses you may be able to get a pair for free. Lions Club organizations across the country collect and recycle prescriptions eye glasses for people of all ages. Your best bet will be to contact your local Lions Club in your area and see if they participate and if they can help you get a pair of glasses for free.