As other healthcare costs continue to rise, so do the costs for dental, hearing, and vision care. Regardless, it is just as important to maintain your health in these areas as it is your total overall health.
The problem is that some people will put off going to their eye doctor, for example, to save a few bucks. But if there’s a problem, the longer you wait to see a doctor the longer the problem goes unchecked.
If the problem is a severe one, waiting could not only backfire and cost you more money but it could cost your vision. Rather than risking your eye health, try some other ways to correct your vision for less.
1. Compare Prices
When you have access to several different vision centers you could take your eyewear prescription and get it filled somewhere else if the prices are better. Compare prices from more than one vision center or discount store, such as Walmart.
But you don’t have to stop there to correct your vision for less. You could look for online eyewear stores to order contacts from and save money too.
2. Reuse Your Frames
Vision changes don’t usually happen overnight. It can take several years for a whole degree change in your prescription. You can use that to your advantage to correct your vision for less.
One way to get more out of your vision correction and save money too is by reusing your old glasses frames. Ask your vision care specialist if your current eyeglass frames could be fitted with new lenses. It’s possible you could save a couple of hundred dollars.
Of course, if they are damaged in any way you may not be able to cash in on this savings.
3. Take Advantage of BOGO’s
There are companies that offer a buy one pair of glasses get one half off sale occasionally. If your eye doctor’s office offers this type of special, you may be able to pair up with another family member and save.
Again, don’t forget about discount stores and online retailers who may have as good or better deals.
4. Choose Cheaper Frames
Some optometrists have cheaper frames that they do not set out on display. You may not see them or even know about them unless you ask.
Why don’t they put them out and let you know they are available? Obviously it’s because they will make more money off you if they don’t. You will be forced to buy the pricier frames if you are unaware that economy frames are available.
I generally wear my contacts throughout the day. As a result, I was having a hard time justifying spending over $500 for a pair of glasses I only wear a short time in the evening most of the time. That’s when the sales lady brought out the economy frames.
What was my savings? I ended up spending only a little over $100 for the glasses resulting in a savings of nearly $400.
5. Ask About Rebates
But if you prefer contacts over glasses you can still save money on contacts too. Try ordering from a company that offers rebates.
You may be asked to fill out a couple of forms and add a package label before mailing off your rebate request, but it could be worth it. As an example, when I order my contacts I often get back between $50 and $100 in a rebate.
On drawback is that to maximize the refund I have to buy a whole year’s worth of contacts at once. But to get the rebate it’s worth it.
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