If you’re like me and can’t quite make out that big E on the eye chart from 5 feet away without vision correction or even if you’re not quite that bad, this post is for you. Probably everyone that wears vision correction has thought about having a backup, but what about 5 backups? One backup is great for if you break or lose your glasses/contacts, that’s a great prep to have. But what if we’re in a TEOTWAWKI situation and you can’t get new glasses at all for a very long time? It costs a lot to get replacement glasses and it’s a huge investment – usually – now enter Zenni Optical.
This fantastic site sells nice looking frames complete with prescription lenses for $8.00. That’s right, 8 bucks – and these aren’t the huge 70’s frames that we used to wear, these are nice looking designer style frames. They have frames that cost more than 8 dollars, like the $12.00 collection but who wants to spend 12 bucks on glasses when you can just spend 8!? They’ve even got a children’s selection, a bifocal collection and my favorite – the goggle collection. The frames in these collections are more expensive.
To order, you need to have your prescription (specifically for glasses, not contacts) including your PD which apparently identifies your center viewing point or something and isn’t usually given out with your prescription. Read here for more information on this. You enter your prescription information in the shopping cart when you order glasses from them.
I’m going to be placing my first order with them next week. I’ve been collecting my kids prescriptions the last few days and have an eye appointment next week. I’ll be sure to make a follow up post to let you know how it goes.
I’m planning on eventually having 5 backups for each of my kids (kids are really hard on glasses) and at least 3 backups for my wife and I. I’m going to get me a pair of those goggles too, perfect for wearing in a gas mask! I strongly recommend that you have at least one if not more backups for each person in your family. Not being able to see REALLY sucks!
Funny, just last night I was looking at http://www.lbweyewear.com which is pretty similar. While I don’t wear glasses, my wife would be blind without something, and has often expressed concern about having vision help. Of course she usually also mentions surgery at the same time, but we do what we can.
Oh, and now for the obligitory, “The Goggles, they do nothing!” quote..
Funny, just last night I was looking at http://www.lbweyewear.com which is pretty similar. While I don’t wear glasses, my wife would be blind without something, and has often expressed concern about having vision help. Of course she usually also mentions surgery at the same time, but we do what we can.
Oh, and now for the obligitory, “The Goggles, they do nothing!” quote..
Interested to hear how it works – Russ needs new glasses.
Interested to hear how it works – Russ needs new glasses.
@Mrs. Organic
I’ll be sure to let you know once we get them in!
@Mrs. Organic
I’ll be sure to let you know once we get them in!
I’ve got a few extra pairs of glasses stashed. Five seems like a round and reasonable number to have stored away. Glasses are more important than all sorts of other things we stockpile. You can get food, water, etc but glasses are essential and pretty much impossible to improvise.
I’ve got a few extra pairs of glasses stashed. Five seems like a round and reasonable number to have stored away. Glasses are more important than all sorts of other things we stockpile. You can get food, water, etc but glasses are essential and pretty much impossible to improvise.
I recently purchased a pair from Zenni and they are perfect. Be careful about measuring the size of your frames. Ordering on-line, you will be asked to select a frame without trying it on first (obviously). I can see perfectly in mine, but my wife says they are a little too small for my big head. Measure your existing eyeglasses and get a very clear idea about your size preferences prior to ordering any glasses on-line.
I intend, like Phil, to stock up on eyeglasses through Zenni’s wonderful site.
I recently purchased a pair from Zenni and they are perfect. Be careful about measuring the size of your frames. Ordering on-line, you will be asked to select a frame without trying it on first (obviously). I can see perfectly in mine, but my wife says they are a little too small for my big head. Measure your existing eyeglasses and get a very clear idea about your size preferences prior to ordering any glasses on-line.
I intend, like Phil, to stock up on eyeglasses through Zenni’s wonderful site.
I just received my first pairs of glasses from Zenni! I love them! My only minor complaint is that my sunglasses were missing one of the metal decals when it came. I ordered one of the $8 glasses just to see what they were like, but I would really recommend upgrading to the polycarbs (especially for kids) if you can since the included lenses seem to scratch pretty easily. I have to admit though I was pretty impressed with what I got for just $8! I love having extra pairs of glasses around the house and in my emergency kits without spending a ton of money. I would definitely order from them again.