Eyeing Less Expensive Prescription Glasses Online

MIAMI (CBS4) -- Approximately 75-percent of Americans need their vision corrected, with most opting for eyeglasses. Prescription eyeglasses can be costly, but some are turning to websites to order their frames and lens.

ZenniOptical.com is one of the most popular. Their glasses start at $6.95. The prices sound too good to be true but customers say it is true.

Denise Leffingwell buys all her glasses online. "I've been wearing glasses since I was 9 years old."

Denise is seeing quite clearly these days.

"The average I pay when I go through insurance is $200, these are $8," said Leffingwell.

There are other happy customers as well.

"The pair of glasses I was wearing before I found this website cost $600." Jill Morin said. She explained she has genetic eye problems compounded by astigmatism, so she was stunned when an $8 pair of online glasses gave her clarity.

"It's not too good to be true, it's absolutely true."

ZenniOptical.com is one of the popular websites which allows you to use your doctor's prescription to order online.

However, some traditional optometrists envision problems with the online orders.

"I always tell them to be cautious about the measuring," explained Dr. Beverly Rouleau. She said you may save money online but you'll pay for the lack of customer service.

"You get the personal service here, you come in and we fit glasses to your lifestyle," said Dr. Rouleau.

Still, some bespeckled online buyers see only the advantages. "They're like little accessories," said Jill Morin who said she sees the savings to be clearly worth it.

Other websites where you can buy prescription glasses online include:

www.Eyebuydirect.com
www.Framesdirect.com
www.Justeyewear.com
www.39dollarglasses.com
www.Optical4less.com