Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Lori Pace
Wearing eyeglasses is becoming more common among children. A New York Times article reveals that nearsightedness is rising in children, making it harder for them to see objects in the distance. This growing incidence is attributed to genetics and today’s children’s habit of mostly staying indoors. Due to this, your children may be part of this generation that needs glasses for nearsightedness or other common eye issues in kids, like astigmatism and farsightedness.
As a single mom, you might be worried about the cost of your kids’ glasses, especially since adult pairs typically cost $200-$300. Luckily, you can acquire them at a more affordable price. If you’d like to know more, read our money-saving tips for kids’ prescription glasses below:
Buy from a provider that accepts vision insurance
The country’s health initiatives make healthcare more affordable. One example is telehealth grants funding many programs that enable more people to access remote care. Another is the Affordable Care Act requiring insurance companies to offer vision care benefits for children in all plans.
Given this, your insurance plan will most likely include vision care for children. Getting your kids’ glasses from a provider that accepts vision insurance helps you save money by lowering the price you must pay. Oakley is one company that does so, and they make this process easier by accepting vision insurance inquiries via call, helping you prepare the money to pay for your kids’ glasses. The brand also offers many eyeglass styles for kids, like the Shifter XS and Twin Tail.
Look out for sales
Prescription eyewear brands often have sales in-store and online to encourage customers to get their glasses from their store or upgrade their frames and lenses. As such, look for sales to take advantage of multiple discounts, especially on clearance items.
The brand Warby Parker may be known for expensive eyewear, although they also carry affordable options. Moreover, like many eyewear stores, they routinely hold big sales throughout the year, such as during Black Friday. Scheduling your kids’ glasses shopping around these sale seasons will help you get a good deal on high-quality prescription eyewear.
Purchase lenses and frames separately
Your children’s optometrist may encourage you to buy prescription glasses from their clinic, but you’re not required to do so. Many providers offer frames and lenses at a lower price. You can even purchase lenses and frames separately, so you can choose the most affordable ones from different brands.
When looking for frames, go for plastic materials, as they’re cheaper than metal or others. They’re also suitable for children because they won’t rust and are easier to clean. In terms of lenses, choose polycarbonate. These are made with impact-resistant plastic, making them perfect for clumsy children. While polycarbonate lenses can be costly, many eyewear retailers—including EyeBuyDirect—offer them for a lower price, starting at $18.95.
Shop online when possible
Many online coupon services, such as Groupon, offer discounts and coupons for different eyewear retailers. The only catch is that you can only use these coupons online, prompting you to shop for your kids’ glasses via the Internet. This isn’t necessarily bad, since you’ll also save money on transportation costs compared to physically going to the mall.
Furthermore, many online eyewear shops offer free shipping, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra. Ensure your child’s eyeglasses prescription is ready; online shops will ask for it. Zenni Optical is an affordable online eyewear retailer that accepts coupons and promo codes.
Prescription eyeglasses for kids can be affordable. Remember to use vision insurance, look for sales, buy lenses and frames separately, and shop online for more affordable glasses.
