Can you make something economical EVEN MORE economical? You sure can. Here are three ways to get a pair of glasses for under RM100.
First things first. This guide works best for low-to-medium-strength prescription glasses. For complicated cases*, it may be harder (but not impossible) to get glasses at this price.
*Complicated cases: Those who suffer from both short and far-sightedness, have astigmatism, very high power, etc.
Also, don’t expect branded frames. Who cares for branded frames anyway.
With these criteria in mind, here we go.
Method 1: Buy glasses from optical shops during promo
You’ve seen this before, so this tip is hardly comes as a surprise. Many optical shops in Malaysia offer basic prescription glasses for RMxx (usually RM88 or RM98). The cheapest spotted thus far is at GM Klang (a wholesale mall) for RM58.
If you don’t know where to go to get these prices, shoplots in the vicinity of where there is a substantial student population is a good bet.
However, in most cases the prices are for frames and basic lens only. The shop attendant will likely try and upsell add-ons.
You could be attracted to the RM58 price tag but may end-up paying RM178 in total for:
• Sturdier frames (additional RM70).
• Non-scratch lens coating (additional RM50).
They also have options for UV coated lens (additional RM180) and tinted glasses.
Method 2: Buy cheap frames, then ask optical shops to fit them with your prescription lens
Some people do this – buy vintage glasses from second-hand shops, then bring it to an optical shops for custom lens fitting.
Next, it’s a matter of finding optical shops that are willing to do it for you.
Some common difficulties:
• “We don’t replace lenses” – just go and find another optical shop.
• “We don’t have lenses for this kind of frame” – try another shop, or try another pair of frames.
Method 3: Order your glasses online
This hands down is the most cost-effective method.
You can get three pairs of prescription glasses and one pair of sunglasses from SelectSpecs – an online optical shop. It will cost you USD77.31 (RM321.26) including the USD11.25 shipping fee.
Minus the shipping fee, the average price for ONE pair of eyewear is a mere USD16.52. Or just approximately RM64.34 per pair, with today’s exchange rate.
Seriously, it’s good value for money, even if you factor in fluctuating exchange rates. The prescription glasses also comes with free UV coating, anti-reflection and scratch-resistant lens.
The caveat is:
• You have to know your eye prescription. The only way to get an accurate reading is via eye tests at optical shops. But it isn’t very nice to get a free prescription without buying from them.
• You have to wait for a bit. It might take weeks to arrive.
• The budget frames selection is limited. You might like them, you might not. If you don’t, they also offer other styles, usually at higher price points. The good thing is it still costs less than normal optical shops.
• You can’t try it on in person before you buy it. It’s all online.
But other than that, the prices can’t be beaten.
Aside from SelectSpecs, you can also try out BudgetSpex, Googles4u and others listed in Money Saving Expert’s Cheap Glasses page.
This article first appeared in ringgitohringgit.com
Suraya is a corporate writer-for-hire and the blogger behind personal finance website Ringgit Oh Ringgit. She is more of a minimalist, less of a consumerist, a konon DIY enthusiast, a let’s-support-small-businesses-over-big-corporations kinda girl. Prior to her current role, she worked in various capacities within the non-profit industry.