The cost of glasses varies over a wide range. Even those who have been wearing glasses for many years do not always know what is worth spending money on and what is not. Let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

1. Ready-made or made-to-measure?

Ready-made spectacles are cheaper than custom-made spectacles. You can save at least 400-500 rubles on production. However, you should only buy ready-made glasses if they fit your prescription exactly. For example, if you break your glasses while travelling. Otherwise, instead of taking a risk and making an expensive purchase, it is better to buy custom-made glasses, which will definitely help your vision and will not damage it in the future.

2. Vision tests

Are Free Eye Tests at Opticians Really a Good Deal?

Many opticians advertise a free eye test as a convenient way to save money and avoid visiting a doctor for an eye prescription. At first glance, this offer seems attractive: you save time, skip a medical appointment, and walk away with everything done in one place. However, in practice, the real value of free eye exams at opticians is often questionable.

The key issue is who is actually performing the eye test. In some cases, the examination is carried out not by a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist, but by a sales-oriented specialist whose primary goal is to sell glasses or contact lenses. A proper eye examination should result in an official, written, and stamped prescription, and you should have the right to file a complaint if there are errors or issues. Without this level of medical accountability, the quality of the eye test may be compromised.

Another common concern is upselling unnecessary products. During a free eye test, customers are often encouraged to purchase lenses with special coatings, premium materials, or add-ons that may not be medically necessary. This can quickly eliminate any initial savings and lead to higher overall costs.

For this reason, it is often safer to have your eyes examined by an independent eye doctor at a clinic or polyclinic, where the diagnosis is unbiased and focused solely on your eye health. After receiving a professional prescription, you can then visit an optician to choose glasses or lenses, using the medical results as a reference. This approach helps ensure accuracy, transparency, and better long-term eye care.

3. Eyeglass frames

Frames are a cost-saving element. Frames can be made of metal, plastic or precious metal. To save money, you should not buy frames made of gold or silver. It is also a good idea to look at frames from lesser-known brands rather than buying Dior or Chanel.

The most important thing is that the frame is comfortable and does not squeeze your head or fall out when you bend over. Low-quality materials can cause irritation and allergies. Cheaper options should only be considered in crisis situations, such as when glasses are needed temporarily or money is tight.

4. Lenses

You can also save money on lenses, especially extra lenses. Glass lenses are the cheapest, heavy and traumatic, but scratch resistant. Polymer lenses are slightly more expensive, less scratch-resistant but lighter and less likely to break.

The cheapest type is the spherical lens. Aspheric and bispherical lenses are 20-25% more expensive, but they are lighter, look better and do not distort the size of the eye. In any case, lenses should be bought according to your prescription. If you have a vision problem such as astigmatism or strabismus, you will need more expensive lenses with complex shapes. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to save money and buy cheaper lenses.

5. Lens coatings

Coatings are applied to lenses to improve their performance. This can save you a lot of money without sacrificing comfort. For example, if you don’t work at a computer, you don’t need a coating to reduce glare. If you are not afraid of the sun or rain, you can save thousands of rubles by not using anti-reflective and water-repellent coatings. The only thing you should consider when choosing a coating is your own personal preference.

6. Making the right choice

To save money on glasses in the long term, it is important to choose eyewear carefully and responsibly. High-quality prescription glasses with a comfortable frame and properly selected lenses can last 3 to 5 years when maintained correctly. Durable materials, accurate lens prescriptions, and a well-fitted frame all contribute to long-lasting comfort and visual clarity.

In contrast, cheap or poorly fitted glasses often cause problems within a few months. They may slip, create pressure points, trigger headaches, increase eye strain, or cause general discomfort. As a result, frequent replacements become necessary, leading to higher overall costs.

Investing in quality eyewear from the start helps protect your vision, reduces eye fatigue, and ensures consistent visual performance. Over time, choosing durable, well-fitted prescription glasses proves to be far more cost-effective than repeatedly replacing low-quality eyewear.

7. Promotions and discounts

Discounts and promotions are a great way to get stylish frames and good lenses at a much lower price than usual. These include seasonal sales, discounts on vintage frames and multi-purchase promotions.

8. Lens care

Everyone knows that glasses need care. Taking care of your eyewear will extend its life many times over. There is no need to buy branded cases, gold chains or expensive cleaning products. Only lenses with special coatings need special sprays and cloths. Ordinary plastic or glass lenses can be wiped with an ordinary microfibre cloth and cleaned with shower gel or liquid soap.

Conclusions

With the right approach, saving money on glasses is not terrible. The main thing is to choose a comfortable, high-quality frame and order lenses that fit your prescription. You can save on extra features, brands and designs without compromising your vision.