We get asked this question all the time by customers at American Eyeglass Repair.

People have seen the online sellers selling glasses at what appear to be rock bottom prices. You can walk into your local retailer and buy cheap reading glasses.

Many people wonder why they should pay hundreds of dollars for a pair of prescription eyeglasses from an optical store when they can look just as good with the frames they buy online.

People want to know the cheapest place to buy eyeglasses.

As much as we all don’t want to spend a penny more than necessary, deals that seem too good to be true often leave us with a pair of eyeglasses that doesn’t live up to our expectations. And it may leave us with eyeglasses that actually harm our eyes.

Be Wary of Low Ball Offers

The best deal you can get on eyeglasses is for a pair that works well for you that you like. The best price you can pay is the one that brings you the most value. With that in mind, let’s look at things you should be aware of when considering cheap eyeglasses:

# 1 – Cheap eyeglasses often cause eyestrain.

The optical quality of most cheap eyeglasses is not the same as pair of customized prescription glasses for computer use or reading.

It’s easy to select the wrong power when buying readers from a store. Most of the online sellers and retailers of cheap reading glasses offer inferior lenses without protection from high-energy blue light like that emitted from your smartphone and computer screen.

The wrong power and lack of blue light protection causes eye strain, headaches and could possibly lead to further medical conditions.

# 2 – Know what you are giving up to get a low price.

Many people wonder if buying eyeglasses online is a good idea.

After all, there’s lots of hidden costs to buying online.

The big one is that you lose are the services and trained expertise of an optician. And that’s a big deal. They help make sure you get the right lenses and frames that meet your vision and personal requirements. You’d be amazed at the stories we’ve been told over the years of online ordering that just didn’t work out, with eyeglasses once thought to be a good deal now sitting in a drawer gathering dust.

# 3 – Be aware of the quality differences.

Sellers of cheap quality eyeglasses often make claims that they offer the same top quality as your local optical store.

We say, “buyer beware.”

There are different levels of optical performance among different lens materials. Optical performance can even vary by brands.

There’s a wide variety of lens materials and frame materials, each with their own distinct applications and features. There are huge differences in the scratch resistance of different lenses and coatings.

Certain lenses go better with specific frames and frame comfort and durability can vary widely, even within the lines offered by the same manufacturer.

Lens fabrication is also a big issue. We’ve seen it time and time again – your lenses are most likely done right at the optical store over the online seller.

# 4 – Watch the online gimmicks used by online sellers.

The big ploy all online sellers use is the “virtual try-on” feature. That’s where you load a front facing picture of yourself into their system and you can “try on” eyeglasses to see how they look on you.

Keep in mind this feature does nothing to tell you how the frames and glasses themselves will fit or feel on you. You have no way to determine the quality of the frame materials or workmanship.

You’re also at the mercy at the quality of the virtual try on tool and your device. You hope the color clarity shown online is the same as in real frame itself. A big issue we’ve seen with these virtual try on features is size – frames aren’t often shown to their actual size.

Some sellers may offer to send you the frames to try on prior to completing the purchase. Here’s the big problem with that approach – the frames don’t contain the lenses. Again, you have no idea about weight, fit or comfort.

Ordering frames online is like ordering a steak dinner from a picture – you have a vague idea what the meal will look like, no idea how it will taste, and you hope and pray the dinner is worth the money.

Buying from your local optical center allows you to know exactly what you are getting and how it will serve you.

The Place for Your Best Deal on Eyeglasses

Price is what you pay. Value is what you receive.

When it comes to your vision and your eyes, shop for the best value. Your eyesight and health are too important to compromise to save a few dollars.

Read our money-saving tips on buying eyeglasses to ensure you get top quality and top value at a great price from your local optical center. And that’s what we recommend – shop your local optical store in your hometown for the best value deal on eyeglasses.

If you need your eyeglasses or sunglasses repaired, call on us at All American Eyeglass Repair. Visit one of our locations for repairs in about an hour or use our mail in service for the fastest mail in eyeglass repair service anywhere.

Understanding the Maui Jim Warranty and Repair Options

Maui Jim sunglasses come with a two-year, limited warranty.

Here’s how the Maui Jim warranty policy reads:

“Maui Jim sunglasses are warranted to the original purchaser for two full years from the date of purchase against any defect in materials and workmanship, when purchased from an authorized Maui Jim reseller. Maui Jim will repair or replace, at our option, any pair of Maui Jim sunglasses found to be defective – exclusive of damage caused by improper or unreasonable use. This warranty does not apply to normal wear, including lens scratching or accidental breakage. This warranty does not cover shipping cost.”

Maui Jim makes an excellent product and they offer exceptional customer service and support.

All American Eyeglass Repair can also repair your Maui Jim sunglasses. Simply bring them into one of our 17 store locations from across the country. We also have mail in repair centers, where you send your Maui Jim sunglasses for repair. Get the details and try us out!

Learn more about our Maui Jim sunglasses repair services.

Expert Ray-Ban Aviator Repair Services at All American Eyeglass Repair

You’d be amazed at the number of phone calls we get from people needing their Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses repaired.

First things first – yes, they can be repaired. We do it every day at one our store locations or mail in repair centers.

Many people have purchased their Aviators from an authorized Ray Ban retailer. Ray Ban’s warranty and repair policies direct a customer to return Aviators in need of repair to the retailer.

Here’s the big issue: most retailers don’t have the capability to repair Ray Ban Aviators.

That’s where we come in.

At All American Eyeglass Repair, we’re happy to repair your Ray Ban Aviators. We can fix most anything that is broken and do preventive care like:

  • Frame cleaning
  • Frame adjustments
  • Nose pad repair/replace

We carry a wide array of Ray Ban Aviator replacement parts in stock. Come into one of our stores and get your repairs done in about an hour. Or, mail your Ray Ban Aviators to one of our mail in repair centers for same day service.

Learn more about our Ray Ban repair services.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Glasses Online

The internet has really changed the game for a lot of industries and eyeglasses are no exception.

There’s no denying that internet shopping is convenient. But is the internet the best place to buy your eyeglasses?

See, every pair of eyeglasses is a custom-made item. Every person’s head and eyes are different. Accurate measurements are important to achieve a comfortable fit.

Frames and lens are made of different materials and different lens treatments.

Buying eyeglasses from a traditional optical store allows a skilled optometrist to guide you through the process. When you order online you must do these things on your own and the choices can be overwhelming.

Use this article to help you determine if buying eyeglasses online is right for you. And if you have multifocal or bifocal need, you most likely can’t purchase those online. Keep reading to learn why.
Where to Begin
If you are shopping online, most sites have you start by selecting frames and frame materials. You’ll choose from a catalog of options describing frame materials, designs, hinge types and other information.

You’ll also need to decide the type of lens materials and coatings you would like. Do you need plastic, polycarbonate or high-index lenses? How about photochromatic lenses? Do you need protection from ultraviolet lights? And what about anti-reflective coatings?

Lots of decisions to make that impact your vision, your comfort and the life of your glasses. Most people benefit from the guidance of a trained optical technician.
About Pupil Distance (PD Measurement)
This is an area that messes up most people when ordering glasses online.

For you to see properly through your new glasses, the eyeglass lab must know the distance between your pupils. Online eyeglass sellers realize that, and thus provide tips for you to measure pupil distance on your own.

Here’s the challenge of measuring pupil distance on your own – it’s hard to do it right. Although online eyeglass sellers give you step by step instructions, it’s kind of like trying to be your own dentist. Just because you have instructions how to do it doesn’t mean it will be done right.

Incorrect pupil distance is one of the bigger challenges faced by people who buy eyeglasses online. That’s why we recommend your local optical store.
Getting the Right Fit
Glasses that are too large can slip. It’s uncomfortable, annoying and can cause headaches if you aren’t looking through the optical centers of the lenses.

Glasses that are too small can pinch the sides of your head and often leave red marks on your temples. And I can remember as a kid having a pair of glasses so small, they rubbed my ears raw.

Some online eyeglass stores offer tips concerning fit, things like measuring your head or using your hat size. These are inexact at best. Things like the type of your prescription and weight of your lenses will also impact fit.

An experienced optical technician at a traditional optical store can guide you through such issues. They can help you select frames and lenses that work best for you.
Do You Like How You Look?
Optical websites do all sorts of things to give you an idea how glasses will look on you. Some allow you to upload pictures and superimpose frames on your photo. Others offer suggestions based upon the shape of your face.

As you know, in a traditional optical store, seeing how glasses look on your face is easy. You simply try them on!
What About Bifocals and Progressive Lenses?
These types of lenses are challenging, as they require special measurements and power. They also come in different styles. Determining the right one for your vision needs is best handled with the guidance of your optician or trained optical technician.

For these reasons, most online optical sites stay away from these kinds of lens.
How About Price?
Due to lower overhead, some online sellers can offer eyeglasses as lower prices than traditional optical stores.

Some optical stores do so much volume that they’re able to offer lower prices than online sellers.

Do your research but always remember this – the best deal you can get is on eyeglasses that work.

There’s no disputing that it’s easier to get it right when shopping at an optical store instead of online.  It’s easier to resolve a problem with your glasses with your local optical store than most online sellers.

Although we don’t sell new prescription eyeglasses at All American Eyeglass Repair, we do wear them and fix them. We prefer the service and expertise of our local optician at our local optical center. We get the right glasses and lenses for our vision and lifestyle needs without having to do it ourselves.

We hope this guide helps you. And if you have eyeglasses that need repaired, we’d be honored to help you. Visit our website for more information.

Understanding the Types of Frames for Better Care and Repairs

Watch Time – 47 seconds

Learn about the most common materials used in making eyeglass frames in this short video from All American Eyeglass Repair.

By watching this video you will learn:

  • Common materials used in eyeglass frames
  • The difference between full metal and semi-rimless frames
  • About the 3-piece drill mount frame

Transcript of Video:

Hi. This is Glenn and Michael with All American Eyeglass Repair.

We just wanted to take a moment to help explain the type of frame material you may have.

First of all, zyl or plastic material. You’ll see that on this Cazal frame.

Michael has what’s called a semi-rimless frame. You’ll see metal on the top and a wire underneath, similar to fishing line.

This will be a full metal frame. You’ll see this Ray Ban has metal all the way around, and temples that also flex.

And finally, Michael has what’s called a three-piece drill mount. You’ll see he points out those features. The uniqueness about this frame…it’s mounted by drilling holes through the lenses.

I hope this information helps and if you need repairs on any of these frames, please contact All American Eyeglass Repair.

Mail your eyeglasses to us for repair: https://americaneyeglassrepair.com/services/mail-in-glass-repair/.

Bring your eyeglasses for repair to one of our stores. Find a store near you: https://americaneyeglassrepair.com/locations/

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.

Proper Techniques to Handle Your Eyeglasses and Prolong Their Lifespan

Watch Time: 1 minute

In this short video, Glenn of All American Eyeglass Repair shows you the proper way to put on and take off eyeglasses.

By watching this video you will learn:

  • The proper way to put on and take off eyeglasses
  • Why taking off your glasses with one hand is the wrong thing to do
  • Common eyeglass care tips to prolong the life of your frames

Transcript of Video:

Hi. This is Glenn with All American Eyeglass Repair. Let’s talk about how to take your frames on and off.

You always want to use two hands. Take your frames off and also, to put them on.

Think about it. We are creatures of habit. I would never wear my watch on my other wrist. When I speak on the phone, I use the same ear every single time.

If I do use one hand, more than likely I’m going to go the same way every time, putting that undo pressure you just saw on the bridge, the trim piece, and also the temple.

You’ll notice on this Ray Ban frame, spring temples. Again, use just one hand, you end up putting undo pressure on that spring. If it pops out, we’ll be replacing it.

Another frame we see a lot of…the flex-on titanium frame. What happens with this one? You want to show people how this works. You end up flexing it back and forth. More than likely you’re going to flex it the same way every time. After a while, it can get out of align.

I hope this information was helpful. And again, if you need any repair done, please contact All American Eyeglass Repair.

Mail your eyeglasses to us for repair: https://americaneyeglassrepair.com/services/mail-in-glass-repair/.

Bring your eyeglasses for repair to one of our stores. Find a store near you: https://americaneyeglassrepair.com/locations/

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.

Essential Tips for Using an Eyeglass Repair Kit Safely and Effectively

Watch time: 1 minute 17 seconds

See Glenn from All American Eyeglass Repair share his opinions and knowledge about eyeglass repair kits.  He describes the parts of an eyeglass repair kit and what each is used for.

By watching this video, you will discover:

  • How much eyeglass repair kits costs
  • The different parts of a typical eyeglass repair kit and how to use them
  • Situations where an eyeglass repair kit will not be able to help

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.

For the finest in mail in or walk in eyeglass or sunglass repair services, visit All American Eyeglass Repair. https://americaneyeglassrepair.com/

How to Repair the Bow Bar on Ray-Ban Clubmaster Eyeglasses

Watch time: 1 minute 8 seconds

We’re asked all the time if a broken bow bar on Ray-Ban Clubmaster brand eyeglasses can be repaired.

In this video, Glenn and Michael tell you how we repair broken bow bars on Ray-Ban Clubmaster  glasses:

By watching this video you will discover:

  • How the bow bar is attached to the frame
  • How the bow bar commonly breaks
  • How we fix the bow bar on Ray-Ban Clubmasters

If you need your Ray-Ban Clubmasters repaired, contact All American Eyeglass Repair. We are Ray-Ban repair experts.  Get the details on how to mail them for repair at one of our repair centers or visit any one of our 17 store locations.

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.

Tips and Techniques for Fixing Eyeglass Spring Hinges
Watch Time: 2 minutes 5 seconds

Discover how broken spring hinges are repaired in this informative and entertaining video.

By watching this video you will learn:

  • How eyeglass spring hinges work
  • The most common ways eyeglass spring hinges break
  • How we repair eyeglass spring hinges

If you need your eyeglass spring hinges repaired, contact All American Eyeglass Repair. Get the details on how to mail them for repair at one of our repair centers or visit any one of our 17 store locations.

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.

Common Silhouette Eyeglass Frame Parts and How We Repair Them

Watch Time: 2 minutes 19 seconds

In this video, Glenn and Michael from All American Eyeglass Repair review the common parts of Silhouette eyeglass frames and how broken Silhouette frames are repaired.

By watching this video you will learn:

  • The parts of Silhouette eyeglass frames
  • Common break points of Silhouette eyeglass frames
  • How we repair Silhouette eyeglass frames

If you need your Silhouette eyeglass frames repaired, contact All American Eyeglass Repair. We are Silhouette eyeglass repair experts.  Get the details on how to mail them for repair at one of our repair centers or visit any one of our 17 store locations.

To get more eyeglass care and repair tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel https://goo.gl/mLpnEx.