Multiple glasses... a luxury?

I once worked with a woman who - I swear - had multiple eyeglasses to match her wardrobe; it seemed like she wore a different pair every day!  To her, eyewear was an accessory in the same fashion as a colorful scarf or specific piece of jewelry.  Being on a very limited income at the time, I was amazed at the luxury and expense of having more than one pair of glasses.  My own glasses retailed for about $700... I couldn't imagine paying that amount for 3, 4 or more pairs!

Well, today I am that woman.  I must have a dozen pairs laying around (if not more!)... I have glasses that are chrome, red, burgundy, black, brown, copper, green, and multi-color frames.  I have two pairs specifically for working on the computer, one pair of prescription sunglasses, and several sun clips.

If you'd like multiple pairs of glasses, but the cost is prohibitive, here are a couple of ideas to help you out:

• As I've said in previous posts, I won't go to the eye doctor unless I'm on a vision plan, and I make sure my vision plan provides annual benefits whether I need new glasses or not.  That way I'm assured that I'll have a new frame giving me a new look every year.  Luckily, my prescription hasn't changed much over the past few years, so I can still wear the same glasses I wore three years ago.

• For a few years I would have the lenses in my old frames tinted (about $20-30) giving me a pair of prescription sunglasses... and if you're the type using clip-on shades, you've GOT to try prescription sunglasses.  I LOVE them!

• Have a pair of old frames you really like but your eyes have changed and the prescription is wrong?  Ask your doctor to have new lenses put into the frames.  About 6 years ago, I paid way above my vision plan frame allowance for a pair of classic-look titanium frames that are virtually indestructible (and trust me when I say I've tried).  Back then the price was about $220... today, the same frames retail in some stores for over $400.  I love these frames... when I needed a significant change in the lens, I simply had new lenses put into the frames.  Cost me a little bit, but far less than if I'd had to buy new frames.

So if you want the luxury of having multiple pairs of glasses two, take my advice:  make sure you have a vision plan with annual benefits, use your benefits whether you need new glasses or not (you'd be amazed how many people don't get new glasses if their prescription hasn't changed), and consider re-purposing your old frames into sunglasses.  It may take awhile to accumulate multiple pairs, but eventually you'll have an assortment.

In the grand scheme of things, does the vision plan really matter?

In re-reading my blogs, you'd think worrying about your vision plan should be at the top of your crisis list!  Yikes!  Let's face it, we're talking about an inexpensive, fluffy little vision plan.  Small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, right?

Why is this such a big deal to me?  Well, let's start with the fact that I'm a consumer.  When I spend my hard-earned money, I want to know that I'm getting value for what I'm buying.  I believe you get what you pay for, so I'm willing to spend more in order to make what I'm buying last... but I don't want to spend MORE than what I have to spend.

Second, I have a terrible habit of not going to the eye doctor unless I have a vision plan.  I can't really say why that is, just that I'm not motivated to go spend money at a doctor's office unless something doesn't feel right or is broken.  As for preventative care and annual exams, hey I understand their importance but call me lazy.  In order to get me in for preventative care, I better have low co-pays!  THAT gives me an incentive to go.

Third, I have a very low tolerance for bad surprises and having to spend more than I thought is a REALLY bad surprise.  Telling me that my plan's $15 copay for progressive lenses doesn't cover quality lenses and in order to get something good I have to pay 20 times more... well, that makes me a little cranky (and I'm not very nice when I get cranky... just ask my kids).

Fact is, I'm probably a lot like you.

So, I'm willing to take the time to make sure I have good benefits be it health, dental, life or vision.  I want whatever I buy to give me an incentive for regular wellness checkups, I want it to eliminate or reduce bad surprises at the doctors office, and I want to leave feeling I received value for the additional money I paid to the doctor.  A bonus is when the doctor says to me: "Kudos for selecting the plan you're on as it allows me to take better care of you."

There really are some good vision plans out there... and a lot of really bad ones.  If you're on a vision plan that doesn't work like what I outlined above, contact me at denise@omalleyandassociates.biz.  I have a couple of companies I'd be happy to recommend or refer you to.