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.