EyewearTalk

The Bolle representative was here recently giving us an update on their latest styles. He had trays of sunglasses laid out on the table and no one could resist grabbing glasses and seeing how they looked in the mirror.

Glasses are fun. Some people have closets full of shoes for every occasion and many of us are just as ga-ga over glasses. Elton John must have a whole wing of his house for his collection.

I like eyeglasses. Sunglasses are more utilitarian for me and I wear them, basically, to protect against UV radiation. But, if I had the chance, I’d love to mix it up and present a fresh look everyday with eyewear that matched my mood. Now that prescription glasses can be ordered on the internet at more affordable prices, I thought my dream of a closet full of glasses would come true, but I’m not sure yet.

I was Googling for glasses the other day and stumbled on a number of web sites that offer prescription eyewear for around $39.95. I thought, heck, even I can afford a low-risk gamble like that. I checked them out and the selection of styles, including some classics that my trendy local eyewear chain wouldn’t be caught dead carrying, made me excited. At that price, I could be really irresponsible and order a cutting-edge fashion frame and a pair just for reading.

I showed the web sites to a co-worker and she said I should find out what their return policy is. I thought this was a good suggestion because, along with not wanting to toss my money into the virtual unknown of the internet, I am concerned about who gets my personal information and credit card number.

Alas, my research on the companies cooled my burning desire to be cheap chic. Basic information, such as return policy, phone number or e-mail address, was sometimes missing and this did not give me a warm-fuzzy. I was not sold by the companies with unclear pictures or little information about the frames. Some stores looked like fronts for drop-ship operations that might confuse my order with the tube-socks they sell on another site.

The jury is still out. If I find a style I can’t live without and I get a sense the company’s real business isn’t stealing credit cards, I might give it a try. I would definitely pursue it if I was buying for someone else who is in a low income situation, especially with the classic, long-lasting frame styles some of these stores offer.

At OpticsPlanet, we don’t have prescription eyewear for $39.95, yet, but we do have the best brands of Sunglasses, Prescription Eyewear, top-notch customer service and a Return Policy.

I will keep you informed if I decide to take the leap and try the others.