Global Eyeglasses

globaleyeglasses.com

Quick Notes:

• Middle range of the discount price scale.
• Discount frames essentially start at the $19 mark with free 1.5 index single vision lenses.
• No Polycarbonate offerings.
• UV protection is not included – adds $5 to the base price. AR adds $10.
• Have maintained an F rating with the BBB.

Introduction:

Global Eyeglasses is based in the US (Georgia). Pricing in USD. They sell single-vision, bi-focal, and progressive lenses. Methods of contact include a mailing address, local phone number, toll-free fax, and email. Accepted methods of payment are Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Switch/Maestro, Solo, and Paypal. They are listed with the BBB, receiving an "F" rating.

Impressions:

Global Eyeglasses seems to target themselves at retail shoppers, advertising on their front page how much cheaper (in percent) they are than Walmart/Costco. They are fairly middle-road price-wise – rarely the cheapest in any area, but rarely the most expensive.

Frame selection is moderate, with the bulk being in the under $20 range. Most frames in that category are $19, though there are a small number of frames for approximately $10.

Basic single-vision lenses (1.5 index) come free with frames. Bi-focals bump up the price by $19, whereas progressives bump it up by $34.50. Trifocals are available for $69.

Lens selection is broken down into 4 categories – Standard (free 1.5 index), Thinner ($19 for 1.56 index), Thin Air ($49 for 1.61 index), and Ultra Thin Air ($79 for 1.67 index). These lens prices are the same whether looking for single vision, bi-focal, or progressives – once you've paid the initial base increase for bifocals/progressives, you're getting the same lens upgrade prices as single-vision wearers.

Tint is available for free, with Photochromic or Polarized lenses adding $69 to the cost. Scratch resistance is free, but a UV coating adds $5. AR can be had for $10, and a Hydrophobic coating for an additional $5.

Website and Ordering:

The website has a clean fluid layout to it, and is easy to navigate. However, if looking for bi-focals or progressives, it's imperative that you limit the frame selection to that type, as there's no indicator when browsing all frames which are compatible with those lens types.

When it comes time to order, the process is quite simple and well-guided. The largest deviation here from other retailers is that Global has kept lens upgrade costs rather simple. Upgrading to higher lens index is the same price across all types of lenses (single, bifocal, progressive).

To sum it up, Global Eyeglasses seems to focus on keeping everything clean & simple. Things are well laid out, and information is provided in such a way that new customers are unlikely to be overwhelmed. The biggest issue I came across (aside from some formatting/spacing) was that it's possible to miss the tint options, as you need to scroll to see them.

Pricing and Value:

It's very possible to get a basic pair of glasses in the $25 range when all is said and done (including shipping), though you're getting the lowest index available (1.50) at that point, whereas with some other retailers you might get 1.56 or higher (and the others might give you free UV). Still, it's not wildly out of tune with other retailers – just not as competitive.

The price chart will be a little more simple here, reflecting the simplicity of the pricing model Global Eyeglasses offers.

Lens offerings (based on $19 frames):

Shipping in the US is $5.95. Within Canada is $9.95. Unfortunately, shipping starts to get quite high to most other international locations – anything from $19-$29 seems to be common.

The price charts are created by hand – if you notice any errors, please contact me.

Click here to see my most recent Global Eyeglasses purchase review.