GreatEyeglasses

Quick notes:

• Lower end of the discount spectrum with many glasses available for under $20 shipped (1.56 index lenses).
• AR coating slightly high end at $10.
• Website theme reminiscent of a 60′s drive-in/diner (worth checking out for that reason alone). Store is actually very well integrated with the theme, and ease of use is high.
• No checkout as guest.
• BBB accredited with an A rating.

Introduction:

GreatEyeglasses is located in the US (California). Pricing in USD. They sell single-vision and bi-focal/progressive lenses. They give a toll-free phone number, mailing address, and contact form for contact methods. Payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. They are BBB-accredited with an A rating.

Impressions:

Browsing through the Great Eyeglasses website has a simple, guided feeling to it. As you get started in “Step 1″, you’re immediately thrown into “Step 2 – narrow your search” which begins by displaying the selection, automatically sorted with the lowest price ($19.99) frames shown first. From there, everything remains well organized and stays in tune with the guided theme.

While going through, it never gives the impression that upgrades are being “pushed” on you or that you’re being swayed into the higher-priced options. It’s something of a “feel good” browsing experience.

Frame selection is quite good, with a healthy selection at the $19.99 price point.

Single-vision lenses (1.56 index) come free with the frames. Bi-focals add $20.99 to the price, while Progressives add $49.99, all maintaining the same 1.56 index. Polycarbonate, Photochromic, Polarized, Tinted, and High-Index (up to 1.74) are available options. One note is that some of the lens options appear very similar to those offered by Choice Eyewear – it’s possible they’re related somehow or order from the same supplier.

Website and Ordering:

I have to say, it’s hard to find fault with the site. Simple and guided works, and the fact that none of the more expensive options are “pushed” is a nice treat.

While browsing frames, the layout is somewhat simple, but provides the key details (S/M/L frame size, and bi-focal/progressive compatibility). Narrowing down the options works well also, and is the quickest way to push into the above-$19.99 selection.

Ordering is pretty simple too, with all options on the same page, and “help” sections along the left. The biggest downside here is that some information is provided via the little ? popups, and other information via the help sections on the left which makes some things (like PD info) a little split up and inconsistent. Trying to scroll the mouse while the pointer is over the Opti-fit Tryon doesn’t work either (it seems the tool itself must interfere). There are a few little oversights, but overall nothing too major. One nice thing to see is a pop-up confirmation for the prescription, mentioning that it’s one of the most common mistakes made. Unfortunately, there’s no option to checkout as a guest – you’re forced to register to place your order.

Pricing and Value:

Glasses start at $19.99 with free 1.56 index lenses. Shipping is $8 within the US, and $16 internationally.

For value, $30 for glasses shipped within the US is quite reasonable and but puts them in the midrange. Adding an AR coating does push it up closer to $40 though. International shipping is a bit on the high end, and international customers may want to look elsewhere if looking for a cheap total-cost pair.

Shipping hits about $8 in the US and $16 internationally.

Note that the tables are maintained by hand – if you notice an error, please contact me.

Pricing is quite reasonable on the lower end, and aside from the AR pricing being slightly high, nothing really stands out as being out of whack. An A rating with the BBB inspires some confidence as well. If you’re looking for a different shopping experience, Great Eyeglasses could certainly be worth a browse.