Specs on the cheap

[znhoward.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine is looking for an optometrist with a good selection of reasonably-priced (i.e. inexpensive) frames. Anyone have any recommendations? Davis would be ideal, but can be anywhere T-accessible.

Comments

[ron_newman]

I really like the folks at Parrelli Optical in Porter Square. They're in the mini-mall with Blockbuster Video and Pizzeria Uno. My optometrist there is Bonny Weingarten.

[androidqueen.livejournal.com]

are you sure they're still there? their website seems to indicate that they've only got beverly, north andover, and gloucester offices.

[ron_newman]

I was there just last month. They haven't gone anywhere.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

I sure hope they are cause I have an appointment there on Saturday.

[chenoameg.livejournal.com]

I've always been happy with the frames I've bought at For Eyes in Harvard Square (usually two pairs complete for $100). But I don't use the optometrist there, I've always just gone to HVMA in Davis Square for my eye exams.

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

I've always gone to For Eyes for exams and lenses and have been very happy with them. There are at least 3 T accessible locations around Boston and Cambridge.

[aki.livejournal.com]

I hated For Eyes in Harvard. Went back to them twice to get the frames (that I got no help picking out, something I expect for an eye place since I'm so blind I can't get far away enough from my face to see without glasses) adjusted and finally had to go to the For Eyes on Newbury for a proper fit.

[aki.livejournal.com]

I should add - I've been very happy with the place in Central on Prospect & Bishop Allen, but I'm blanking on the name right now. Very friendly staff, good doc.

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

As it happens, if your friend already has a known-good prescription complete with interpupilary distance, ordering glasses online is wicked cheap. Nineteen bucks for a good pair of (perhaps not terribly fashionable) glasses. I've got two pair from zennioptical.com with which I'm very happy.

[pearlythebunny.livejournal.com]

I bought a pair of glasses for $400 bucks in Harvard Square, and got really lousy service. So the next pair of very similar lenses and frames, I bought at BJs for $80. The opticians at BJs were extremely helpful and responsive. I don't think you need a membership to use their optical service, but even if you do, you can get a one-day pass for free. It's not very subway accessible, but there is probably a bus. It's not far from Wellington Circle.