Do You Know Why Your Eyeglasses Are So Expensive? (2024)

At 20/20 Institute, we meet patientsconsidering LASIK for many different reasons. Every person is different,but in general, people simply want the freedom to live the life and lifestylethat they want to live. Many report to us that their glasses and contacts getin the way of living their best lifestyle. Frequently though, patientsalso take into account the rather expensive and guaranteed continued cost of theireyeglasses.

Good vision is important, but haveyou ever wondered why eyeglasses and sunglasses cost so much? A lot ofpeople do. The frames appear to be made of mostly plastic and metal, but a newpair of glasses can hit your wallet harder than a new tablet or smart phone.

It seems that they are getting evenmore expensive too. In 1986, the year TopGun came out, you could buy a pair of Ray-Ban^® aviators (likethe ones Tom Cruise wore) for under $30. Today, a pair of Ray-Bans can cost youupwards of $150!

Sowhy are glasses so expensive? Let’s explore the possibilities…

One reason: the manufacturing andmaterials used to create eyeglasses. It’s true that frames and lenses aremanufactured better today than they were 30 years ago. Additionally, whenit comes to lenses for those frames, there are many upgrade options thatpromise (and often deliver) a better experience.

But is the improved quality reallythat much more expensive to produce? Does“excellent quality” justify why a pair of off-the-shelf frames withprescription lenses can cost $400, $600, $800 or more? Even if thequality is really that much better,today’s manufacturing capabilities should be able to improve quality and reducemanufacturing costs, right?

Whether by design or necessity (orboth) glasses and sunglasses have absolutely become an accessory in addition tobeing simply a functional device. They used to be called “spectacles,”but not anymore. Now, the preferred term among manufacturers and retailstores is “eyewear.” Doesn’t eyewear sound SO much better and in fashion thanspectacles?!

The fashion component of the frames thatsurround eyeglasses and sunglasses is another reason eyewear costs are high.Themore frequently certain frames are worn by famous musicians and Hollywoodstars, the more they are “worth,” right?

So,why is eyewear so expensive?

Improved design, structure,materials, manufacturer expertise, and the “fashion factor” may not be thewhole story. The entire answer is more complex. One of the lesser-knownrealities of the eyeglasses industry is that it is less of a “free market” thanmost people realize.

While you may not have heard of acompany named EssilorLuxottica, you will absolutely recognize at least a few ofthese frames and prescription brand names that this company owns the licensingor trademark rights to:

EssilorLuxottica manufactures the frames and lenses for all ofthese brands and many, many more. So when you browse for your new pair ofglasses (or even sunglasses) and notice the range of cost from the value brandto the luxury brand, chances are good that no matter what you end up choosing,you are buying a EssilorLuxottica frame and lenses.

In addition to manufacturing theframes and lenses for a remarkably long list of brands, EssilorLuxottica alsoowns a few optical stores that you probably know: LensCrafters, Pearle Vision,Target Optical, Sunglass Hut, to name but a few.

The second largest vision insurancecompany in the U.S., EyeMed, is also a EssilorLuxottica company.

In a free market, various companiesand their brands compete for your business, but often in the eyewear market,perceived brand competition is a facade. It’s a great business positionfor the manufacturer, of course. For the consumer, though, not so much.

One significant reason thateyeglasses cost so much is because EssilorLuxottica can essentially set itsprice without the true forces of free market competition to balance the scales.

“Finally … two products which are naturally complementary – namely frames and lenses -will be designed, manufactured and distributed under the same roof,”

-Luxottica’s founder Leonardo Del Vecchio January 9, 2017

A good pair of sunglasses is verynice, and most eye doctors will tell you that you should wear good UVprotection when outside. But most people will also agree that it’s niceto not HAVE to wear prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses every waking minute.

Patients from all around Colorado and beyond seek outLASIK at 20/20 Instituteto be able to enjoy freedom from a frame and prescription lenses. If you’re a good candidate, freedom from the eyewear industry might be appealing, but not nearly as rewarding as simply being able to wake up and see without glasses!

The most important first step tohave LASIK at the 20/20 Institute is to find out if you’re a good candidate ornot. To schedule a free consultation,request us to contact youorgive us a call at 303.202.0669, and one of our attentive vision counselors willassist you with finding a convenient time to discover your options towardvisual freedom.