Save 25 percent on custom eyeglasses from Eyewear Insight
Cheapskate exclusive! This promo code will save you even more on these ultra-affordable frames and lenses.
About two years ago, I did something boneheaded: I bought eyeglasses from a retail store. That's just how I'd always done it, and I went to this place because it's affiliated with our healthcare insurance. Now that I wear progressive lenses (curse you, old eyes!), the grand total was well over $600 -- and that was after the (admittedly paltry) insurance assist. Even worse, the lenses got scuffed after about six months, and the store wouldn't do anything about it. ($600 and I don't get even a year of protection?)
Never again. Like, never. Sure, I'll always see an eye doctor to get an updated prescription, but when it comes time for ordering frames and lenses, I'm going online. Which I did recently for my replacement pair, and which ended up costing me one-sixth the price -- with even more lens bells and whistles. (Your mileage may vary.)
Want to dip your eyeballs into the waters of online eyeglasses? Here's a chance to save even more: For a limited time, Cheapskate readers can get an extra 25 percent off at Eyewear Insight with coupon code Cheap25. (The code is good until Jan. 10.)
At first glance, Eyewear Insight may look similar to other online eyewear stores. Indeed, it offers a wide variety of frames, excellent filtering options to help narrow your choices and some decidedly low prices: Most frames sell for $28, and your lenses include antireflective, antiscratch (thank you) and UV coatings. Elsewhere, these add-ons typically cost extra.
I also admire the company's origin story and, er, vision. Owner and co-founder Evie Seifu came to the US from Ethiopia, studied fashion and uses that experience to help select the most stylish frames. She hand-writes a thank-you note to each and every customer and promises exceptional customer service: If you need help before or after your purchase, you'll have it.
Eyewear Insight also offers a school-fundraising program that will donate 10 percent of all sales to your school. I admire the hell out of that.
Whether you're looking for new glasses, a backup pair, simple readers or blue light-blocking computer glasses, give this shop a try. And save an extra 25 percent when you do.
Note: Originally published last year. Updated to reflect new sale prices and/or availability.
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