October 7, 2012 4:33 PM
One factor: the world's largest eyewear company, the Italian firm Luxottica, controls a big chunk of the business. Lesley Stahl reports.
Sticker shock: Why are glasses so expensive?
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See all 257 Commentshttp://www.zennioptical.com
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During my last two years of college my photography skills earned me a part time job with a local studio. I quickly learned during this time of film cameras that the quality of the lens was far more important than the box that held the film. I used a Zeiss Planar f2.8, the same lens the astronauts used to photograph the moon. Therefore I view the lens as more important for good vision than the frames that hold them.
After graduation I worked my way up through the ranks as a pharmaceutical sales rep. It was then I learned that it was actually the generic drugs, both Rx and house brand OTC items, that had a far greater profit percent for the retailer than did the brand names. Some of the generics were actually made by the same mfg. as the brand name and were of equal quality. That was not always the case however and some of the low cost generics were of such poor quality they were virtually ineffective. Some blood level test revealed some to be less than 25% of what they should be. Today before I take generics I look at who made it. With years in the business I know the manufactures so it's easy for me, but may not be for the average consumer.
When it comes to eye glass lenses I don't have that inside knowledge and think maybe generics were pushed on me because of a larger profit percent. I had always purchased Varilux progressive lenses with great results through a local private practice. When I moved to another city I was drawn into Visionworks by a half price sale. I picked out one of their best Flexon frames, but was told by the salesman I was wasting money paying for the Varilux name and should buy their lenses that were equal in quality, but a lot less money. I did so, and the lenses actually turned out to be very good. Next time I needed glasses I was back in for the same lenses but was told they no longer had that exact lenses but did have another that was even better. This time I was not so lucky, the Antireflective coating was so bad it looked like cracking paint. They replaced them but the new lenses are still terrible. After a short time they have somewhat of a fog look and require cleaning several times a day. Walk outside an hour they need cleaning. I always clean my glasses with the same care as any lens. With my glasses I rinse, spray with cleaner and wipe, rinse, dry with a quality lens cloth. Next trip to Visionworks I want my Varilux back. The salesman then tells me they now have a new HD lenses and if I want the best lenses this is it and Varilux has nothing to compare with it. Driving home that night something wasn't right and I had to change back to my old fog glasses. The next day in the sunlight I noticed there was no peripheral vision, somewhat like looking through binoculars.
My family member's medical needs followed by her death prevented my returning them to the store, which is almost 4 hours roundtrip away, so I am past their 30 day period and probably have two pair to throw away. I don't want to make a mistake again. I'm looking at going back to Varilux but the Crizal ad claiming less cleaning problem is appealing and I think they may be made by the same company
So in short, I am looking for the BEST Progressive lenses available and I don't mind paying for the best. I would really appreciate any input from those of you that are truly knowledgeable of high quality progressive lenses.
I also added this comment as a reply to two post from people who indicated knowledge of progressive lenses in hopes they could help. Sorry for the duplication but I'm really looking for all the expert input I can get.
Is it any surprise that while optical shops are facing stagnating sales in these hard times, the sales of eye wear through online shops is booming? Just look at their visitor numbers and it clear there is a 20-30% increase in this sales channel per year.
As much as opticians try to talk down the online shops, it is a reality that savings of 80% or more are possible. And these online shops are not stupid. Some are investing very significantly in the development of tools to address the very things opticians hammer on, such as correct vertical placement of the lenses and a correct adjustment of the frame to the customers' face.
Of course, opticians are concerned of what the internet future has in store for them. But in my opinion, we'll see a significant increase in sales of eye wear over the internet in the next few years. Sites like www.visio-rx.com clearly show that buying your glasses online is a safe way to get good quality glasses for a very competitive price.
Is there a market for $300 or $800 glasses. Sure. But the reality is that many people will not spend this on a pair of shoes. Nor will (or can) they spend this on a pair of glasses. In those cases, a good quality pair from an online source is not a bad thing.
For one, a lot of comments going against the report are from people who would have a serious conflict of interest. I'm talking about people who make over $100,000 a year from the business, store owners and "doctors."
Second, the cost of manufacturing glasses, cheaper models or "premium" ones, is still less than $30. It's plastic. If you think the premium models like Gucci and L.V. are worth it because of the material and workmanship, then you're not well informed, as China can do it cheaper, plastic is cheap, and it's all mass produced. A small part of the profit goes to the worker, a lot goes to cover the store and the eye doctor's salary, and another piece of the pie goes to the big corp.
Third, a lot of people have no idea how much cheaper glasses are in other countries. In Korea, for example, a new frame with lenses costs anywhere from $30 to over $500, the average being $70 or so. Anything over $120 is usually a foreign brand like Kenneth Cole or Gucci or a higher end local product.
In Korea, glasses are so affordable because there are a number of domestic producers, something that America outsourced long ago. In addition, their system isn't dictated by the "doctor" guild and insurance industry. In Korea, there are eye technicians who do the work that our "doctors" do, but for a fraction of the cost, which drives down cost. Moreover, more local competition with solid quality pushes down the price to something more reasonable.
I'm not trying to insult the profession, but I believe that this one, like many others, are overpaid, which then push the cost onto the consumer. In korea, an exam takes 5 minutes, require no appointment, and is FREE!
The eye business in the U.S., like many others, is failing the consumer.
For the difficult-to-do face-fitting argument, that's a joke! When I had a problem in Korea, they fixed my glasses in a second and for free.
Seriously people, there are many great ideas that we can learn from other countries. However, the groups who want to defend the status quo are often stronger with great motivation, as they have a lot more to lose and gain, but the average consumer is not so informed or organized.
Thank you, Frontline! Amazing work for getting many consumers to rethink about their choices and for raising greater awareness.
Van Doan
Leslie, I bet you are wearing expensive clothing and shoes to all the public events you attend when you need to look your best. Or do you buy your clothes at Costco and Walmart? I understand Costco twists arms to get the lowest price from their vendors and it has destroyed so many small businesses with their financial power!
Do a story about that!
I certainly do not appreciate Luxottica being a competitor to our business, but they provide quality and are a very fair company to work with otherwise.
That was actually a cruel commentary that hurts our profession even more so in these times of recession. You exaggerated many points that unfortunately only us eyewear professionals detect and the general public won't.
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