Eyeglasses are quite expensive. Working in the eye care business for many years and for quite a few different companies, I have noticed that there is a huge range in the prices of eyeglasses being sold. Some places are ridiculously expensive while other places are so cheap I think it almost scares people.

So, how do you get the best deal on a pair of eyeglasses while not sacrificing quality? Well first off, let’s address quality and having confidence in the business that you’re buying eyeglasses from.

When shopping for eyeglasses, one of the first things you want to do when you enter the store is check their walls for ABOC certificates. To make a long story short, these certificates basically mean that the person you’ll be dealing with know their stuff. You can learn more about ABOC certificates.

If you see a bunch of these certificates on the wall, then you can relax a little bit and be more comfortable. Walk to the wall and read the names on these certificates and then ask to be helped by one of the opticians who have their certificate on the wall. Most stores always have a certified optician on the floor.

Once you have a certified optician working with you, you’ll tend to get more honest answers compared to a regular sales associate. There are pressures for staff members to sell eyeglasses and make certain quotas. Entry level sales associates tend to be more aggressive with their sales compared to certified opticians. The certified opticians tend to me more passive as they value their certification and their good standing membership with the American Board of Opticians.

Retailers need certified opticians, and because of that, these level of opticians tend to stay off the radar with hitting quotas. Retailers know that they can’t operate their business without them.

Talk openly to the certified optician. Tell them clearly what you’re needs are and they will make recommendations based on that. After it is all said and done, you can either make a purchase or as the certified optician to save your order so that you can shop around.

If you decide to shop around, be sure to repeat the same process. Look for the ABOC certifications, speak only with certified opticians and evaluate whether they have your best interest in mind. Most all employees that sell eyeglasses have a commission based incentive program. These programs pay very well and it is easy for employees to get the “sales bug” in them and sell you things that you don’t really need.

I would actually recommend shopping at two difference places just to see if two different certified opticians recommend and attempt to see you the same thing. If they both are consistent with their recommendations, then choose the better of the two deals.