Children's eyeglasses (anyone heard of Zenni Optical?)

[Janna]

My ds, 6yo, has had glasses for 2 years now. Our eye insurance pays for new frames every 2 years. My ds has been very fortunate that in the two years he's had these, they've never needed to be replaced. Although the screws in the hinge come out frequently so that they have been bolted on and sometimes still come out. It's been a pain in the you-know-what to drive so frequently to get them fixed (his Dr. is 20 miles away). But, it's better than having new frames, right? :)

So, here we are, 2 years later, able to get him new frames (and his Rx changed a bit too). However, it is crazy what they cost! They have gone way up in price over the last 2 years. There is a frame that is a memory foam (titanium?) that is extremely bendable. I just know that we won't have the same issues with the screws coming out so often. But with our insurance, it will cost us $136 out of pocket, and that doesn't include the other charges. That's frame only. With everything else it would be roughly $240 out of our pocket.

So dh found this website (http://zennioptical.com/cart/home.php). I think he heard about it on the radio? Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has used them (prices are so low!), and how one goes about doing this when you can't try the glasses on first to see if they look/fit right, kwim? Or, does anyone have any thoughts for me on how to get cheaper glasses for my kiddo that is not purchased online?

Thanks, much!

[cjzimmer1]

I bought our first pair from them in May. They arrived within the two week timeframe and I thought all was well. 2 days after they arrived, my son (10 yr) was goofing around with baby sister (15 months at the time) and her head made contact with one of the lenses. the thing shattered. I have never seen eye glasses do that. daughter even got an inch long cut from the flying plastic. Made me really question the quality of them but then maybe that would have happened with locally made glasses as well. But since they only cost $18 with shipping and handling I decided to give them another shot. Second pair took about 2 1/2 weeks to arrive and he has had them ever since. Son and daughter still goof around alot so I don't know if it was a freak accident with just how they made contact or if the problem was with the glasses but since we've had no problem with the second pair I plan to use them again for him. We may also use them for my hubby who also has a pretty basic prescription. Mine we will buck it up and pay the exorbitant local prices because I have a high prescription and a strong astigmatism and as it currently stands I haven't been able to get a prescription done right on the first time in YEARS (and I've tried many different places) Plus the adjustments to get things centered right aren't worth it for me. I just can't imagine someone way over in China getting it right for me. But I think they are fine for basic prescriptions.

Stephanie

[RJH]

I haven't tried this place, but I did just order from 39dollarglasses.com. They came within a week, and I'm very happy with them.