Glassy Eyes

People Looking for Coastal Contacts Discount Links

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:17:00 +0000

I've had a few requests for these in the past few weeks and rather than email them out or point people to them in old posts, I thought I'd re-post them.

They'll appear alongside the others in the new site design coming out on Tuesday -- if I can find enough hours in the day to get everything in place.

Here they are:

First Time Buyers 14%-off Link CODE: 'coastalnew'
GlassyEyes Standard Returning Customer 12%-off Link CODE: 'coastalglasses'

Related Posts and Links:

Online Eyeglasses in Two Days? Yes. Two Days!

Coastal Contacts

One Week Away from GlassyEyes 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:20:00 +0000

There is a major upgrade to the site happening next week on November 10. That, not coincidentally, is the third anniversary of the site. I'm enjoying working on it. I hope you'll enjoy the fresh look and hopefully friendlier navigation.

More details as the time approaches!

FREE Glasses for Five Years?

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:02:00 +0000

This is TODAY ONLY (Monday, November 2, 2009).

EyeBuyDirect is starting their Buy One Get One sale today, and have added something EXCLUSIVE for GlassyEyes customers. Make an order today using this link and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free pair of eyeglasses each year for the next five years.

Your odds of winning are excellent in this -- 1 in as many orders there are through that link. To give you a bit of insight, there have been fewer than a dozen orders as of 2PM Pacific time today. That number is sure to rise, but even if it doubles, those are odds you'll not find elsewhere. If you're thinking about ordering this week, and you've got a prescription handy, it behooves you to do it today.

Good luck! (Here's that link again)

Winner will be contacted at the conclusion of the Buy One Get One sale, probably next week.

EyeBuyDirect has another Buy One Get One This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

EyeBuyDirect is having another Buy One Get One sale starting on Monday, November 2nd and lasting until midnight on the 8th.

From the website:

Simply add as many pairs of glasses as you like to your shopping cart. During checkout, the frames will automatically be paired and you will pay only for one of the two pairs.

They don't all need to be the same prescription, so load up for your entire family (or neighborhood)!

As usual this is for single-vision lenses and the minimum order is $14.95.

Read the rest of the "dealtails" by clicking here.

I'll remind you again later in the week if you'd like to sign up for the feed (see the green area near the top left of the page) or follow me on Twitter at @glassyeyes.

Related Posts and Links:

EyeBuyDirect

Three Years Since the big SNAP

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:48:00 +0000

There are few important moments in life that can be pinpointed to the minute. Births and deaths are the big two. Perhaps that's changed a bit with technology and time-stamping of digital photographs. A time-stamp allowed me to find the exact moment that my life changed -- 10/24/2006 @ 2:48PM. I was sitting at my desk at my old job (probably grimacing from some annoying web development task) and *snap* my $400 glasses from LensCrafters broke -- on my face.

As luck would have it, I had just received a package from Amazon with a new camera lens. What do you do when you get a new camera or lens? You take pictures. I would have taken pictures of all of the things around my office had something so spectacular and unusual not just happened on my face. As it was, one of the first photographs through that lens was this one (above).

I'm no narcissist. There aren't many photographs of me in existence. I'd argue that well over half of them appear in posts on this site showing-off the highs and lows of my online eyeglasses experiences. I'd much rather be behind the lens.

Anyway, with an empty bank account, a bit of ingenuity to buy me some time, and web browser I started doing my due diligence and research on these "online eyeglasses".

Another big thanks to Luxottica and LensCrafters for a poor design and ridiculous price-tag. Without that, none of this would exist.

Keep yours eyes open for some really big changes around here on the third anniversary of the site on November 10th.

Related Posts and Links:

Found my broken glasses!

Send me your pictures in 39DollarGlasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:08:00 +0000

The season of giving is upon us (at least that's what the fully-decked out Christmas tree displays at Target seem to be telling me).

I'm working on a video montage for a contest to get some free glasses to distribute to those in need -- and to help spread the word that no one needs to spend hundreds on eyeglasses. If you've gotten glasses from 39DollarGlasses and would like to help, please forward your photos to me at 39DollarGlassesVideo@webloggist.com.

If you're Flickr-literate, you can add them to the "GlassyEyes" Flickr group, forward me the link, and kill two birds with one stone.

Creativity (and QUANTITY) is appreciated!

If you're lucky, you might even get to hear a bit of my beginner guitar stylings -- gotta figure out a way to write-off some of that amp before the end of the year. ;-)

Thanks all.

Related Posts and Links:

39DollarGlasses Website

SUPER BIG DEAL at 39DollarGlasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Dr. Marc at 39DollarGlasses just forwarded us an exclusive! And it's a big one.

$20-off ALL GLASSES -- EACH PAIR.

Buy two pairs, save $40. Three? That'd be $60 in savings.

Simple as pie -- CLICK HERE and the discount is applied automatically! It will appear when you get to the cart steps.

This is the biggest deal they do -- and I'm in for two!

This deal expires on on Tuesday, October 20th, so beat the rush and order early!

Related Posts and Links:

$20-off at 39DollarGlasses

39DollarGlasses Review

Things I Like on Sites I Like: Volume 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:24:00 +0000

I was poking around EyeBuyDirect the other day and found something really great. So great that I said to myself, "Self, you should whip up a quick post on this."

I'm often frustrated by the perspective of the frame photos on some of the sites. 39DollarGlasses' photos look somehow twisted to me -- always have. I've bought numerous pair of glasses from them and they've all been straight (as expected). I'd also like the images to be a bit more consistent (I'm looking at you GlassesShop).

It's an optical illusion of some sort, but it strikes me every time.
EyeBuyDirect has something that I've been wanting for a long time. My version of this would have shown two versions of the frame in the product grid at the same time -- one straight on, the other at the standard angled view. They haven't given me this, but they do allow me to switch my views now. Look at the frame icons hanging out at the right side of the controls below.
This is a highly useful feature. While the 30 to 45-degree angle view on all the sites may be the most appealing, it's not always a big help in figuring out the look of the frame. I've bought many pairs of glasses online and this lack of a straight-on view has burned me twice. "Burned" being relative, of course as the frames were fine -- just not entirely what I was looking for at the time.

I have a few things I'd change to make it even more useful, however:

Ratings are cute, but could exist solely on the frame detail page. You're not likely to show a 1-star rating on a frame anyway, so having all 4 to 5 star ratings makes this meaningless. I would LOVE (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) to have the important frame details available in this grid. It would make the process of finding that perfect frame so much less fatiguing.

In the end, I do think the angled view should be the default.

I appreciate the steps EyeBuyDirect is making on making their site more user-friendly.

EyeBuyDirect 25%-off Fashion Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:47:00 +0000

It's definitely the busy season for eyeglasses. EyeBuyDirect has a new deal going this week at the same 25%-off, but this time it's on fashion eyeglasses only. There are some nice frames in there. Very tempting.

You know the drill:

Click here
Pop in the code "glassyfashioneyes" in the final cart steps to see the 25%-off
Pay
You'll have a week or two to figure out how to unveil them to your little corner of the world.

EyeBuyDirect continues to do a great job of keeping GlassyEyes at the top of the list for great deals on online eyeglasses.

Pass it on to your Facebook friends and as always "Please Retweet"!

Related Posts and Links:

EyeBuyDirect

First Impressions: GlassesShop

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:18:00 +0000

10%-off with code:
L7HH-X50V-VMYC

The people at GlassesShop have been emailing me for about a year now to take a look at them. I resisted, as there wasn't much that they provided that the others didn't.

I'm a firm believer that too much choice leads to paralysis.

My attitude changed when I wanted a new pair of sunglasses and couldn't find what I was looking for at any of my usual haunts, and had sizing issues at a few others. I figured it might be time to try something new and potentially fill a spot on the roster. Let's call this a "try-out".

I didn't find exactly what I was looking for at GlassesShop either, but they were the closest -- something I happily live with at these prices.
I ordered the "Addison-F7020", but really dislike the idea of a clip-on sunshade, so I ordered them with an 80%-Green lens. A day after the order I got an email verifying that I wanted them tinted even with the clip-on. I explained what I wanted and they made them. I'll hang onto the sunshade in the very-unlikely event that I ever become the kind of guy who could pull-off something like these with clear lenses.

They arrived 10 days later -- mighty fast. I like the style even better than I thought I would, so I'm very happy*.

Here is the unboxing.

BIG, fancy, highly visible, box. I thought I only ordered ONE pair of glasses!
	Opening the box to reveal an orderly array of... lots of stuff packed in a well-padded foam inlay. This is the most impressive delivery yet. Not sure I need (or want) it to be this over the top.
Well packaged. No breakage or scratches. It's a very nice case which fit perfectly in the foam box insert. Not a lot of room for contents to "shift in transit".
	Box flotsam. Not exactly sure what the "Care starts from eyes" means on the booklet. Also, the bag is strange in that it's rubbery. Not a clue what I'd use it for.
The glasses (and the sunshade). Both are nice. The frame has spring hinges and feels very solid. I really like the dark green lenses too -- another first for my collection.
	The temple says "FUMING". I'm not exactly fuming over this, but it is one of my biggest pet peeves. *I don't like labels on my stuff -- especially silliness like this. It wasn't visible in the photo. Going to test the inside of the temple with acetone to see if I can remove it without affecting the finish.

Overall, I'm very impressed. I'll order again in the next month or so and compare. If you have any existing input or decide to order from GlassesShop, let me know how it went.

I'll be posting a site review in the next few days.

Related Posts and Links:

GlassesShop.com (Use code: Q349-ZD59-4670 for 10%-off)

Exclusive! EyeBuyDirect Bumps It Up To 25%-off

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Another week, another mighty deal from EyeBuyDirect. Last week it was 20%-off. This week it is 25%-off and exclusively for GlassyEyes readers.

It's drop-dead simple again too:

Click here
Pop in the code "glassyeyes25" in the final cart steps
PROFIT!

Once again, this is the best EyeBuyDirect deal out there.

Pass it on to your Facebook friends and as always "Please Retweet"!

Related Posts and Links:

EyeBuyDirect

Specialty Lens Package Deals at 39DollarGlasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0000

In the market for some photochromic shades? This may be a great time to give them a look. 39DollarGlasses carries a selection of nice options. Figure out what you're looking for and click the relevant link below. These are going to come out to close $110 after discount or a bit over 20%-off.

Single Vision Transitions®:
$30 OFF! Any Frame with 1.59 Index Polycarbonate Transitions® Photochromic Single Vision Lenses. Select this link and choose PACKAGE H for your lens package.

Progressive (no-line) Photochromics:
$30 OFF! Any Frame with Ocular Dynamics® SMARTshades® Photochromic 1.58 Index Progressive Lenses. Use this link and select either PACKAGE UT or YT for your lens package.

Lined Bifocal Photochromics:
$30 OFF! Any Frame with Ocular Dynamics® SMARTshades® Photochromic 1.58 Index Regular Bifocal Lenses. Use this link and select PACKAGE JUT for your lens package.

Note that there are three different coupon links with different coupon codes. Only one code can apply to an order. If you click the first link (single vision lenses) and buy bifocals with it, the discount won’t apply.

This offer is good through next weekend (October 4th).

EyeBuyDirect 2-4-1?

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Shhh.

Just found out about this one in a comment on my last post. Seems EyeBuyDirect has a "secret" Buy-One-Get-One sale in effect until the end of the day Sunday.

Click here for details.

[expired] Exclusive! EyeBuyDirect 20%-off This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:12:00 +0000

EyeBuyDirect is trying to close off another big month by offering another exclusive 20%-off code to GlassyEyes visitors.

Click here and pop in the code "glassyeyes20" in the final cart steps to replace the standard 15% discount with 20%-off.

This is the best deal out there this month and it ends on the 27th.

Related Posts and Links:

EyeBuyDirect

Another Eye Care Provider Speaks Out: Barry - Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:15:00 +0000

We met Barry back in early June when he and I had an exchange on an EyeOverheard post. Barry had more to say, and I've taken his last message verbatim and responded to each point. Hopefully, it's easier to read. It certainly gives an insight into some of the more traditional eye care providers.

Grab a glass of wine and a comfortable seat and settle in.

NOTE: "ECP" equals "Eye Care Provider" -- and although this may look roughly like a screenplay, there is no chance that Jerry Bruckheimer will see any promise in it as a Summer 2011 blockbuster.

(Lights fade as an ECP and a guy in a well-worn Minnesota Wild T-Shirt, tan shorts and Keen sandals enter an empty room -- both men wear eyeglasses)

BARRY: I think Ira’s "mission" to expose the inefficiencies in eyewear delivery today is on target.

GLASSYEYES: Why thank you.

BARRY: Blanket statements, to the effect that "all mom & pops or brick and mortars" have too much overhead is inaccurate at best.

GLASSYEYES: I apologize if you take offense, but I stand behind that. I've yet to walk into an optical shop (apart from inside a big box store) that wasn't overdone in some way or another. It is perhaps a bit generalized on my part, but you should really try to honestly step into one of your stores as a consumer some time -- with kids and a budget. I keep hearing how these eyeglasses that I need to see are a "medical device". The lobbyists for the ECPs have done and paid so much to keep things this way even in an era when no one is "grinding" lenses in the traditional sense.

So OK, we're talking a medical device -- until ten minutes later when I'm flipping through a magazine or watching television and see the latest LensCrafters ad. If you didn't know better you'd swear they're selling jewelry or jeans. They're pushing lifestyle. I, and many others, just want to be able to see -- and be able to afford groceries at the same time. The independents, instead of forging their own courses, seem to want (or maybe feel they need) to emulate the Luxottica stores. It's difficult to trailblaze, yes, but someone besides Wal*Mart needs to serve "regular people" -- PLEASE!

This is the gray area that optical stores have exploited since the advent of the designer brands. You want it both ways. If this is a medical device, treat it as such, if not then stop behaving as if it needs the same federal oversight as a bionic heart valve. You can't have it both ways and expect people to take you seriously.

I think most people would be comfortable forgoing the fancy lighting and displays -- they can't see any of this when they're trying on frames anyway.

BARRY: Like the writer who skewered me in last summer’s Conusmer Digest article purportedly exposing eyewear’s outrageous cost, there really is more to the story than simple price or "glasses".

GLASSYEYES: I, too, was quoted in the Consumers Digest article. If you blinked you may have missed it (we spoke for about 30 minutes and I got a paragraph) -- however she got at least part of what I said correct. Re-reading it again today after reading your comments was a real eye-opener.

[Here's a link to a PDF of the article]

As far as price goes, there are many people opting for the $8 glasses, but there are many others who feel more comfortable paying $40 to $60. This seems like a legitimate price to me for $10 to $20 worth of materials. I've paid more and I've paid less.

BARRY: Ira, with your new position of recognition and perceived authority, you are well advised to try to walk around behind some of us ECPs and see what we see & do. We strive to the absolute pinnacle of excellence in what we do… everyday.

GLASSYEYES: "Perceived authority"... That's a thinly-veiled insult. ;-)

I'm sure some of you do strive for that. The problem comes from those of you who don't. I don't have access to the full ODwire forums, but there was a time that they were less locked down than they are now. Someone placed a comment in one of my posts a couple of years ago and provided a URL and I did some digging. This may not be the way you do business, but this optometrist from Dallas took great pride in this (and there were many who backed him up), until he saw the post and threatened me:

"A pair of SV (single vision) stock poly Alize cost me $34, and carry a 2 year warranty. We sell 'em all day long for $199/pair, for a profit of $165/pair. Our capture rate for AR (anti-reflective coating) is about 90%. Also stock poly non coated, cost $6/pair and sell for $109...

Now show me the math where you can beat the $165 profit on a pair of SV (single vision) lenses. If you can, I'll still love you in the morning."

He'll probably threaten me again for popping this in a post, but people need to see this.

I'm sure you have access to those forums. Take a look with fresh eyes. It's despicable how some of these "professionals" view their patients -- and they're not contributing to any warm-fuzzies for your industry. Call them out. Make an example of them if this isn't the way to do things.

BARRY: Internet eyewear does not. Simple as that.

GLASSYEYES: If by excellence, you mean "overpriced", you're right. There is no appreciable difference in the glasses I've gotten online from those purchased offline apart from price (and the fact that no one lied to me telling me I needed hi-index lenses). They serve their purpose admirably. They're no worse and I certainly feel better about them than the last five pairs I bought from the mall vendors (of the Luxottica family), and doctor's office opticians. On the plus side, when my prescription did change, I was able to donate some of the old pairs and update multiple pairs at a fraction of the cost.

BARRY: The totality of the eyewear and eyecare expereience is *not* the same, just because you’ve said or decided it is so.

GLASSYEYES: I don't give two hoots about an "eyecare experience". I want to see -- and I can well at one-tenth of what you'd likely charge me.

BARRY: You may be satisfied with the eyewear equivalent of pizza or Mickey D’s, but many people, especially seniors, are not. Please don’t assume every John Q. thinks like you.

GLASSYEYES: You're fond of the McDonald's metaphor, but it's false. I don't assume everyone thinks like me, but hundreds of thousands do -- more every day. As far as seniors go, this is the market that stands to gain the most. They're more likely to be on a fixed income and the prices charged for multi-focals is dizzying. Honestly, they're the biggest growth sector in my site visitors. I get more email and phone calls from seniors than from other groups.

My wife's uncle, who had been wearing broken, five-year old bi-focals for months was able to get a new pair progressives for a fraction of the cost of the local optical store -- where he had his exam. He brought them in to have them checked at the local optical store. The optometrist and optician were both surprised at the quality and fit. It's now been over a year since he's worn taped-together, scratched glasses.

Is ordering glasses online a panacea? No, of course not, but it's worked out well for many, many people -- single-vision and increasingly multi-focal.

BARRY: In every market there are those who represent the best that can be done. I try to be one of them. I object to your charaterization that ECPs that strive for excellence are ripping off the public.

GLASSYEYES: No. You may be the most conscientious and above-board ECP on the planet, and the wares you're peddling are still very likely overpriced. At least part of that is due to the decisions you make in running your practice. True, some of it stems from the fact that you've been painted into a corner with consolidation of the market by the likes of Luxottica and Essilor, but there have to be options.

BARRY: Yes, times are changing. The problem is essentially not us ecps. It is, as you’ve discovered, the layers of monopolization from 15 years of consolodation allowed by our government. Lack of oversight breeds excess in every industry.

GLASSYEYES: There it is -- "monopoly" and "consolidation". Do something about it! Organize! Stand up to it. Contact your representatives and senators. The internet is a great equalizer. I think I'm angrier about Luxottica than you are. I've been very vocal about it -- http://suxottica.com. I do it as a consumer. You've got so much more to gain from exposing their practices for what they are.

BARRY: If you want to see another viewpoint, just seek us out. We make no secret that we’re here.

GLASSYEYES: I've talked to and conversed online with a number of ECPs. It's been inspiring.

BARRY: This current tenor of negativity about traditional eyewear delivery is upsetting to all of us. It smacks, IMHO, of what I call the "Duke" effect. Remember those lacrosse players from Duke University, who were so resoundingly tried and found guilty in the forum of early public opinion, only to have the "facts" eventually come out, and the truth be revealed. Even the DA jumped in before he had all the facts. How stupid the mob mindset appears when seen in the light of hindsight. I’m sure you don’t want to appear as having an unfair agenda.

GLASSYEYES: I definitely have an agenda, but to equate it to the Duke Lacrosse thing is silly. I've been wearing these many pairs of glasses for nearly three years now, and they work perfectly. Mob mindset? Start charging what things are worth and the world will happily beat a smiley-faced, open-walleted path to your door.

My agenda is to show people that they don't have to pay hundreds to be able to see. Another interesting fact is that people at least anecdotally appear to be more willing to get their eyesight checked yearly with the knowledge that there isn't a $300+ eyeglasses fee waiting for them at the conclusion of the exam.There are still millions willing to pay hundreds to wear the latest brand names, I'm just not one of them.

BARRY: Keep an open mind to these discussions.

GLASSYEYES: Much of what you've said here has been thoughtful. I appreciate that. I will try to keep an open mind -- I urge you to do the same.

Further apologies in the delay in getting this out. I wrote this weeks ago and the formatting got the best of me -- along with getting the three youngsters ready for another year in our fine public school system.

Related Posts and Links:

Online Eyewear: The "codgers" and "curmudgeons" will get it -- one day.

Lilly's Site - EyeOverherad

Got Interviewed for a Piece at "Scavenging"

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Anneli Rufus wrote the book on scavenging. Seriously, she wrote THE BOOK (and a whole bunch of others).

She got in touch with me a couple of weeks ago for some advice on internet optical for her prescription (with astigmatism). I hooked her up with some information and a recommendation. We also chatted back and forth for a few days -- the result of which has been edited and posted on the very interesting and deep "Scavenging" blog.

Click here for the nitty gritty and then dig around a bit for some other ways you can save a little green (or purple, orange, and blue for our neighbors to the North).

Related Posts and Links:

The Scavenger's Manifesto

Scavenging Blog

AnneliRufus.com

[Expired] A really big deal at 39$ Glasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:32:00 +0000

SALE!

So, apparently all I needed to do was say I was going to be using the Twitter to post the more minor deals that crossed my desk, and all of a sudden there are NO minor deals. This is another big one.

If you've got your eye on a pair of glasses at 39DollarGlasses, or even a pair in the cart that you've hesitated pulling the trigger on, click here and get an instant $15-off.

Here are the details:

It's $15-off the entire order, so multiple pairs don't stack discounts.
They've upgraded the cart a bit so you'll see the discount earlier in the process -- it's red and bold. You can't miss it.
It all ends on September 3rd, so hurry!

[Expired] 20% off at EyeBuyDirect -- GlassyEyes Exclusive!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Get an extra 5% off the typical GlassyEyes 15% discount this week at EyeBuyDirect.

Here's how it works:

Click here.
Use code "glassyeyes20" at checkout

(Also posted on twitter at http://twitter.com/glassyeyes)

Twitter #DEALS at @glassyeyes

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:54:00 +0000

I get a lot of deals passed my way. Some are post-worthy, many are not. In the end, I want to make sure they're still available to all of you. To this end, I'm going to start using the Twitter to "toot" ALL of the deals your way.

I'm still going to use the @glassyeyes Twitter account to communicate with any and all looking for help or insight, but I'll tag the deals with "#DEAL" tag so they stick out a bit.

There are a couple of ways to get these:

If you're on Twitter

follow @glassyeyes
Retweet any of the deal tweets to help spread the love
click the "retweet" button at the top left of each post

If you're NOT on Twitter

you should be -- click here and follow @glassyeyes

all the latest "toots" will appear in the Twitter stream in the left column
email the links to your ever-shrinking group of non-Twitter friends

Lest you worry about overload, I don't foresee more than a couple of extra "toots" a week. As a BONUS you'll occasionally get an insight into my exciting life -- worth the price of admission.

Thanks for all the continued support!

Related Posts and Links:

13 Ways YOU Can Help With the Affordable Glasses Revolution

GlassyEyes is Twittering

Unexpected Online Eyeglasses Epiphanies

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:35:00 +0000

I've had a number of epiphanies over the past nearly three years of this -- beyond the obvious cost differences. Here are a few of them that seem to resonate with people:

It's amazing how little wear and tear these things show when you have more than one pair.
Prescription sunglasses? I can see outside in the summer -- without squinting! THIS is what the beach is like?
The frame's nooks and crannies stay very clean when you're not wearing the same pair each day.
I play (more) with the kids knowing that if my glasses get broken, I've got another pair to replace them.
It's really nice to be able to afford multiple pairs of glasses for specific purposes/settings rather than needing one pair to look nice and perform in all situations.

Please share your most surprising discoveries since entering the ranks of the online bespectacled!

EyeBuyDirect 20% on Fashion Frames This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0000

The guys at EyeBuyDirect were at the center of a storm of online eyeglasses purchases a couple of weeks ago. They're at it again (on a smaller, more fashionable scale) passing along an exclusive 20% off fashion frames code for all of you in the market to get fashionable. Runs now through 8/9/2009.

Here's how it works:

Click this EyeBuyDirect link.
Find a pair of glasses in the "Fashion" category, down along the left side.
Pick your lenses and coatings.
Use this 20%-off code at checkout: GlassyEyesFashion
Make a reservation for Fall Fashion Week in Paris (or at least go hang out at "Fashion Bug").
Do what comes naturally in your new Fashion specs from EyeBuyDirect.
Send me a postcard.

P.S. That's 20% off the total price, including upgrades in lenses and coatings.

Related Posts and Links:

EyeBuyDirect Review

Don't Forget Your Prescription Sunglasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I just spent a weekend up at the lake in Northern Minnesota. The weather turned out to be a lot better than the forecast. I was really glad I had my sunglasses, because I gotta tell you life is so much better behind darkened lenses when the sun is beating down.

I lived the majority of the first 35+ years of my life with an expression not unlike the one you see below:

I'd fight all summer against the sun and then fight even more in January, when the sheer white landscape reflected the full force of the sun at me. Pretty bleak, but nothing compared to the traditional cost of prescription sunglasses. I was never offered them as a child - they weren't budgeted for. I don't think any of my friends who wore glasses had sunglasses either.

Now I don't go anywhere without at least one pair of sunglasses at the ready. I keep a pair in my backpack, a pair in each of the cars and one on the boat -- and why not for as little as $20 a pair (a far cry from the astronomical fees you'll pay at LensCrafters).

In writing this, I realized that I don't really get headaches any more either. Coincidence? Maybe, but I used to get headaches all the time.

I've come up with a couple of short lists for both of the scenarios. Add to them in the comments!

With Prescription Sunglasses:

Better for your eyes
Better for your skin
See more clearly
Look (ever so slightly more) like Brad Pitt

Without Prescription Sunglasses:

May start your lashes on fire
Crow's feet on your crow's feet
Crash into stuff
Look like French Stewart

Have kids with glasses? Get a few pairs for all of the places they'll appreciate them.

EyeBuyDirect's Sale, 8 hours left!

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:44:00 +0000

Just returned home from a technology-free weekend on the lake, with my three sons -- sorry for the delay in getting back to some of you. I plan on digging out of the email avalanche this evening.

The conclusion of a week of incredible deals is upon us, but for those of you new to the scene, or those returning from their vacations, you still have until midnight Pacific time to take advantage of the EyeBuyDirect's sale.

Here's a link!

POPULAR! 39DollarGlasses Extends Discount

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:24:00 +0000

This just in from 39DollarGlasses!

Due to the enormous popularity of the $20 off coupon, and the requests we've had for some people to give a little more time to get their eyes examined, we're extending the coupon .another 72 hours to Friday night at midnight

So there you have it, you've gotten a 3-day reprieve on the end of the sale. Don't waste it! ;-)

Here's that coupon link again, and a link to the sale information post.

Help Spread the Word (with Facebook)

noreply@blogger.com (Ira) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:44:00 +0000

I got a comment this morning from an anonymous reader, and it was a good one.

Here it is:

You should get little "post this to facebook" thingys at the bottom of your posts. Who needs cheap glasses? College students!

Done.

So, I've had a Facebook "Fan page" for a while now, but never really talked about it much because, well, what is there to really talk about? It does make great way to tell the people in your networks where you're finding information and such great deals on eyeglasses -- and helps me reach new people too!

If you're on Facebook, become a "fan". It's easy!

I've added a "widget" to the side of the site... we'll see if it makes the cut for the redesign I'm working on.

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