On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
> dollars for.
>
> Cheri

It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person who
needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan area
I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living in a
fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with the
exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I could
find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town you're
stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>> dollars for.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person who
> needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan area I
> could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living in a fairly
> rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with the exam runs
> around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass
> places with the two-fer deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher
> prices set by the optical shop.

But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried Crizal
lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy cheap frames
ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and only once. I had
nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal parts turned green and one
of the screws was forever popping out. I had to keep a little screwdriver
in my purse.

I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials. You
must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them in our
opinion, hideous and very outdated.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>> dollars for.
>>>
>>> Cheri
>>
>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person who
>> needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan area I
>> could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living in a
>> fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with the
>> exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I could find
>> eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town you're stuck
>> with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>
> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy cheap
> frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and only once.
> I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal parts turned green
> and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had to keep a little
> screwdriver in my purse.
>
> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials. You
> must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them in our
> opinion, hideous and very outdated.

I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like varifocals
with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>> down.
>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>> dollars for.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for
>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>> optical shop.
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again.

I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis) but
sure, lens coatings cost extra.

>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>
<shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
yes, the screws will loosen over time.

>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>
I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.

> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>
As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
least in the shops near me) are.

Jill

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
> On Sunday, December 21, 2014 8:24:38 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>> ...
>> On Sunday, December 21, 2014 2:35:42 PM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> > On 12/21/2014 5:47 PM, dsi1 wrote:
>> >
>> > >
>> > > This would be true of hearing aids. I sat in with a real slick
>> > > salesguy
>> > > explaining hearing aids to a youngish type prospective buyer. The
>> > > aids
>> > > cam in different levels - entry, mid-level, and high end. Prices were
>> > > $4000, $6000, and $7500, per pair. The guy he was pitching to looked
>> > > to
>> > > be a little strapped for cash but he chose the high end model. That
>> > > was
>> > > surprising. The salesguy told me that when given the choice, people
>> > > would always chose the most expensive aid. That was sure an
>> > > eye-opener
>> > > for me. Amazing!
>> > >
>> >
>> > Given the price of electronics today, I cannot imagine why hearing aids
>> > would sell at those prices. Markup must be huge.
>>
>> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>> classified
>> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
>> are...
>> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
>> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is that
>> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>
>> ======
>>
>> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
> full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
> communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
> operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think
> that's fairly amazing.
>
> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd be
> willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for yourself.
> :-)
>
> ---
>
> I don't know what all goes into them but I know that it was a long, drawn
> out procedure every time my dad had to have his fitted.

Certainly not long and drawn out here, pretty quick. I've dealt with hearing
aids for 50 years now since my oldest daughter is profoundly deaf, and it
was long and drawn out even back then when they wore a harness that held the
unit with cords to running to the ear molds.

Cheri

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On Monday, December 22, 2014 8:40:03 PM UTC-10, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>> ...
>> On Sunday, December 21, 2014 8:24:38 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>> > "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>> > ...
>> > On Sunday, December 21, 2014 2:35:42 PM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> > > On 12/21/2014 5:47 PM, dsi1 wrote:
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > > > This would be true of hearing aids. I sat in with a real slick
>> > > > salesguy
>> > > > explaining hearing aids to a youngish type prospective buyer. The
>> > > > aids
>> > > > cam in different levels - entry, mid-level, and high end. Prices
>> > > > were
>> > > > $4000, $6000, and $7500, per pair. The guy he was pitching to
>> > > > looked
>> > > > to
>> > > > be a little strapped for cash but he chose the high end model. That
>> > > > was
>> > > > surprising. The salesguy told me that when given the choice, people
>> > > > would always chose the most expensive aid. That was sure an
>> > > > eye-opener
>> > > > for me. Amazing!
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > Given the price of electronics today, I cannot imagine why hearing
>> > > aids
>> > > would sell at those prices. Markup must be huge.
>> >
>> > One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>> > classified
>> > as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
>> > are...
>> > oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
>> > change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is
>> > that
>> > the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>> >
>> > ======
>> >
>> > Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>> >
>> > Cheri
>>
>> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
>> full
>> blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to communicate
>> with each other and other devices. They do this while operating on a tiny
>> 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think that's fairly amazing.
>>
>> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd
>> be
>> willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>> yourself.
>> :-)
>>
>> ---
>>
>> I don't know what all goes into them but I know that it was a long,
>> drawn
>> out procedure every time my dad had to have his fitted.
>
> It's not easy to fit these devices. An experienced audio engineer would
> find it easy but the people buying, selling, and fitting hearing aids are
> not audio engineers.

Never had any problems with fitting in the past 50 years, but I imagine the
experience might be different for others.

Cheri

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On Monday, December 22, 2014 5:56:03 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>> ...
>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 1:26:18 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>> > "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>> > ...
>> > On Monday, December 22, 2014 10:47:06 AM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> > > On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>> > >
>> > > >> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>> > > >> classified
>> > > >> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other
>> > > >> factors
>> > > >> are...
>> > > >> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be
>> > > >> done
>> > > >> is
>> > > >> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess
>> > > >> is
>> > > >> that
>> > > >> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> ======
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Cheri
>> > > >
>> > > > I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are
>> > > > typically
>> > > > full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>> > > > communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>> > > > operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I
>> > > > think
>> > > > that's fairly amazing.
>> > > >
>> > > > OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what
>> > > > I'd
>> > > > be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>> > > > yourself. :-)
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite a
>> > > bit
>> > > of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I said
>> > > in
>> > > a few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now
>> > > you
>> > > can get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a
>> > > hearing
>> > > aid, but not $7000.
>> >
>> > I agree with you - hearing aids are way overpriced. That's the reason
>> > why
>> > only about 25% of people with hearing loss have hearing aids.
>> >
>> > =======
>> >
>> > Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>> > down.
>> > As
>> > long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>> > like
>> > eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do it,
>> > to
>> > and
>> > including knee braces that they charge over a thousand dollars for.
>> >
>> > Cheri
>>
>> We merely have a difference in outlook. I believe that things will
>> change.
>> OTOH, I fearlessly predicted 12 years ago that hearing aids will be sold
>> at
>> places like Walmart, just like any other consumer electronics. That
>> hasn't
>> happened but I remain optimistic. Betting that things will remain the
>> same
>> just ain't my style.
>>
>> ========
>>
>> Well, if hearing aids were going to come down they would have with the
>> advent of all these electronic devices that are fairly cheap these days.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> The prices of hearing aids are not geared to the price of consumer
> electronics because they are considered to be medical devices. You have to
> be licensed by the state to buy and sell medical devices. Well, that's
> what I reckon anyway.

=========

Of course they are and will continue to be "medical devices."

Cheri

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>> dollars for.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person who
> needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan area I
> could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living in a fairly
> rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with the exam runs
> around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass
> places with the two-fer deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher
> prices set by the optical shop.
>
> Jill

True, and if you look at the materials that go into them, you're probably
talking a few bucks at most.

Cheri

On 12/23/2014 7:23 AM, Cheri wrote:
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 5:56:03 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 1:26:18 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>>> > "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>> > ...
>>> > On Monday, December 22, 2014 10:47:06 AM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> > > On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>>> > >
>>> > > >> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>> > > >> classified
>>> > > >> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other
>>> > > >> factors
>>> > > >> are...
>>> > > >> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be
>>> > > >> done
>>> > > >> is
>>> > > >> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My
>>> guess > > >> is
>>> > > >> that
>>> > > >> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>> > > >>
>>> > > >> ======
>>> > > >>
>>> > > >> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>> > > >>
>>> > > >> Cheri
>>> > > >
>>> > > > I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are >
>>> > > typically
>>> > > > full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>>> > > > communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>>> > > > operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I
>>> > > > think
>>> > > > that's fairly amazing.
>>> > > >
>>> > > > OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is
>>> what
>>> > > > I'd
>>> > > > be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one
>>> for
>>> > > > yourself. :-)
>>> > > >
>>> > >
>>> > > About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is
>>> quite a > > bit
>>> > > of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I
>>> said > > in
>>> > > a few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But
>>> now > > you
>>> > > can get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a
>>> > > hearing
>>> > > aid, but not $7000.
>>> >
>>> > I agree with you - hearing aids are way overpriced. That's the
>>> reason > why
>>> > only about 25% of people with hearing loss have hearing aids.
>>> >
>>> > =======
>>> >
>>> > Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>> > down.
>>> > As
>>> > long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>> things > like
>>> > eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>> it, > to
>>> > and
>>> > including knee braces that they charge over a thousand dollars for.
>>> >
>>> > Cheri
>>>
>>> We merely have a difference in outlook. I believe that things will
>>> change.
>>> OTOH, I fearlessly predicted 12 years ago that hearing aids will be
>>> sold at
>>> places like Walmart, just like any other consumer electronics. That
>>> hasn't
>>> happened but I remain optimistic. Betting that things will remain the
>>> same
>>> just ain't my style.
>>>
>>> ========
>>>
>>> Well, if hearing aids were going to come down they would have with the
>>> advent of all these electronic devices that are fairly cheap these days.
>>>
>>> Cheri
>>
>> The prices of hearing aids are not geared to the price of consumer
>> electronics because they are considered to be medical devices. You
>> have to be licensed by the state to buy and sell medical devices.
>> Well, that's what I reckon anyway.
>
> =========
>
> Of course they are and will continue to be "medical devices."

I consider them to be speech processing amplifiers. Before that they
were plain old audio amplifiers. They are not medical devices any more
than eye glasses are medical devices. Cochlear implants and BAHA aids
could be considered medical devices because they should be only be
implemented by medical personnel.

I doubt that conventional hearing aids will continue to be "medical
devices" for much longer but time will tell.

>
> Cheri

On 12/23/2014 12:30 AM, Bruce wrote:
> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:30:43 -0800 (PST), dsi1 >
> wrote:
>
>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 10:56:49 PM UTC-10, Bruce wrote:
>>> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:53:23 -0800 (PST), dsi1 <>
>>> wrote:
>
>>>> A lot depends on the wearer's attitude and motivation. The longer you've
>>>> lived with hearing loss, the harder it gets for the brain to start processing
>>>> speech sounds again.
>>>
>>> For some, this also depends on how long they've been married.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Bruce
>>
>> I get to see a lot of couples that have been married for a long time. These are
>> relationships that have over time reached an equilibrium and they
>> range from smooth and easy to cycles of constant building and release
>> of tension - beats me how two people can live like that for long.
>> Sometimes, two people will act like the same person. That's creepy.
>
> Lol, yes, I guess one wants something in between those 2 extremes.
>

We can only hope for that. I know a couple where the male appears to be
turning female. That may be going too far.

On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:28:49 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
> >
> >
> > "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >>
> >> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
> >>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
> >>>> down.
> >>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
> >>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
> >>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
> >>>> dollars for.
> >>>>
> >>>> Cheri
> >>>
> >>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
> >>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
> >>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for
> >>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
> >>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
> >>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
> >>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
> >>> optical shop.
> >>
> >> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> >> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> >> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
> >> cheap frames ever again.
>
> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
> didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis) but
> sure, lens coatings cost extra.
>
> >> I went to one of the chain places once and
> >> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
> >> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
> >> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
> >>
> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
> yes, the screws will loosen over time.
>
> >> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
> >> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
> >> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
> >
> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
> Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.
>
> > I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
> > varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
> >
> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
> least in the shops near me) are.
>
My insurance is rather meager, so I put it into the frames and believe
me - hovering around $100, they are not designer - but I've never had
a problem finding something I like and they're great frames: titanium
with hinges that don't break when you pull the earpieces out to the
side (thank you Costco). That's good quality AFAIC and excellent to
wear around children because the unexpected always happens. Even at
Costco, my lenses run $300-400. I want all the bells & whistles, so
I get them and save a boatload because they would cost $1000+
elsewhere.

--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room

On 12/23/2014 2:58 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 8:46:58 PM UTC-10, Julie Bove wrote:
>>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 10:47:06 AM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> > On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>>> >
>>> > >> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>> > >> classified
>>> > >> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other >
>>> >> factors
>>> > >> are...
>>> > >> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be
>>> done > >> is
>>> > >> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My
>>> guess is
>>> > >> that
>>> > >> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> ======
>>> > >>
>>> > >> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>> > >>
>>> > >> Cheri
>>> > >
>>> > > I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are > >
>>> typically
>>> > > full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>>> > > communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>>> > > operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think
>>> > > that's fairly amazing.
>>> > >
>>> > > OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is
>>> what > > I'd
>>> > > be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>>> > > yourself. :-)
>>> > >
>>> >
>>> > About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite
>>> a > bit
>>> > of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I
>>> said > in
>>> > a few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now you
>>> > can get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a >
>>> hearing
>>> > aid, but not $7000.
>>>
>>> I agree with you - hearing aids are way overpriced. That's the reason
>>> why
>>> only about 25% of people with hearing loss have hearing aids.
>>>
>>> ---
>>>
>>> Or like my dad, they find that they won't work for them. There are
>>> different types of hearing loss.
>>
>> A lot depends on the wearer's attitude and motivation. The longer
>> you've lived with hearing loss, the harder it gets for the brain to
>> start processing speech sounds again.
>
> Well... That could explain a lot! He never thought there was a problem.

Evidently, losing ones hearing is tough to accept.

On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>> dollars for.
>>>
>>> Cheri
>>
>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>
> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>
> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.

I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of frames.

http://www.zennioptical.com

On 12/23/2014 12:24 PM, Cheri wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come down.
>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>> dollars for.
>>>
>>> Cheri
>>
>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>
>> Jill
>
> True, and if you look at the materials that go into them, you're
> probably talking a few bucks at most.
>
> Cheri

I suppose the difference in price to the consumer also has to do with
sales volume. The places in larger areas do a lot of business so they
can buy and sell frames without anything gathering dust like an antique
from the 1980's.

In terms of eyeglass frames I absolutely agree, they shouldn't be
expensive. What do they consist of? Base metal, plastic. Soft
(cushioned) plastic on the stems and nose pads. A few tiny screws and a
couple of small springs. Don't try this at home unless you're Benjamin
Franklin.

Jill

On 12/23/2014 12:54 PM, sf wrote:
> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:28:49 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>
>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>> down.
>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>
>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for
>>>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>>>> optical shop.
>>>>
>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>> cheap frames ever again.
>>
>> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
>> didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis) but
>> sure, lens coatings cost extra.
>>
>>>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>
>> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
>> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
>> yes, the screws will loosen over time.
>>
>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>
>> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
>> Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.
>>
>>> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
>>> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>>>
>> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
>> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
>> least in the shops near me) are.
>>
> My insurance is rather meager, so I put it into the frames and believe
> me - hovering around $100, they are not designer - but I've never had
> a problem finding something I like and they're great frames: titanium
> with hinges that don't break when you pull the earpieces out to the
> side (thank you Costco).

I remember having "vision insurance" as part of a group employer
package. It was still cheaper for me to go to a place called 'Eyes for
You' in Memphis than it was to try to use the vision insurance providers.

I've never had a problem with the hinges on even the less expensive
frames I've had. But yes, hinges are essential for a comfortable fit.
Things have come a long, long way since I first started wearing glasses
at age 12.

> Costco, my lenses run $300-400. I want all the bells & whistles, so
> I get them and save a boatload because they would cost $1000+
> elsewhere.
>
I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses because
otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled around for
a number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular glasses. What a PITA.)

I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them. Fog
might be a problem where you live.

Jill

On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:34:53 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>> On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>>
>>>> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>>> classified
>>>> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
>>>> are...
>>>> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
>>>> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is
>>>> that
>>>> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>>>
>>>> ======
>>>>
>>>> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
>>> full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>>> communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>>> operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think
>>> that's fairly amazing.
>>>
>>> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd
>>> be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>>> yourself. :-)
>>>
>>
>> About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite a bit
>> of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I said in a
>> few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now you can
>> get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a hearing aid,
>> but not $7000.
>
>A relative of mine bought one privately and it costs nearly £1000,

Hearing aids are expensive because most people start by going directly
to a store that sells hearing aids. However the correct approach is
to ask ones primary care doctor for a referal to an Audiologist. Most
large hospitals have an Audiology department that will run tests and
then recommend a particular hearing aid (if necessary) and recommend
where to obtain it. More than half the time one doesn't need a
hearing aid nor will a hearing aid help. Often there's a pathological
reason for hearing loss that requires medication, surgery, or both.
Sometimes all one needs is eardrops that help dislodge/disolve earwax.
The company I worked for had a research hospital on site. Each year
every emplyee got a full physical and they had an Audiology
department. Many occupations and work areas wee very noisy so hearing
barriers were required and as was frequent testing. Many of the
people I worked with had hearing loss. Some required hearing aids,
they were covered by medical insurance.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...s/art-20044116
http://www.hearpo.com/hearing-loss-information/Pages/default.aspx?ibp-adgroup=AMP118&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&ut m_campaign={campaign}&utm_keyword=audiology&gclid= CLWZjuDc3MICFSdn7Aod0h0AFw

On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:34:53 -0000, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>> On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>>
>>>> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>>> classified
>>>> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
>>>> are...
>>>> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
>>>> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is
>>>> that
>>>> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>>>
>>>> ======
>>>>
>>>> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
>>> full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>>> communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>>> operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think
>>> that's fairly amazing.
>>>
>>> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd
>>> be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>>> yourself. :-)
>>>
>>
>> About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite a bit
>> of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I said in a
>> few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now you can
>> get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a hearing aid,
>> but not $7000.
>
>A relative of mine bought one privately and it costs nearly £1000,

Amazon sells all brands of hearing aids, none expensive:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...3Ahearing+aids

On 12/23/2014 9:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>

>
> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
> cheap frames ever again.

Don't forget the anti-glare progressive bifocals and whatever. I look
through them about 16 hours a day so I want the best I can get.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 9:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again.
>
> Don't forget the anti-glare progressive bifocals and whatever. I look
> through them about 16 hours a day so I want the best I can get.

Same here so I am very particular..

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>> down.
>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>> dollars for.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>
>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>
> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
> frames.
>
> http://www.zennioptical.com

Wow those prices are amazing!!!


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 2014-12-23 2:43 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again.
>
> Don't forget the anti-glare progressive bifocals and whatever. I look
> through them about 16 hours a day so I want the best I can get.

First set of bifocals I got were from a cheap place with what sounded
like a good guarantee. I went back several times because I could not
read with them. Apparently I was doing it wrong. I had to hold things
at the right distance and the right angle. The next pair came from a
private optometrist. They cost more and were far superior. They were
much easier to read with than the cheap pair and I had much better
peripheral correction.

On Tuesday, December 23, 2014 10:09:43 AM UTC-10, Ophelia wrote:
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>
> >> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
> >>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
> >>>> down.
> >>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
> >>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
> >>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
> >>>> dollars for.
> >>>>
> >>>> Cheri
> >>>
> >>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
> >>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
> >>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
> >>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
> >>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
> >>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
> >>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
> >>
> >> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> >> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> >> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
> >> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
> >> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
> >> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
> >> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
> >>
> >> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
> >> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
> >> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
> >
> > I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
> > frames.
> >
> > http://www.zennioptical.com
>
> Wow those prices are amazing!!!
>
>
> --
> http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

One can look like a dufus/geek for very little money. I am currently wearing John Lennon frameless glasses. I tried to go retro with black framed geek glasses like I wore in high school but I can't stand heavy frames anymore. I've been spoiled by titanium frames and plastic lenses of this modern age..

On 12/23/2014 2:43 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On 12/23/2014 9:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again.
>
> Don't forget the anti-glare progressive bifocals and whatever. I look
> through them about 16 hours a day so I want the best I can get.

Anti glare and other coatings have *always* cost extra apart from any
"deal". I wear my glasses from the minute I get up until I go to bed.
I don't have a problem with my glasses falling apart.

Jill

On Tuesday, December 23, 2014 9:14:49 AM UTC-10, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:34:53 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
> >>
> >>>> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
> >>>> classified
> >>>> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
> >>>> are...
> >>>> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
> >>>> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is
> >>>> that
> >>>> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
> >>>>
> >>>> ======
> >>>>
> >>>> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
> >>>>
> >>>> Cheri
> >>>
> >>> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
> >>> full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
> >>> communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
> >>> operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think
> >>> that's fairly amazing.
> >>>
> >>> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd
> >>> be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
> >>> yourself. :-)
> >>>
> >>
> >> About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite a bit
> >> of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I said in a
> >> few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now you can
> >> get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a hearing aid,
> >> but not $7000.
> >
> >A relative of mine bought one privately and it costs nearly £1000,
>
> Amazon sells all brands of hearing aids, none expensive:
> http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...3Ahearing+aids

Calling them "hearing devices" is a way to get around FDA regulations against unlicensed hearing aid sales. I'd stay away from any of these devices that use those big mushroom transducers at the earpiece. They may be dirt cheap as speakers but they sound worse than shit. The micro-miniature dynamic speakers and capacitor microphones used in hearing aids are kind of pricey which is why you won't see them on these amplifiers priced under $200.

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On Tuesday, December 23, 2014 10:09:43 AM UTC-10, Ophelia wrote:
>> "dsi1" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> >>
>> >> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>> >>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>> >>>> down.
>> >>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>> >>>> things
>> >>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
>> >>>> do
>> >>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>> >>>> dollars for.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Cheri
>> >>>
>> >>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>> >>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>> >>> metropolitan
>> >>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>> >>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames)
>> >>> with
>> >>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>> >>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>> >>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>> >>
>> >> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> >> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> >> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> >> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>> >> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>> >> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>> >> had
>> >> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>> >>
>> >> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>> >> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>> >> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>> >
>> > I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
>> > frames.
>> >
>> > http://www.zennioptical.com
>>
>> Wow those prices are amazing!!!
>>
>
> One can look like a dufus/geek for very little money. I am currently
> wearing John Lennon frameless glasses. I tried to go retro with black
> framed geek glasses like I wore in high school but I can't stand heavy
> frames anymore. I've been spoiled by titanium frames and plastic lenses of
> this modern age.

Yes Mine are rimless titanium too

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 13:26:26 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

> I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses because
> otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled around for
> a number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular glasses. What a PITA.)
>

This is my first pair of transition lenses and I like them!

> I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
> anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them. Fog
> might be a problem where you live.

Anti-glare, UV protection and scratch resistance are bundled with high
index (the thinnest possible) lenses. Probably other stuff too. I
don't remember if progressive bifocal is part of the package or not.
If not, then I paid for it separately because that's a requirement for
me. One of these days I'll get another pair of dedicated reading
glasses because progressives are fine for quickly looking down to read
a label in the grocery store and then look up the aisle for the next
item, but they are not good for sustained reading... like books or
even magazines.

--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>
>>
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>> down.
>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>> things
>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheri
>>>>
>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for
>>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>>> optical shop.
>>>
>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>> cheap frames ever again.
>
> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I didn't
> pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis) but sure,
> lens coatings cost extra.
>
>>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>
> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
> yes, the screws will loosen over time.

If the glasses are good, the screws will *never* loosen. The only pair I
have ever had with loose screws were those crappy ones. And I don't know
what one would do to be hard on glasses. I mean, you put them on and you
take them off.
>
>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>
> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see. Still, I
> never found the selection to be all that limited.

I figure since I *have* to wear them to see, I might as well look good in
them! Besides I usually keep a pair for 3-5 years.
>
>> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
>> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>>
> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at

I can! They look good and the screws don't get loose.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 12:54 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:28:49 -0500, jmcquown >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>>> down.
>>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>>>> things
>>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>>>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for
>>>>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>>>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>>>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>>>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>>>>> optical shop.
>>>>>
>>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>>> cheap frames ever again.
>>>
>>> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
>>> didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis) but
>>> sure, lens coatings cost extra.
>>>
>>>>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>>
>>> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
>>> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
>>> yes, the screws will loosen over time.
>>>
>>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>>
>>> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
>>> Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.
>>>
>>>> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
>>>> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>>>>
>>> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
>>> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
>>> least in the shops near me) are.
>>>
>> My insurance is rather meager, so I put it into the frames and believe
>> me - hovering around $100, they are not designer - but I've never had
>> a problem finding something I like and they're great frames: titanium
>> with hinges that don't break when you pull the earpieces out to the
>> side (thank you Costco).
>
> I remember having "vision insurance" as part of a group employer package.
> It was still cheaper for me to go to a place called 'Eyes for You' in
> Memphis than it was to try to use the vision insurance providers.
>
> I've never had a problem with the hinges on even the less expensive frames
> I've had. But yes, hinges are essential for a comfortable fit. Things
> have come a long, long way since I first started wearing glasses at age
> 12.
>
>> Costco, my lenses run $300-400. I want all the bells & whistles, so
>> I get them and save a boatload because they would cost $1000+
>> elsewhere.
>>
> I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses because
> otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled around for a
> number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular glasses. What a PITA.)
>
> I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
> anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them. Fog
> might be a problem where you live.

Never heard of anti-fog coatings. And you never drive at night? My first
pair did not have anti-glare and I struggled with the lights at night. I
also need the anti-scratch. My cheap pair did not have that and they did
get scratched.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 13:26:26 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses because
>> otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled around for
>> a number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular glasses. What a
>> PITA.)
>>
>
> This is my first pair of transition lenses and I like them!
>
>> I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
>> anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them. Fog
>> might be a problem where you live.
>
> Anti-glare, UV protection and scratch resistance are bundled with high
> index (the thinnest possible) lenses. Probably other stuff too. I
> don't remember if progressive bifocal is part of the package or not.
> If not, then I paid for it separately because that's a requirement for
> me. One of these days I'll get another pair of dedicated reading
> glasses because progressives are fine for quickly looking down to read
> a label in the grocery store and then look up the aisle for the next
> item, but they are not good for sustained reading... like books or
> even magazines.

That's what I was afraid of. My eye Dr. is always trying to talk me into
them but I remember how my mom struggled to see with them on. I didn't want
to pay all that money for glasses that I couldn't use. So now if I can't
see with my glasses on, I just take them off. The Crizal lenses really do
seem to make a difference though and I find that I actually can read and
even see the computer just fine with them on, however if I am reading a
book, I will take them off. I do have astigmatism though so I do struggle a
bit with reading with no glasses on. I have trouble for instance
distinguishing words like cat and car. Both look the same to me.

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 8:40:03 PM UTC-10, Julie Bove wrote:
>>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> On Sunday, December 21, 2014 8:24:38 PM UTC-10, Cheri wrote:
>>> > "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>> > ...
>>> > On Sunday, December 21, 2014 2:35:42 PM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> > > On 12/21/2014 5:47 PM, dsi1 wrote:
>>> > >
>>> > > >
>>> > > > This would be true of hearing aids. I sat in with a real slick
>>> > > > salesguy
>>> > > > explaining hearing aids to a youngish type prospective buyer. The
>>> > > > aids
>>> > > > cam in different levels - entry, mid-level, and high end. Prices
>>> > > > were
>>> > > > $4000, $6000, and $7500, per pair. The guy he was pitching to
>>> > > > looked
>>> > > > to
>>> > > > be a little strapped for cash but he chose the high end model.
>>> > > > That
>>> > > > was
>>> > > > surprising. The salesguy told me that when given the choice,
>>> > > > people
>>> > > > would always chose the most expensive aid. That was sure an
>>> > > > eye-opener
>>> > > > for me. Amazing!
>>> > > >
>>> > >
>>> > > Given the price of electronics today, I cannot imagine why hearing
>>> > > aids
>>> > > would sell at those prices. Markup must be huge.
>>> >
>>> > One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>> > classified
>>> > as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other factors
>>> > are...
>>> > oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be done is
>>> > change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My guess is
>>> > that
>>> > the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>> >
>>> > ======
>>> >
>>> > Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>> >
>>> > Cheri
>>>
>>> I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are typically
>>> full
>>> blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to communicate
>>> with each other and other devices. They do this while operating on a
>>> tiny
>>> 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I think that's fairly amazing.
>>>
>>> OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is what I'd
>>> be
>>> willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>>> yourself.
>>> :-)
>>>
>>> ---
>>>
>>> I don't know what all goes into them but I know that it was a long,
>>> drawn
>>> out procedure every time my dad had to have his fitted.
>>
>> It's not easy to fit these devices. An experienced audio engineer would
>> find it easy but the people buying, selling, and fitting hearing aids are
>> not audio engineers.
>
> Never had any problems with fitting in the past 50 years, but I imagine
> the experience might be different for others.

My dad had extreme trouble and had to keep going back but he also insisted
on a specific type. His fit into the ears and they couldn't be seen. I had
a BF some years ago that had the more visible kind that fit over the ear.
They looked very much like today's Blue Tooth devices. His could be a bit
embarrassing because if they got wet, they would emit a very loud and high
pitched noise. As you can imagine with our damp weather, that happened
quite a bit.

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 2:58 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "dsi1" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 8:46:58 PM UTC-10, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>> "dsi1" <> wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>> On Monday, December 22, 2014 10:47:06 AM UTC-10, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>> > On 12/22/2014 1:43 AM, dsi1 wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> > >> One of the reasons for these prices is because hearing aids are
>>>> > >> classified
>>>> > >> as medical devices and you need a license to sell them. Other >
>>>> >> factors
>>>> > >> are...
>>>> > >> oh wait a minute... that's the only reason. All that has to be
>>>> done > >> is
>>>> > >> change the laws slightly and prices would drop way down. My
>>>> guess is
>>>> > >> that
>>>> > >> the sweet spot in the market would be around $200 per ear.
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >> ======
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >> Which is still high considering what goes into them.
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >> Cheri
>>>> > >
>>>> > > I couldn't tell you if this is true. Modern hearing aids are > >
>>>> typically
>>>> > > full blown computers that digitally process audio and are able to
>>>> > > communicate with each other and other devices. They do this while
>>>> > > operating on a tiny 1.4V cell with a drain of around 1.2 mA. I
>>>> > > think
>>>> > > that's fairly amazing.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > OTOH, I have no idea what would be a fair price, all I know is
>>>> what > > I'd
>>>> > > be willing to spend. I'll leave it up to you to decide that one for
>>>> > > yourself. :-)
>>>> > >
>>>> >
>>>> > About a dozen years ago I bought a GPS and paid $400. It is quite
>>>> a > bit
>>>> > of technology packed into it. A couple of people laughed when I
>>>> said > in
>>>> > a few years they would be under $100. No way, they said. But now
>>>> > you
>>>> > can get them for $69. I can easily justify a higher price for a >
>>>> hearing
>>>> > aid, but not $7000.
>>>>
>>>> I agree with you - hearing aids are way overpriced. That's the reason
>>>> why
>>>> only about 25% of people with hearing loss have hearing aids.
>>>>
>>>> ---
>>>>
>>>> Or like my dad, they find that they won't work for them. There are
>>>> different types of hearing loss.
>>>
>>> A lot depends on the wearer's attitude and motivation. The longer
>>> you've lived with hearing loss, the harder it gets for the brain to
>>> start processing speech sounds again.
>>
>> Well... That could explain a lot! He never thought there was a problem.
>
> Evidently, losing ones hearing is tough to accept.

No. He was just the type of person who if there was a problem, the problem
was always with someone else. He had no faults. In his mind...

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>> down.
>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need things
>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>> dollars for.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>
>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>
> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
> frames.
>
> http://www.zennioptical.com

Doesn't look that way to me. Over 30 frames? Also doesn't look like you
have options for extras on the lenses. I would be afraid to order glasses
online. I will see a frame and like it but then when I put it in, it looks
bad on me. The frames that I have now are never something that I would have
chosen. My daughter picked them. But they look stunning once I tried them
on. The ones I have are the teal colored ones with the crystals on the
lower right.

http://www.eseyewear.com/collection_...ollection=1004

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
On Tuesday, December 23, 2014 10:09:43 AM UTC-10, Ophelia wrote:
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> >>
> >> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
> >>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
> >>>> down.
> >>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
> >>>> things
> >>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
> >>>> do
> >>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
> >>>> dollars for.
> >>>>
> >>>> Cheri
> >>>
> >>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
> >>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
> >>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
> >>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
> >>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
> >>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
> >>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
> >>
> >> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
> >> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
> >> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
> >> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
> >> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
> >> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
> >> had
> >> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
> >>
> >> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
> >> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
> >> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
> >
> > I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
> > frames.
> >
> > http://www.zennioptical.com
>
> Wow those prices are amazing!!!
>
>
> --
> http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

One can look like a dufus/geek for very little money. I am currently wearing
John Lennon frameless glasses. I tried to go retro with black framed geek
glasses like I wore in high school but I can't stand heavy frames anymore.
I've been spoiled by titanium frames and plastic lenses of this modern age.

I have a wide bridge on my nose so I can not wear the type of glasses that
have the little pads at the nose. Very uncomfortable for me. Luckily I
don't need really thick lenses so my glasses are never heavy.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 9:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>
>>
>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>> cheap frames ever again.
>
> Don't forget the anti-glare progressive bifocals and whatever. I look
> through them about 16 hours a day so I want the best I can get.

I believe that Crizal has the built in anti-glare. I highly recommend them
to anyone! Not sure if you can get them in bifocals though. They make
things so much more clear that my other glasses really pale in comparison.
One drawback though is that any little smudge or spot that you get on them
is very noticeable and they do seem to need to be cleaned more often than
regular lenses and to do that you need a Crizal cleaning cloth. I just
ordered three of them. I keep one in my purse, one on my computer desk and
I have a spare.

I used to only wear my glasses for driving or if I needed them otherwise for
distance because I found them to be so annoying to wear. Not so with these.
I actually prefer wearing them now.

On 12/23/2014 2:07 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>> down.
>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>> things
>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheri
>>>>
>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>>
>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
>>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>
>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>
>> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
>> frames.
>>
>> http://www.zennioptical.com
>
> Doesn't look that way to me. Over 30 frames? Also doesn't look like
> you have options for extras on the lenses. I would be afraid to order
> glasses online. I will see a frame and like it but then when I put it
> in, it looks bad on me. The frames that I have now are never something
> that I would have chosen. My daughter picked them. But they look
> stunning once I tried them on. The ones I have are the teal colored
> ones with the crystals on the lower right.
>
> http://www.eseyewear.com/collection_...ollection=1004

Nice glasses - but I'm not a designer glasses kind of guy. As far as the
Zenni glasses goes, there's probably thousands of frames available if
you navigate the site correctly.

On 12/23/2014 7:07 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>> down.
>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>> things
>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to do
>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheri
>>>>
>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>>
>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I had
>>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>
>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>
>> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
>> frames.
>>
>> http://www.zennioptical.com
>
> Doesn't look that way to me. Over 30 frames? Also doesn't look like
> you have options for extras on the lenses. I would be afraid to order
> glasses online.

Why? You seem to order everything else that way.

> I will see a frame and like it but then when I put it
> in, it looks bad on me. The frames that I have now are never something
> that I would have chosen. My daughter picked them. But they look
> stunning once I tried them on. The ones I have are the teal colored
> ones with the crystals on the lower right.
>
> http://www.eseyewear.com/collection_...ollection=1004

How very 1960's.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:
> On 12/23/2014 12:54 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:28:49 -0500, jmcquown >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>>> down.
>>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>>>> things
>>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue
>>>>>>> to do
>>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>>>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>>>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>>>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>>>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>>>>> optical shop.
>>>>>
>>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>>> cheap frames ever again.
>>>
>>> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
>>> didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis)
>>> but
>>> sure, lens coatings cost extra.
>>>
>>>>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>>
>>> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
>>> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
>>> yes, the screws will loosen over time.
>>>
>>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of
>>>>> them
>>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>>
>>> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
>>> Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.
>>>
>>>> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
>>>> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>>>>
>>> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
>>> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
>>> least in the shops near me) are.
>>>
>> My insurance is rather meager, so I put it into the frames and believe
>> me - hovering around $100, they are not designer - but I've never had
>> a problem finding something I like and they're great frames: titanium
>> with hinges that don't break when you pull the earpieces out to the
>> side (thank you Costco).
>
> I remember having "vision insurance" as part of a group employer
> package. It was still cheaper for me to go to a place called 'Eyes
> for You' in Memphis than it was to try to use the vision insurance
> providers.
>
> I've never had a problem with the hinges on even the less expensive
> frames I've had. But yes, hinges are essential for a comfortable fit.
> Things have come a long, long way since I first started wearing
> glasses at age 12.
>
>> Costco, my lenses run $300-400. I want all the bells & whistles, so
>> I get them and save a boatload because they would cost $1000+
>> elsewhere.
>>
> I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses
> because otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled
> around for a number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular
> glasses. What a PITA.)
>
> I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
> anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them.
> Fog might be a problem where you live.
>
> Jill

Transitions lenses don't work in modern cars. The UV protection in the
glass prevents them from darkening.

"Someone Else" > wrote in message
...
> jmcquown wrote:
>> On 12/23/2014 12:54 PM, sf wrote:
>>> On Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:28:49 -0500, jmcquown >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 12/23/2014 9:47 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>>>> down.
>>>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>>>>> things
>>>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
>>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large
>>>>>>> metropolitan area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> $99. Living in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses
>>>>>>> (cheap frames) with the exam runs around $300. If I drove to
>>>>>>> Savannah or Charleston I could find eyeglass places with the two-fer
>>>>>>> deals; in this small town you're stuck with higher prices set by the
>>>>>>> optical shop.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>>>> cheap frames ever again.
>>>>
>>>> I have Transitions lenses and have worn bifocals since I was 40. I
>>>> didn't pay extra for the bifocal lenses at Eyes for You (in Memphis)
>>>> but
>>>> sure, lens coatings cost extra.
>>>>
>>>>>> I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>>>> had to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>>>
>>>> <shrug> I've never had a problem with the frames. I'm not hard on my
>>>> glasses. I tighten the screws in the frames maybe once a month because
>>>> yes, the screws will loosen over time.
>>>>
>>>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of
>>>>>> them
>>>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>>>
>>>> I don't wear glasses to be fashionable, I wear them so I can see.
>>>> Still, I never found the selection to be all that limited.
>>>>
>>>>> I pay for good specs too. I pay between £300 and £400. I like
>>>>> varifocals with a tint. I am also fussy about the frames.
>>>>>
>>>> As you always say, to each his own. I can't see paying extra for some
>>>> designer frame and that seems to be what the more expensive ones (at
>>>> least in the shops near me) are.
>>>>
>>> My insurance is rather meager, so I put it into the frames and believe
>>> me - hovering around $100, they are not designer - but I've never had
>>> a problem finding something I like and they're great frames: titanium
>>> with hinges that don't break when you pull the earpieces out to the
>>> side (thank you Costco).
>>
>> I remember having "vision insurance" as part of a group employer package.
>> It was still cheaper for me to go to a place called 'Eyes for You' in
>> Memphis than it was to try to use the vision insurance providers.
>>
>> I've never had a problem with the hinges on even the less expensive
>> frames I've had. But yes, hinges are essential for a comfortable fit.
>> Things have come a long, long way since I first started wearing glasses
>> at age 12.
>>
>>> Costco, my lenses run $300-400. I want all the bells & whistles, so
>>> I get them and save a boatload because they would cost $1000+
>>> elsewhere.
>>>
>> I don't want bells and whistles but I do buy transitions lenses because
>> otherwise I'd need a separate pair of sunglasses. (I fumbled around for
>> a number of years between r/x sunglasses and regular glasses. What a
>> PITA.)
>>
>> I don't bother with things like extra anti-glare, anti-reflective or
>> anti-fog coatings. I don't drive in conditions which require them. Fog
>> might be a problem where you live.
>>
>> Jill
>
> Transitions lenses don't work in modern cars. The UV protection in the
> glass prevents them from darkening.

Nonsense!

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 2:07 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "dsi1" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>
>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>> down.
>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>>> things
>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
>>>>>> do
>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>
>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>>>
>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>> had
>>>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>
>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>
>>> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
>>> frames.
>>>
>>> http://www.zennioptical.com
>>
>> Doesn't look that way to me. Over 30 frames? Also doesn't look like
>> you have options for extras on the lenses. I would be afraid to order
>> glasses online. I will see a frame and like it but then when I put it
>> in, it looks bad on me. The frames that I have now are never something
>> that I would have chosen. My daughter picked them. But they look
>> stunning once I tried them on. The ones I have are the teal colored
>> ones with the crystals on the lower right.
>>
>> http://www.eseyewear.com/collection_...ollection=1004
>
> Nice glasses - but I'm not a designer glasses kind of guy. As far as the
> Zenni glasses goes, there's probably thousands of frames available if you
> navigate the site correctly.

I just looked at the women's plastic and they seemed pretty generic.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/23/2014 7:07 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "dsi1" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 12/23/2014 4:22 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>
>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On 12/22/2014 6:25 PM, Cheri wrote:
>>>>>> Yes, they are very overpriced, but I don't look for prices to come
>>>>>> down.
>>>>>> As long as they can practice highway robbery on people that need
>>>>>> things
>>>>>> like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures etc., they will continue to
>>>>>> do
>>>>>> it, to and including knee braces that they charge over a thousand
>>>>>> dollars for.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cheri
>>>>>
>>>>> It's apparent most of these things don't cost nearly what the person
>>>>> who needs them is being charged. When I lived in a large metropolitan
>>>>> area I could get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $99. Living
>>>>> in a fairly rural area now, one pair of eyeglasses (cheap frames) with
>>>>> the exam runs around $300. If I drove to Savannah or Charleston I
>>>>> could find eyeglass places with the two-fer deals; in this small town
>>>>> you're stuck with higher prices set by the optical shop.
>>>>
>>>> But those are just bare bones glasses. Might be okay to keep for
>>>> emergencies but I require Transitions on mine and now that I've tried
>>>> Crizal lenses, I wouldn't have anything else. I also will never buy
>>>> cheap frames ever again. I went to one of the chain places once and
>>>> only once. I had nothing but trouble with those frames. The metal
>>>> parts turned green and one of the screws was forever popping out. I
>>>> had
>>>> to keep a little screwdriver in my purse.
>>>>
>>>> I also went with my SIL to a store that offers those cheap specials.
>>>> You must choose your frames from a very limited selection, all of them
>>>> in our opinion, hideous and very outdated.
>>>
>>> I've never tried these guys but they have a mind-boggling choice of
>>> frames.
>>>
>>> http://www.zennioptical.com
>>
>> Doesn't look that way to me. Over 30 frames? Also doesn't look like
>> you have options for extras on the lenses. I would be afraid to order
>> glasses online.
>
> Why? You seem to order everything else that way.

Because glasses are something that need to fit properly. I have to wear
them every day and they need to be comfortable. As I said, I have a wide
bridge on my nose so many frames just won't work for me.
>
>> I will see a frame and like it but then when I put it
>> in, it looks bad on me. The frames that I have now are never something
>> that I would have chosen. My daughter picked them. But they look
>> stunning once I tried them on. The ones I have are the teal colored
>> ones with the crystals on the lower right.
>>
>> http://www.eseyewear.com/collection_...ollection=1004
>
> How very 1960's.

Hardly. Cat eyes were popular then. And while I love that style, they just
do not look good on my face.