Where to find the best deals on glasses

When it comes time to get new eyeglasses, where do you shop? Consumer Reports has partnered exclusively with 7 On Your Side to reveal the best deals for eyewear.

If you're in the market for a new pair of glasses, like some Consumer Reports' readers, you're buying them from a mom-and-pop store. The Consumer Reports National Research Center's survey of nearly 20,000 subscribers finds people who shopped locally are some of the most satisfied.

"Readers gave independent shops and private doctors' offices top marks for the quality of the glasses, but also for customer care and follow-up service," said Margot Gilman of Consumer Reports.

But they're also among the costliest places to shop. You can save big on eyewear, as much as 40 percent according to Consumer Reports, if you know where to shop. You'll get the biggest bang for your buck at Costco. Cost-conscious shoppers can expect to pay less than $200 for a new pair of glasses, and still get above-average quality, service, and staff expertise. But Costco's selection isn't as impressive. For a huge selection and low prices, shop online.

"It can be more work. You have to try the frames on and then find them online, but you can save a bundle," Gilman said.

Two sites to check out: FramesDirect.com and Eyeglasses.com. But if service and follow-up care are important to you, Costco, private doctors' offices, and independent shops are good bets. And ask about price matching: it can't hurt.

If you have a basic prescription, Consumer Reports says another place to save on glasses is by using a new type of online site that sells its own brand of frames. You can get a basic pair of glasses, frames and lenses, for under $100. Websites like WarbyParker.com will even mail frames to you to try on at no charge.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2011. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

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consumer reports, costco, 7 on your side, michael finney

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