"How much do glasses cost?"

This is probably the most open ended question I get during the course of a day.  It's  one of the few questions I can't answer without asking a number of questions back.  I'm sure you've heard that "We have frames that "START" at $____.00 and lenses that "START" at $____.00".  Your chances of walking away with this price are virtually zero.  Most places will have some type of pricing formula, based on cost.  A rule of thumb, less expensive frames are usually pretty basic styles using basic materials.  More expensive frames are generally more stylish and may use special materials, like titanium or memory metals.  Lens pricing is slightly different but pricing is based on basic versus material and options.

"How much will my glasses cost?"  I still haven't answered the question, and probably still won't by the end of the blog.  My advice to you is to have an idea what you want with a pair of glasses.

If you have a mild nearsighted prescription and you want a basic pair of glasses, to have in case your contact lenses are irritating or just don't feel like wearing them,  you will probably be the one that can get something at the "Starting price".  You might pay $25.00 to $100.00 for the starting price on the frames.  You may even be lucky enough to find a "Clearance" section with even deeper discounts.  If you are more fashion conscious or will be wearing glasses more often than once in awhile, you may want to upgrade to the next tier of frames.  This could be in the $100.00 to $150.00 range.  If you want to the high end designer glasses, memory metals, titanium, etc., be prepared to pay in excess of $200.00 to $350.00 or more on these frames.  Remember, it's very important for any frame to fit well and be comfortable when you try it on.  Don't let an optician tell you that it's just a simple adjustment to make it feels better.  Have him/her make that adjustment while trying frames on if you're not sure.

      After deciding on the frame category you want to fit into, you'll need to figure out the same with lenses.  Lens pricing is very inconsistent throughout the optical industry, but some of the same principles apply.  Basic plastic or CR-39 lenses will be your least expensive lens.  This is usually what is advertised to get you in the door.  It's a good option for the occasional glasses wearer or budget minded person.  The next tier of lenses, would probably include polycarbonate lenses.  Polycarbonate is the standard material for the "thinner and lighter weight lenses".  It is also used almost exclusively with children's glasses due to its impact resistance.  I see more and more companies using polycarbonate lenses as their standard lens due to liability anymore.  There might be a minimal charge to go to polycarbonate lenses.
      If your prescription involves a stronger prescription, you may want to think about a High Index lens material or an ashperic lens.  These will be thinner and/or lighter in weight and should always be dispensed with an anti- reflective coating or a non- glare coating.  This material will create more light reflections due to it's density and flatter curves.  Expect these lens options to cost anywhere from 2 to 3 times the basic lens cost.  Transitions lenses could be another option.  This is a very good "comfort" lens while you are outdoors.  This could be another $50-$100.
       For those of us needing reading correction, you will need to decide on a lined bifocal or progressive lens.   Progressive or no line lenses can cost about $150 to $250 for standard plastic.  Remember if you have a stronger prescription, see the above paragraph, it still applies.  The newest progressive lens is called a free form lens or digital lens.  Without getting into too much detail, it's a digitally manufactured lens that with greatly reduce peripheral lens distortion and wider field of vision over standard progressive lenses. It is usually only available with and anti reflective coating. A great lens for smaller frames.  This could be $150 to $250 more than standard progressive lens.
       As you can see, I still haven't answered the question, but hopefully have given some help in what you can expect to pay.  Although it doesn't happen everyday, I've had people spend over $1000 dollars on one pair of glasses.
       Don''t be afraid to ask for discounts, AAA, senior citizen, certain health insurances can have discounts associated with them.  Also, if you are in the market for an extra pair, such as sunglasses, computer glasses, or just a spare, there might be 50 to 75% off of the second pair.
      FYI....I've decided not to include internet prices due to the fact that they are not regulated as of right now.  I don't see internet eyeglasses as a good option since studies have shown that accuracy is suspect, due to inaccurate self measuring techniques.