It started with these glasses…
I’ve been short-sighted and “four-eyed” since I was eleven years old.
Five years ago, I needed multifocals (now called progressives) to accommodate my age-related reading difficulties. My optometrist made me the purple titanium specs you see in the photo above. From memory, I was out of pocket $700 after the health fund had paid their contribution.
Two weeks later, I managed to scratch them quite badly, right across the middle of the left lens.
When I asked if it could be polished out, I was told that my only option was to replace the whole lens. I was pretty cranky, but as they’d cost me a fortune, I put up with the annoying line in my vision and the fact that the right arm gave me a throbbing pain behind my ear.
Then last year, my friend Valentina told me about Zenni Optical. These guys are the bomb. If you’re paying a king’s ransom for prescription glasses, then you need to check them out. They’re an online company offering a brilliant service – their products are ludicrously cheap, and you can upload a photo to try on any frame before you buy.
I’ve shown you this pic before, but it’s always good for another laugh…
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I wear my blue progressive specs every day – they’re clear and crisp, and they don’t cause me any ear or temple discomfort. The lenses aren’t as high quality as my über-expensive purple glasses, but then again, they only cost me US$85. Zenni charges just US$10 to mail to Australia (for as many pairs as you order) and they usually arrive within a month.
As one of the main problems with cheaper frames is durability, I’ve also purchased a spare blank (US$13) – that way if the original breaks, I’ll have a back-up. Having said that, my blue stainless steel glasses have been great – I’ve worn them so much that I’ve had to change the nose-pads (which they’ll do for free at Costco if you’re a member), and after a year, they’re still in excellent shape…
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Before our trip to San Francisco, I ordered a pair of red heart prescription sunglasses. These were just US$54 and that was with higher index (thinner) lenses! They’re the perfect shape for my face, as they sit high up on my Asian nose and provide complete sun protection. I loved them so much that when Zenni had a 20% off sale, I bought them in black as well. The second pair cost me just $39…
I honestly can’t recommend these guys highly enough. My eyes are a -5.00 script, and I can get a basic pair of prescription sunglasses from them for under US$20 (even less for regular glasses).
The only disadvantage is that we can’t use our Australian health fund, but that’s far outweighed by the cost savings. They have excellent online customer service, and if you subscribe to their email newsletter, you’ll get notification of their sales and discount coupons. Yes, I know this all sounds like a paid ad, but I promise you it isn’t – I’m just ridiculously excited to finally have access to funky glasses at affordable prices!
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The other eyewear supplier we’ve just discovered is Dresden Optics, an Australian company who manufacture all their frames locally. These guys have come up with a truly genius idea – they make just one shape of frame (wayfarer-style), in four different sizes, and design them to be completely modular. So you can choose one front, different coloured arms, and an assortment of lenses.
We popped into their Newtown store with our new prescriptions earlier this week…
Both Small Man and I chose medium sized frames. They’re made of plastic and come in a rainbow of colours. I needed medium arms, but he had a better fit with the larger ones…
These are seriously gorgeous, but not ideal for my nose shape. Nonetheless, I’ve bought a pair home to see if I can make them work – I found the translucent blue irresistible…
For an Australian-made product, Dresden’s pricing is amazing – our two pairs of single vision glasses cost $89 in total, and were completely paid for by our health fund. It gets cheaper if you buy in bulk, and that’s for any combination, not just several pairs of the same glasses. High index lenses cost a bit more, as do bifocals, progressives and polarised lenses, but it’s not exhorbitant – the progressives are $249 a pair, including frames.
The arms are cleverly held in place with a bespoke pin…
My favourite part of the store was this wall of frames made from recycled products – milk caps, beer keg lids and marine debris.
I was instantly smitten with the grey-green sunnies on the top left, made from salvaged ocean debris. Sadly, they weren’t for me – lovely David, who had already adjusted my blue frames to fit, told us that the recycled marine plastic was too brittle to bend…
One last thing about Dresden – it really is a modular system. We walked into the store at 3pm, and walked out again at 3.45pm with finished glasses – David simply popped the stock Carl Zeiss lenses into the frames we chose, fitted them to our faces, and swiped our Bupa card through their Hicaps machine. This on-the-spot service is only available for single vision lenses – anything more complicated will take about a week to make.
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So there you have it, two fabulous and completely different eyewear companies, offering seriously affordable prescription glasses. Hopefully you’ll have as much fun shopping with them as I have!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
I just so much enjoyed reading this article and had a giggle at some of your specs photos. 😀That company really sounds great, and even so I do not wear glasses any more since a small op, I will pass them on to some of my friends. Thanks for sharing.
I love Zenni, I’ve gotten all my glasses and sunnies from them for years. My glasses used to cost us $800 now they cost $20! And cause they are so cheap I have lots in lots of different colours and shapes. I’m hanging out for their next but 2 get 1 free sale so I can get more plus get the kids some spares.
Thank you Celia for so generously sharing the good stuff you discover. I needed to read this as I’m currently wearing badly scratched glasses… the fourth in a series despite having been assured by 2 lots of optometrists that the coatings -which I had my doubts about- are scratch resistant… to the extent they offer a 24 month warranty. Number 1 I had replaced within a week, number 2 scatched within a couple of months and I hated the optometrist’s argumentative attitude so much I didn’t bother going back. From different optometrist number 3 got scratched lenses within a month and I had to post them to Sydney for replacement under warranty, the replacements were scratched after 3 days and they wanted me to post them back and said the only way to reduce the scratching was to not have the coating… grrrrrr… I don’t have health cover so paid in full for frames, progressive lenses, the fancy coating that my eyes love but scatches no matter how careful I am, and the postage.
When we get home I’m going online glasses shopping 😎
Brilliant! I’ve just had to buy new prescription sunnies which means no new readers until next year and the year after for new progressives on my medical benefits.
I’m going to give these guys a try. I really need new readers and want to get a spare pair of progressives – can’t wait!
so great – i’ve just gone through the crazy expensive new glasses ordering so i will keep this in mind for next time – thanks)
This is a great post for those who have either no benefits under a private health fund or poor benefits. My health fund currently covers one pair of polarised prescription sunglasses,one pair of the same lens without shading, and one pair of normal readers, cheaper frame, – without being out of pocket at all. My problem is that I am rough on glasses, very rough, and so often can’t last one year without another pair of readers. so may look into your recommendations further. I love the colours.
I can highly recommend Teachers Health ( if you work in this profession or are related to a teacher or ex teacher) for the highest refunds on extras.
I want some!
Will pass your info on and try them myself
Celia, what a wonderful find, thank you for sharing. I have one question: Where do you get them adjusted? I have to take mine in every few months because they are out of line. (My way of admitting I’m rough on glasses.)
Sami just go to your local Optometrists and ask if they can be adjusted.
Sami, I go to Costco! As I’m a member, they adjust for free. Also, on the zenni website in the “How To” section, they give detailed instructions on adjusting your specs at home.
I will be checking out Zenni – my specs cost loads in the UK and I’m not sure these discount specs will be any worse in quality form your report. In addition, the styles you show are really cute!
When my eyes finally go I’ll know where to look for glasses! Once I turned 40 he waiting began. Over three years later I still have perfect vision which I wasn’t expecting. My mom’s eyes went as soon as she turned 40 and got worse every year for quite some time!
Great info and it is always good to see a photo of you,
How fantastic! I’ve worn specs since I was 13 years old. In the last few years my vision has been changing dramatically (thanks menopause! ) and I’ve been reluctant to keep changing my glasses because of the cost. You’ve inspired me to look for some companies like these to sort out the “blind as a bat” issue 😀
Even tho’ BUPA has always covered my single lens glasses fully, Dresden is a name I’ll file and investigate. [I began to wear reading glasses in the office at 41, but now, much later, have eaten and exercised my way out of needing them basically: just with very small print!]. Methinks you talked about Zenni a year back: your glasses do very much suit you and it is great your on line works so well.
That’s fantastic News, I shall try this out, as I paid over $600 for two pairs of prescription glasses at Costco. Thank you so much for sharing, Celia
You wear glasses so well Celia! I have worn contact lenses for almost 17 years, occasionally I wear glasses to give my eyes a break but I find them annoying and finding the perfect/affordable pair is a challenge. As usual you share such useful information with your readers!
Hi Celia, sorry this is totally unrelated to this post, but I can’t seem to comment on the old post for some reason!
I was wondering if you could please share whether you still use the same pizza dough recipe that you shared in the post “homemade pizza”? I’m keen to give it a go, but I know things evolve over time :)
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sally, yes I still use the same pizza dough recipe, but I don’t bother adding the scoop of sourdough anymore. Here’s a no knead version… https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2010/10/18/kneadless-pizza/
Thanks Celia! Even better when it’s no knead. My husband was an apprentice baker when he was young and didn’t believe me when we started making sourdough that it could work. He is a believer now! I sent you some photos by email the other week. Hope you got them and my thanks :)
Sally, I got your email – apologies, I thought I’d replied – but I didn’t get any pics? So glad Hugo’s working well for you!
Great post! Valentina would love this! :-)
I wear glasses all the time as I’m sort sighted. And they get some serious beating! So good to know about these places.
Thank you for this, Celia. I recently scratched my glasses and have been wearing my last prescription. Oddly enough, I can’t tell any difference. Well, my wallet is considerably lighter. I will definitely check out Zenni Optical. Thanks again.
OOOO – Thank You So Very Much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Living on a budget is so tight-you are a life-saver!
Thank you Celia for this informative post. I’ve checked out both sites and they both have some really well priced items. I love love the use of recycled bottle tops at Dresden optics,
Hi Celia, Jason here, co-founder of Dresden.
I just discovered your lovely write up of our specs and wanted to say a big thank you for sharing our story and spec with your readers. At Dresden, we’re really just frustrated glasses-wearers who wanted a better pair of glasses (that wouldn’t break easily or cost a bomb!). Your kind words have helped other people learn about us, which gives us a chance to make a difference in their lives. Thanks again for sharing & please pop in (or drop me a line) in the future.
Kind regards,
Jason
Hi Jason, thanks for stopping by. I remember meeting you when we were buying our first glasses!
Since then, our youngest son has been back for two more pairs – he now has four and wears nothing else – and we’ll be back soon to get him a pair of dedicated sunnies (he already has transition ones). I haven’t been able to get the frames to work on my Asian nose (sadly, the lenses keep touching my lashes), but hopefully one day you’ll come up with a clever way for us to retro-fit nosepads. Please let me know if you ever do, as I love your frames!
Cheers, Celia