BajaNomad - Eyeglasses in Mexico

Eyeglasses in Mexico

Dianamo - 10-31-2009 at 11:32 AM

Does anyone have any experience getting there eyeglass prescription filled in Mexico? Are frames and/or lenses any less expensive? Are there quality differences? Don't know whether to get news one now (they are so expensive) or wait till my next visit to LaPaz.

DENNIS - 10-31-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dianamo
Does anyone have any experience getting there eyeglass prescription filled in Mexico? Are frames and/or lenses any less expensive? Are there quality differences? Don't know whether to get news one now (they are so expensive) or wait till my next visit to LaPaz.

Costco has an optometry department. I've heard no bad reports about their service, only good. I think the industry is all about frames. You can pay as much or as little as you want, it seems.

bajalou - 10-31-2009 at 12:52 PM

My wife and several friends have gotten exams and glasses in Los Algodones and have been very happy with them. BIG savings.

mulegemichael - 10-31-2009 at 01:38 PM

here in mulege the rotarians clinic has thousands of pairs of glasses available to the public...all of the lenses have been certified and are VERY usable...last year beachgirl got knocked over in the surf fishing in asuncion and lost her good glasses...we came back to town and she shopped in the clinic and found a pair that were perfect...it was a $10 donation...the price was right

BIG Savings ?

MrBillM - 10-31-2009 at 01:41 PM

How Big is Big ?

Single Vision/Bifocals (Lenses and Frames) are available just about anywhere in U.S. cities for around $70-90 + Exam. Cheaper on the Internet. That's choosing among the limited number of standard frames, of course, but I've always found something satisfactory in that mix.

IF you're going to be in Algodones, Ensenada or the like for some other reason, it might make sense, but it CAN'T be worth a special trip.

comitan - 10-31-2009 at 01:48 PM

My wife & I have been wearing glasses from La Paz Many years. And Bill the advertised price and what they get you for in the end.

DENNIS - 10-31-2009 at 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
...last year beachgirl got knocked over in the surf

I had to read that twice :lol:

BMG - 10-31-2009 at 01:55 PM

Ana wanted some prescription sunglasses. She took in her regular RayBan sunglasses and they put her prescription in them, bifocals. Was very inexpensive and she loves them. I believe you'll find frames are cheaper than in the states. My next pair of glasses will be ordered here in La Paz.

What you Get ?

MrBillM - 10-31-2009 at 01:59 PM

"The advertised price and what they get you for in the end."

Is that a Sex Pun ?

Bajahowodd - 10-31-2009 at 02:06 PM

Dianamo appears to split her time between the SF Bay Area and El Cardonal which is between Los Bariles and La Paz. Doubt she'd think about trekking over to Algodones. As for Costco, there aren't any between Ensenada and Cabo. That said, BMG is correct about frame prices. And La Paz has tons of opticians.

backninedan - 10-31-2009 at 02:10 PM

Last month I had new lenses made for my frames. Single vision, eye exam included, Fifty bucks. I was pleased with the quality and they were ready in a week.

Been down here so long I don't know how that compares with stateside prices.

rhintransit - 10-31-2009 at 02:11 PM

eyeglasses are relatively inexpensive in Mexico, check with gringos in your area for specific recommendations.
but if you want really inexpensive and are in the states occasionally to receive them, check out Zenni Optical...google online for the website. huge selection of frames and low low prices. I had some bifocals made with nice tiny thin purple metal frames...less than 15 bucks, which included shipping. they work and look just fine. it takes several weeks plus for delivery. be sure you send your interpupilary distance (have a friend measure for you if its not on your rx)

rob - 10-31-2009 at 04:57 PM

I had an eye exam late last year in La Paz - my reading glasses were getting worn out (eyes still great). They wanted $1100MN for a new pair and I passed.

Sent the prescription to greateyeglasses.com and ordered four pairs plus prescription sunglasses with all the coatings for $110US (not a misprint) They are GREAT glasses although you can tell up close they are not Fernando Porsche.