Eye glasses prices in BA

[LongtimeExpat]

Varilux mutifocal lenses cost exactly the same here as in the States. Around U$S 200, and worth every penny

Can you recommend a particular place to go for these? Do I need to bring a prescription? Thanks

 

[on the brink]

About 10 days ago I was given a quotation for Varilux and it was over ARS 600.000, probably more like in the 600.000-800.000 range, but I don’t have the note I made about it with me now

There are several Varilux varieties. I didn't do well with the most advanced lenses and had to go back to an older style. Maybe that's the reason for the price difference.
Check around for prices - I had some made at Lookout, a small local chain, and they work fine. Just as good as the pair I had made at an expensive Guild optician in Washington.

Opticas Lookout - Compra tus anteojos Online!

Encuentra armazones de receta y sol de las mejores marcas como Ray-Ban, Vulk y Oakley. ¡Compra calidad al mejor precio! 60 años en el rubro. Laboratorio propio.

www.opticaslookout.com.ar

There's a branch in Belgrano, in Pampa near Cabildo. They do require a prescription. Unless you want to have your current lenses just copied.

 

[on the brink]

Now that I think about it, my daughter had Varilux lenses in Foulcault. She paid something like six hundred dollars for the lenses. They must have been the top of the line, plus she added all sort of bells and whistles; her glasses turn into sunglasses in the sun, and have all sort of protective coverings, etc. She's a photographer and avid bird-watcher, and invested in the best.

Mine were plain older line ones, with only some tinting.

 

[landrew]

Following some advice on this forum, I visited Optical Gallery last week, and it was overwhelming to say the least! At least 50 vendors on two floors of a small shopping centre, all but one or two of which were opticians or optical laboratories. I couldn't visit every storefront, but was given a quote of $300 for lens replacement for my frames (progressive, bifocals, blue light blocking, sun adaptable). This was more than the price of new glasses at several private opticians. And although online reviews claim you can have glasses made or lenses replaced in hours, I was told it would take a minimum of a week. One very accommodating.vendor said he would try to get a pair done that quickly and would WhatsApp me if it were possible. Not surprisingly, I have heard nothing. Oh, well.

 

[Utopos]

For those with Swiss Medical, there is a 50% discount on lenses at +Vision locations and 15-20% off at several other places. Check 'beneficios' for more info.

By the way, Swiss Medical will give a 10% break in the prepay cost for 6 month... but only if you ask for it. That's a $125k savings/month for me, which I ask about every 6 months or so.

Oh, and Movistar will also give good, temporary discounts if requested (I've been told the discount by phone is actually higher than a personal visit. I got 50% less for 6 months by phone the other day for home/internet service).

 

[lunar]

By the way, Swiss Medical will give a 10% break in the prepay cost for 6 month... but only if you ask for it. That's a $125k savings/month for me, which I ask about every 6 months or so.

So they give a 10% discount just for asking? How do you request it?

 

[Utopos]

I go to the Swiss Medical office in Ramos Mejia (it is NOT a medical facility, just a business office), and tell them the cost has gotten so prohibitively expensive that I might have to find another prepay. I already have the lowest tier, so there is no other option to reduce the cost. The clerk commiserates (she's said my monthly cost is higher than her entire salary). How about a temporary discount? She smiles and says that she can do a 10% discount for 6 months. I've asked for this every 6 months for the past several years, never been told no. It is still too damn expensive, but it helps.

Many businesses will offer a discount to keep your business, but you have to ask. That info won't be volunteered. Every place I make a purchase, I ask "How much is that in cash (effectivo?)" and generally pay less. It never hurts to ask. This used to embarrass my Argentine wife... now she fixes a steely gaze and asks herself. I smile... and save a bit of money.

 

[IamWaldo]

I go to the Swiss Medical office in Ramos Mejia (it is NOT a medical facility, just a business office), and tell them the cost has gotten so prohibitively expensive that I might have to find another prepay. I already have the lowest tier, so there is no other option to reduce the cost. The clerk commiserates (she's said my monthly cost is higher than her entire salary). How about a temporary discount? She smiles and says that she can do a 10% discount for 6 months. I've asked for this every 6 months for the past several years, never been told no. It is still too damn expensive, but it helps.

Many businesses will offer a discount to keep your business, but you have to ask. That info won't be volunteered. Every place I make a purchase, I ask "How much is that in cash (effectivo?)" and generally pay less. It never hurts to ask. This used to embarrass my Argentine wife... now she fixes a steely gaze and asks herself. I smile... and save a bit of money.

+1 on this;
i msged them in february and got the same offer.