inexpensive eyeglasses made?

[zachary_matthews]

i have stylish frames already, and im looking to have progressive no line bifocals lenses with mild correction in each lens. i was quoted arg1400 Pesos, but this was a chic spot on ave Santa Fe

any leads on a discount lens shop?

thank you friends,
zach

 

[ElQueso]

I looked into this as well about 6-7 months ago. I went to a number of different places. It was all quite expensive. The biggest thing I came away with was be careful of any discounts you do find because chances are you won't get the results you're looking for.

From what I understood on questioning some of the places I went, the equipment doesn't exist in Argentina to do these lenses, that they send out to Brasil to get the work done.

Something may have changed int he last half year or so, so if anyone else has better knowledge on this, I'd love to hear as well.

The best price I got was $1800 pesos frames and lenses together (horrible frames!), with my Hospital Aleman insurance discount. This was not a boutique kind of place, but very common, on Santa Fe, on the corner of Puerrydon.

 

[SaraSara]

Lookout carries Varilux and other progressive lenses. They have their own lab. I had glasses made there, and am satisfied. They have the best prices I've found so far, and their glasses are guaranteed: if they don't work, they will re-do them.

Varilux - lenses only - range from $300 to $1600, depending on individual prescriptions.

There's a Lookout branch in Belgrano, right off Cabildo:
Echeverria 2489 - 4787-5091
Mo-Fri 10 to 14 hs, and 15 to 19:30.

http://www.opticaslookout.com.ar/?gclid=CI7i4q_a258CFQUeDQodeHo9GQ

Good luck.

 

[Neil]

http://www.lof.com.ar/

I got some decent frames + single vision Polycarbonate lens (w/ anti-reflective + high index thinest lens) all for $890 pesos (w/ Staff Medico discount) ready in 4 days.

I was told they have a good lab that they own, and I am pleased with their service...

 

[mendozanow]

All the materials are imported, huge import taxes. That is why food, like tropical fruits, are so unconscionably expensive here, even with the proximity of Brazil where great fruit is rotting in the fields. Anything produced here is cheaper (though if manufactured probably not as good quality).

Anyone coming to Argentina should get anything like eyeglasses or anything else essential or quality) all taken care of first, you will pay many times what you would pay in a country with a more open economy.

Unless you have a good firsthand recommendation, do not go to opticians to have your eyes tested, as the profession does not really exist here (and is completely unregulated), and there are some real shysters. There are some good non-medical opticians that can test your eyes properly, but they are a real minority here. In Canada, most opticians are better than opthamologists when it comes to testing for lenses.

As someone who needs glasses to read, i know the importance of good eyewear. Get an opthmologist prescription (or use one from your home country), and bring it to a quality eyeshop that insists on prescriptions.

 

[Neil]

I went here....http://www.institutodelavision.com/home.html

A proper exam, w/ an English spoken Opthamologist Dra. Rita Voloch.

My script was checked by the Optician again http://www.lof.com.ar/..and re-tested after receiving glasses.

All the materials are imported, huge import taxes. That is why food, like tropical fruits, are so unconscionably expensive here, even with the proximity of Brazil where great fruit is rotting in the fields. Anything produced here is cheaper (though if manufactured probably not as good quality).

Anyone coming to Argentina should get anything like eyeglasses or anything else essential or quality) all taken care of first, you will pay many times what you would pay in a country with a more open economy.

Unless you have a good firsthand recommendation, do not go to opticians to have your eyes tested, as the profession does not really exist here (and is completely unregulated), and there are some real shysters. There are some good non-medical opticians that can test your eyes properly, but they are a real minority here. In Canada, most opticians are better than opthamologists when it comes to testing for lenses.

As someone who needs glasses to read, i know the importance of good eyewear. Get an opthmologist prescription (or use one from your home country), and bring it to a quality eyeshop that insists on prescriptions.

 

[SaraSara]

Varilux lenses cost the same here as in the States - they are not taxed. However, frames are twice as expensive.

All the materials are imported, huge import taxes. That is why food, like tropical fruits, are so unconscionably expensive here, even with the proximity of Brazil where great fruit is rotting in the fields. Anything produced here is cheaper (though if manufactured probably not as good quality).

Anyone coming to Argentina should get anything like eyeglasses or anything else essential or quality) all taken care of first, you will pay many times what you would pay in a country with a more open economy.

Unless you have a good firsthand recommendation, do not go to opticians to have your eyes tested, as the profession does not really exist here (and is completely unregulated), and there are some real shysters. There are some good non-medical opticians that can test your eyes properly, but they are a real minority here. In Canada, most opticians are better than opthamologists when it comes to testing for lenses.

As someone who needs glasses to read, i know the importance of good eyewear. Get an opthmologist prescription (or use one from your home country), and bring it to a quality eyeshop that insists on prescriptions.

 

[sergio]

I checked quite a few places late last year and found prices quite similar. Quality lenses (Varilux) and nice frames cost a lot (I paid close to $2,000 pesos) however the price would have been about the same in the US. Of course the difference is that people in the US make a LOT more, so the price here is disproportionately high. I agree with the person who posted that you need to go to an opthamologist. I consider that an essential in the US as well. Your eyes are too important to fool around with. You want a well-qualified doctor. There are some good specialists here. There is a well respected eye clinic on Calle Parera in Recoleta. Maybe someone can remind me of its name.

 

[Cody4]

Unless you have a good firsthand recommendation, do not go to opticians to have your eyes tested, as the profession does not really exist here (and is completely unregulated), and there are some real shysters. There are some good non-medical opticians that can test your eyes properly, but they are a real minority here. In Canada, most opticians are better than opthamologists when it comes to testing for lenses.