Shopping Discussion
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- Feb 20th, 2015 2:12 pm
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- #1
- babycutie[OP]
- Newbie
- Nov 26, 2006
- 48 posts
- CALGARY
Jun 12th, 2014 4:01 pm
How good are the Accolade Freedom progressive lenses from Costco?
Hi,
I just had my eye exam and was recommended by my optometrist that I should get progressive lenses. The optometrist place quoted me $700 for the following progressive lenses (lenses only without frames):
- Pentax Prestige 2
- HiDef Plus lens coating
- Transitions
- 1.6 hi-index
I was shocked at the price since I've always had single vision lenses and these come 3 times what i used to spend.
Then I decided to go check out Costco. Costco quoted me $350 for the following progressive lenses (again without frames):
- Essilor Accolade Freedom
- 1.589 hi-index Poly Anti-Reflective
- Transitions
I can't seem to find the rating for the Accolade Freedom in terms of quality. The Pentax Prestige is rated as best (out of good, better, best, supreme)
Anyone has experience with these lenses from Costco?
Costco also has limited selection of frames whereas the optometrist place has a few frames I like.
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9 replies
- #2
- theguru
- Banned
- Sep 22, 2009
- 691 posts
- 312 upvotes
- Toronto
Jun 13th, 2014 7:29 am
Optometrists will instill the fear of god in you for even thinking about getting glasses/contacts elsewhere. Don't believe their BS. I was quoted $190 for a 6 month supply of lenses and bought them on clearly contacts for $114.
Check clearlycontacts out. Awesome service and prices. Support companies who value your business.
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- #3
- RFDNewbie2012
- Newbie
- Jan 7, 2012
- 3 posts
- 1 upvote
Jun 16th, 2014 1:00 pm
My husband is on his second pair of Costco progressive lenses. He has the Accolade Freedom this time. He is perfectly happy with them. We would have no problem recommending Costco for lenses. He got his frames and progressive lenses in three days, so I think that's pretty good service and they have a warranty on them, just like the optometrists.
As far as frames go, different Costcos carry different frame inventories, so it might be worth it to check out different stores to see their frames selection (as told to us by the Costco rep).
If you have your own frames and just need lenses, they charge an extra $18 (here in BC) to put their lenses into your own frames. I took a picture of frames I wanted to buy elsewhere and asked Costco if I could put their lenses in and they said no problem (they just won't take any frames bought elsewhere that have sparkly "jewels" in them).
PS Re Transitions: Do you realize they don't darken in the car? They need to be exposed to sunlight in order to "transition" so you'd still need clip-ons or separate sunglasses while in the car.
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- #4
- UTSC
- Sr. Member
- Jul 13, 2006
- 891 posts
- 73 upvotes
Feb 19th, 2015 8:09 pm
I am getting a progressive lens for my relative and I am totally confused as the prices ranges from $200 to $500. Can someone with knowledge on this subjectprovide some information?
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- #5
- Phils
- Deal Fanatic
- Sep 29, 2005
- 6932 posts
- 1917 upvotes
- Montreal
Feb 20th, 2015 7:22 am
Let me complicate your decision a bit.
A couple of years ago, I was going to buy progressives at Costco. The cost would have been something around $300. Since I had never used progressives before, I decided instead to buy regular bifocals for about $165. I still use those glasses but a few months later, The Bay had progressive sunglasses on sale for $99. I figured it was a low risk way to test if progressives would work for me. I bought them and they are the best glasses I own.
About a year later, The Bay advertised another sale of progressives for $100 and this time I had a $20 coupon so my net cost was $79. I bought regular glasses and absolutely depend on them.
Obviously, at that price, they aren't HiDef or Transitions but they are great. Although these were bought supposedly on sale, I'm not sure that this price isn't offered at any time. Also, you can add the extra features at a cost but I didn't need them.
Before making your decision, I suggest you visit The Bay and see what they offer. It goes without saying, but bring your prescription.
Phils
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- #6
- UTSC
- Sr. Member
- Jul 13, 2006
- 891 posts
- 73 upvotes
Feb 20th, 2015 10:11 am
Thank you. Lens manufactures intentionally confuse customers with lot names / models.
Costco charges $259 just for the Varilux Freedom lenses
http://www.varilux.ca/en/our-progressiv ... x-freedom/
Varilux Freedom seems to be relatively a low end of their product line. The premium lens is "Varilux series, limitless vision"
http://www.varilux.ca/en/our-progressiv ... ve-lenses/
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- #7
- inkjoy
- Member
- Oct 2, 2014
- 212 posts
- 35 upvotes
- New Westminster
Feb 20th, 2015 12:03 pm
There is also Sears Optical that is owned by Lenscrafters. They usually have a Buy One Get One free offer.
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- #8
- Cheap Cat
- Deal Guru
- Aug 20, 2005
- 11625 posts
- 4707 upvotes
- Nowhere
Feb 20th, 2015 1:35 pm
Everyone that I have know who has had progressives hated them. The glasses literally made them sick. You may want to buy them somewhere that has a good return policy in case they don't work for you. I know one person who was able to return hers (I think she bought at Lenscrafters) but the others ate the loss and bought new glasses.
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- #9
- inkjoy
- Member
- Oct 2, 2014
- 212 posts
- 35 upvotes
- New Westminster
Feb 20th, 2015 2:12 pm
Cheap Cat wrote: ↑Everyone that I have know who has had progressives hated them. The glasses literally made them sick. You may want to buy them somewhere that has a good return policy in case they don't work for you. I know one person who was able to return hers (I think she bought at Lenscrafters) but the others ate the loss and bought new glasses.
Yes, Lenscrafters and Sears Optical allow returns if the eye glasses is not working out.
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- #10
- SammyG905
- Newbie
- Nov 16, 2017
- 1 posts
- 1 upvote
Nov 17th, 2017 4:58 pm
Glad to see options of Costco - I would be visiting them today and can say that their prices will be much better than what been quoted by clinic
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