Low Cost Vision Care in Austin?
August 8, 2010 9:09 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for low-cost vision care options in Austin, Tx.
(Overly detailed due to stress-levels)
After a really really long battle with depression, and a 6-day stay in the hospital, I'm on the path to actually getting my life back together. Got on the county medical assistance plan (MAP), and have mental and physical health providers for the first time in years.
Only one problem: No vision coverage. And I need glasses (or contacts). I can't afford the exam, let alone the prescription. It seems silly to me, after all this time, that this one simple area cannot be helped. How am I supposed to find/get to a job if I can't see to drive? None of my other providers (gp, therapist, psychiatrist, or the map office) seem to have any advice on this.
So, any Austin MeFites know where I can go for low-cost, sliding-scale, or at least someplace that will bill me instead of expecting $100+ up front for an eye exam and glasses/contacts?
(Overly detailed due to stress-levels)
After a really really long battle with depression, and a 6-day stay in the hospital, I'm on the path to actually getting my life back together. Got on the county medical assistance plan (MAP), and have mental and physical health providers for the first time in years.
Only one problem: No vision coverage. And I need glasses (or contacts). I can't afford the exam, let alone the prescription. It seems silly to me, after all this time, that this one simple area cannot be helped. How am I supposed to find/get to a job if I can't see to drive? None of my other providers (gp, therapist, psychiatrist, or the map office) seem to have any advice on this.
So, any Austin MeFites know where I can go for low-cost, sliding-scale, or at least someplace that will bill me instead of expecting $100+ up front for an eye exam and glasses/contacts?
Best answer: Get your glasses from Zenni Optical or another online glasses shop. They're SO MUCH cheaper. I have a pair I love and get compliments on that were $8.95 for the frames+standard lenses plus $5 for the anti-glare coating.
For the exam
Royal Eyes-Discount Eyewear Program
Provides discounted eyewear for people with low income. 9515 N. Lamar Blvd. #136 78753 (512) 458-3937 (I got this from this website). Apparently the HHS clinics also do vision exams.
posted by elpea at 3:04 PM on August 8, 2010
For the exam
Royal Eyes-Discount Eyewear Program
Provides discounted eyewear for people with low income. 9515 N. Lamar Blvd. #136 78753 (512) 458-3937 (I got this from this website). Apparently the HHS clinics also do vision exams.
posted by elpea at 3:04 PM on August 8, 2010
I just ordered some knockoff RayBan Wayfarer type Rx glasses from Optical4less.com for about $20 including lenses with anti-glare and anti-scratch IIRC. They should arrive in the next day or two so I can't vouch for them yet but they have good writeups and apparently they will also re-lense your existing frames.
posted by 1000monkeys at 12:07 AM on August 9, 2010
posted by 1000monkeys at 12:07 AM on August 9, 2010
See if MAP covers the cost of one annual eye exam (with copay). Most medical insurance will cover one eye exam. If that is the case, get your prescription and order your glasses online. (Here's mathowie's tutorial on how to do this.) I've bought glasses from Zenni and EyeBuyDirect and would recommend both.
posted by mattbucher at 7:34 AM on August 9, 2010
posted by mattbucher at 7:34 AM on August 9, 2010
Just wanted to let you know, I just received my glasses from Optical4Less today (about $30 incl. frame, lenses with anti-reflective and anti-scratch coating, and shipping) and the quality is surprisingly good. The lenses are clear and the frames are nice and fit well. Highly recommended.
posted by 1000monkeys at 9:16 PM on August 12, 2010
posted by 1000monkeys at 9:16 PM on August 12, 2010
« Older Help me calm down about a possible breast lump. | Two people. An iPod Touch and iPhone. One Macbook... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
Good luck.
posted by goateebird at 9:51 AM on August 8, 2010