Let's be honest, eyeglasses can be expensive! As someone who's always looking for ways to save money, I was determined to find a more affordable way to get the glasses I needed without compromising on quality. My journey led me to some surprising discoveries, and I'm excited to share what I learned with you. Getting affordable eyeglasses is possible, and I'm here to show you how.
I've always needed glasses, and the cost has always been a concern. I remember going to a well-known optical shop and being shocked by the price tag. It felt like I was paying more for the brand name than the actual glasses. I even tried getting my eyes checked at a less reputable place, hoping to save a few bucks, but the prescription felt off, and I ended up with headaches. It was a frustrating experience.
I heard whispers about a place called Quiapo where you could get eyeglasses for a fraction of the price. I was skeptical, to be honest. I worried about the quality and accuracy of the prescriptions. But my desire to save money eventually outweighed my doubts, and I decided to investigate.
My first trip to Quiapo for eyeglasses was an eye-opening experience (pun intended!). It was bustling and a bit overwhelming, but I quickly realized that there were indeed amazing deals to be found. I found a small shop and started asking questions. The owner was friendly and helpful, and I felt surprisingly comfortable.
However, I learned a very important lesson: while you can save a lot on frames and lenses in Quiapo, it's crucial to get your eyes tested by a qualified professional first. I made the mistake of letting a random person do my eye exam once, and the glasses were completely wrong! After that experience, I always make sure to get a proper eye exam from a licensed optometrist before heading to Quiapo.
I discovered that many people have a favorite shop in Quiapo where they get their glasses made. They often get discounts and freebies, but the quality remains good. This is definitely the way to go. Finding a reliable vendor is key.
Another thing I noticed was the variety of frames available. It was much wider than what I'd seen in the more expensive shops. And, honestly, the quality seemed just as good, if not better. It made me question why I'd been paying so much more all those years.
One friend, who works as an optometrist at a well-known shop, told me that even they get their lenses made in Quiapo! That was the confirmation I needed. Since then, my whole family gets our glasses made in Quiapo. The savings are incredible. I used to pay around 7,000 pesos for a pair of glasses, and now I only pay around 2,000 pesos.
Over the years, I've developed a few strategies for getting the best deals on eyeglasses in Quiapo:
I also discovered that you can even get transition lenses for a fraction of the price. I used to buy them for around 250 pesos, then find a frame for 200-300 pesos and pay 100 pesos for assembly. I would get 2-3 pairs of glasses at a time! It was a fantastic deal. I'm still searching for that particular shop since they closed down during the pandemic.