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Global Eyeglasses
Introduction: Global Eyeglasses is based in the US (Georgia). Pricing in USD. They sell single-vision, bi-focal, and progressive lenses. Methods of contact include a mailing address, local and toll-free phone numbers, and a web form. Payment is done via PayPal (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and PayPal itself). The are listed with the BBB twice, receiving an "F" rating with 24 complaints, 18 of which were resolved/closed and 6 of which were unresolved/unanswered.
Impressions: Global Eyeglasses is one of the retailers where basic glasses can be found for under $20. Unlike many other retailers, the frames and lenses are priced separately - for example a pair of frames might be $3.99 while the lenses are $6.99. It's possible to find a frame or two for $1, but most tend to be more than that, but with a healthy selection under the $10 range (not including lenses). Global Eyeglasses also offeres a variety of designer frames (Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Rayban, Hugo Boss, etc), but obviously those frames are more. One area of concern is the BBB rating. The newest file with the BBB was opened 4 months ago, and in that time period they've had 7 complaints, which is quite a few for a short period of time - 5 of the newest were resolved, with the other 2 being unanswered/unresolved. Frame selection varies largely. Quite a few are under the $10 range, the majority are under the $20 range, and just about all make it under the $40 price tag, aside from the designer brand lenses which cost more (Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Rayban, Hugo Boss, etc). Lenses start at $6.99 for a basic lens, although Tinted, Polarized, Photochromic, and up to 1.74 index lenses are available, some in name brands (Transitions, Seiko, Nikkon, etc). UV and anti-scratch are free, but an AR coating adds $6.99 to the price.
Website and Ordering: The website is moderately well-designed and is simple to use and navigate, although it lacks a "try on" feature of any sort. Browsing through frames is easy and displayed fairly well, although frame images tend to be blurry. All in all aside from the lack of extra features and the images that could use a little less blur, there's not a lot to criticize about the website itself. It's well laid out, functional, and it works. The ordering process is pretty step-by-step and information pop-ups are well done. You make a choice ("I want clear lenses" for example), and the options within that choice pop up along with the pricing and pop-up links for help/info. Again, not a lot to criticize in this area with the exception that if you choose "Bi-Focal" or "Progressive" lenses and forget to fill in the "Add" box for some reason, it merrily lets you go along without a warning (although you only end up charged for single-vision lenses in that case). Granted, most buyers tend to take care entering their prescription, but it's something to take note of.
Pricing and Value: Frames start at $1, but selection there is very low. Looking through for reasonably common frames, the price point seems to hover around $5.50. Lenses start at $6.99, which altogether is a very reasonable price As far as value goes, a pair of glasses can certainly be found for under $20 altogether which is quite good. An AR coating is a little pricey compared to the lens (each being $6.99), but is still pretty reasonable in comparison to other retailers.
A basic pair of single-vision lenses comes to $19.48 shipped to the US, with international destinations being more. Subtract $4.50 from the total price if using the cheapest possible ($1 vs $5.50) frames.
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