An identical pair of eyeglasses costs from $96 to $400, depending on which of the area's opticians or optometrists you use. For a one-year supply of continuous-wear, disposable contact lenses (including an exam, fitting, and follow-up visits) costs vary from $163 to $593. The good news is that we have identified firms where you can get your glasses at a good price and get excellent service also.

Read our article and findings (available exclusively to CHECKBOOK subscribers)

Back to Washington Consumers' CHECKBOOK Table of Contents.

• Subscriber from BURKE, VA wrote Promt, professional and cost-competitive. I highly recommend!.......
• Subscriber from ASHBURN, VA wrote Good prices but high volume operation and insufficient individual attention........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote Some of the niftiest frames in town. I am always complimented on glasses purchased from..........
• Subscriber from VIENNA, VA wrote The staff was rude, self-righteous, condescending. If you disagree with them, be prepared for the..........
• Subscriber from ALEXANDRIA, VA wrote It took several trips to get a prescription filled properly. Long wait........
• Subscriber from SILVER SPRING, MD wrote experiend staff has great knowledge of optics and gives excellent advice on lens and frame..........
• Subscriber from BETHESDA, MD wrote Unless you have special needs, this is a great place to get glasses........
• Subscriber from MCLEAN, VA wrote Very professional. Pleasant staff........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote After buying progressive lenses from many in the DC area, these are the best. Best..........
• Subscriber from BETHESDA, MD wrote Excellent service........
• Subscriber from GREAT FALLS, VA wrote A bit pricey, especially for eye glasses, but really professional and high quality........
• Subscriber from ROCKVILLE, MD wrote Always professional, prompt, cheerful, accommodating. NO problems or complaints........
• Subscriber from SILVER SPRING, MD wrote I'll take standing behind your products over the absolute cheapest products anytime! We're long time..........
• Subscriber from ROCKVILLE, MD wrote High priced and not worth it........
• Subscriber from OLNEY, MD wrote Dr Kepner is wonderful- thorough, knowledgeable and knows how to always make the visit a..........
• Subscriber from GREENBELT, MD wrote Expensive, but reliably provide me with sturdy and stylish glasses that accomodate my many visual..........
• Subscriber from RESTON, VA wrote The person who waited on me was willing to do multiple calculations with my two..........
• Subscriber from KENSINGTON, MD wrote I was displeased with the mounting of new lenses on my thin wire glasses. When..........
• Subscriber from BURTONSVILLE, MD wrote not a whole lot of eyeglasses selection. price is not competitive.......
• Subscriber from FALLS CHURCH, VA wrote Nice, family run shop. Not a chain. Local folks that are gonna be here for..........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote The staff is friendly and they have a terrific selection of frames (including Oliver Peoples)...........
• Subscriber from GREAT FALLS, VA wrote Have to watch and compare prices. Costco low on some; not so low on others.......
• Subscriber from ROCKVILLE, MD wrote Unable to get a satisfactory pair of glasses to accomodate a change in one eye...........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote Virginia Burton is a one woman practice. She is outstanding, has high quality frames and..........
• Subscriber from ARLINGTON, VA wrote Major complaint was that I was not given my prescription after visit. They wanted to..........
• Subscriber from ROCKVILLE, MD wrote Excellent service, excellent optomotetrist, a bit pricy. Excellent customer service........
• Subscriber from FX STATION, VA wrote Outstanding optician who provides expert, personalized service. Experienced, patient, customer-focused. Highly recommended........
• Subscriber from RESTON, VA wrote good people, good results, but casual about deadlines........
• Subscriber from ROUND HILL, VA wrote Very helpful with choosing frames and lenses. Pleased with final product, but price was very..........
• Subscriber from ALEXANDRIA, VA wrote I get a upfront price without the "used car dealer" sells approach to determine what..........
• Subscriber from GAITHERSBURG, MD wrote The address is wrong. They moved to North Frederick Ave (355) several years ago........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote They tried TWICE to make the glasses and could not get it right. I have..........
• Subscriber from ALEXANDRIA, VA wrote I used this Landmark location a few years ago and had a great experience. Went..........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote I have recommended Blink, particularly staff member "Brian," to many colleagues. Brian has an excellent..........
• Subscriber from SILVER SPRING, MD wrote I've used them for years and love them. An opthamalogist who I went to was..........
• Subscriber from RESTON, VA wrote On my first visit Shiela spent an hour and a half discussing options with me,..........
• Subscriber from ANNANDALE, VA wrote A little overprices but prices were negotiable when asked. Frame adjustment not the best. Lens..........
• Subscriber from ALEXANDRIA, VA wrote Have been using Dr. Davidson for over 25 years. Staff is alway very professional, helpful..........
• Subscriber from POTOMAC, MD wrote Been going there for years and will continue.......
• Subscriber from SPRINGFIELD, VA wrote They give a discount on exams and contact lenses for military, retired military, and their..........
• Subscriber from ALEXANDRIA, VA wrote It took me five visits to get the proper prescription, and that was only after..........
• Subscriber from BETHESDA, MD wrote I have recommended these professionals to my friends who have also been satisfied. Both Debbie..........
• Subscriber from WASHINGTON, DC wrote Much less expensive than others for good (but not superior) quality and service. The associated..........
• Subscriber from ARLINGTON, VA wrote Trust for qualiaty. Excellent for finding the right glasses to go with my face and..........
• Subscriber from ARLINGTON, VA wrote First class!.......
• Subscriber from POTOMAC FALLS, VA wrote Prices, even during so-called "Sales" are really a rip-off. The frames on sale are ugly..........
• Subscriber from GAITHERSBURG, MD wrote Superb optician. Knowledgeable, helpfull. Note my experience at Shady Grove location on several ocasions was..........
• Subscriber from BETHESDA, MD wrote I've never seen anyone so good at suggesting frames that are flattering, fit well, and..........
• Subscriber from GERMANTOWN, MD wrote Took three times to make adjustments, but they eventually got my prescription right........
• Subscriber from ANNANDALE, VA wrote I've tried others, and none compare for quality and service........