Here’s why eyeglasses are so expensive: Luxottica is monopoly that the Federal Trade Commission should have taken down years ago. There used to be anti-trust laws for behemoths like this corporation. These trust busting laws must be brought back.

Luxxotica owns almost all designer eyeglasses brands including Gucci, Prada, Ray Ban, Oakley, Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace, Chanel, Paul Smith, Vogue, Oliver Peoples, and many more.

They also own most retail channels: Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, Sunglass Hut, and Oliver Peoples.

They even own the second largest vision insurer, Eyemed.

And they are scumbags. Other companies have no negotiating room, and when they do try to compete, Luxottica refuses to sell their brand at their stores, and then buys them out after their stock sinks, as they did with Oakley (they stole that company and took it for 2.5 billion).

So not only do they manufacture a large majority of the glasses (their CEO estimated that at least half a billion people own a pair they made) – they also set the prices. Eyeglasses really only cost a couple bucks to make. Luxxotica makes sure you’re paying hundreds of dollars for those pieces of plastic.

 

Here’s the solution:

The best and cheapest thing is to shop online. I was afraid to do this at first but if you have an eyeglasses prescription (which you can get anywhere for 50-60 bucks) then you can buy some lovely frames. There are some great U.S. and Europe-based companies. Zenni is a Chinese based company and has the cheapest frames ( some are only five dollars). For the most part the quality of their frames and lenses are good. Once I got a pair that didn’t get my prescription right; I was able to return them for a full refund without a hassle. They have 30 day return policy.

 

 

More important eye info:

The Dangers of Lasik eye surgery: https://kimcampion.com/organic-health/dont-get-lasik-eye-surgery/

Why you should never wear contact lenses: https://kimcampion.com/organic-health/why-you-should-never-wear-contact-lenses/

 

 

Here are some excellent eyeglasses charities:

Goodvision.org: https://goodvision.org/concept/

Another list: https://blog.visionweb.com/the-ultimate-list-of-vision-charities-for-the-eyecare-industry