New glasses rarely cost just the price of the frame. Prescription lenses, coatings, progressives for reading and distance, and perhaps a second pair for the car or the garden all add to the total. For anyone whose prescription changes every year or two, eyeglass discounts for members can make a real difference to how often you update your lenses and how many pairs you own.
Member savings in this area come in two forms. Optical retailers take money off frames, lenses or extra pairs at the counter, while a vision plan covers eye exams and glasses over the year. Here is how they compare and who each one suits.
The Options at a Glance
| Option | What members get | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| LensCrafters | 20% off frames plus 50% off prescription lenses with a complete pair, and 30% off non-prescription sunglasses | A full new pair with quality lenses |
| Target Optical | 50% off additional complete pairs, plus an extra $10 off frames, lenses, glasses or contacts | A second pair or prescription sunglasses |
| Visionworks | $200 off a complete pair with single vision lenses, or $250 off with multifocal lenses | Single vision or multifocal wearers |
| Vision Plans from VSP | Coverage for eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, with average member savings of $350 a year | Regular yearly eye care |
A Closer Look at Each Offer
LensCrafters
Members get 20% off frames plus 50% off prescription lenses with the purchase of a complete pair, which matters most when you want premium lenses such as progressives. Non-prescription sunglasses are 30% off too, so a pair for driving into the sun can be added to the same visit. To claim it, show your membership card at checkout.
Target Optical
Members get 50% off the purchase of additional complete pairs (frames and lenses) of prescription eyewear or sunglasses. If you like to keep a spare pair by the bed or want prescription sunglasses for the garden, this is the offer that makes it affordable. On top of that, members save an extra $10 off the purchase of a frame, lenses, a complete pair of glasses or contact lenses, with a two-box minimum for contacts. Show your membership card at checkout to claim both.
Visionworks
Visionworks takes $200 off a complete pair when you choose single vision lenses, and $250 off when you pick multifocal lenses. A minimum purchase applies, and the coupon is downloaded from the Visionworks website and shown at the time of purchase. It is a good fit for anyone who already knows they need a full pair with multifocal lenses.
Vision Plans from VSP
For people who prefer predictable yearly care, the member vision plans from VSP cover a comprehensive eye exam, glasses and lens enhancements such as progressives and anti-glare coatings, with savings on retinal imaging and a larger frame allowance. Members save an average of $350 a year, based on VSP claims data, though individual savings vary. A plan can be bought and used on the same day, which helps if an appointment is already booked.
Retail Saving or Vision Plan?
The two routes suit different habits. If you have your eyes checked regularly and change lenses often, a vision plan spreads the cost of exams, glasses and lens upgrades across the year, and it removes the guesswork when an optometrist recommends progressives or an anti-glare coating. If you only need new glasses now and then, or you already have exam coverage elsewhere, a retailer saving at the counter may be all you need. A second pair of glasses discount is also handy for one-off extras, such as prescription sunglasses or a backup pair kept in the car.
Before You Visit the Store
- Bring your current prescription, or book an eye exam first if it is more than a year or two old.
- Decide whether you need single vision, reading or multifocal lenses, since several savings depend on the lens type.
- Think about a second pair or prescription sunglasses while you are there; the extra-pair savings make it easier.
- Carry your membership card or download the coupon in advance, depending on the retailer.
- If you choose the vision plan, check which exams and lens enhancements it covers before you order.
The Bottom Line
Clear vision affects everything from reading the newspaper to driving at night, so it pays to keep glasses up to date. Whether you want a full new pair with premium lenses, a spare for the car or a plan that covers the yearly exam, there is a member option that fits. Combine the right prescription glasses savings with a regular check-up and a vision plan for members becomes part of looking after your eyes, not an extra expense.
Become a member of AARP and these eyewear savings apply to every new pair of frames, lenses and contacts you buy. You will find more guides to health, home and everyday savings over at BlogsBuddy.