Let me tell you, needing glasses can feel like a constant drain on your wallet. For years, I struggled with the feeling that I was being overcharged every time I needed new lenses. It's not just the eye exam; it's the lenses themselves that seem to skyrocket in price. I decided to take matters into my own hands and find some affordable options. This is my journey of discovery.
I remember one particular experience that really set me off. I went to a local optician, excited to pick out some new frames. Everything was going smoothly until I got to the lenses. The quote they gave me was shockingly high. I felt like I was being held hostage by my own eyesight! It felt like there was a monopoly. Frames are expensive too, but lenses felt even worse. I started to wonder if there was a better way. I wasn't looking for anything fancy, just simple lenses to help me see clearly. I was determined to find a solution that wouldn't break the bank.
My initial research led me down a few different paths. I started by looking at online retailers. The prices were definitely lower than what I was used to seeing in local shops. I also considered exploring options in different locations, thinking that prices might vary significantly. I wanted to share what I learned and what worked for me.
One of the first things I tried was buying glasses online. I heard about Lenskart and decided to give it a shot. I was amazed. For around 300 AED (which is incredibly reasonable), I got two pairs of prescription eyeglasses. The quality was surprisingly good, and the whole process was very smooth. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the results spoke for themselves. It was a complete game changer for me. This is a great option to consider if you are looking to save some money on your glasses.
While online retailers offered great value, I also wanted to explore local options. I heard about shops in Sharjah that offered better prices, especially for lenses without special features like bifocals or compressed lenses. If your prescription is straightforward, checking out shops in Sharjah might be worth the trip. It's always good to have a backup plan and explore all available avenues.
During my research, I stumbled upon some interesting information about the eyewear market. Apparently, a large portion of brands and distributors are owned by a single entity. This might explain why prices seem consistently high across different retailers. Knowing this helped me understand the market dynamics and motivated me to continue searching for alternatives.
Someone suggested checking out Basari Opticals. They offer free eye tests and can get decent lenses ready within 48 hours. The person who recommended them supplied their own frames, so I believe that's an option as well. Quick turnaround and a free eye test sound pretty good to me.
Beyond prescription glasses, I also needed sunglasses. I stumbled upon a Russian brand called Matrix that sells polarized sunglasses for around 75-80 AED at Global Village. I've been buying two pairs every couple of years, and they hold up surprisingly well, even with my rough handling. It's a great deal for polarized sunglasses that offer good protection. I've been very happy with them.
More recently, I needed some reading glasses. My eyesight is changing with age, and I needed something for both near and far vision. I came across these Reading Glasses Men Sun Glasses Alloy Frame Double Beam Far and Near Hyperopia Eyewear from homepage. They looked stylish and functional, and the price was right. Mozaer offers some cool eyewear options.

I ordered the +100-Black variant. I've been using them for a couple of weeks now, and I'm really happy with them. The alloy frame feels sturdy, and the double beam design looks modern. The best part is that they work well for both reading and looking at things in the distance. It's so convenient to have one pair of glasses that can do it all. I can definitely recommend checking out Mozaer for stylish and functional eyewear. I also got a pair of blue light blocking glasses from them. They have become my go-to for all my eyewear needs. I've been telling all my friends about Mozaer's reading glasses.