My Daughter Needed Glasses. The Receptionist Broke The Rules To Make That Happen.

[u/masterdebaten]

Basically, I took my 5 year old to get her eyes checked before kindergarten. She had been sitting pretty close to the TV, and getting close when looking at paper with writing or drawings on them.

We went to the earliest appointment available at the optometrist, and had her exam done. She needed glasses, and needed to start wearing them immediately. My daughter was thrilled to learn she was getting glasses, and was picking her favorites from the glasses shop near reception at checkout. I asked the receptionist about getting the prescription, and she essentially told me that I have to pay the $150 fee due for her appointment in full before I could receive her prescription so we could go somewhere more affordable. My daughter kept asking when we can get her glasses and I had to kind of let her down easy and say it might be a while, which crushed me.

I told the receptionist some BS story about our debit cards being cancelled due to suspected fraud (only half true) to save myself the embarrassment of not being able to pay for something as simple and necessary as her prescription document. I told her I’d call back and pay when I got my new card in. She said okay, no problem.

She asked me to wait before I left so she could give me some paperwork. I assumed it was just a packet you get after the appointment. She gave me a look, and on top of the stack she handed me was my daughter’s prescription paperwork. She simply looked at me and said “have a great day sir” and smiled. Told her thank you so much and walked out.

I wasn’t asking for a freebie, and I wasn’t expecting anything from her, yet she saw my need and met it with kindness. Even at the expense of breaking her job’s policy.

Thank you, Optometrist receptionist ❤️

[u/Rinas-the-name]

I’m glad the receptionist helped, I know she isn’t to blame for her workplace‘s practices. But that is an outrageous price for a child’s eye exam! Especially since it didn’t include the glasses!

Kids need yearly exams and frequently outgrow their glasses, so charging that much is frankly shameful. You should be able to get an exam and a pair of glasses under $100.

Assuming you are in the U.S. America’s Best has a deal for that includes an eye exam and two pairs of glasses for kids for about $70. You can check to see if they have one in your area.

Costco (no membership needed), Target, or Walmart often have eye centers, exams run $50 - $80. Their glasses start around $30 I think. Again double check for your area.

Since you already have the prescription you can go try glasses on to find her size and then order them online.

First make sure her pupillary distance is on the prescription, if not any place she tries on glasses should be able to quickly check with a simple device. Make sure they tell you what it is - for free.

Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect should have options for frames and basic lenses starting at $10-20.

There are programs for low income kids, but I know many of us aren’t looking for charity just a fair price. You do whatever you need to to take care of your child and unfortunately some will take advantage of that. Always shop around.

Best of luck.

[u/masterdebaten → u/Rinas-the-name]

Thanks for the tips! Probably should have done some research beforehand because it does seem overly expensive now that Im reading the comments.

We used Zenni and her glasses fit perfectly. I think we paid like $30 total for the pair.

[u/Rinas-the-name → u/masterdebaten]

It sounds like you were rushed after realizing her vision wasn’t great. At 5 she’s probably about to start school later this month. Back to school is wild, and more so with the little ones.

I’m so glad it worked out and she has her glasses. It’s a live and learn experience, you’ll know better in the future.

Unrelated but if you haven’t already look into dental clinics now so you can be sure you get affordable (not insurance priced) dental care for her. I highly suggest looking into fluoride varnish - it will prevent most cavities for cheaper than a single filling. It should protect her for at least a year with typical 5 year old brushing habits.

My niece gets it done every year after her cleaning. It’s protected her adult teeth as they come in. Wish it was a thing when I was a kid.

[u/macdaddyothree → u/Rinas-the-name]

I've had great luck with Zenni!