Optician Prices

rusty2005 wrote:

My husband had an appointment with an optician today - eye test and 2 pairs of glasses (normal pair and a pair of safety glasses for work). He does have complex perscription but the almost $4000 bill does seem a bit excessive. Does anyone know if this is a typical charge for this in Saudi Arabia or did they 'see him coming'.  If this is the cost then this is the cost - but just wondering - any thoughts? (Pretty sure he could have had LASIK done in the US for the price!)

4000 $ or SAR?
Complex and top high-tech glasses may cost ~2000- 4000 SAR - at least twice or more expensive than in EU/US.
Eye test usually must be covered by medical insurance, and if you already have prescription for glasses - order them from somewhere else, even by internet.

It was $4000 - so that's why I was a bit 😳

How much was the normal pair?  I bet most of that cost is from the safety pair.  How much were the frames, and how much were the lenses?

He says that the normal ones were approx $2300 and the safety ones were approx $1400. Not sure what the split of frames/lenses was but that the lenses were definately more expensive than the frames.

$2,300 for glasses?  Even Christian Dior frames can be had for $500, so that still leaves $1,800 for lenses.  What's wrong with his eyes???

What store did he go to (probably Maghrabi) and what is his prescription?  And for lenses, they have different ones as well, with a wide range of prices.  Maybe they sold him the most high tech and most expensive ones they have, but even then that's too much.  When I have inquired, the most expensive lenses have been for around $800 for a pair.

rusty2005 wrote:

He says that the normal ones were approx $2300 and the safety ones were approx $1400. Not sure what the split of frames/lenses was but that the lenses were definately more expensive than the frames.

If you have a prescription just google glasses online or eyebuydirect where you can choose a frame, enter lens details and you will get a price for comparison.
I was quoted 3500 SR for sophisticated progressive lenses (Essilor brand) in Maghrabi Opticals, and actually paid approx. 1600 SR for the same back home.