This post is written and sponsored by Jabi Optics.

Why I Care About This So Much

I started working in the optical field and making eyeglasses at age 16. The service and quality I saw from our optometrists at Moore Eye Center spoiled me. These doctors really cared about their patients. They didn’t want to sell anything just to pad the numbers. What surprised me most was how differently large corporate stores treated service. For them, it really was about the bottom line. My dream was to build a practice that gives people the best vision possible at the lowest price. That’s why I care so much about helping people buy glasses the smart way.

Where Should You Buy Glasses, and Do You Know How to Find the Best Deal?

This seems like an easy question to answer. Some would say, “I just go online and find the best deal at Zenni or Warby Parker.” Others would say, “I just want to go to one place. That’s why I get my eyeglasses from my doctor’s office.”

The issue isn’t where you get your glasses. It’s about the criteria you should look for, and who’s actually educating you on what matters. Mass marketing convinces people that name brands equal quality. So, most eyeglass buyers look for a brand name they recognize. This can be a huge mistake.

The Brand Name Trap

So, what should you actually be looking for? Today I’ll go through what matters most when buying glasses.

We’ve all heard of the major brands — Ray-Ban, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada, and the list goes on. Everyone recognizes these as the leading names in frames and fashion. Would it surprise you that those names mean very little for durability? That’s because the name on the side of the frame is just that: a name. What you should be asking instead is, “what is this frame made of?”

Materials That Actually Matter

First, let’s talk about materials. If you’re buying a metal frame, look for stainless steel or titanium. Both are very durable, and titanium is also naturally hypoallergenic, which matters if you have sensitive skin. Most people wear plastic frames instead. For plastic, look for Cellulose Acetate (a plant-based plastic) or TR-90 (a flexible, lightweight nylon). Many brand-name frames use cellulose acetate too, but that’s not a brand requirement — it’s just a good material.

Second, let’s talk about why the name costs so much. Just two companies make most name-brand frames: EssilorLuxottica and Safilo. They’re the ones who pay to license a designer’s name. For example, Luxottica signed a 10-year, $1.75 billion licensing deal just to put the Ralph Lauren name on its frames. The designer whose name ends up on the frame usually has nothing to do with designing or making it. EssilorLuxottica and Safilo still must profit on that license. So, they build the cost into what they charge optical shops. Those shops then pass it on to you.

Finally, there’s the question of where these frames actually come from. Many of these brands built their reputation on being American-made. By 2026, factories in China make most eyeglass frames — some industry estimates say over 90 percent. If you’re curious where yours came from, check the inside of the temple. That’s the arm that rests over your ear.

Here’s where Jabi does things differently. We buy most of our frames directly from the manufacturers, skipping the wholesaler. That cuts out a markup most shops pass straight on to you. Some of those same factories also make frames for EssilorLuxottica and Safilo under license. That means you get comparable manufacturing, without paying for someone else’s name.

That savings goes straight back into your pair of glasses, not into a logo. It’s part of why we can offer premium materials at a price that actually makes sense. We built Jabi around one simple idea: everyone deserves great vision without overpaying for a brand name. That means being upfront about your frames, your lenses, and what it should all cost. No gimmicks, no pressure, just honest guidance so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

Next time, I’ll walk through your lenses — and what all of this should really cost you. That number might surprise you!

Not sure if your current glasses are worth replacing? Stop by Jabi Optics for honest advice. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you find frames that fit your style and budget — without the pressure.

Jabi Optics

High Point, NC | 336-925-7642 | www.jabioptics.com

Stop by or give us a call — we’re happy to answer questions, no appointment required.

Sources: Luxottica Group, “Luxottica Group Signs Landmark Ten-Year, US$1.75 Billion Eyewear Licence Agreement With Polo Ralph Lauren,” press release filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, February 27, 2006.

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