When you buy glasses, know your insurance allowances and be clear on how much you are willing to spend. Optical shops will show you the expensive designer frames first, unless you are clear that you aren’t going to buy from them unless the price is within your budget.

Also, some places give uninsured customers a discount. I get 20% off for paying with my credit card, then I file my own insurance and FSA claims. I buy my backup glasses online, but I like to get my main pair locally so they’ll adjust after I knock them out of shape.