Prescription Glasses Under 1,000 Pesos?

Saturday, July 04, 2015 Alexis Mendoza 56 Comments


Having poor vision, it's a struggle for people like me to maintain and take care of the thing that helps me live normally - my prescription glasses. Unfortunately, it can eventually break and most of the time without any warning.

I recently experienced having TWO prescription glasses getting busted in the span of 1 week leaving me with the problem on how I can squeeze my last 1,000 pesos for a new pair of prescription glasses. 


So can someone get a decent pair of prescription glass for under 1000 pesos? This is the challenge I tried to answer. But first, here are the glasses I have that decided to give up on me just a couple of days in between.

First is the one I was using for more than a year already, I just woke up one day and saw that the frame decided to split up. I was a little sad about this because this is my favorite wide frame glasses.


I decided to get a new pair, using the same method I used for my third pair that you will be reading later on. Unfortunately (and also my fault), I left it on the coffee table and my pet dog Skippy decided to make it into her chew toy. The frame was damaged, one of the glasses popped out and broken into tiny pieces. 


Now back to the question, can your 1,000 be enough for a decent pair of prescription glasses? I first inquired in my optical shop how much would it be if I buy their cheapest frame and glasses from them, they estimated it to be around 1,500 pesos. Because I am cheap, I declined and said I would come back.

I decided that the best way to go cheap on glasses is to provide your own pair of frames rather than buying ones sold by optical shops, the downside to this is that you don't know if they can replace the lens. I checked SM Accessories and found a collection of AXN glasses priced from 400 to 650, I decided to get one and re-confirmed with their staff that the glasses is replaceable.


Now that I got my glasses, I headed back to Ideal Vision and inquired about my plan of having my frame replaced by prescription glasses from them, they said it's possible but they won't be liable if my frame gets broken during the replacement procedure. The amount I only need to pay is 300 pesos, which included them checking my eyes if my grade increased.


I underwent the normal eye check-up and strolled around the mall for an hour. When I got back, my new prescription glasses is waiting for me, ready to help see the world in a clearer way! So basically, I got a new pair of prescription glasses for only 770 pesos. Definitely way under 1000 pesos! 


Here's a breakdown on what I spent to get my new pair of glasses:

AXN Eye Glasses Frame  - 470 pesos (Originally 550 pesos, hurrah for sale!)
Prescription Glasses         - 300 pesos
Eye Check-up                    - FREE
Total                                    770 pesos

So there, it''s possible for you to have your own prescription glasses on a budget. So if you're still hesitating to get your eyes checked and getting your own prescription glasses, you don't have to worry because you can do it the way I did it. Let me know your thoughts about this in the comments below!

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Just a quick update, as of March 2019 Ideal Vision's prescription glasses without frame will now cost you 800php, they only offer multi-coated lenses and cannot install regular lenses on frames provided by customers. 

56 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hello!

      It's regular glasses. Multi-coated lens are priced at 800php at Ideal Vision. :)

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  2. What's your lens grade? Mine is 550 both eyes. Is it going to be expensive?

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    1. Mine is 350 and 275. I think it won't be that expensive if you're getting regular lenses and not coated ones. :)

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  3. Nice! I also tried it at Executive Optical. I bought an Dickies eyeglasses at SM department store and got the lens at EOs. The only problem is that, the frame I chose is get broke easily. haha.:D

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  4. Hi. I was actually looking at metrosunnies for glasses since they look nice and on trend. My lens grade is 375 on both.. i think.. haha the last time i had my check up was way back 2012. I want to thank your article for the information. I was actually hesitant not to buy frames from optical shops. but since i am on a tight budget plus i get to read your article. I was encouraged haha. Wish me luck on my frame purchase lol :)

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    1. Hello!

      My lens grade is 325 and 275, my tip is to make sure you buy frames that are a little thick on the glasses frame area so that it can handle the thickness of your graded lens. Good luck and let me know how it goes Mary Ann! :)

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  5. hi, is there an additional cost if you change the grade of lenses you purchased from them?
    Recently purchased a new pair of frames with new lenses, but after 24hrs of usage, it takes my eyes longer to focus with the new lenses.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Nino!

      Unfortunately, I think that's not possible and you have to purchase a new set of lens. That is why they ask you to test it before proceeding with the lens creation and another test when you claim the lens. :(

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  6. I bought my frame at dept store and its side was already fading. :( now, I'm planning to transfer my lens into my new frame (again) which my sister gave me. How much would it be cost? My lens came from ideal vision. I'm just wondering if they can transfer my lenses. I've just bought it last Dec. 27 2016. Ty for response! Ps. Ideal vision's lens was really good and better. I can see now on a clear sight. Ü

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mitzi!

      This will depend on the size of the old frame vs the new frame because lens are made the fit for a specific frame and cannot be easily transferred to a new frame, unless the new frame is exactly the same as the old frame. :)

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  7. Lens grade is 250 both, astigmatism is 400 for my left eye and 300 for the righ, multicoated but the lenses are thick. I purchased my frame in Robinsons Department store for only P679.00, orignal price is P749.00 the brand is AXN Eyewear and got my lense in Sarabia Optical for 1600. P2279 is too pricey for me because I have high astigmastism.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, that's a little steep. Maybe try Ideal Vision and see if this cheaper? :)

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  8. Lens grade is 250 both, astigmatism is 400 for my left eye and 300 for the righ, multicoated but the lenses are thick. I purchased my frame in Robinsons Department store for only P679.00, orignal price is P749.00 the brand is AXN Eyewear and got my lense in Sarabia Optical for 1600. P2279 is too pricey for me because I have high astigmastism.

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  9. hi i just cracked my right lens. is it possible to only avail one lens? and is the multi coated lens really for 800 pesos? i hope they offer 1 side lens.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Josh!

      Not really sure if they offer single lens but best to visit their nearest branch in your area to inquire. ;)

      Delete
  10. Hello sir,

    Do you think the coated lenses is still priced the same? I just bought a new specs and hoping that EO can replace the lens without damage. Do you think the plastic frames have a higher tendency to break than the metal frames?

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kristine!

      Coated lenses are definitely pricier. At Ideal Vision, I think Coated is around 800+. As for frames, I personally prefer plastic frames since I don't have to worry when I get it wet or if I sweat a lot, but I do own a metal frame pair as well but I use them rarely.

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  11. Hi. How much po mga anti radiation glasses. I need one po kasi. Tnx

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    Replies
    1. Hello!

      Not sure about that, but they have a coated lens option at around 800php (lens only) and you need to provide the frame.

      Delete
  12. kahit saang ideal vision ba pde mag papalit ng lens kahit hindi dun binili yung lens?.

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    Replies
    1. Yes. I've tried na sa dalawang ideal vision branches eh.

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  13. Sadly when I try to bring a frame to be replace to a graded lens at EO they will not accept it. And always say its not possible because etc etc. Are they trying to make money out of their own frame... Hai...

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    1. Hey Guia!

      I heard EO doesn't accept frames not bought from their store, that's why I go to Ideal Vision since they do accept frames bought outside of their store.

      Delete
  14. may astigmatism po kasi ako and i need a anti radition glasses too.. magkano po kaya ung lens?? tnx.

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  15. Bumili ako ng Frame worth 300 pesos sa Sm department store and pina palitan ko ng lens sa Ideal Vision. Multi-coated 1,350 yung binayaran ko sa kanila last 2015. Plan ko bumalik today para sa new pair..Sana mas cheaper na sya ngayon.. hehe

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  16. ANO PONG LOCATION NG IDEAL VISION CENTER?
    THANKS....

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    1. They have different branches, mostly inside malls.

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  17. Thank you for the information sir :) I just buy AXN eyeglass from department store at SM Baguio. Beside the department store is the Ideal Vision. I got the eyeglass worth 600 pesos and have 20% discount, so it costs now 400+ pesos. And when I went to Ideal Vision, the check up is free but the lenses worth 400 pesos(regular) . I just followed what you did. This makes me happy because I bought it in an easy way and cheaper amount. But I'm sad because the eyeglass I bought from the strore has an anti radiation and it was replaced by regular lenses because I don't have enough money to get with anti radiation or multi coated one.haha

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  18. Hello. I've been looking for cheaper lenses for a while. I have to thank you for this post. I just hope they're priced more or less the same. :]

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  19. So nd pala nag a-accept ang EO ng ibang frames ...hmmm..im planning pa naman to buy a new frame at dun na magpagawa ng lense...😞

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  20. im planning to buy a eyeglass for protection when im using computer, how much it cost? Multi-coated include Anti-Blue light coating? What brand of frame from sm department store you can recommend?

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  21. Have you tried going to Quiapo for your set of eye glasses? I've been going there everytime i need a new pair and it's actually where optical shops at malls get their supplies. They even send it there for lens fitting (for some that requires for you to come back several days to get your eyeglasses)

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    Replies
    1. Hey there! I heard there's an area there but haven't visited it yet. I practically have several glasses right now for different occasions so it might be a while for me to have a pair made again. I heard there's super cheap branded frames there so I might pop by soon!

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  22. hi! i want to ask the price of lens with 650 grade. how much that would be? thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Hello! Best to check your nearest optical shop since rates vary depending on the lens grade.

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  23. Paano po pag nabasag lang yung unang layer ng lens? Yun lang po ba papalitan or yung buong lens na? Magkano po kaya pag papapalitan po yun?

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  24. Hi. may for astigmatism po ba yan na included? or just for grade only?

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  25. may branch ba kayo near in taguig?

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  26. meron po ba tyo na karapatan na mapalitan ang len kung sakaling mlabo ung reading nya.kkukuha ko lng kse ng salamin ko from.quiapo,astigmatism grado at for reading.akala ko pagod lng un mata when i try to wear it.but when i got home nahirapan ako kse ung part ng reading dumoble vision sia.maari pa kaya ito mapapalitan

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  27. Gud day po How much po ang lens Kung ang SPH is + 3.25 CYL is -0.75 AX is 98. Would you recommend a frame for this. Salamat po .

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    Replies
    1. Best to inquire directly to Ideal Vision on this. ;)

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  28. Lagi ko tong ginagawa pag nasisiraan ako ng frame/glasses. For me, parang mas maganda ang quality ng lens sa Ideal Vision vs. EO. Don't get me wrong, i've tried both prescription glasses from those stores pero winner pa rin ang Ideal Vision. If iko-consider ang price ng isang set sa ideal vision, mas mahal yun sa EO. Pero quality speaks for itself eh.

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    Replies
    1. I find EO a little pricey than Ideal Vision as well. Although I haven't tried getting my glasses made there, I just inquired before. Thanks for the feedback, Tita Da!

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  29. Hi just wanna ask po, pwede po ba sa EO magpagawa ng graded lens without check up sakanila? Salamat po sa sasagot

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  30. So I was planning to change my lens. went to EO but was shocked kc abutin almost 2k for the same lens I got. multicoated xa pero one sided lang. I didn't expect the price kasi may frame na ko. I went looking for another place . nakatayo ako outside idealvision, nagalangan ako pumasok, so naggo0gle muna ako and first p0st I read was yours. multicoated is Php800, doublesided multicoat is Php1500 and photochromic (i think) lenses is 2k. definitely mas mura. if n0t for your post, d tlaga ko papasok dun😅😅😅.

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    Replies
    1. Yay! So happy to read this and to help you out. It's my goal to help people with glasses like me to save some cash. :) Make sure to follow me on Instagram @alexbamin3d and on Facebook fb.com/alexbamin3d for updates!

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  31. I just got my new lenses today from Ideal Vision and it cost me 1,350 pesos. I asked why, and they told me that they only offer multi-coated lens nowadays (this was in SM Aura) plus the price would depend on how high is the patient's astigmatism. So yeah, pwede na rin. Buti na lang mababa yung astigmatism ko pero tumaas compare 2 years ago. Hehe! Good quality naman sila so mura na para sa presyo nila.

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  32. Hi Sir , Would it cost more than 1,000 pesos if my Eye Grade is Just 75? I Already bought a frame and I just want to Have A Multi Coated lens?

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  33. Hi, is there any other optical center that also accepts to bring your own frames? 'Cuz we don't have an Ideal Vision Center at our place.

    Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Hello! Most optical shops that has in-house team can do this. Just ask the nearest in your area. :)

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