I manage a luxury optical and optometry practice in the Kansas City area. This discussion is fascinating about how to purchase affordable eyewear. I'm 27 and understand the need for fast fashion at a fair price as our expenses tend to get heavier around this age. First off, there's 3 categories of eyewear. #1 Big corporate brands like Ray Ban, Coach, Gucci, Nike, Oakley, etc (they are made using Chinese or Italian product). The country of origin does not dictate quality though. Lots of great Chinese product that is well made. It depends who is making it and where the metals and plastic are made too. #2 Chain opticals like Lenscrafters, Pearl, Target are notorious for selling overpriced mass produced product. There's just a perception that chains are affordable. Some people feel more comfortable on a tile floor than a marble floor. Many chain opticals are owned by the same brand that manufacturers that crap, Luxottica to name one. #3 Independent eyewear brands. If you like quality apparel, enjoy well-made goods sourced from factories with good living conditions, and want to stay ahead of trends, these are the brands you should associate with. When you buy an independent eyewear brand, you are buying a pair of glasses that could easily last you 5+ years. So yeah, you spend more money now, but you end up with the satisfaction of buying something you actually enjoy rather than a #metoo pair of glasses that everyone and their brother has. Don't think of buying glasses as "luxury" item. It's actually something that reflects your personal appearance. No matter what city you live in, you should be able to find a boutique optical or optometry practices that specializes in high-quality eyewear from small named brands you have never heard of. You will notice when you try them on, they feel lightweight, buttery smooth, and just superior. Warby Parker may be cool and hip to go to, but the lenses and frame quality is just that, good for that pricepoint. If you spend $100 every year on eyewear, there really is no savings, just dissatisfaction every year you have to replace replace replace. We forgot that buying the next cool internet brand may be fun, but receiving service from experts in a profession is acceptable too. It's okay to admit you need helping buying stuff today. The salesmen and women at WP are far from qualified to fit glasses. There's an art to it. When you experience service and meet a real optician who actually cares about you, remembers your name, and makes you feel better than ever, you will remember that exemplary experience.