How to Choose Glasses in 3 Steps: A Practical Guide with Optometry Savings

September 3, 2025

Glasses are more than just a tool for better vision—they’re a part of your everyday life, confidence, and comfort. Whether picking out your first pair or upgrading after years of wear, selecting the right glasses is about more than style. It’s about fit, function, and making financially wise decisions—especially when eye care costs stack up quickly.

Fortunately, the Rubicare Health Savings Plan gives individuals and families access to affordable optometry services, including significant optometry savings on eye exams, frames, and lenses. Membership starts at just $79 per year, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to prioritize your eye health without compromising quality or affordability.

In this article, we’ll explain how to choose glasses that suit your vision needs, facial structure, and lifestyle, and show how the Rubicare membership helps you save.


Understanding Your Prescription: The First Step

Before exploring frame and lens options, it’s essential to have an up-to-date prescription. According to the American Optometric Association, adults aged 18–64 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years and annually if they wear glasses or contact lenses.

Your optometrist will assess:

  • Visual acuity (how you see)
  • Refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
  • Eye health (checking for glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)

With a current prescription, you can begin choosing the perfect glasses.

Rubicare Health Savings Plan members receive discounted rates on eye exams through partner providers, helping you maintain vision health affordably.


How to Choose Glasses That Fit You

There’s more to eyewear than simply liking the way it looks. The right pair of glasses fits your face, matches your lifestyle, and supports your vision needs.

1. Face Shape and Frame Style

Your face shape can help guide the most flattering frame styles.

  • Round Face: Angular frames like rectangles and squares add definition.
  • Square Face: Rounded or oval frames soften strong jawlines.
  • Oval Face: Most frame shapes work; experiment with bold designs.
  • Heart-Shaped Face: Frames that are wider at the bottom or rimless styles can balance the face.

2. Frame Size and Comfort

Check for proper fit at the:

  • Bridge: Should rest comfortably on your nose without slipping.
  • Temples: Should sit behind your ears without pinching or pressure.
  • Lens Width: Should align with your eyes for optimal vision field.

3. Lens Material and Type

The right lens matters depending on your prescription, daily habits, or job.

  • Polycarbonate: Durable and impact-resistant—great for kids and active adults.
  • High-index lenses: Thinner and lighter, ideal for strong prescriptions.
  • Blue light filters: Recommended for screen-heavy jobs or gaming.
  • Photochromic lenses: Darken in sunlight—ideal for outdoor versatility.
  • Progressive lenses: Seamlessly transition between near and far vision.

Rubicare’s optometry partners offer discounts on all these options, allowing members to customize without overspending.


Costs of Eyeglasses Without a Savings Plan

The cost of glasses varies significantly based on lenses, frames, and add-ons. According to Vision Service Plan (VSP), the average price of a pair of glasses is around $350–$500, and that doesn’t include eye exams or specialized lenses. Here’s a breakdown of typical out-of-pocket costs:

ItemAverage Cost Without Plan
Eye exam$100–$200
Basic single-vision lenses$100–$150
Frames$150–$250
Anti-reflective coating$50–$150
Blue light filter$50–$100

Without a plan, a single pair of prescription glasses can cost upwards of $600; if you need bifocals or progressive lenses, the price can double.


How the Rubicare Health Savings Plan Helps

The Rubicare Health Savings Plan provides optometry savings through a network of trusted local providers, including discounted:

  • Eye exams
  • Prescription lenses
  • Frames
  • Lens upgrades (anti-glare, UV, blue light, etc.)

With memberships starting at just $79/year, the savings are substantial, often paying for themselves in a single visit.

Example Savings for Rubicare Members:

ServiceTypical PriceRubicare PriceSavings
Comprehensive eye exam$150$60–$85$65+
Frames and lenses combo$300$150–$200$100+
Progressive lens upgrade$120$60–$80$40+
Total Estimated Savings$570$310$260

Choosing Glasses for Your Lifestyle

Your job, hobbies, and daily routines all influence which glasses work best for you.

  • Office Workers: Look for blue-light blocking lenses to reduce digital eye strain. According to the Vision Council, nearly 60% of U.S. adults experience digital eye strain.
  • Athletes/Active Lifestyles: Durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and flexible frames are key.
  • Students: Affordable, versatile frames with anti-glare coatings help with studying and screen time.
  • Seniors: Consider progressive lenses or bifocals for multi-distance vision correction.

Whether you’re choosing based on durability, aesthetics, or functionality, the Rubicare Health Savings Plan gives you access to diverse frame styles and lens technologies without the markup.


Style Without the Sticker Shock

Rubicare members don’t have to choose between fashion and affordability. Local optometry partners offer savings on designer and non-designer frames alike.

Want a bold statement look? Or a classic minimalist vibe? You can try on various styles, knowing your budget is protected.


Vision Care Is Health Care

Vision isn’t just about clarity—it’s a critical part of overall wellness. During routine eye exams, optometrists can detect signs of chronic conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • High cholesterol
  • Autoimmune disorders

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, routine eye exams have helped detect systemic health issues in up to 20% of patients during unrelated vision appointments.

By offering affordable access to exams and glasses, Rubicare Health Savings Plan helps ensure members don’t skip this vital component of preventive care.


Glasses for Kids: What Parents Should Know

1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision problem that can interfere with learning, according to Prevent Blindness America.

Children need properly fitting, durable glasses that withstand active play and classroom demands. With Rubicare’s discounts, parents can afford high-quality, pediatric-friendly eyewear without compromising safety or style.

Bonus: Pediatric exams are also discounted for Rubicare members.


A Better Vision for All

Whether you’re shopping for your first pair or your fifth, knowing how to choose glasses is about more than aesthetics—it’s about health, lifestyle, and finances. From understanding your prescription to exploring cost-effective upgrades, informed choices yield better results.

And when paired with the Rubicare Health Savings Plan, those wise choices become affordable.


Final Thoughts: See Better, Spend Less with Rubicare

Your eyes deserve expert care. Your budget deserves a break. With Rubicare, you don’t have to compromise.

Rubicare Health Savings Plan helps members keep their vision clear and their wallets full by offering optometry savings on exams, glasses, and lens treatments. For just $79 per year, members enjoy discounts across optometry, dental, hearing, chiropractic, and more, without insurance headaches or hidden fees.

If you’re wondering how to choose glasses that match your needs and budget, Rubicare is the solution.

Better vision. Smarter savings. That’s Rubicare.


Sources:

  • American Optometric Association: Eye Care Guidelines
  • The Vision Council: Digital Eye Strain Report
  • Vision Service Plan (VSP): Eyewear Cost Reports
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology: Vision and Systemic Health
  • Prevent Blindness America: Children’s Vision Statistics
  • Rubicare.com

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