Today, I would like to discuss the procedures you need to follow when getting new glasses in the United States and how much it typically costs. While living in the U.S., you may need to get an eye exam, and there are some differences compared to Korea, so it might be helpful to keep that in mind.

Eye Exam Procedure
First, getting an eye exam is essential to get glasses. You need to receive a glasses exam from a clinic or optical store that has an optometrist, and you will be issued a prescription based on the results. The average cost for visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist is reported to be around $50 to $100, but it can vary slightly depending on the region and whether insurance applies, so it's good to check in advance.

Buying Glasses Based on Prescription
With the prescription obtained from the eye exam, you can go to an optical store and choose your glasses (frame and lenses). In the past, it was common to get an eye exam separately at a clinic (or ophthalmology) and then take the prescription to an optical store. However, nowadays, more and more places are offering both exams and purchases in one location. This way, you don't have to go back and forth, and stores are increasingly competing on prices, making it convenient for you to use.

Popular One-Stop Services
As more locations offer the ability to get eye exams and purchase glasses at the same time, many people seem to prefer this method. Large chains like Walmart, Costco, and Target Optical, as well as individual optical stores, provide such one-stop services, so it would be good to check what options are available near you. Be sure to look out for discounts or promotions as well.

Price Range for Glasses
In the U.S., the price of glasses can be broadly divided into the cost of lenses and frames. Lenses range from $50 to $120, and the price of frames varies widely depending on the store and brand, starting as low as $9, with decent mid-range frames costing around $150. While it may feel cheaper than in Korea at times, it can also feel a bit more expensive, but high-end brands costing hundreds of dollars like in Korea are not common, which is often seen as less burdensome.

Additional Tips

Promotions by Region and Store: Since various chain stores and local optical shops compete, if you take advantage of promotional coupons or sale periods, you can get glasses at a lower price.

Check Insurance Coverage: If you have vision insurance, some of the exam costs or glasses purchase costs may be covered, so check the coverage of your insurance in advance.

Convenience vs. Cost: While using separate clinics and optical stores may provide more detailed care, if you are short on time or want a quick solution, I recommend actively utilizing one-stop services.

In summary, to get glasses in the U.S., the basic process involves getting an eye exam (around $50 to $100) and then purchasing glasses at an optical store based on the prescription. Many places now offer the ability to do both the exam and purchase in one location, so you can choose according to your preferred method and budget. Above all, comparing prices at various places and carefully checking for discount benefits will greatly help you in getting glasses affordably.