According to incomplete statistics, the myopia rate among adolescents in China has been on the rise, and a growing number of teenagers have to wear glasses. However, besides adolescents, there is another group of people who need glasses senior citizens. As people age, they develop presbyopia and thus require reading glasses. Reading glasses are available not only in optical frame stores but also at street stalls, yet there is a huge price disparity: a pair costs just 10 USD at street stalls but hundreds of USD in optical frame stores. So, what are the differences between reading glasses priced at 10 USD and 50 USD?
Different Target Consumer Groups
Generally speaking, few elderly people buy glasses in optical frame stores; most customers are middle-aged people purchasing glasses for their parents. In contrast, the majority of buyers at street stalls are elderly people themselves. Due to their life experiences, elderly consumers are reluctant to spend money and think that any product that works just fine is sufficient, which is why they opt for 10-USD reading glasses at street stalls. On the other hand, middle-aged people who buy reading glasses in optical frame stores are more motivated by filial piety, and they also recognize that glasses purchased from optical frame stores come with better quality guarantees.
Different Service Standards
The biggest feature of buying reading glasses at a street stall is that you can try on as many pairs as you like and pay the vendor once you find a pair that suits you. But the experience in an optical frame store is entirely different, you will receive comprehensive and thoughtful service. First, a professional optometrist will conduct a diopter test for you, then recommend the most suitable lens package based on your exact prescription. After selecting the lenses, you can choose from a variety of frames, including metal and plastic options. Only those who have purchased reading glasses from both channels can truly appreciate the stark difference in service quality.
Different Product Grades
Many people who have bought reading glasses for their parents may wonder: The reading glasses sold at street stalls are also branded products, so why are they so cheap? The answer lies in product grading. Generally speaking, the reading glasses sold at street stalls are all low-grade products, with very few mid-to-high-grade options available. In contrast, optical frame stores rarely stock low-grade reading glasses and mainly offer mid-to-high-grade products, which explains the significant price gap between the two.
Therefore, as a professional eyewear supplier, we recommend that you avoid purchasing reading glasses from street stalls. Wearing reading glasses with an incorrect diopter can be detrimental to your eye health. For this reason, it is always advisable to buy reading glasses from a formal optical frame store, where you can receive a professional diopter check and purchase a pair of glasses perfectly tailored to your vision needs.
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