I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

I've worn glasses since I was in the fourth grade. My first pair were a glittery blue frame with pointy corners. Truly unattractive, I will admit. Just think of a fourth grader doing a "Dame Edna" impression. We had only one optometrist in my town, so the frame selection was limited, still, I think he should have offered me some other suggestions. After all, I was only nine, and had no clue that I would actually have to wear the ugly things every day for over a year. Oh well, I survived.

I went to Costco recently to purchase new frames. Usually, I go to Lens Crafters - but I was astounded at how much cheaper the glasses are at Costco. At my age, you have to factor in the extra cost of no-line bifocals, so cost is important. The last pair I purchased at Lens Crafters was nearly $500. I nearly died of a heart attack. They get you by selling some designer frame that is no different in quality then a no-name brand. Lens Crafters has Gucci's and Yves St. Laurent's (not sure I spelled that one right) while Costco has Sophia Loren and Linda Evans frames. Honestly, I thought Linda Evans was more famous for her shoulder pads than her glasses, but I selected a light pink pair that was tasteful, so, whatever. Actually, now that I think about it, I don't remember ever seeing Linda Evans in eyeglasses. Certainly not on Dynasty.

The bottom line is, that I got the glasses for $200, and they are great. Actually, I like them better than the $500 pair. I did have to wait two weeks to get them, while Lens Crafters takes only an hour, but a $300 savings is worth a little patience.

I read somewhere that 70% of the population in the U.S. wears eyeglasses or contacts. Wonder why we have such poor eyesight? Back in the 1300's, eyeglasses were a luxury used by the rich as a symbol of their wealth and power. But once Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1456, the history of eyeglasses changed forever. People actually began to READ, and so they NEEDED glasses.

Maybe the rich people wore the "Gucci" frames of the day, while the common folk wore the Sophia Loren/Linda Evans selections. I guess that old adage is true: As much as things change, they simply stay the same.

I have wrestled with the choice of whether or not to have prescription sunglasses. My sister has these, and she is always changing glasses. Since I don't carry a purse, but use a backpack on my wheelchair, this would just be one more inconvenience - so I have started using those "old lady sunglasses for the blind" that fit over my regular glasses. I keep them in the car, and have insisted that anyone who rides with me takes an oath to not allow me out of the vehicle with them on. I look like a blind bug.

After all, blind AND in a wheelchair is not a good look! See, I've developed a slight sense of style since my fourth grade stint as Dame Edna. There is hope for me yet!