Do you have a Warby Parker in the area? Their eye exams are reasonably priced and they will give you your prescription so you don't have to buy glasses from them if you don't want.

Thanks for the affirmation that it was a lot- thanks for the rec Gud- I will check and try that next time!- I didn't know it would cost that much until I got the bill! It was $900, and then I got a discount for being insured don't to $400. Apparently I got charged more because it was a "diabetic" eye exam to make sure I didn't have I damage. I didn't.

If there's no Warby Parker, there's also Eyemart Express (which also operate under the names Eyewear Express, Vision4Less and VisionMart Express). I always get my cheapie backup glasses from them, since our insurance only covers 1 set of frames/lenses.

I've been quite happy with glasses from zenni.com that cost about $25. If your exam is from someone who'll provide the prescription without requiring you to buy their glasses, it's pretty easy to enter the info in their website.

Sophia, that is a whole lot! Also, I am really impressed with your ability to be so responsible taking care of yourself, and others, while slogging through depression. It ain't easy, and you should recognize your accomplishments.

Another Zenni fan here. And yes, that is A LOT to deal with.

I've just had eyebuydirect recommended to me, for what that's worth.

I've used Zenni also, it's much cheaper than warby Parker.

My 2017 is feeling unmemorable. It wasn't. I had a lot of fun with friends, trips to Miami and San Francisco for dance conventions, my trip to Japan, seeing the eclipse, going camping and going to a weekend cabin, the Festival of Babes and watching the lesbian softball at LCP, and so on. My roommate moved out in June and I got a new one in November who seems to be working really well. I saw my bff a few times and her kiddo. Running my first (and likely only) half marathon.

But I also struggled with my depression being worse for most of the year, after taking a while to actually do anything about that, and then trying a few different medication options. I think between increasing the dose in September and adding some supplements has helped a lot. But I stopped running and weigh more than I ever have, currently. Not real happy about that, which doesn't help. Still trying to get up the oomph to get back at working out—especially since I think it was helping the depression some, in the spring when I was training.

So this year I'd really like to run again. Dance more (I've almost entirely stopped going to any of the non-gay dancing). Go on more weekend trips, including seeing my cousin and her kids in Denver before they are no longer babies. Do more new things. Go to Mexico for some Vitamin D. Plan another international trip. Have my clothes that are not stretchy fit again.

Costco is also a really good option for glasses. You can do the eye exam there without a membership, but you'll need a membership to buy the glasses.

Sophia, let me just add my voice to the chorus of Holy crap, that's a lot of stress! You're clearly a strong and resilient person, and it's no wonder you'd be depressed after a year like that.

I was on that same high-fat very-low-carb diet for a few months, years ago. I lost a lot of weight fast and felt real good, but once I went off it I could never stand to do it again. I lost all interest in food, too; I only ate when I was physically too hungry to ignore it.

I've used Zenni and I like them. If your prescription is real strong, though, you won't get glasses for $20. But they're still cheap, compared to the 100s of $$ you'd pay at the optometrist.