597. Why Do Your Eyeglasses Cost $1,000? | Freakonomics Radio

A single company, EssilorLuxottica, owns so much of the eyewear industry that it’s hard to escape their gravitational pull - or their “obscene” markups. Should regulators do something? Can Warby Parker steal market share? And how did Ray-Bans become a luxury brand? (Part one of a two-part series.)
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[@skells8609]

I don't watch podcasts but since I read freakonomics and eyeglass prices is a interesting subject I did listen for once. I have been buying eyeglasses online for many years and it's great, my eyes is not straightforward, I need progressives and have astigmatism. I don't like constantly hearing disparaging remarks about seniors ability to do things online and our ability to use computers. I'm very able to use computers and I've been a senior for a long time

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Mine don't. They cost $140 for 2 pair. Shop around people.

[@optidave1313]

Yes, please do your research. Small businesses and businesses owned by Essilor/Lux are two different things. Private practices are not making the massive profits like they are talking about in the episode. Plus, their overhead is not assured like the stores owned by E/L parent company.

[@GetSicRiCH]

3:53 *RUDiMENTARY* 🙏🤣💭 _my brother _*_RUDY_*_ recommended this podcast._

[@ytqclys]

I see frames from Lenscrafters for under $40. Does it make sense to call monopoly when people have a much more reasonably priced alternative? Fashion is a form of art. Is it a monopoly that a composer has the exclusive right to sell their product? Seems like another case of subtle Leninist vanguard thinking, that people must be protected against their own tendency to submit to the power of the wealthy.