Luxottica is the main reason glasses are a total racket. They own every major brand, store, and even insurance companies that provide Vision coverage. There are very few companies that have such a monopoly. They will refuse to sell your brand and have done this to Ray ban, Oakley and then buying both brands when they were in bankruptcy or on the verge. Not even Walmart or Costco can undermine them.

Great 60 minutes show on the company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voUiWOGv8ec

If you're ever in Europe that is when to buy frames. They are substantially cheaper than in the US/Canada. I bought a pair of Armani Frames for 1/5 the price I could in the US.