cdb03b: Prescription reading glasses are not cheap. You have to go through the entire process of having your eyes examined and a specific prescription crafted. This is a medical procedure and fairly highly regulated.
“Reading Glasses” are not prescription glasses. They are general magnification at set powers that are not specific to the user. The only real difference between them and a magnifying glass is size and you wear it on your face rather than holding it in your hand.
smugbug23: Prescription glasses are regulated as medical devices, and generic reading glasses are not. Tightly regulating things makes them more expensive.