Save Money by Getting Prescription Glasses Online
Does shopping for prescription glasses in brick and mortar stores give you anxiety? That’s natural when you’re looking at a limited selection of glasses while a salesperson waits impatiently nearby. In some eyeglass shops, that salesperson will help you select and try on glasses without mentioning the price of each option. Once you make a selection, you’re stunned as the total price increases with a variety of charges and fees.
This is why many people are now buying glasses online. Most services now allow you to virtually try your glasses online to see how they will look, and virtual shopping comes with a long list of benefits. If you want to spend less on glasses of higher quality, you might consider shopping online as well.
The Benefits of Buying Online
Virtual eyeglass shops can stock a larger assortment of frames than most brick and mortar stores. This gives you more style options as well as selections from brands that aren’t sold in many stores. You’re also likely to pay significantly less for your glasses because online retailers have less overhead and can afford to pass some of those savings to the consumer.
The best part about shopping online for glasses is the ability to relax and take your time. There is no salesperson following you around, and you aren’t pressured to make a decision quickly due to other customers waiting for service. You don’t have to guess at the specifications for each product because the details are listed in easy-to-understand product descriptions.
There is also less sticker shock when you shop online. You can see the full cost for each pair of glasses that you’re considering, and it’s up to you when the final order is placed. Most reputable online retailers also have customer service representatives ready to answer your questions if needed, so you never have to purchase blindly.
Where to Buy
There are many online retailers now offering prescription eyeglasses, but they don’t all offer high-quality frames and professional, accurate optical lenses. To help you find the most reputable retailers, consider this list of four online retailers that have excellent marks from the Better Business Bureau and trustworthy reputations.
1. Warby Parker
Warby Parker is well known for its at-home trial feature. You select up to five eyeglass frames and have them delivered to your home for free. You have five days to try the frames on and see how they feel before returning them with a prepaid shipping label. You can then place an order for the glasses of your choice whenever you’re ready. Once you order, you will receive a brand-new pair of glasses with your prescription lenses.
This online shop offers eyeglasses and sunglasses for men and women, and there are more than 50 frame options in most categories. Prices start at $95 for a complete pair of glasses, including the prescription lenses. Not all frames are included in that deal, but it’s a budget-friendly option for those with a limited budget.
You can use vision insurance and flexible spending accounts when shopping at Warby Parker. You can also book 20-minute eye exams through their website with locations in nine states. The downside is that they don’t offer eyeglasses for kids.
2. Zenni Optical
While Zenni Optical won’t ship you free trial frames, they do offer a virtual mirror that allows you to upload a picture of your face to see how you might look with their frames. They offer eyeglasses and sunglasses for kids, men, and women. Plus, frame prices start at less than $10.
This online retailer offers a variety of lens types, including polycarbonate, polarized, and photochromatic lenses. You can use your flexible spending account card for payment if it has a credit card logo, but Zenni Optical doesn’t accept insurance. They will provide an itemized bill of service, and some insurance companies will allow you to file your own claim with that bill.
3. EyeBuyDirect
This large online eyeglass retailer allows you to send your glasses back within two weeks if they don’t meet your needs. This gives you the opportunity to exchange for a new pair of glasses of equal value. You can also return frames within 12 months for replacement if they show signs of manufacturer or design defect.
EyeBuyDirect offers progressive, transitions, and bifocal lenses for men, women, and kids. They’re the exclusive retailer for RFLKT eyeglasses and sunglasses, and the website features various eyeglass collections that include a variety of styles. If you’re shopping on a budget, watch their discount page to grab quality eyeglasses with a discount up to 50 percent.
You can’t use your insurance when shopping at EyeBuyDirect, but you can ask for an itemized bill to file a claim with your insurance company manually. All purchases of at least $99 receive free shipping.
4. Coastal
When you visit Coastal‘s website for the first time, add your email to the popup to receive 40 percent off your first pair of glasses plus free shipping. The site offers eyeglasses and sunglasses for men, women, and kids plus a collection of unisex glasses. There are more than 50 frame options in each category, including a variety of colors, patterns and rim shapes.
While Coastal doesn’t offer a try-on or virtual mirror feature, they do allow you to send the glasses back for store credit or a refund within two weeks. You will need to pay the return shipping when returning your glasses. You also have the option of receiving a replacement if your glasses show signs of manufacturer defect within one year of delivery.