Where to buy prescription glasses online without overpaying
From affordable frames to designer picks, here's where to buy prescription glasses online with ease.
- Shopping for prescription glasses online can offer more style variety and lower prices than in-office options.
- Reputable online retailers use FDA-regulated lenses and require a valid prescription from an eye doctor.
- Many online stores offer features like virtual try-on, home try-on, and accept vision insurance.
- Before ordering, ensure you have a current, digital copy of your prescription for a smooth process.
Shopping for prescription glasses online offers up a whole world of possibilities in terms of style and convenience. For one, you aren’t limited to the selection offered at the eye doctor’s office. The prices are often lower, too, allowing you to grab a couple of pairs for the price you’d probably pay in-office, or test a more trendy pair without the investment.
Despite the online shopping experience being a little more unconventional compared to traditional office visits, reputable online retailers such as Warby Parker and Zenni use FDA-regulated lenses and licensed labs, ensuring you get high-quality spectacles. To get prescription glasses online, you’ll still need a valid prescription from an eyecare professional, too.
Whether you’re in need of a cheap second pair or want a more cost-effective alternative, knowing where to buy prescription glasses online is key.
- Where to buy prescription glasses online
- Best budget online prescription glasses
- Best online prescription glasses with virtual try-on
- Trendiest selection of frames online
- Best style selection
- Best for kids glasses
- Best online prescription brand for those with vision insurance
- Best for eye exams
- Best for prescription sunglasses
- Best for deals on prescription glasses
- Most fashion-forward glasses
- How to shop for online prescription glasses?
- What to consider before ordering prescription glasses online
Where to buy prescription glasses online
Shopping for prescription eyeglasses online is easier than ever. In fact, most online prescription glasses retailers are also a fabulous route for those without vision insurance. Though there are also some insurance options available, and depending on your plan, you can usually invoice your insurance company for eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses purchased online, too. Check out these convenient retailers below and get your orders in today!
Best budget online prescription glasses
Zenni is one of the most budget-friendly places to shop for prescription glasses online—but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on the overall quality of the shopping experience and frames. In addition to affordable price points, Zenni also offers fun collections and collaborations, partnering with Major League Pickleball, WWE, Sam Cassell, and more.
- Insurance accepted? No
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best online prescription glasses with virtual try-on
Target isn’t only for budget-friendly clothing finds. You can get cute glasses through Target Optical and conveniently try them on online, from the comfort of your couch. Through Target, you can find budget-friendly frames, as well as more luxe brands like Ray-Bans (including Meta Glasses), Coach, Oakley and more.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Trendiest selection of frames online
Warby Parker is a popular online retailer for prescription glasses and sunglasses, offering trendy selections at affordable price points, with and without insurance.
In fact, I gave up my vision insurance almost five years ago, switching to Warby Parker for my eye exams and glasses, and have never looked back. The eye exam offered is just as comprehensive as previous appointments I’ve had in more traditional office settings, and the glasses selection is incredible—I love that I can get a stylish and comfortable pair for under $100!
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best style selection
If you want a lot of variety to choose from, GlassesUSA.com is one of the best places to buy prescription glasses online. The retailer offers a vast collection of different styles, including collaborations with brands like DIFF. Plus, you can send old frames to the retailer (even if you didn’t purchase them from GlassesUSA) for custom lenses. “I used GlassesUSA years ago to turn a pair of vintage sunglasses into eyeglasses, and the whole process was so easy, quick, and budget-friendly,” says Quinn.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best for kids glasses
Pair Eyewear might have some of the most stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses for adults, but it’s also one of the best places to find fun picks for kids, too. The brand’s collection of kids’ eyeglasses includes five different styles in a variety of colors, making the decision process less overwhelming for young minds. On top of that, the brand offers comprehensive information on sizing, ensuring you get the perfect fit without having to step into an optometrist’s office.
- Insurance accepted? No
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best online prescription brand for those with vision insurance
If you have vision insurance and don’t want to fuss with invoicing and reimbursements, The Framery is a great place to start. The online retailer offers a variety of glasses styles and an easy-to-navigate website that ensures you get all of your insurance information added correctly. Plus, you can skip the virtual try-on and opt for a free in-home try-on if you prefer.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best for eye exams
If you need an eye exam, Costco is a great place to go—even if you don’t have insurance. Once you know your prescription, you can shop Costco Optical’s selection of frames online. You can even order online and pick up in store, with the processing time taking just five days.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best for prescription sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses are just as important as prescription eyeglasses. To ensure you find a pair you truly love, Sunglass Hut has you covered with its collection of prescription sunglasses. Getting prescription sunnies at Sunglass Hut is super easy—all you have to do is shop the styles available, add your prescription, select your lenses, and check out.
- Insurance accepted? No
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Best for deals on prescription glasses
Shopping online for prescription glasses is generally cheaper than in-office offerings. However, if you want an even better deal, look to EyeBuyDirect for the best sales on eyeglasses and sunglasses alike. The online retailer is always offering some deal on frames and lenses, making it one of the most budget-friendly places to shop.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? Yes
Most fashion-forward glasses
Jimmy Fairly Paris is one of the best places to look for trendy, fashion-forward designs, whether you’re into more eclectic designs like The Alex aviator frames or timeless silhouettes like The Aimee round wayfarers. The retailer is a great choice for those who want a more curated collection of frames to choose from and have a harder time finding unique styles that speak to them.
- Insurance accepted? Yes
- Virtual try-on? Yes
- Returns available? No
How to shop for online prescription glasses
Shopping for prescription glasses online is easier than ever, with many reputable brands ensuring their websites are easy to navigate and include a similar experience as in-office, with features like virtual try-on and all of the optional add-ons clearly written out for you to choose from.
When shopping online for prescription glasses, start with the general styles that you’re interested in, then start to narrow things down by looking at the sizing (most reputable brands offer sizing information and charts to help you choose the best fit) and playing around with virtual try-on. Through the selection process, these online retailers make adding your prescription information easy and intuitive, and many also have a quick turnaround time, as well—though it doesn’t hurt to double-check the processing and shipping policies if you are in a rush. Before purchasing, make sure to check the return options available so that you have a clear expectation of the commitment and potential return window.
What to consider before ordering prescription glasses online
The most important thing to consider is your actual prescription. And if you don’t have a prescription, taking care of that ahead of time will ensure a smooth and efficient ordering process. “Having a digital copy of my prescription is key so I can submit online orders and get them delivered fast," says Kasey Caminiti, Editorial Director, shopping at USA TODAY. "My best tip: Immediately take a photo of the hard copy of your prescription when you get your eyes checked.”
Style variety and convenience are the two best things about shopping online for glasses. So, once you have your prescription taken care of, it’s time to shop. As you start to narrow down your selections, looking for features such as virtual try-on can help make the process even more enjoyable. Many online glasses retailers also run sales around holiday weekends, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.
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