Buying prescription glasses online: What they don't tell you

[@CNET]

See the shops we explored in our video: Warby Parker: bit.ly/3n7XNV5 GlassesUSA: bit.ly/3c5S5MW EyeBuyDirect: bit.ly/3onvEbR Zenni: bit.ly/31LdWYb *CNET may get a commission from this offer.

[@tuyetnhungnguyenthi8871]

I need 4K.

[@oluwatobidavid8773]

There's an online retailer in the UK that I've been using for the past year that will give you non complex prescriptions with basic coatings (anti reflection, scratch resistance) and an admittedly limited selection for £6 and even more complex prescriptions and designer frames are cheaper than at the eye doctors

[@miroslawkaras7710]

Techical comment: I look like you are looking little too high, like your camera is above you eye sight. That little unnatural.

[@oswaldsinclair2729]

​@@miroslawkaras7710 lens able

[@kelwinkwel]

Thank you sooo much!! This fun and informative… CNET has always been my good to for all things tech and web… And know Glasses yessss!! 😅

[@madman3556]

I'm in New Zealand. Bought my first pair of "online glasses" a few months ago from zenni. Short sighted, progressive, coatings, best lens, best "grind", etc Cost me $230nz delivered. That's about $140 US. I've got no complaints. Will certainly be buying online glasses again.

[@rmartin2819]

I add a vote for Zenni. They give 30 days return policy and I was able to use my flexible spending account (FSA) to buy them. I also like that they have the virtual try-on where you can upload a photo and see yourself with the glasses on from different angles. As others have mentioned they even have a PD tool you can use. Just a note though, not all frames can fit all prescriptions, especially rimless ones might not take thicker lenses/stronger prescriptions. Thanks for sharing your results! 😊👍🏾

[@riley6740]

I’ve used Zennioptical for a few years now and the last pair is garbage. The transitions ones has one lens that changes and the other one only slightly changed. I also looked closer and realized that they just pit stickers on the lenses and they aren’t even try to get them on straight. I’m upset. They changed the lab they use now. Disappointing to say the least. 2021 last glasses ordered.

[@PS3Ahziiz]

How did you use your FSA?

[@BigC83Z]

@Documentaries and Entertainment The frames CAN be the same quality, not always though. The prescriptions are usually off though.

[@joseestrada8656]

Question. Is a frame size exact? Or can different sizes fit you. That are not too far off?

[@deezrfc]

With a very low prescription-1.00 etc you can get away with your pd being up to 3mm out each eye. With your prescription that you have shown pd must be no more than 0.5 mm out each eye. Also the pd can measure 64 That does not mean you are exactly 32mm each eye,could be 31mm R eye 33mm left eye. I’ve been making glasses in the UK for over 40 years and all I can say is like everything in life you get what you pay for. You only get one pair of eyes and if you want to go cheap on them carry on,you will pay for it in your later years

[@AlwaysAmTired]

My optician strongly warned me against buying online because I might get headaches or not see as well. But when we're talking about a 90% discount compared to ordering through the optician, it's certainly worth a try. I've bought a few now and I can't tell a difference between them and my old glasses from the optician. No headaches. They are great and I can buy a few different pairs while still paying soooo much less than just one pair through the optician. Pro tip: if you like your current frames, measure them and filter by those measurements so you can get a frame of similar size. Also, I just measured my own PD. It's simple to do.

[@Viewer13128]

do you mean the frames are 90% cheaper, or the lens? I want lens only + installation since I already have frame. how much is that, or do they have this service at all?

[@lovetobe6118]

@@Viewer13128 I honestly don't know. I think that you could contact a company to see, but often it is more hastle then it's worth when some frames are $12.

[@austinwilson107]

​@@lovetobe6118 eyebuydirect has some starting from 6 dollars eyebuy is the best In my opinion

[@HorsepowerHouse]

The reason he "warned" against it is because he wanted your $900.

[@dianaortiz3211]

@@HorsepowerHouseThat’s not necessarily true. Sometimes people think that, but it may be part of their experience.

[@madonna816]

Zenni is cranking out orders faster than ever. I was surprised & glad I ignored the gripes about shipping times (& didn’t shell out for faster shipping). I do wish the glasses I ordered had bendable/stretchy hinges, but overall they’re quality & sleek, for far less than any other site I tried.

[@juliahcornell]

I got Zennis about a year ago and LOVE them. Cute, cheap, and they fit perfectly. The only disappointment was thinking I was going to get them for $15 and watching the price shoot up to over $50 when I needed high index lenses. Still significantly cheaper than getting them in-person 🤷

[@Rspsand07]

I’ve paid as little as 7$, yeah the add ons add up. At least I’m almost normal vision so kinda anything works

[@JennyG.COW5]

Thanks for letting me know. I learned about this resource from my Medicaid provider. It's Not covered, but with limited financial income, I was given this option. 😊

[@DurantImboden]

I bought from a vendor that offers the best of both worlds. Warby Parker has a local store where I could look at frames, try on glasses, get measured, etc. and have the finished glasses delivered from the lab by mail. What I liked best about the experience (aside from the glasses, which have been more than satisfactory) was the transparency: I could view available frames online before I visited the shop, and I knew what the finished glasses were going to cost me.

[@TheOldGeekGuy]

I've used Zenni for years with great success. Progressive, anti refection coat low end frames that last a long time. I bought glasses from Costco as well as from the optometrist but always go back to Zenni. The PD is usually measured by the ones who sell the glasses and not the prescription guy. I asked Costco what mine was and have used it ever since for Zenni.$138.00

[@keis2046]

Tips for everyone. The most important parameters to order glasses online besides your prescription numbers are the nose bridge width, PD and HT, the last one depending on every different frames. The nose bridge width is the most easy thing the to figure out, just read the number on the right arms from your most comfortable old pair of glasses which won’t slide down in any position, this number won’t change no matter what frames you are going to get. You can measure your PD with AR Apps by the smartphone nowadays which is easy. But HT is the tricky one, without the actual frames on hand, you’ll never get the right number, especially if you need to order multi focal or progressive lenses. One more thing, if you are using iPhone with Face ID and having the frames you are going to use on hand, “DOTTY EyeMeausre” App can do all of these measurements for you just in one take.

[@elmono558]

Zenni has a feature where you can download a photo of yourself* to the web site, so you can see what the frames will look like. MANY different frames to choose from, including safety and sunglasses. I broke my glasses; I was able to reorder the frames (without lenses) and pop the old lenses into the new frame. (KZbin videos show how to do this.) *For fun, I put googley eyes on a potato and downloaded that photo to see what the frames would look like.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

Zenni was not only cheaper than Costco, but they also had a much wider selection of lens materials, including Japanese polycarbonate that can repel skin oils, meaning easy cleanup.

[@jerlaine1638]

Absolutely love zenni, I've used others before but Zenni is always worth it. Decent frames for low cost, and even with a few options my order has never been over $50

[@infinity1586]

Zenni Optical is trash. I've ordered with them before for a single vision script and they completely botched my Rx. I contacted their customer service to get a refund and all their reps are from India that barely speak English. After speaking with several reps to return the glasses, which they made it as difficult as possible. Send Rx via emal...then return glasses with formal letter and hard copy of Rx wait another two weeks for a reply and all under your dime. Finally, Zenni admited glasses were made incorrectly and remake glasses while waiting another two more weeks (again) just to receive THR SAME incorrect Rx!?Complete waste of time and money. Zenni Optical is the worst!!!

[@jerlaine1638]

@@infinity1586 sorry you had that experience, I've had multiple orders with them and all have been good

[@zachinky]

I'm a new Zenni user and am now in the dreaded, special eyes group of needing progressives as well as a prism for double vision. I have Multiple Sclerosis that has greatly impaired my vision, so I was pretty scared to dump a ton of money into an unknown. With progressives, the frame style is slightly limited, but it's really just more of, "you can't get tiny frames". I noticed that Zenni has every measurement possible listed with each frame, so I measured everything about my janky lensed pair, because they did fit really well, and compared those measurements with the ones Zenni provides. It was *REALLY* hard to get it wrong. I ended up ordering 3 pair right out the gate. The first pair were a little off and a little tight behind my ears. I couldn't put my finger on what was odd so I sent them back. The 2 other pair were perfect. With the return of the first pair, I decided to get sunglasses. I was ok with not being able to have progressives with sunglasses because how often would I actually *need* them while wearing them that I couldn't just take them off to read something tiny. From the pair I sent back, they gave me a 15% off coupon and a store credit. I ended up getting the exact same frame with the exact same lenses and the second time they were perfect. I've ended up buying, and keeping, soooooo many glasses. Eight in total and still haven't spent >$250. My previous pair, the lenses started to "peel" after about six to eight months...aaand they cost nearly $700 at Eyeglass World...and took a little over a month to get. They were mailed and weren't fitted at the optometrist office (like glasses used to be in the olden days), so it really wasn't much different than using an online retailer other than I spent about four hours at the store. I'm now gonna call myself a Zenni lover.

[@russellhltn1396]

Careful about using thinner lenses. With a higher prescription, you can quickly run into chromatic distortion. The only clear vision is straight-ahead. everything off to the side is blurry. Only on the very edges do you see why it's blurry when the colors break apart. Sadly, the stronger your prescription, the more you want to go to these thin lenses, but the worse they will be.

[@L.Spencer]

My husband got a pair of glasses, I guess they used real glass because they're very heavy.

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

I enjoy the colour splitting, now that I know what’s causing it. At a -8, the height index glass is really the only option.

[@katjames914]

With astigmatism on top of -9s I already have to ignore all the distortion and streaks to the sides of center, and turn my whole head to focus through the center of my lenses, so I order the smallest round lenses that can still accommodate a progressive prescription to keep the weight down.

[@D.Eldon_]

_@Russell Hltn_ -- The issue of chromatic aberration (CA) is actually more complicated than you've described and affects primarily concave lenses for near-sighted people. Unless a prescription has extreme astigmatism (cylinder) or prism, the convex lenses used for far-sighted people have much less CA because the lens gets thinner at the edges (not thicker like a concave lens for a near-sighted person). The lens specification to watch in order to minimize CA is the Abbe number. The higher the Abbe value, the less the CA and visa versa. So, high Abbe = good, low Abbe = bad. An excellent Abbe value would be 60 or higher. A poor Abbe value would be 30 or lower. For example, Abbe = 58.5 for crown glass (with a refractive index of 1.523) and produces the lowest CA of common lens materials. Sadly, few labs make glass lenses any more for obvious reasons (they are heavy and they break easily). The worst lens material for CA is polycarbonate with Abbe = 30. Yet the poly lens has a relatively modest index of 1.586. As for newer high-index plastics, they are a mixed bag and you can get into trouble generalizing. For example, MR-174 (a plastic lens with a refractive index of 1.74) has an Abbe = 33 while MR-7 (with an index of 1.67) has an Abbe = 32. In this case the higher index plastic has the lower CA and, since the MR-174 lens will be thinner, it would have lower CA than many thicker lenses with higher Abbe specs. Plus, both MR-7 and MR-174 are better than poly even though poly has the lower index. Therefore, the choice of lens material is a matter of balancing trade-offs and you may have to experiment to find the best combination for a particular prescription. On the one hand, concave lenses with a high power (sphere) will be more sensitive to CA problems. But a high-index lens may still work because it will be so much thinner. Being thinner can offset the lower Abbe spec because light will travel through less lens. In my experience, a mid-index plastic like MR-8 (with a refractive index of 1.6 and an Abbe of 41) is the best compromise for near-sighted people whose sphere is -4.00 or less. I use this for the lenses I wear when I calibrate computer and video projector displays, which requires ultra-low CA. Lastly, don't forget that the "old school" advice is still excellent for myopic lenses: keep your lenses as small as possible. The smaller your lenses, the less thickness you'll have and the less CA. The lens shape with the least CA will be perfectly round with the pupil centered and the overall lens size small.

[@oldjoec3710]

I have had a great experience with ZENNI. Before purchase, I was uncertain about the quality of the prescription and the sizing of the frames (including the pupil-distance thing). So, as a 'toe in the water', I bought one of their cheapest single-vision pairs for UNDER $15.00 total, viewing it as a throwaway experiment. From that I learned that the prescription was right on, but I needed larger lenses and a wider frame. Since I prefer simple wire-frames, I ended up with two great pairs (bifocals and computer glasses) for a grand total of $88. And I'm still keeping the $15 pair as a pretty good backup. (Full disclosure: I'm a fairly easy prescription, mostly astigmatic correction. Wouldn't be cost-effective to use the throw-away trick if I had to start with high-density glass or a prism.)

[@billwhite7015]

Eyeglasses are a ripoff second only to hearing aids. If you can follow the directions for ordering, Zenni works, every time. My glasses are around $78 from Zenni; from a local optometrist, $715.

[@russ6366]

I’m an Optician. The gentleman’s glasses that were over $325 would have been $230 at Costco & would have included the progressive lens with scratch resistant & anti-glare coatings. Also we add the blue light filter for free. Measuring the PD as a one unit measurement rather than L & R PD as Costco does is not as effective either. Be skeptical purchasing online glasses. There are variables & your eyesight is too important for a “cookie cutter” approach.

[@JusttMyOpinion]

I was just at Costco the other day and they said they do not offer any type of return policy. I'm a first time eyeglass user with a progressive and astigmatism prescription and the lady at Costco pretty much told me if I can't get used to them, I'm pretty much on my own.

[@russ6366]

@@JusttMyOpinion not true. Most of what we do are progressive lenses with astigmatism. You’re not at all in the minority. Like anything they’re custom made so we don’t take you through the process just to have you return them. The upfront process is important so I see both sides. Having said this Costco takes care of it’s members. Talk to a manager. They’ll tell you the same. There’s a reason Dave Ramsey says buy all your prescription eyewear from Costco.

[@JusttMyOpinion]

@@russ6366 Hello Russ! I was really hoping you’d reply. Thanks for the input, I will go back and talk to a manager. The person I spoke to didn’t seem too happy with her job.

[@JusttMyOpinion]

BTW Dave is also telling people that now is the time to buy a house 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@catbirdler]

@@russ6366 I'm curious about the Costco policy on progressives. I haven't asked at my local store yet but the private opticians I have used til now told me that if I couldn't get used to the progressive lenses, they would simply replace them with single-vision lenses at no additional cost. Does Costco have this policy? As a first time progressive user, I would feel better about paying more for a lens knowing there was a solution available at no extra cost if I couldn't get used to the new ones.

[@joandurand8648]

Love my glasses from Zenni! My first pair didn't fit correctly, and I had to figure out what the problem was. I have virtually no bridge on my nose, and the frames I chose didn't sit on my face comfortably. I returned them, and the return process was incredibly fast and easy. Next, I measured every dimension of my favorite glasses that I have had for years and compared those measurements to the ones Zenni lists on every one of their frames. They categorize frames as Small, Medium, and Large, but you need to get into the specifications to see just how big they are. I then selected for their Universal Bridge option and ordered a new pair. They fit perfectly, and the prescription was great. Next, I ordered progressives, and again, they were great. I am a truly happy customer!

[@benf101]

I'm new to the world of glasses. After getting a $180 pair in-person from America's Best, I wanted to try out a cheap pair from Zenni ($6.95 + $5 anti-reflective + $5 shipping = ~$17). The Zenni lenses are crystal clear and the anti reflective makes them nicer than my expensive America's Best pair. The frames are almost perfect. Probably slightly small for my face, but for $17 I have a really great backup pair. Sooner or later, I'll probably use Zenni again.

[@8a41jt]

I had the same satisfactory experience with Zenni, and will use them again. I ordered progressive lenses with astigmatism correction (both eyes) in a sturdy-looking half-rim metal frame, with Transitions. Besides this being my first experience with progressives (I'm old/diabetic), the glasses are just what I ordered. The whole package was less than $175 (I've paid up to $300 in a traditional optician's shop). I'm very happy.

[@jmodified]

Same here. I think mine would have been $6 without coating and total was $35 for three with shipping or something (with a deal where you had to buy three - but I need distance, computer, and reading anyway). If you get something wrong or don't like the frames - so what? I can buy 10 pair for the same price as one equivalent pair from an optical shop. The downside of all these online shops is that whatever frame you get will probably not exist in a few months (not sure if that is also true of the you-know-who ripoff frame monopoly company). So if you find a frame you like and don't expect your prescription to change much, buy several backups quickly.

[@amyhuber2764]

@@8a41jt This is good to hear as I also have astigmatism + need progressives but I've been hesitant to order online

[@imslowerthanlight.1739]

Look up juju optics

[@kilburnvideos]

My first pair of Zenni's were great. The second pair a few years later were the wrong prescription and they would not honor their return policy.

[@ELP1125]

Warby Parker ALWAYS does a good job when I order online with them

[@johnspetkitty81]

I've been getting my glasses from Zenni for the past 11 years and I absolutely LOVE them. The price, the quality, the selections. And every eye dr I've been to has put my PD on my prescription when I ask. They don't like it, but they have to do it if you ask them to

[@vintagewatchhunter]

btw, it is illegal for your doctor to withhold your PD measurement. It is part of your medical record. Doctors will purposefully withhold that information from your prescription so that you can't buy online. Also, as someone who owns an eyewear store and is a licensed optician, I can tell you that some doctors will give you the wrong PD so that when you do buy online, the glasses will not function properly. With this being said, this woman should not buy online. Her prescription is very strong, and any small issue with how her lenses were built could very negatively affect her vision. It is much safer to buy glasses in a store so a professional can help you measure your eyes to make sure you're getting the right glasses for you. Measuring your PD at home with a ruler is a seriously bad idea. Just ask your doctor for the number. Tell them it is illegal to withhold it. Just imagine, this person with a -600 in one eye is measuring herself. If she is wrong buy 1-2mm, she could hop in her car and get in an accident because she had no clue what she was doing when ordering glasses. Not that fun. Be careful out there when ordering your next pair of frames online or in person.

[@chm2]

My office doesn't even measure your PD until you've picked out a pair of glasses. There is no number on the Rx itself.

[@vintagewatchhunter]

@@chm2 That's really unfortunate. I don't think people will stop purchasing glasses online because they don't know their PD. When a doctor withholds a PD measurement, I feel like all they're doing is making it easier for a customer to hurt themselves.

[@ashleyashleym2969]

I measured myself, apparnetly my measurement was better than my opticians because the glasses I bought from them never fit me.

[@vintagewatchhunter]

@@ashleyashleym2969 Luckily at your Optician, they'll remake your glasses if they don't fit properly or give you a refund (I hope).

[@deezrfc]

@@ashleyashleym2969 your pd doesn't alter regardless of what size of frame you pick. Pd is the distance between your pupils. But because your pd measures for taking sake 64mm it doesn't mean your exactly 32mm in R eye and 32mm in L eye. You could be 30mm in one eye and 34 in the other. Your pd should NOT be measured pupil to pupil but pupil to the centre of your nose for both eyes this is called monocular pd and is must be used partially for bifocals and Varifocals. But I also assume the guidelines differ from country to country. Here in the UK all glasses must be made to within British standards tolerances if glasses are out of these parameters then they must be remade.

[@myb4649]

GlassesUSA was a nightmare for me. I have a very strong prescription -9 & -11 and need certain lens add-ons. 3 different CS reps said they did do/could do what I needed but when I finally got my glasses-and the replacement pair-it was NEVER DONE. Finally a 4th CS rep said “oh that add-on can only be done with ‘rimless’ frames”. Needless to say that I’m out $300 but they gave me a store credit and I just needed up buying $300 worth of frames. Never again.

[@jamesconnor4479]

There’s a measurement that makes a huge difference called the optical center. Good luck ordering online without that number. The frames online literally cost .50 cents to manufacture, may cause allergies to your skin, and probably will warp under the heat since they are made of the same plastic found in cheap plastic toys. Another rule of thumb is if the designer glasses have a licensed logo, they probably cost $5 to make but you are paying for the logo. All nice glasses that are handmade with finer materials cost money just like anything that is made well. It will last potentially 5-10 years without warping or fading or a hinge breaking. So really you just need to relens the frame every other year making it less expensive in the long run. The CNET “expert” should have interviewed an expert before doing this video.

[@logicalblueberry]

Great video. You should have mentioned that you need to know the width size of the glasses in order to get the right size for your face. I have a narrow face so I shop for glasses that are 48 to 49 mm. Someone with a very wide face might need 54 mm or wider. Try frames in a store to figure out what size you need before ordering online. The bridge size is also important. The ear pieces can be heated and bent to adjust the length and fit. You should have this done at an eyeglass shop for best results. Most people have ears that are not quite the same height. An eyeglass shop can adjust the glasses to sit level on your face.

[@ilsesloane6088]

So it is good enough to buy the specs online, but go to a real store to have frames adjusted to fit your face...personal service that costs practitioners in rent, staff, equipment, stock and all the other costs...but you can get your cheap specs adjusted for? Free?

[@grantlapointe3627]

Good day. My name is Maggie and I have to order glasses for my husband Grant and I on line for the first time. I appreciate you taking the time you did for the research and info. Thank you young lady

[@DWilliam1]

They are much cheaper but I have had issues with the overall quality. They often come with crooked frames or the lens were cut slightly off. They also cannot adjust them, which means you have to go to a brick and mortar store which will inform you that they “will try to fix them” but “if we break them” they are not responsible. IMO, you are just better off spending a couple of hundred extra bucks and get them done right.

[@Dwilsonmusic145]

Or literally walk into Costco and get glasses for just as cheap as she bought them but have someone help you...

[@danaknight1513]

I am happy with Zenni and they are so reasonable in price for high quality, I bought several pairs and I switch them out according to my daily clothing choices.

[@loriobrien1246]

Zenni is absolutely the way to go! Been using them for years for progressives, single vision, sunglasses, everything!

[@katinaricks3613]

I use Zenni Optical, I always ask to have my eyes measured when I get my eyes checked

[@seanmachado7681]

Buying online (as long as you have your PD measurements) works. I usually bring my glasses to an optical shop to have the frame fitted. FREE everywhere I've gone.

[@dmspeacock]

Roka is a newer but FANTASTIC addition to the mail order game. I think they started out with cycling glasses but moved onto eyeglasses and sunglasses. Free try ons of up to 4 frames. They're currently somewhat limited in styles and colors, but they are the lightest and most comfortable glasses I've ever worn.

[@GoddessKiriel]

I do have to say, we didn't care for Warby Parker frames as much, but they have a video available for how to adjust your frames at home, which my teen used to make the glasses fit better. It is a relatively easy process.

[@TieraOwens]

That PD Number tripped me up when ordering online but EyeBuyDirect is my go-to. Their selection is the best I've seen. I've never had any trouble with em.

[@richardl5956]

I use Zenni Optical. Their frames fit my tastes and they list the temple, bridge, lense width, and lense height so I can match the new frames up to my old pair.

[@karenmitchell3173]

I ordered my glasses from Zenni for the first time. I had a full prescription, including PD. I have a complex prescription, and use a balance. The problem I have discovered is when I visit an actual store, the doctor usually asks me to look at him and he places a dot on my lens. This could not be done when I ordered on line and I feel like the point of clarity is off to the side and not when I look straight. I usually have to pay almost $600 dollars for glasses and was happy when my glasses totalled $217. But, they are not comfortable vision wise.

[@matchachachoco8948]

Every other year I bought my own frame at Nordstrom rack and send them to lensabl for the lens. I saved a lot of money and the frame was a lot better than what the store offered.

[@yutubl]

You may also be interested in automatic sun protection glasses (darkening in light and lightening in darkness), saving buying extra sun glasses manufactored per your eye vision weakness (dioptrin). Cheaper option can be sun glasses as over normal glasses, which have a slightly bigger glass frame to wear above your normal glasses, if you find them pay attention that this should not damage underlying normal glasses.

[@cylonred8902]

I can't even tell how frames look on me as my face has to be right up to the mirror to be able to actually see anything. I wonder how many people are using an old prescription as well before ordering. When you get older - eves change a lot and very quickly. I really can't imagine the hassle of having the lenses not be right and needing to send them back - with the possibility of not know WHY it is not right. At least I can go to my Dr and say - lenses are not right and they can check it right there and get them fixed - no added cost (yes - this has happened before). Need them adjusted to sit on my face properly - go to the office. Need to replace nose pads or screws - stop by the office.

[@1hjehje]

For me, I always look for spring hinges as they tend to hold my glasses in place better, especially when it is hot outside. I have a narrow nose bridge, so fully plastic frames wont work for me. I need to have glasses with nose pads. Other than a correct PD measurement, my only concern would be related to the nose pad and side bar adjustment. Every time that I buy glasses, the nose pads need to be adjusted and the side bars need to be heated and bent slightly behind my ears to get a nice comfortable fit. I would be a little concerned about damaging the frames if I didn't make the adjustments correctly. I doubt that the supplier would be willing to replace the frames due to damage. Other than that the online buying experience looks interesting. Sometimes it is really nice to have an extra pair of inexpensive pair of glasses to wear at home. Thank you for the video.

[@4speedchevy]

I purchased from I buy direct last year and was not happy with them or their customer service. This year I purchased from glasses USA and I did not have the same experience on the PD distance when I went to the help section they had me turn my camera on on my phone and it measured my PD distance for me. The glasses I got were great and much cheaper than the ones I purchased in store with my insurance. Will definitely use glasses USA again. I have worn glasses for 40 years and know when my prescription is correct and when it is not so I am very comfortable purchasing online.

[@dark_baphomet]

My glasses with optimum thinning and anti reflection toughened coating are £240, but if I just got the same frame with basic lenses it would be 70. I’m not sure that these online places are worth the risk unless say you break glasses a lot and have a low prescription that doesn’t require extras so they are actually cheap, like my optician told me that the frames I had been looking at in spec savers would end up being quite heavy and uncomfortable even on the thinnest lens due to them being a lot bigger, about the same size glasses they are all wearing. My prescription is -6.75 in both, so for the amount of info and guidance I get it’s great and also my opticians is small and only has 3 branches and I’ve been with them since I was 9 so I trust them completely, and if something is wrong I can go back and get stuff repaired, warranties etc. if it was like 30 for a spare set then maybe but the pricing difference I don’t find to be that big, and you get a lot less in my opinion as well

[@ilsesloane6088]

That's how a real.optometry practice would treat you...fix all your problems...always go back You pay for something once...and it better be right...even if it's not on the first time We had a la Ens lab that took 5x to get specs correct.we never gave them to the patient, we just kept sending them back...getting crosser every time For the patient it just took longer....for us, we just dont use that lab anymore...they had problems with one staff member and refused to caution him ...they were that nice...but not to our and our patients advantage

[@backpocket718]

i buy from Zenni. not only is the glasses cheap and high quality, They also have a AR viewer to see the glasses on your face before you even start to checkout. I also get pairs from Zenni that have a magnetic snap on sunglasses frame. This way when im in the car i can quicky turn my seeing glasses into sunnies.

[@oliviapopireni3456]

First time user using glasses, I purchased glasses couple days ago and to get my eyes examined correctly, thankfully the prescription glasses was covered by my company's insurance, so it was completely free. Next month I'm going to purchase several glasses online with cuter frames, and cheaper. But Indie brands glasses quality nowadays also good as Branded ones

[@jennygirl8849]

Zenni has been wonderful, I can actually afford several pairs. No matter what I spend on my glasses, they inevitably end up scratched after awhile. I still love my Optometrist and still need his expertise. Win Win.

[@BologneseJones]

Never had an issue for years I will always get my glasses online

[@knitterpated907]

Payne glasses gave me the best all around online eyeglass experience.

[@the_track_enthusiast]

I DID IT AND IT WAS A DISASTER. Never again

[@moonshadow3559]

Eye Buy Direct is wonderful! Have purchased four pair. Excellent prices and service!

[@Richard13eraser]

This was so helpful and a FUN presentation by you. I've been on the fence about ordering online. Now I FELL OFF. Will try for sure and EYE thank you.

[@tylera5010]

I used FramesDirect. They did a good job with my bifocals. They have a great selection of frames. Warby Parker frame selections are unappealing.

[@CookingFor1]

Zenni also has virtual try on now, but that may or may not work for people if they do not put in the information correctly.

[@electrocit673]

eyebuy direct has the virtual try on feature too. if you load a picture (directly face forward not angled up or to the side) you can get a really good "try on" especially if you know you PD.

[@technojunkie213]

i used warby parker and it was easy and great, cheaper than lenscrafters. my recommendation is to buy a frame width sufficient and accurate. frame width medium kept falling down my face. frame width narrow works perfectly and stays on my face.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I bought a pair from EyeBuyDirect last summer. The frames were a little different than the pictures (acetate coloured tortoiseshell style). In the reviews though, I saw the same comment and many pictures showing the differences. Check the reviews! Also, those plastic glasses can easily be adjusted at home! There were instructions with my EBD glasses.

[@fbtool]

I don't understand how people are claiming it is so much cheaper online as much as 90%. What? When I add up the cost online I save maybe between $100-$150 from retail store prices. If I compare it to a retail store that is a discounter like Eyemart Express or America's Best there isn't much difference. My problem is the frames I want are only online, and that's because the selection at retail stores is poor.

[@CarleeNesse]

If they lie to you and tell you (and it definitely is a lie) that they don't have your PD you can insist they give it to you but I have had great luck just telling them "I need to give it to my work so they can order me specialty goggles." This is also a lie, but they started it.

[@starlight3363]

Who hired you to say these things, I just ordered some and I'm real happy about it. I think you are working for eye doctors who can't sell enough glasses now.

[@nancywilliams6777]

Eyebobs has been great for me. I’m thinking of trying Pairs next.

[@mypointofview1111]

The thing you nerd to be careful when ordering glasses online is often the company will send you frames that fit perfectly but then give you a different size frame so they don't fit as well. This can also happen with frames you order in store, so be careful and makexsute you get glasses that actually fit your face as well as look good

[@moda.beleza]

I am an optician, I am happy that it worked for you. What I get all day is people that buy online and then walk to our store to do adjustments. Do you like working for free? That’s what I thought!🧐 Then the other thing that Bugs me is that the majority of people say that they care about the environment but don’t think twice about ordering multiple pairs and return then. Do you know that lenses will be thrown away? Who cares right? 🧐

[@lynneboatright5610]

I have three pairs of Paynes and have been very happy with them.

[@TheMinot60]

I’ve been ordering online for a decade, Invisalign bifocals with adjusting sun protection, thin lenses, scratch resistance, blue light protection… All the important to me stuff that I can’t afford in a brick and mortar place.

[@envio82]

This is plain hard to watch as an optician who just opened a brick and mortar shop. I’m writing a comment from my husbands account because I’m logged in by chance from his KZbin acct. anyway. The whole video made me cringe. Once you know what I know it’s just hard to watch. All I can say is watch some Laramy-K videos on you tube. then try to watch this video again. Lol. And you truly do get what you pay for……. It’s crazy to me you buy cell phones for 1000 bucks because you love the optics in the camera. But you put kinda “ anything” right in front of your eyes on glasses. And a good pair won’t be a 1000$ lol……

[@davemessenger1944]

Iv'e been doing this for 15 years and have settled on Zenni. They seem to best overall.

[@PWingert1966]

In general my last prescription with an optometrist was a complete waste of time, money and effort. I can't judge distance correctly nor can i read my computer screen. I have a terrible fishbowl effect and the optometrist missed a low angle closure issue that could have led to glaucoma. He informed me I had cataracts but didn't advise me as to what I should do n about the issue. He also did not offer me a referral to an ophthalmologist for surgery to correct the problem.

[@lisablouinnowicki4300]

Thank You, this was very informative! - I recently updated my script and had sticker shock @ the >$400 for 1 pair I ordered through my eye doctor. Note, my script isn't complicated, but I am starting to lose the reading, so bifocal it was & note, this pair isn't progressive lenses, they are just standard bi-focal. I'd love to see Pair Eyewear review, I've seen them in social & they have different magnetic toppers that can change the look/color and even add a sunshade topper, so those who wear glasses outdoors can easily add a topper to their regular glasses, instead of changing from a prescription pair.

[@dollcina]

I order from Zenni, Zeelool, and GlassesUSA. All are fabulous!

[@rainacude6056]

As an Optician, videos like these make me sad. Where I understand the need for inexpensive- easily accessible glasses; the process of needing glasses, making them, and giving them to a patient is a lost ARTFORM. The reason glasses cost so much money is not because of a private optical being greedy, but because of huge optical monopolies that cost control the market. Opticians are still needed. She said "I wish I could as someone" Come and sit with an Optician and ask! We look at glasses everyday. We study the optical market to know the best products and options for your prescription. A lot of patients have a fine time buying online because they either lucked out, or their prescription is easy. However, a lot of patients are struggling with glasses online because basic measurements are used in every pair. Your PD should be a monocular PD if you want an accurate pair of glasses. They should notate and OC but you cant if you haven't tried the pair on. Every pair comes with a different eye size, bridge size and temple length. How the lens is mounted and where your eye is at in the lens are important. Yes glasses are expensive. Yes you can buy them online, but should you? Please shop local. Please invest back into your community by giving a professional a chance to serve you. Don't give your money online to a corporation that will mass produce your eyewear and that doesn't take the time to make them for YOU.

[@ilsesloane6088]

Oh yes...I love your comment, it is far too polite and doesnt cover half the issues from your expensive study, the upkeep.of your study and congresses and your extremely expensive equipment and its upkeep These people are being Shortsighted in that they are not ensuring that their good vision continues by checking regularly for eye disease They'll be back...😅

[@shelanemascaro1085]

I agree, I hesitate to do online shopping because it's hard to get a proper fit - it's complicated and even the staff at opticians' offices don't know how to fit glasses to a face - most talk about fashion. I learned so much by watching Laramy-K OpticianWorks videos. But why is there such a big price difference between local and online, do I really need to pay the doctor $600 (w insurance) for my progressives, it's forcing me to shop online.

[@felis1224]

I wore progressive glasses and I liked to have transition type lenses. Using the optician at my eye doctor would have had me wearing ugly frames with that line across them, what I wanted would have cost over 500. Nice progressives, with photo gray cost me about 200-250 from Eye Buy Direct! They came even with anti scratch lenses! I have since had cataract surgery and only need readers. I got those from Eye buy direct too! I have progressive readers and reader sunglasses too. Even though I had Davis Vision insurance it didn’t really make dent in cost at the optician. I was able to purchase several pairs for variety though Eye Buy Direct and Zenni. If you are low income or have crappy insurance online is the way to go!

[@kristismart4065]

@@felis1224 Absolutely. Expensive healthcare is accessible to people who can afford that expense. Some of us cant. We have to live within our means and that may mean buying glasses on line.

[@JayeshKaramchandani]

I used to buy glasses at LensCrafters when I was covered by my mother's employers health insurance policy. They cost $300 a pair, but insurance covered 60-70%. We know how insurance works, so not really a benefit to pay less out of pocket now & higher premiums later. Afterwards, I shopped at Costco optical for affordable pairs of frames+lenses. I eventually learned there's 1 major company with a monopoly in the eyeglasses space...Luxottica. Don't like that, not one bit. Since learning of their evil greedy ways, any company connected to Luxottica is who I'll be protesting & refusing to transact with. Simple as that. If you can provide me service online from remote, I'm in CA, USA, & you're not connected to Luxottica, I'll be your customer. But if you have Luxottica product, then I'm not buying. This is me, in essence

[@TravisRichey]

I've been buying my glasses from Zenni since at least 2010 thanks for a recommendation from Hank Green. I LOVE em. and the price just can't be beat. And they're made in the same place that Warby Parkers are. My latest two pair have transitions lenses and anti-glare so I can use them for filming more. ~Trav

[@dyan4436]

I buy my glasses with all the extras like scratch resist, blue color on the lenses for computer, progressive, a lot of choices for years from EYEBYDIRECT! NO PROBLEMS ever!

[@mueckenhoeffer]

The attraction for me to buy online is the local opticians seem to feel one size fits all, and the only selections they have for someone with a big old head are pretty ugly.

[@DrMoorehen]

Similar to experience in the uk. We can get two pairs glazed for £16! Albeit the frames are flimsy......better to go to dizzy heights of about £40 per pair....sometimes with a free 2nd pair...reglazing an existing pair, for whatever reason is usually much more expensive online or at an opticians!

[@thomasschwarting5108]

I'll stick with doing that in person, thank you very much. I had looked into buying just frames online, but i wasn't happy with what I was seeing.

[@fredericktaylor2891]

I have never bought glasses online, been wearing them for over thirty years. I have for the most part used LensCrafters, but the cost has gotten to the point where it is ridiculous, somewhere between $700.00 and $800.00 every time I have to get new ones even if I don't change the frames. They have great service but is just not affordable to people like me living on an ever decreasing income, so I am looking for something more reasonable in price that will meet my needs.

[@OWK000]

There are some apps you can get to measure your PD distance, but I think just setting up a camera and taking a picture of yourself holding up the measureing device over your eyes is the easiest and probably more accurate. I like the sites where you can upload a pic of your face and simulated try on glasses that you like. You can also bend glasses with a heat gun, hot water, hair dryer so they won't slip off. (I am sure there are videos on that.) If you have a favorite pair of glasses that you have had in the past, like a pair of designer frames that broke or wore out, there are item numbers on the arms that combined with the brand name and knowing what size frame you need, you can buy a pair of brand new nice designer frames you already know you love online, for a fraction of what you paid for them the first time.

[@lockbert99]

I had that issue with PD as well. And also encountered a reluctance to give it. Although I did notice that Target Optical appeared to take the measurement against when I came in for another pair. My problem is prisms. These online sellers either don't have them, or don't have enough for me.

[@robinnguyen6276]

Beside the worst is guessing axis regardless having the correct having every value of prescription correct. I made that mistake. Be upto date.

[@susanf1566]

I've ordered from all these companies and although my prescription isn't the highest power - 3.25 and - 3.00 my cylinder is very high - 3.25. I get charged additional every time I order because of my bonkers astigmatism. But overall I enjoy the savings. I had eye insurance recently and it was recommended I shop at Warby Parker. A store was nearby so why not. I find that all their acrylic frames are far too heavy for my face to can't imagine with lenses how they feel. So I got metal frames there that were very light. But in conclusion I prefer zenni overall. Just look for a similar shape and size to your original pair if you are worried about messing up. Look for deals and coupons too. Be cautious of a websites return policy. And good luck 👍👍

[@Lifesrad8]

Never had a problem buying glasses online and in a lot of ways it's way better and glasses are better online in alot of ways then at a eye doctor place. The best places I found is eye buy direct then glasses USA.

[@primaljoy]

I had a good experience with Zenni because I talked with a rep online to be sure I I did it right. They were perfect when they arrived. A friend gets her glasses on line, not sure they company, and they did not quite fit well. This you left out. How do handel this? No local store to drop by for a fix when there is an accident.

[@Rykeron]

Once I paid $550 from Lens Crafters for transition raybans and ever since then I buy my glasses for about $100 a pair online

[@GetErDun8445]

I bought glasses through insurance an it was pretty reasonable if I shopped a certain brand. Using that information I was able to purchase polarized sun glasses and an extra pair of glasses to put in each car for hardly any money using eyebuydirect. The sunglasses were about $120 but once you join you get coupons that cut the price down significantly. My extra pair of glasses cost as little as $18 delivered. I ended up upgrading to the middle lens option and it was $38. It also had the spring adjustment that my insurance covered glasses don't have. I did have to wait a week for them to arrive. The first order, I made a mistake in the prescription and they didn't charge me at all. very simple return policy no matter who was at fault. Really wonderful experience and now that I know what size glasses fit me, its easy to order for under $50 bucks.

[@NelsonNGray]

They barely mentioned Zenni Optical. That is definitely the dominate player in the market.

[@MkE1121]

I use Pair Eyewear - they are fantastic !

[@helenreebel9856]

Ah! The PD issue. Like almost everyone else it was not included on my prescription even though your Ophthalmologist is required by law to give it to you. I used Zenni's online tool to get mine, and yes, I did take the measurement several times in different lighting conditions just to make sure it was accurate as I have deep set eyes. But then that little voice in my head said "what if" as I had only been using that one tool??? I did some online research and found a link to a phone application on the website of one of the major retailers. Badda bing - badda boom! I downloaded the "Opthy" app to my phone. This app is a little tricky as you have to line your face oval into their face oval but once you get everything lined up it's as easy as 3-2-1. The results? It gave me the exact same number as Zenni's online tool! Yes, I did it several times just to be sure. IMO both of these options are superior to using and/or printing out a paper ruler and trying to DIY it. Hope someone finds this helpful as it's been 2 years since this video was posted originally...

[@glennet9613]

I’ve been using 39 dollar glasses for many years. I am not fashion conscious so I have found a frame that suits me and just buy a new pair every three or four years. Excellent quality, far better than anything I have bought from a local store and a fraction of the price.

[@barbaradouglas2283]

Pupilary Distance is necessary to know, correctly. Cool info here. So, can I actually measure my pupils distance using a ruler?

[@sandracrocker6143]

There is an app you can download. Also from Zenni there is one you can print at home and measure yourself

[@ArleneBarshinger]

Very fascinating and fun video. As an actor and film producer some days but optician most days I love to see what competition is out there. Keeps us on our toes. I did notice that some people who tried on their glasses here look lovely but need a proper fitting. That’s something that you can’t do online. The personal touch from an optician is lost. Some places do overcharge and others are very reasonable. Take into consideration all the overhead involved for smaller business owners. Just need to call around or go to different locations to see their price. I’ve also ordered online myself because I wanted some really fun pairs I’ve run across online. But have an advantage over others in having easy access to my measurements such as PD. Seg height is different depending on glasses. The quality is definitely different but for cheap and quick glasses this is ideal. Thanks for this very fun and informative video.

[@ilsesloane6088]

Is an optician an optometrist? Why did you buy online? To check out the quality Why cant you buy at cost from your own practice??

[@jessicawinn7241]

Just tried clicking on one of the links, and it didn’t work, just a heads up!

[@kennygates]

Framesdirect is my favorite place to get my glasses, it's so addictive though (Sunglasses and Regular)

[@hilaryweiner893]

Just had this video show up on my feed. I wear progressive lenses and didn't think ordering glasses online was even possible. Definitely worth checking out this option, especially with generous return policies.

[@M-hc9xm]

I have progressive bifocals and have never had a problem with glasses I ordered. Been a huge cost saving.

[@MsTracyBennett]

The price comparisons aren't actually apples to apples. And all those issues of adjustment, measurements, and understanding how your lenses are going to be in an actual frame is basically what you're paying for when you shop at the store. Like anything else, there is also the quality factor... you don't expect to pay the same price and get the same quality for a coat you bought at Walmart and a coat you bought at Banana Republic. You have to pay for the better quality. If quality is not your motivating factor then you do what you got to do in the end. I'm not knocking it one way or the other. I'm simply pointing out the financial comparison is bias.

[@joesackbaron]

Something very Cyberpunk about doing all this online; adding extra features like water resistance ... maybe some lasers and x-ray vision in there too to defeat the super villains? Thermal imaging to defeat the Predator? Perhaps the latest in Pygmalion's Spectacles to sample a new reality in style? Still stuck with your Cathode Ray Tube eyes? Why not try our 4K/8K retinal boosters so you can actually watch your tv in the detail you were supposed to see? I'm just glad Scooby Doo was invented in the 1960/70s and not the 2060/70s: "Jinkies! I can't find my optical spectral detonators."

[@jaystone4816]

Yeah, like buying Bitcoin and other NTFs and wondering why they eventually lost money when there was nothing backing them...or finding out computer hackers just stole billions of dollars worth of them - including yours. Or that it's okay to buy a house at super-inflated prices and chain yourself to a monthly mortgage payment nightmare for the next 40 years - maybe less if you end up having it repossessed because you can' no longer make the payments? The examples are endless.

[@goodintentions1302]

NY State law says you have the right to receive your PD #... Yet it's been a hassle to get it from multiple places.

[@chrisastro300]

I bought all my glasses at Zenni!

[@timothyweers8054]

I had purchased eyeglasses online before and ended up sending them back. They used a snapshot of yourself to show what you looked like in the glasses. I chose one that was a stone texture in blue. They were marketed as adult size glasses frame and I contacted where my prescription was so they must have filled in the information. The only thing I chose was frame, lens type which I can only wear polycarbonate lenses HD lenses I have only a partial view that is generally in the middle because the outer field is blurry, and what kind of lens protection I wanted. When I got the glasses, the frame size was for a kid where they literally couldn't be put on, I contacted them about the glasses and they told me 'they used donated frames that were reconditioned by nuns and sometimes what they make out of them is a little different in shape or size.' At that point they went back and my entire order was refunded.

[@PeterBenedetto]

I love Zenni. I swear by them all of the time

[@dathyr1]

So what do eye doctors say when you go in for an exam, get all the details of your eyes, and then choose to go online to get the new prescription glasses????? I know at my eye doctor, the glasses are really expensive. Are the glasses any better materials at the doctors office(frames and lenses)? Last thing, how do I trust an online service to do a good job of making correct lenses for the frames I choose???? We probably don't know. Nice I idea, but feel this is not the best way to get new glasses. There is more than selecting a pretty color frames for your eyes. Very interesting video on getting glasses online. thanks and take care.

[@danwylie-sears1134]

Expensive coatings are unnecessary. The higher-priced lens materials are actually worse. So on both criteria, cheap glasses are the way to go. Also, because you're typing in your own prescription, you can try a different diopter. Want something that focuses closer than your distance prescription, but isn't all the way to reading glasses? Want reading glasses that focus right when you lie down to read, so the comfortable place to hold the book is closer to your eyes than what the optometrist assumed you would be doing when they wrote your reading-glasses prescription? Pick a number, buy it in the cheapest frames and basic lenses, and you can try it out for a tenth the cost of a visit to the optometrist. If you like it, then you can get it with the frames you prefer, and have a spare.