More people buy eyeglasses online every year, and for a simple reason: the same single vision glasses that cost a few hundred dollars at a mall optical shop can cost a fraction of that online. Here's how to buy eyeglasses online with confidence, whether you're hunting for cheap glasses or just a fair price.
What you need before you buy
- A current eyeglass prescription with SPH, CYL and AXIS for each eye. A contact lens prescription isn't the same thing (here's why).
- Your PD (pupillary distance). It's often on your prescription; if not, measure it at home.
- Your frame size, from the numbers on the inside of glasses that fit you well. See how to find your glasses size.
What buying glasses online really costs
The price on the frame isn't always the price you pay. When you compare cheap eyeglasses online, add up the whole order:
- Are prescription lenses included? Some sites show a low frame price, then add $30 to $100 for basic lenses.
- Is there a strong-prescription charge? Higher powers often cost more. Ours is shown in your total as soon as you type your Rx.
- Shipping: free, flat, or extra for "fast" shipping?
- Coatings: anti-glare, blue light and scratch coatings are usually upgrades.
At Fast Eyeglasses, every everyday frame is $79 with single vision prescription lenses, safety frames are $149, and shipping is free. Upgrades are priced up front: polycarbonate +$15, standard anti-glare +$35, Crizal Easy anti-glare +$50, 1.67 high-index +$45.
Online vs. in store
| Buying online | Typical optical shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for single vision glasses | Often $79 to $150 with lenses | Often $200 to $400+ |
| Frame choice | Hundreds of styles | What's on the wall |
| Try-on | Photos, size numbers, try a style at home | In person |
| Fitting adjustments | Any optician can adjust them | Included |
| Time | Ours: most made in 1 business day | Often 1 to 2 weeks |
Red flags when buying glasses online
- No place to enter your PD, or no way to upload your prescription.
- No frame measurements (lens width, bridge and temple length) on the product page.
- No clear policy for what happens if the lab makes a mistake. Read ours: prescription & remake policy.
- Surprise fees at checkout for lenses, shipping or "processing."
- No real contact other than a chat bot.
When buying online is (and isn't) a good fit
Online is a great fit for single vision glasses: distance, reading or computer glasses with one power per lens. If you need bifocals, progressives or prism correction, those are best fitted in person with your eye doctor or optician. Learn the difference in single vision vs. bifocal vs. progressive.
How to order from us in 5 minutes
- Pick a frame for men, women, kids or safety.
- Choose a color, size and lens options.
- Enter your prescription and PD, or upload a photo of your prescription.
- Pay with PayPal or a card through PayPal.
- Most orders are made in one business day and arrive 1 to 2 business days after shipping.
We currently ship to Michigan, Oregon, Montana and Delaware. Shop all frames.
