Updated on August 20th, 2023
I’ve been wearing eyeglasses for 20 years. My two kids and my husband also wear glasses. So I’ve learned a thing or two about how to buy cheap eyeglasses.
Read on to learn how you, too, can spend less on your eye wear without sacrificing style or quality.
How to buy cheap eyeglasses in 4 steps
Your first order of business is to go to a board-certified Ophthalmologist and get an eye exam. If the doc’s office also sells glasses, they’re likely to push you into the retail side of the operation right away.
1. Get your prescription
Do not set foot in there without getting a written copy of your prescription. When they hand it to you, take a photo with your phone and put the original someplace safe. (Someplace safe is not crumpled at the bottom of your giant tote bag.)
2. Shop in store
With your prescription in hand, you can peruse the glasses your doc’s office has. It’s usually most efficient to lean towards frames that are similar to your favorite pair of sunglasses. (If you don’t have a favorite pair, see our guide to buying sunglasses asap.) You can also try on every frame in the store if you need to. Note which you like best in terms of:
- Shape: Rectangle, oval, browline, aviator, square, round, horn, etc.
- Color
- Material
- Frame thickness and weight
If you find a pair that’s utterly and completely perfect, write down the brand, style, and price. Do not buy them. You need to do some price-shopping first.
3. Shop the brick-and-mortar stores
At this point, you have a list of eyeglass features you like and/or you have a brand name and style that you love.
Now comes the fun part. Walk into every discount eyeglass retailer around and repeat the process. We’re talking Walmart, Lenscrafters, Sam’s Club, and Costco.
Shopping in physical stores gives you the advantage of being able to try the glasses on. In that process, you’ll learn more about what you like and how those styles are priced. You’re also likely to find some good eyeglasses that are cheaper than what you saw in the doc’s office. But don’t buy yet — there’s more work to do.
4. Shop the online eyeglass retailers
Now it’s time to put your online research skills to work. Hit up the online eyeglass shops. By now, you should know enough about your tastes to filter search results down pretty fast. You can then use virtual try-on tools to confirm a prospective style suits you.
You might be nervous about buying prescription eyeglasses online, and that’s understandable. For what it’s worth, I’ve bought stylish eyeglasses from at least four different online discounters and never had a bad experience.
The good news here is that you’ve probably already found your perfect frame. So your online mission is limited to finding the lowest price on one particular style. That’s why you save the online shopping for last — by the time you’re in this phase of the process, it helps to know exactly what you want. That lowers the stress of choosing a frame style without physically trying it on.
FAQs on buying eyeglasses online
For those of you who are new to buying discount eyeglasses online, here are some FAQs.
Is it safe to buy prescription eye wear online?
Yes, it is safe to buy prescription eyewear online. Read the company’s return policy and customer reviews first. If all looks good on those fronts, go for it. Better go for a trusted credible company like goodr.
How do I know if the frames will fit my face?
Most online retailers have a virtual try-on feature where you can upload a photo of yourself and try on different frames virtually. Also, check the frame measurements on any prospective style. Compare those measurements to your old glasses or even a pair of summer or winter sunglasses, to ensure the scale is right for your face.
Can I return or exchange my eye wear if I don’t like it?
Yes, most online retailers have a return or exchange policy. Read it and understand the terms before you buy.
How long does it take to receive my eye wear?
In my experience, it takes about two weeks to receive prescription eye wear that you ordered online. This can vary based on the retailer and the shipping method you choose. You usually have the option to upgrade to expedited shipping if you need the glasses right away.
Why are glasses in the stores so much more expensive than glasses online?
You’re paying for overhead like rent for the store, wages for the people working the counter, etc., plus massive markups. Often, those stores make far more on eyeglass sales than they do on eye exams.
This post was fully rewritten in 2023.