Where to buy RX sunglasses online

[njsweetP]

Looking for a place online to purchase progressive lens sunglasses at a decent price. Any suggestions/recommendations/experiences you could share?
Thanks!

 

[Ranger111]

Zenni is the one that gets the most positive reviews in my experience. I never used them until a couple of days ago.

GlassesUSA is the one I have used for the past several years and have ordered three times. Satisfied with them, but the reason I mostly used them is that if you search about you can find some BIG savings via promo codes. They have some rotten codes out there that sound great, but save very little, but they also have some deep discount codes, but you have to poke around. Also, last time I ordered EBATES was giving 20 percent back.

Having said that, on Dec. 31, just a few days ago, had money to burn in my Health Savings account and wife decided she needed a backup pair of glasses as well as RX sunglasses.

Figured I could use a pair of RX sunglasses to wear while working in the yard (glasses that could get beat up). So, since wife is very picky and Zenni has always had the best reviews, went with them this time. Of course, will not get the glasses for another week or two, so can't comment on them yet.

But, in ordering the RX sunglasses their process is a bit strange. The premium polarized coatings ($80-$110 bucks) are a bit hidden as you progress through the process...you have to really look to find those options.

Try this site:, it may help, it may not, I really don't know if it is legit or not, but it claims to review three different providers:

https://eyeglasses.knoji.com/zenni-optical-vs-framesdirect-vs-glassesusa-top-eyeglasses-sites-comparison/

 

[JamJamFam]

Hello! I'm an optician, and I just want to warn you about buying glasses online. For mild RXs, most that I have seen are within tolerance of error margins. However, for a progressive lens, they have been wildly off measurements, which means to you that they could cause headaches.

Just be aware!

 

[JamJamFam]

Oops, double post.

 

[Ranger111]

Everyone has their own opinions. And I do not doubt that sometimes there is a bum pair from an online supplier.

But, I have known many people who have received bum glassses from a local glasses shop.

The difference being that it is probably easier (or not) to get satisfaction from the local shop.

having said that, I have pretty severe myopic (nearsighted ?) eyes. I need pretty severe correction. And, I need progressive lenses.

I have five pairs of progressive glasses from GlassesUSA (two Rx sunglasses and three everyday, get around glasses). I am pretty tough on glasses. I tend to sit on them, roll car tires over them, the black lab dog sometimes ends up them.... Anyway, other than my self-destructive habits, I have had no issues with these glasses whatsoever.

Have ordered one pair from GlassesUSA for my mom and she has had no issue with her progressive lenses.

Most people I tell about ordering online (including my wife) have severe doubts.

Three friends who decided to order have all been satisified. YMMV, but considering you save a great $$$$$ of money (and I do mean a great deal of $$$), it may be worth it for you to try it.

I was very surprised my wife decided to try it this time, but we would have lost the cash if we did not do it, and the pairs she ordered will both be back-up pairs, so she did not risk a lot.

I will be very interested how satisfied she will be in a week or so, but I suspect she will very surprised -- in a good way. If not, I will hear about it for a few weeks....

Go google zenni. Also, many threads on this on these very same budget disboards. Search for them. If I remember right, Zenni came out on top and tons of people recommended online orders. But, as mom said, if tons of people jumped off a cliff....

 

[JamJamFam]

Yes, I'm sure many are just fine. In our office we happen to see many pairs purchased online per day that aren't.

 

[Ranger111]

Yes, I'm sure many are just fine. In our office we happen to see many pairs purchased online per day that aren't.

Many pairs, Per day, seriously...sorry, but a little hard to believe.

Nearly everyone I mention buying online to shakes their head and says I am crazy.

I don't know how many buy online, but it has to be a very small percentage.

The American Optometric Association does have the following document available.

They, understandably, are against online ordering. It works for me, but seriously, it may not work for everyone, and honestly, I hold no stake in online places, I really don't care if people decide to buy local or online (although I do sort of like supporting local business).

http://www.aoa.org/documents/public/A_Closer_Look_at_Ordering_Eyeglasses_Online.pdf

 

[ErinC]

I'm so unhappy with my current local place that I'm seriously considering ordering online. I'm interested in the responses here. I just spent $250 on new lenses (to go in my frames) and couldn't see a thing out of them. This is the 2nd year in a row that I've not been happy with what I got at my local shop. I had to have them remade last year because the script was far too strong (they gave me a terrible headache). Got new lenses this year. They aren't progressives but they have a slightly different script on the bottom vs. the top. Wore them for a solid week. Everything in my peripheral vision was blurred. Went back to the doc and they wanted to change me to a bifocal. I was ticked. I made them put my old lenses back in my glasses. So now I'm carrying around a $250 pair of lenses in my purse in a baggy. All this by the way was with vision insurance. Anyway, I'm not sure how the online situation could be any worse than what I'm dealing with.

 

[sharonmickey]

I've used Zenni for both glasses and sunglasses. I ordered the sunglasses first since they were so much cheaper online than at the eye doctors. My doctor's office was great, they helped me with how to order online. The sunglasses worked well so I ordered my regular glasses from Zenni. I got two pair of progressive lens for less than one pair at Walmart (which is still less expensive than the eye doctor).

Summer 2013 I ordered a "good" pair from my eye doctor. It took almost a year of going to have the glasses adjusted before they finally fit properly. His office is not close to my work or home so it was really inconvenient. Zenni actually has a better warranty than the eye doctor. Next pair I will probably order online again.

 

[JamJamFam]

Many pairs, Per day, seriously...sorry, but a little hard to believe. Nearly everyone I mention buying online to shakes their head and says I am crazy. I don't know how many buy online, but it has to be a very small percentage. The American Optometric Association does have the following document available. They, understandably, are against online ordering. It works for me, but seriously, it may not work for everyone, and honestly, I hold no stake in online places, I really don't care if people decide to buy local or online (although I do sort of like supporting local business). http://www.aoa.org/documents/public/A_Closer_Look_at_Ordering_Eyeglasses_Online.pdf

I should clarify - We average 20-30 pairs of online glasses a week for checks, adjustments, or repairs. Of these, usually 2-3 are off from tolerance. We perform services required for anyone, but it has actually become quite a nuisance.

When we perform adjustments/repairs on glasses we have sold, it's not an issue as service is included. But it's kind of rude to bring glasses purchased online to your locally owned optician for checks/repairs/adjustments. Not saying you've done this, but just saying in the general sense. To me, it would be like purchasing a car from dealership A and expecting free service from dealership B.

Also, I never said not to purchase - as a consumer you are more than welcome to do as you please! But you should be an informed consumer and know the risks before you commit your hard earned $$.

 

[MrsPete]

I ordered from Zenni once -- never again.

I ordered a pair of sunglasses: They looked great, and the prescription was dead-on -- but the "arms" of the glasses were too short, and they gave me headaches after only a few minutes of wear. I took them to a place at the mall and asked about having the "arms" adjusted -- but they were just too short to be adjusted for me.

Since you cannot try them on before buying, I say NO. I only had to lose once to learn that lesson.

 

[Ranger111]

I ordered from Zenni once -- never again.

I ordered a pair of sunglasses: They looked great, and the prescription was dead-on -- but the "arms" of the glasses were too short, and they gave me headaches after only a few minutes of wear. I took them to a place at the mall and asked about having the "arms" adjusted -- but they were just too short to be adjusted for me.

Since you cannot try them on before buying, I say NO. I only had to lose once to learn that lesson.

Really can't blame them for that. You have the opportunity to specify the length....

http://www.zennioptical.com/measure-eyeglass-frame-size-how-to

 

[danygirl]

Costco has good prices and good service.

 

[ChrisNY2]

Warby Parker has great sunglasses (and eyeglasses) at pretty reasonable prices!

 

[puffkin]

I personally don't wear glasses, but my DH and mom have been ordering from Zenni for years and years with no issues. I know so many people who use them now and have never heard a single complaint.

My mom has progressive lenses and the Zenni glasses are about 1/5 the cost of getting them at the eye doctor. She also has sunglasses from there. It's honestly criminal what they charge for glasses at the eye doctor, and I don't care what type of service they provide. The mark ups on glasses are absolutely outrageous. Neither my mom nor husband go to optometrists that are in the retail business and they have had no issues getting glasses adjusted.

 

[tvguy]

Many pairs, Per day, seriously...sorry, but a little hard to believe.

Nearly everyone I mention buying online to shakes their head and says I am crazy.

I don't know how many buy online, but it has to be a very small percentage.

The American Optometric Association does have the following document available.

They, understandably, are against online ordering. It works for me, but seriously, it may not work for everyone, and honestly, I hold no stake in online places, I really don't care if people decide to buy local or online (although I do sort of like supporting local business).

http://www.aoa.org/documents/public/A_Closer_Look_at_Ordering_Eyeglasses_Online.pdf

I don't understand how it is possible to order anything other than a very mild prescription on line. They can't do any of the measurements they need to do to make sure the prescription is lined up with your eyes. I have never done it, but just seems like a prescription for a bad experience, no pun intended.

 

[puffkin]

I don't understand how it is possible to order anything other than a very mild prescription on line. They can't do any of the measurements they need to do to make sure the prescription is lined up with your eyes. I have never done it, but just seems like a prescription for a bad experience, no pun intended.

At least on Zenni you are required to put in your Pupillary Distance to make sure the lenses are the right size for your eyes. When my DH is at the eye doctor, he gets them to measure and give him his Pupillary distance when they give him his prescription.

 

[TravelMommy]

Can't say enough good things about Zenni, been buying from them for years. I had read online a recommendation from Clark Howard. My first pair from them was like $20. a far cry from the $325, I had previously spent at Target. Ophthalmologists' office has always confirmed spot on Rx's. Now my whole family buys from them. Last Eye Dr apt for my dad, the tech was examining his glasses, she says, "you must of paid over $600 for these,right?" He paid $100 for bifocal, frameless, transitional lenses! My last pair were under $40 for Rx with transitions lenses (whatever they call the lenses that automatically turn to sunglasses).

 

[PurpleMouse]

Another vote for Zenni. I have a pretty high rx but they are perfect.

I took the arm and width measurements off my current ones so I made sure to get a pair that would fit. They are well made, rx is right and very comfortable.

 

[tvguy]

At least on Zenni you are required to put in your Pupillary Distance to make sure the lenses are the right size for your eyes. When my DH is at the eye doctor, he gets them to measure and give him his Pupillary distance when they give him his prescription.

That would work I guess. I tried a discount optician......not mail order....years and years ago, and the glasses were so bad I've been afraid to try anything other than a regular optician.