Where to Buy Affordable Prescription Glasses (That Will Actually Last)

Inflation is taking a punch to everyone’s wallet these days. And while things have finally slowed down in June of 2023 at only 3%, the higher prices in general mean it’s a good idea to make your money stretch as much as you can.

Costs like medical expenses or vision care are a part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay exorbitant amounts of money for designer prescription glasses. In fact, those designer labels cost so much because of the Luxottica monopoly that controls the prices in the market.

There are quite a few smaller eyewear brands that don’t price gouge but rather sell their frames at an affordable price. Today, we’re going to share our secrets on where to buy affordable prescription glasses online that will actually last.

Where to Find Affordable Prescription Glasses Online

You can find affordable prescription glasses online at small businesses like WMP Eyewear, Warby Parker, and Zenni Optical. These companies all offer quality products made out of durable materials at reasonable prices.

Price Range for Eyeglasses

The price range for eyeglasses is from $50 on the low end to over $300 for high-index lenses or progressive lenses. The more specialized corrections your eyes need, typically the more expensive the eyeglasses will be. For example, there is usually a small fee for an added prism correction.

Of course, you have to consider the other fees on top of this, including the eye exam, which ranges from $50 to $250 depending on how much your insurance covers and where you live.

The average pair of glasses costs $196. So, unless you have a complicated prescription, don’t pay over $200 for a pair of eyeglasses. Stay away from any options over $300. 

Shop Small Eyewear Brands

Once you receive the prescription from your eye doctor, save money by shopping small eyewear brands rather than purchasing directly from your optometrist. 

WMP Eyewear

WMP Eyewear sells a variety of men’s prescription glasses at affordable prices. They make their frames out of exceptional materials like acetate and stainless steel and offer designer-level quality at a fraction of the cost. With WMP Eyewear, you don’t have to sacrifice style for price.

While the price of eyeglasses varies on needs, you can expect to spend around $100 for a pair.

The company offers prescription sunglasses and free shipping for orders over $50. Be sure to sign up for SMS messaging as well to be notified when there's a sale.

They also give a portion of their sales to the Arizona Humane Society, so you can feel good that some of your money goes to a great cause.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker was founded to combat the high prices of the Luxottica monopoly, and the company sells online as well as at brick-and-mortar stores across the United States and Canada. 

But if you don’t happen to live near a Warby Parker location, they have a virtual try-on feature in their app so it’s easy to see what the frames look like before purchasing them. They’ll also send you up to five frames to try on for free (but you do have to remember to send them back).

At Warby Parker, you can expect to spend around $100-200 for single-vision frames and $300-400 for progressive lenses. 

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical was one of the first online-only eyeglass companies and now has sold over $50 million in frames all over the world. They offer cheap frames and a wide variety of lenses, including Transitions® lenses so you don’t have to buy a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.

At Zenni Optical, frames are priced based on add-ons so there is a wide range of possibilities. Frames start as low as $6.95 if you want the most basic lens and frame combination. 

Finding the Right Frames for You

Blue Light Glasses

Blue light is a short, high-energy wave that radiates from electronic screens, causing headaches and even age-related macular degeneration. If you use a computer all day for work, then you’ll want a pair of blue light glasses to protect your eyes from future issues. 

Reading Glasses

If your eye doctor recently identified that you have presbyopia (farsightedness that develops as someone ages), then all you’ll need is the right pair of reading glasses. These make the text you’re reading bigger so you can read without holding your book far away.

Prescription Glasses

You’ll know if you need prescription glasses by making an eye exam appointment. Your optometrist will give you a prescription and you can purchase the right glasses with it. Any man should consider a classic style like Tate, a round frame that offers a studious look to every outfit.

Sunglasses with Prescription Lenses

Don’t forget to pick up a pair of prescription shades as well to maximize your eye health and protect them from UV rays. WMP eyewear offers a wide variety of prescription sunglasses, like the modern aviator Emerson. These sunglasses with feature a single nose bridge and square prescription lenses for an updated take on a timeless classic.

What to Know When Shopping Eyeglasses Online

Before shopping for women’s prescription glasses, be sure you know the size of frames you need and have your prescription on hand.

Your Size

You need to measure your frame size before shopping online. Since you may not be able to try them on in advance, you need to know the range of what size looks good on you. 

To find your frame width, measure across the front of your favorite pair of glasses or sunglasses, including the widest points. Then, compare this with the width listed in the product description to choose the right pair. Try to stay within 2-3mm of the glasses you measured.

Your Prescription

The prescription from your ophthalmologist will have a few numbers on it that you need to follow exactly to secure the right lenses. Be sure to double-check all of the following before you order your lenses.

O.D. (oculus dexter in Latin):

your right eye

O.S. (oculus sinister in Latin):

your left eye

Sphere (SPH):

the lens power

Cylinder (CYL):

the astigmatism measurement

P.D. (Pupillary Distance):

the distance between your pupils

Axis:

how astigmatism lines up to the cornea

Add:

extra lens power (to replace glasses for reading)

Return Policies

Last, you want to check the online store’s return policies. Because you likely won’t be trying the glasses on before you purchase them online, make sure that you can return them for free or a small charge if you decide you don’t like how they look on you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Reduce the Cost of My Glasses?

Shopping online makes prescription glasses affordable because businesses have less overhead costs that way. Reduce the cost of your glasses further by shopping from small businesses like WMP Eyewear, Warby Parker, and Zenni Optical rather than designer brands. 

A company called Luxottica owns a majority of the popular designer eyewear brands, including Ray Bans, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, and Prada. Because they own so many, they can charge a markup of 1,000% on all their styles.

Why Are Glasses More Expensive in Store Than Online?

Glasses are more expensive in-store than online because it costs more money to operate a brick-and-mortar store than an online one. Stores have higher overheads, including costs like air conditioning, signage, rent, and more. Online stores can ship you the product directly, cutting down on overhead fees.

Plus, stores are limited to local customers, whereas anyone can purchase an item online.

Is It OK to Buy Progressive Lenses Online?

Yes, it is okay to buy progressive lenses online because lenses are made according to your written prescription. As long as the prescription you’ve ordered is correct, then the progressive lenses you receive will be as well.