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Public Speaking Made Easy by Smart Glasses

A teleprompter in the corner of your eye 

Speaking in front of large audiences isn’t easy – regardless of venue or audience. Whether you’re pitching a potentially huge client or coaching your daughter’s soccer team, the ability to deliver your message effectively takes practice.

READ:   Smart Glasses a Pilot’s Dream Come True

After all, a noteworthy speech can move mountains. The ability to tell a story and connect with an audience in a meaningful way is an incredibly valuable skill – one fiercely sought after by employers. It motivates action and stimulates change.

But preparing, memorizing and delivering a thoughtful speech is no cakewalk. Consider that even the world’s best broadcasters rely on teleprompters.

Smart glasses could ease a speaker’s nerves. Credit:  dpkpr.com

A toastmaster’s best friend

This innovation, introduced in the 1950's, allowed speakers to connect with their audience in an unprecedented way. Without hesitation, presenters could simply read their speech while simultaneously looking directly into the recipient’s eyes.

Smart glasses could take teleprompters a step further. Particularly at galas and awards ceremonies - where cue cards are often relied upon – smart glasses could allow speakers to read their speech without taking their eyes off the crowd.

Notes could be referred to - without anyone in the crowd being any the wiser.

As the 2020's approach, many of the big tech players are confident that smart glasses will replace smartphones as the digital hardware of choice. Practical applications like this reinforce such confidence. 

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• Dec 13, 2019

Future Friday: How Smart Glasses could Change Podcasts

• Dec 23, 2019

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The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

By Nancy Redd

Nancy Redd is a writer who covers health and grooming. She has tested dozens of hair dryers, toothbrushes, and pairs of period underwear.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying prescription eyeglasses online instead of through an optician.

After performing more than 122 hours of research over five years, talking to eight eye-care professionals, and testing dozens of comparable frame-and-lens pairings from 12 retailers since 2017, we recommend that you start your online glasses search at Eyebuydirect .

It offers an extensive, easy-to-search selection of more than 2,000 quality frames, multiple lens and coating options, and affordable prices when compared with the competition.

Everything we recommend

Eyebuydirect

Superior selection, consistent quality.

Most everyone can find frames they like and lenses that suit their prescription at Eyebuydirect. Prices are in the mid-range, and the return period is shorter than most, but our testers consistently rated Eyebuydirect glasses as being better than the competition.

Buying Options

Zenni Optical

A budget option—with a catch.

It’s possible to score a great pair of prescription eyeglasses from Zenni. And judging by customer reviews, as well as our own testing, many people do, sometimes at astonishingly affordable prices. But this retailer doesn’t refund any shipping costs if glasses are returned, making it a slightly higher-risk choice.

How we picked

We looked for online glasses retailers that offer generous return policies, allowing returns or exchanges for any reason.

The best online glasses retailers offer some form of try-on service, whether in the home or virtual.

We looked for retailers offering a wide variety of frame shapes and styles, including “alternative fit” glasses for people with low nose bridges.

Saving money on prescription glasses is one of the top benefits of buying online.

With single-vision Rx eyeglasses starting at $13 and going up to $354 during our test period (depending on frame and lens options), plus a 14-day, no-questions-asked full refund policy, Eyebuydirect is a great place to begin your online glasses search. Confirming what we found in our 2018, 2019, and 2020 testing, the glasses we ordered from Eyebuydirect in 2022 were of high quality, and the company’s customer service was reliable. Although Eyebuydirect doesn’t offer in-home frame trials, we found that its virtual try-on tool provided us with an adequate representation of what the glasses we chose ended up looking like on our faces. Plus for less than $20, the company offers two-day shipping for a wide variety of frames. (A 2020 test pair of single-vision prescription glasses arrived in just 33 hours .)

If you’re comfortable parting with $5 to $19 on shipping fees if you want to return your glasses, you may be surprised at how little you need to spend at Zenni Optical for prescription glasses that are often on par with those you’d receive from an optician. Despite Zenni’s ultra-low prices, we found that it surpassed our expectations, sometimes impressively so. A tester who ordered $19 glasses from Zenni was perfectly pleased with them. Another tester preferred the $149 progressive-prescription glasses she received from Zenni to the comparable, $295 pair from a competitor. Zenni’s frame selection is the largest of all the companies we tested. If the glasses you order from Zenni don’t work for you, though, you will not be refunded any initial shipping costs. Return shipping, however, is free.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we tested, our pick: eyebuydirect, also great: zenni optical, how to fit glasses, what about warby parker, what about lensabl, other good online glasses retailers, what to look forward to, the competition.

To learn more about buying prescription eyeglasses online, we spoke to Dr. Christopher Quinn , a past president of the American Optometric Association . And we interviewed seven optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians . We also consulted Alysa Bernstein, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Since 2017, we’ve spent more than 122 hours evaluating the websites of online glasses stores, comparing their policies, ordering and returning dozens of pairs of glasses, playing with fitting tools, and learning how to find glasses that fit—with or without being able to try on frames first.

I’ve worn glasses for more than 30 years and have been buying glasses online for over a decade. From fancy, $1,000 pairs sold by upscale Manhattan opticians who refused to fix my scratched-up lenses a mere month after purchase to $13 online specs that arrived bearing another person’s prescription, I’ve seen it all.

More than 75% of US adults use some form of vision correction, according to research from the Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association. Various estimates put the average cost of a pair of prescription glasses at north of $200. According to vision insurer VSP’s calculator , without factoring in insurance coverage, you can expect to pay approximately $527 (including $150 frames) for a pair of glasses with single vision, high-index lenses with anti-glare and scratch-resistance coatings. So it’s no surprise that, according to the Vision Council, eyeglasses are a $49 billion business in the US .

If you buy glasses online, you can cut your bill by up to half the brick-and-mortar price (or even more), with comparable frame and prescription lens pairings from our picks going for anywhere from $13 to $400+ at the time of our research. Note, though, that with optional upgrades or specialty-lens needs, your online costs can quickly add up—sometimes even matching or exceeding what you might encounter in person with an optician.

If you have a hard time finding frames that fit your face or your personal style, shopping around for glasses online may broaden your options. Collectively, online glasses retailers have a far greater variety of frames—including wider, narrower, and shallower styles, plus frames for people with lower nose bridges, higher cheekbones, or frame-weight restrictions—than what you’d find at any one optical shop. Many online glasses stores have tools to help you find the perfect-fitting pair of glasses for your face, through in-home frame trials and sophisticated virtual try-on tools (and, less formally, through generous, no-questions-asked return policies). To get a jumpstart on finding frames that will fit, check inside the arms of a pair you already own, as many frames are etched with their measurements. You can then search for the same dimensions in a new set of frames. Many sites also have style-searching tools, so you can quickly find glasses that fit—and that you like the look of. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, you can try on the widest variety of styles and sizes in the least amount of time by visiting an optician in person.

Buying prescription glasses online is not ideal for everyone . The collective advice from the eight eye-care professionals we talked to was that buying online is generally okay if you have a low or uncomplicated prescription. Individuals who have very strong prescriptions or other complications, such as the need for prism correction or progressive lenses, may feel more comfortable getting glasses from a brick-and-mortar shop to ensure prescription accuracy (though even they can sometimes make mistakes). There is no official designation for what constitutes a “strong” prescription, but, in general, it means prescriptions of +/-4 power or more, Dr. Neil Pence of the Indiana University School of Optometry told us.

Some readers who say they have strong or otherwise “complicated” prescriptions have noted that, after they’ve taken the time to find frames they like from our picks, the retailers have refused to fill their prescriptions. This is understandably frustrating. If your prescription is on the strong side, check the company’s parameters before spending too much time on its site (or go to an in-person optician).

What you’ll need: Prescription and PD

To buy glasses online, you need two things: a valid prescription and your PD, or pupillary distance .

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that all adults under 65 have their eyes examined in person at least once every two years, and that people over 65 see an eye doctor each year (though most prescriptions won’t officially expire until closer to five years). It strictly recommends against online-only eyeglasses prescription renewal services and do-it-yourself prescription checkers. “Patients need to be wary of any company that claims its [service or] device can replace the care that a doctor provides,” the AOA wrote in an emailed statement. Optometrist Dr. Camille Cohen pointed out that only in-person eye exams can reveal early signs of glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Along with a valid prescription, you’ll also need a number known as pupillary distance, or PD, which is unlikely to be on your prescription. Pupillary distance is the length in millimeters between your pupils (in a single PD number) or from your pupils to the center of your nose bridge (dual PD). PD values indicate where the company filling your prescription ought to place the horizontal center of vision in the lenses, so you can see clearly through them. According to Indiana University’s Pence, the stronger your prescription (that is, the larger the spherical numbers—positive or negative), the more important it is that the lenses are lined up correctly in front of your eye. (Read more about this and other alignment issues in  Should I Buy Glasses Online? )

Online glasses retailers should ask for your PD when you order frames with prescription lenses. Even though your doctor probably determined this number during your eye exam, they’re not necessarily required to provide your PD (unlike your glasses prescription, which is required by federal law to be patient-accessible). According to the FDA, currently, only a half-dozen states—including Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Rhode Island— require that your PD be recorded on your prescription. Elsewhere, it’s up to the eye-care professional whether or not to provide this important information. To mitigate any awkward exchanges, ask when you’re booking your appointment whether your PD will be included on your prescription. If you have already gotten your eyes examined and your doctor didn’t provide your PD on your prescription, contact their office to request it. Chances are, your doctor will provide the information when asked—even if they technically don’t have to. But if your doctor decides to hold this information hostage, you still have options.

All of the retailers we ordered glasses from offer workarounds for determining your PD without a professional’s help. These include everything from marking dummy lenses on in-home try-on frames to using a piece of paper and a ruler to virtual eye exams. However, as they said of online and other DIY eye exams, experts we spoke with unanimously advised against trying to determine your PD on your own.

For the best shot at getting online glasses that work for you, it’s worth having a professional measure your PD—if you can find one who’s willing. We called a random sampling of eight “big box” opticians nationwide and asked if we could get our PD measured for a fee. Every one of them refused to provide this measurement to someone who was not planning on buying glasses directly from their establishment. Some retailers’ representatives cited state laws making them liable for glasses that did not fit well. And others (including a customer service rep for a LensCrafters in New York) insisted that their companies never shared this information (even with their own customers), and that we should try “a mom and pop shop.” Indeed, independently owned Oscar Oglethorpe Eyewear in Greensboro, North Carolina, was the only shop we called whose rep said its staff would measure anyone’s PD free of charge, whether or not someone purchased glasses from their establishment. With a few phone calls, you may be able to find a local pro who is willing to measure your PD for a nominal or no fee.

There are hundreds of places where you can buy prescription glasses online. We first eliminated any retailer that did not offer some form of try-on service, whether virtual or in-home, because ordering glasses online without a modicum of an idea of what they might look like on your face can lead to wasted time and money. Since regrets and mistakes are both inevitable, we culled any company that didn’t offer a no-questions-asked full-refund policy (though we made an exception for Zenni Optical , a retailer that stands out for its extensive budget-friendly offerings and rave customer reviews, but does not refund shipping costs). And because cost-cutting is a key motivation behind buying online versus in person, we focused on companies that could sell us a variety of stylish frames fitted with single-vision prescription lenses for less than about $150.

In 2019, these parameters made it easy for us to narrow down our testing list to two promising online glasses companies that provided free in-home frame trials to customers in the US:

• Liingo Eyewear by 1-800 Contacts
• Warby Parker

and nine that offered virtual try-on services:

In addition to the free in-home frame trials, Liingo and Warby Parker both offer virtual try-on services through their websites. Warby Parker also has an outstanding virtual-try-on app (iOS only).

In 2022, we retested Eyebuydirect, Liingo, Warby Parker, and Zenni. As they now offer virtual try-on options, we added Lenscrafters and Target Optical to our testing pool.

For this guide, we considered only glasses for adults. We did not test any frames or lenses meant for children, though Bonlook, Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, GlassesUSA, Jins, Lenscrafters, Target Optical, Warby Parker, and Zenni all carry kid-size glasses (Liingo and Lensabl do not). (Bonlook’s kids frames are only available in-store.)

Because you don’t always need entirely new specs—just replacement lenses—we also tried the BYO-frames, prescription-lens-filling service Lensabl .

To find the best online glasses stores, in 2022 we shopped for, ordered, and returned prescription lens-and-frame pairings from each of the retailers we chose to test . We evaluated each retailer’s frame selection and lens options, virtual try-on experience, the overall ordering experience, standard shipping times (which ranged from two days to four weeks), and—crucially—return policies and processing.

In 2019, two test panelists—one who has a relatively weak single-vision prescription (-3.75, -1.25 with moderate astigmatism) and prefers minimalist, wire-framed glasses, and another (me), who has a strong single-vision prescription (-6, -7 with mild astigmatism) and gravitates toward plastic-heavy statement styles—ordered from all seven retailers we tested. A third panelist—who wears moderate progressive prescription lenses (with moderate astigmatism), and most often chooses statement specs made primarily of plastic—ordered glasses from the four best-performing retailers based on the first two testers’ evaluations.

Even though frames cost a pretty penny, it’s usually the lenses that most affect the final cost of prescription glasses, with thinner, lighter ones potentially doubling or even tripling the total cost. The higher the lens number, the higher the lens index, and the thinner and lighter the plastic of the lenses. The “free” lenses in the frames of most online retailers have a standard index (1.50). Zenni offers 1.50 or 1.57. (Lenscrafters and Target Optical have a base lens called “enhanced slim” that doesn’t have an index attached.) All of the retailers that we tested offered lens upgrades, with some offering lenses all the way up to an ultra-thin index of 1.84; these higher-index options generally cost much more, but they can be worth the upgrade, particularly in certain frame styles.

To make the strongest possible direct comparisons across brands, we had each tester choose near-identical frames and lenses from each retailer. Of course, there were some slight differences in styles based on the options each retailer offered at the time of our testing. For example, some of the wire-framed glasses that Tester 1 ordered were a slightly different shape than others. The anti-glare and hydrophobic coatings we ordered differed slightly from pair to pair, depending upon retailer offerings and costs.

Whereas I (Tester 2) was aware of the prices of each pair I was evaluating, Testers 1 and 3 had no idea whether they were trying on, for example, a $19 pair of glasses or a $145 pair.

When we ordered my glasses (metal-and-plastic frames filled with comparatively stronger Rx lenses), we found that two retailers, Eyebuydirect and GlassesUSA , required that we order more-expensive lenses based on the prescription (costing an extra $79 and $70, respectively). Firmoo and Zenni allowed us to order basic lenses, with the option to upgrade.

Finally, to test how the four most-promising retailers handled progressive prescriptions, we ordered near-identical plastic frame-and-lens combinations from each. In all of the acetate frames, the difference between the cheapest and best-available lenses was almost imperceptible. That’s largely because the all-plastic frames typically do a better job of “hiding” thicker lenses. We also found that the weight difference between these thicker basic lenses and thinner, more expensive ones was negligible, ranging from 0 to 2 grams.

In wire frames, however, the difference between thick and thinner lenses is generally much more visible. Even though many of the online glasses retailers we tested insist that upgrading to thinner lenses is about more than appearances, and that they can improve, as Felix + Iris put it, “visual clarity,” the reality is not so clear-cut. “High-index lenses bend light faster, which causes a difference in perception that is not always ‘better’ or ‘worse,’” explained Pence of Indiana University. In fact, sometimes pricier, lighter lenses can distort vision more than thicker, basic ones. “When light goes through lenses faster, it’s like going faster in a car,” he continued. “More things can go wrong.” So if you’re wearing thick plastic frames anyway and are not concerned about an extra gram or two of weight, you may do well to skip paying more for thinner lenses.

Finally, we had an independent eye-care professional evaluate each pair of glasses, to be sure all of the prescriptions were accurate. All were within an acceptable margin of error.

Although we didn’t test them, both of our picks sell prescription sunglasses.

On coupons and insurance coverage

Online glasses retailers know that shoppers love a “deal.” So most will gladly throw coupons and discount codes your way, essentially as soon as you start browsing their sites. In our testing, we used coupons and codes whenever possible (designer frames tend to be excluded). We did end up saving quite a bit of money this way, versus paying the full, published price—though whether we got any true deals is up for debate. Some tips:

• Sign up for retailers’ newsletters as soon as you know you’re going to be looking for new glasses. Sometimes it takes a few days for the coupons to hit your inbox, and you want to be aware of “flash sales” and other money-saving opportunities.
• When you find the frames and lenses you like, if you aren’t satisfied with the current coupon offerings, keep the pair (or pairs) in your virtual shopping cart for a while if you can wait to order. You may receive a retention discount: an extra markdown that some companies share with customers they perceive as being on the fence about their potential purchase. When we left glasses in our cart for a few days, Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, and GlassesUSA all sent emails with retention discounts that ranged from 15% to BOGO (buy one, get one free). During our test period, Warby Parker, Liingo, Zenni, and Felix + Iris all sent reminder emails with no retention discount offers.
• If you can’t find a coupon, consider chatting with the retailers’ customer service. I was able to snag 10% off our first Zenni order this way.
• Consider choosing frames (through virtual try-ons or in-home trials) before your eye exam. That way, as soon as you have your prescription in hand, you’ll be ready to order using the best-available discount codes.

If you have vision insurance, retailers that participate in your insurer’s network may be able to bill the insurance provider directly, lowering your upfront cost. Otherwise, you may be able to submit an out-of-network claim for prescription eyeglasses you buy online. Check with your insurance provider to see how this applies to your benefits. Even though neither of our picks directly take insurance, customers with vision insurance can submit their receipts for out-of-network provider reimbursement. (For people who want to easily use vision insurance, even if it means paying a bit more overall, we recommend considering Eyeconic, Lenscrafters, or Target Optical , three retailers that are in network for a variety of insurers.

Returning online glasses

If the glasses you buy online don’t work for you, for whatever reason, return them! Really.

Ten of the 11 retailers we ordered glasses from offered no-questions-asked return policies. And indeed, though we did follow each company’s instructions perfectly, all accepted and processed our returns on time. The eleventh retailer, Zenni Optical, offers refunds, less any initial shipping costs. We had no problems with our previous refund transactions at Zenni, nor did we have problems using the store credit we were issued.

Wondering what happens to returned spectacles? We asked each of the retailers we tested what they did with unwanted prescription glasses. Liingo Eyewear by 1-800 Contacts said it reuses returned frames for its in-home try-on services, as well as donates glasses to various organizations. Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, GlassesUSA, and Warby Parker all said they partner with charities to distribute glasses to those in need. Zenni donates them to Lions Clubs International .

Of the 11 brands we tested, Eyebuydirect offers the most impressive balance of aesthetics and affordability. All of the prescription lenses we ordered were accurate, and our 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 test panelists all found Eyebuydirect’s extensive selection of more than 2,000 frames to be superior to all other companies we tested . Although the company doesn’t offer in-home frame trials, we found its virtual try-on tool more than adequate. For lower single-vision prescriptions, the company offers a plethora of lens-thickness and coating options. Eyebuydirect does force customers with strong prescriptions to upgrade to thinner, lighter lenses, but the fee is nominal ($30 to $50), especially after you apply a coupon (the retailer offers many , though some frames may be excluded). We found that most people can buy a stylish yet substantive pair of high-quality glasses with single-vision Rx lenses for under $100—even for stronger prescriptions. Those with weaker prescriptions should usually be able to find a pleasing pair for well under $50 when they use an on-site or emailed discount code.

Eyebuydirect’s superlative catalog makes sense considering that the company is owned by the world’s largest manufacturer of eyeglass frames and lenses, EssilorLuxottica. As a standalone company, Eyebuydirect has been in the online glasses marketplace for more than 15 years (among the online-only retailers we tested, it’s second in age only to Zenni ).

Eyebuydirect can fill bifocals for an additional $29, on top of the standard lens prices, and progressives for an additional $49 or $89, depending on upgrade options. In 2022 we tested its photochromic lens option, which, for a cost of $99 and up (before any eligible coupons), enables eyeglasses to “transition” into sunglasses in the presence of sunlight. We found Eyebuydirect’s transitional lenses to be high quality and quick to switch to and from sunglasses.

Orders over $119 ship for free (orders costing less incur a $6 shipping charge). Eyebuydirect says glasses can take one to two weeks to produce and mail, but all of our test pairs arrived within seven days of ordering, save for the more-complicated progressives, which arrived within the promised two weeks.

Eyebuydirect offers two-day delivery on single-vision prescription glasses in more than 400 frame options, for an additional fee of $19 (though sometimes it’s free, and you can usually pay less with a coupon code). We tried this service and were pleasantly surprised to receive our order within 33 hours of placing it.

The 14-day “fit & style guarantee” may seem spartan compared with the 30- to 90-day return policies of other companies we tested (it’s the shortest of them all, tied with Zenni and GlassesUSA). But in most situations, two weeks should be plenty of time to figure out whether you like your new glasses. If you order more than one pair, the company will provide a prepaid label for you to ship the glasses back, no questions asked. If you order only one pair of glasses, the shipping costs are on you (though Eyebuydirect reimburses up to $6 of your expenses). Make sure to read the return instructions and all communication from customer service about the return process. We found that unless Eyebuydirect provided a prepaid shipping label, we were expected to put in a little more work to receive a refund than with other retailers, since the process is not automated. After paying to return the unwanted eyeglasses that did not come with a prepaid label, we had to reach back out to the company to ask it to provide a receipt and tracking number and again request a refund. In our experience, Eyebuydirect customer service reps work hard to get you to accept 115% store credit instead. We found the tactic somewhat annoying, but we had no trouble declining such offers and receiving full refunds, along with the $6 shipping credit, within two weeks.

The company offers a one-year warranty on all prescription eyeglasses.

Our long-term testers are happy with both their glasses and Eyebuydirect’s customer service. One tester did note that one of the screws that holds the lenses in place kept falling out, and while they didn’t reach out to Eyebuydirect about the issue, a local optometrist was happy to replace the screw for free. After that, the glasses went back to performing well.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

In addition to Eyebuydirect’s shorter return policy than most and mandatory lens upgrades for stronger prescriptions, we don’t love that the company also charges at least $3.50 for a glasses case (most companies provide a protective case and a lens-cleaning cloth by default). We also dislike the company’s mercurial coupon strategy, which can cause extreme fluctuations in the price of a pair of prescription eyeglasses, to the point where you almost never know if you’re getting the best “deal.” In an eight-week timeframe, as we were shopping around, Eyebuydirect offered varying discounts: anywhere from 15% to 50% off the total price of frames, lenses, or both.

The company always offers a 20% discount for veterans and 20% to 30% off for students; this may or may not be better than another coupon and cannot be combined with other offers.

Although Eyebuydirect generally has strong TrustPilot customer reviews , some customer reviewers have cited poor customer service. A few Wirecutter readers have reported difficulty unsubscribing from the company’s promotional emails. A spokesperson said that anyone who experiences issues with the email “unsubscribe” function or updating the contact preferences associated with their customer account can contact the company directly in order to be removed from the distribution list.

If you want to spend as little as possible on prescription eyeglasses and are willing to forego a refund of outbound shipping costs in the event you return them, you might strike gold at Zenni Optical . Our testers did (and, yes, all of the prescriptions on pairs we ordered were accurate).

Like Eyebuydirect, Zenni does not offer in-home frame trials. We found the company’s virtual try-on tool satisfactory, though some styles still were not included, and it wasn’t as seamless of a try-on experience as that from our main pick, Eyebuydirect . But Zenni has an incredible selection of more than 1,500 frames (more than Eyebuydirect's) and myriad lens options, including the choice of basic lenses even for people with stronger prescriptions. For example, with Zenni I was able to choose the 1.57 lenses (included in the base price of $13), whereas Eyebuydirect forced me to pay $33 to upgrade my $12 frames to 1.67 lenses, for a total cost of $45 for a similar pair of glasses.

It is entirely possible to snag a handsome, functional pair of single-vision glasses from Zenni for under $30 shipped: We did it multiple times, both during testing and after (when I bought myself a complete pair of $28 glow-in-the-dark specs ). Tester 3, who wears progressive lenses in acetate frames, chose Zenni glasses ($149, including 1.74 lenses) as her favorite pair. These were half the price of the similar Warby Parker pair we’d ordered for her ($295, with 1.59 lenses), and significantly cheaper than the equivalent glasses we got at Eyebuydirect and Liingo. As part of our 2022 testing, we tried Zenni’s photochromic lens option, an add-on that starts at $39 (before and applicable coupons), and turns regular eyeglasses into sunglasses when exposed to sunlight. Zenni’s transitional lenses were of high quality, darkening quickly to protect eyes from the sun, and swiftly transformed back to clear when we moved indoors.

Our testers gave high marks to the quality of most of the Zenni frames we ordered (on par with their scores for frames from Eyebuydirect and Liingo), though some of the cheapest ones did indeed look and feel cheap. We were somewhat surprised to discover that in both style and construction, some of the more expensive Zenni frames (which top out at $50) could easily rival $400 ones. However, some Wirecutter readers have noted that they have been less impressed with the quality of the glasses they’ve received from the retailer. (One reported receiving glasses with an air bubble in a lens.)

Each pair we ordered arrived within seven to 10 business days, on par with Eyebuydirect’s and Liingo’s shipping times.

In 2020, we ordered the exact same glasses that we ordered in 2019 to evaluate consistency. We were pleasantly surprised to note that not only was the prescription perfect, but the glasses were also slightly less expensive the second time around, thanks to the recent uptick in Zenni coupon codes.

Some may consider Zenni’s return policy a dealbreaker. The retailer provides a 100% refund or store credit for returns made within 14 days. (Only store credit is available for returns made between 15 and 30 days from the delivery date.) We also don’t love that anti-reflective coating isn’t included in any of the lens options, which forces customers to pay an extra $5 for something that’s included in our other pick. Zenni’s warranty coverage is also lackluster compared with that of our other picks. Zenni offers a year of protection against lens-coating defects only.

The company ships all glasses with a hardshell case and a lens-cleaning cloth.

Overall, our testers are still happy with their glasses from Zenni, with no reported complaints.

If you already wear glasses that fit, you’ve got a head start on finding and buying new ones. Take a favorite pair of frames and look at the inside arm: You’ll probably find three numbers that tell you, in order from the left, the lens width, the bridge width, and the temple arm length. If not, and you remember where you bought your last pair of specs, give the shop a call. That’s what I did with my favorite pair of glasses, which were unmarked (or the numbers had eroded with time and abuse). The store was happy to give me the frame measurements and designer over the phone, since I’d purchased the glasses there.

Of the retailers we tested, Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, GlassesUSA, and Zenni Optical allow you to limit viewable frames to a variety of toggleable desired size parameters. (Liingo Eyewear by 1-800 Contacts lists the measurements on each frame’s page, but offers no way of setting parameters to see frames only in certain lens heights, frame widths, or arm lengths.) Note that even when a frame has nearly the exact same official measurements as another, style and fit can vary dramatically.

If you don’t have frames that you already know fit, you’ll probably need to try some on, either in person or through the in-home try-on services. Though the virtual try-on services are better than nothing, especially for a seasoned glasses wearer who knows their face, to find flattering frames, a novice in need of specs should probably take a bit more care the first go-round.

When it comes to an all-day accessory like eyeglasses, weight matters, and frame size and material can have a lot to do with how heavy your specs are—which can determine how long you can comfortably wear your glasses. Eyebuydirect and Zenni allow customers to search specifically for lightweight frames, which can help someone avoid picking attractive yet unwearable glasses. Generally speaking, mostly-plastic frames are lighter than all-metal ones, but some wire frames fit the featherweight description.

A common fitting issue arises if you have a low nose bridge—meaning the shallowest part of your nose is at or below your pupils—or high cheekbones. Frames that don’t accommodate such facial features typically sit too low or too close to your eyes for the glasses to be comfortable and effective.

Likewise, if the temple arms are too long for you, the glasses can slip forward and off your face or dig in behind your ears, an issue that can sometimes be mitigated with an in-person fitting with a professional (for which Liingo offers a $25 credit; Eyeconic offers this service for free).

We previously recommended Warby Parker , and it remains a fine place to buy glasses for some people. Folks who love Warby styles and can take advantage of the company’s baseline single-vision pricing will likely be satisfied with this hybrid online brick-and-mortar shop. But after updating our brand comparison and glasses testing in 2019 and 2022, we think most people will find better prices on potentially better prescription eyeglasses elsewhere.

In 2019, our test panelists preferred glasses from our top picks over Warby Parker specs in every case. More importantly, in several instances we paid less for glasses containing thinner, higher-index lenses from other companies than we did for essentially the same glasses with thicker basic lenses from Warby. Compared with any of our picks, Warby Parker offers far fewer frame styles; this limited catalog may mean you’re less likely to find something you love. Overall, the included hardshell case and beautiful packaging were the things we found we loved most about the glasses we ordered from Warby Parker.

Warby Parker was one of the few retailers we tested that required a copy of our eyeglasses prescriptions before filling our orders. (Many allow you to enter the values notes on your Rx yourself, and don’t require proof once you’ve signed off on the accuracy and up-to-dateness of your input.) In our 2022 testing, this added check triggered a conversation with a customer service representative who sought to double check that we indeed meant to order single-vision lenses instead of progressive ones. We appreciated the look out.

Warby Parker’s shipping times and return processing were within a few days of those of our pick. But Warby’s six-month scratch-free lens warranty is half that of Eyebuydirect’s .

It’s almost always cheaper to buy both frames and high-index lenses from Eyebuydirect or Zenni Optical than to buy new lenses alone from Lensabl , a company that specializes in filling prescriptions on frames you already have. However, if you have frames and you just need the prescription lenses, Lensabl is an affordable, fast, and reliable BYO-frames option. Basic plastic 1.50 lenses start at $77, and polycarbonate 1.59 lenses are $157. Although this is almost twice what a complete pair of glasses from Eyebuydirect might cost, it’s a steal compared with the same lens-filling service offered by brick-and-mortar opticians. In our research, we were quoted anywhere from $200 to $350 for replacing prescription lenses only.

Lensabl says it can put Rx lenses in any frames for these flat rates. To test this claim, I bought an $8 pair of foldable reading glasses (currently unavailable). Within two weeks of sending the frames and prescription to Lensabl, I had a pair of perfectly prescribed folding eyeglasses for less than $100.

Lensabl covers only scratches and coating defects for up to 90 days, with the option to pay $10 for an extended warranty that provides nine additional months of coverage. Lensabl does not accept returns, unless there is a problem with the prescription and/or lens coating, and even then there is a 30-day limit on requests.

The company now offers complete pairs of prescription glasses with a smaller selection of frames than our top picks (fewer than 400 options at the time of publication). We had no problems with the frame-and-lens combination we ordered from Lensabl in 2020: The prescription was correct, and the frames fit well and felt as expected. The not-free return policy keeps us from recommending Lensabl (everyone must pay for return shipping, and there’s a 25% restocking fee on most glasses types), though the retailer is one of the few that bakes typically expensive add-ons into its base prices. With a commonly available coupon code, a pair of Lensabl blue-light blocking glasses with hydrophobic coating, scratch resistance, and UV protection can be purchased for less than $100.

Long beloved for its “ alternative fit ” glasses for people with low nose bridges , Jins recently made its virtual try-on tool available for nearly all of the 300+ frames it carries. The virtual try-on tool is finicky, though, and the site navigation isn’t intuitive, making it difficult to ensure that you’ve actually gotten to see all of the frame styles offered. But the frames we ordered were of high quality, and Jins shoppers in San Francisco and Los Angeles have the added benefit of visiting a few brick-and-mortar stores as well. well. Jins offers a 30-day free returns policy, though manually-entered prescriptions are precluded from this benefit.

If you want to try on up to four frames at home, for free, consider Liingo Eyewear by 1-800 Contacts . Year after year, we’ve been consistently impressed by the company’s in-home try-on service (which includes frames loaded with dummy lenses) and the prescription pairs we’ve ordered. And Liingo has a 60-day return policy. However, we think most people will find more frame options and better values at Eyebuydirect and Zenni , where we found the virtual try-on tools more than sufficient.

If you have vision insurance through Aetna, EyeMed, Humana, or United Healthcare, consider Lenscrafters or Target Optical , which offer near-identical online shopping experiences (probably because they’re owned by the same parent company). Although the glasses we ordered from Target Optical and Lenscrafters were, on average, more expensive than the ones we ordered from our top picks, the ability to use vision insurance directly at checkout (without needing to submit for reimbursement) may make any additional spend worthwhile for some. According to associates we spoke with at both retailers, store associates at Lenscrafters and Target Optical will measure PDs for customers who plan to order glasses. Lenscrafters has a 30-day return policy. Target Optical has a 90-day return policy.

If you have vision insurance through Cigna Vision, Metlife, or VSP Eyeconic may be a good solution for you, because the retailer is in network with all three of these major insurers. Although most of Eyeconic’s frames are more expensive than our picks (even after insurance benefits are factored in), Eyeconic—like Target Optical and Lenscrafters, and—unlike our picks—carries many of the name-brand frames found in some brick-and-mortar stores. Eyeconic also offers virtual try-on, free returns for 30 days, and a national network of eye doctors that will adjust your frames for free, if needed.

Since we last tested its services, in addition to virtual try-on, 39DollarGlasses now offers a (possibly) free option for in-home trial of up to five frames. The in-home trial costs $10, but that fee can be applied to any prescription glasses order with the company. We’ll update this guide with our findings.

Kits frames are gorgeous but pricey, due to mandatory upgrades for stronger prescriptions and expensive upsells for add-ons that are either included or less inexpensive at the sites we recommend. Kits offers free returns for 30 days and free exchanges and repairs for a year.   It is one of the few online retailers we’ve considered that offers free prescription renewal , though the American Optometric Association does not recommend people use this type of service.

We were excited to try DiscountGlasses.com because of its generous year-long return policy. Though technically anyone can order a pair of glasses for under $20 (including shipping), they are truly barebones eyeglasses with major upsells for any add-ons. Anti-reflective coating, for example, costs an additional $20 (this option is either included or significantly less expensive at the retailers we prefer). With DiscountGlasses.com, our testers found that when trying to order glasses similar to ones they’ve ordered from our picks, the glasses came out to be 30% to 60% more expensive, even when sticking with thicker lenses.

Bonlook has a useful virtual try-on tool and almost 200 frame options. Its website isn’t intuitive, though, and some prescriptions incur additional lens fees that customers aren’t alerted to until deep into the checkout process. We found it difficult to reach the company’s customer service by any method: chat, email, or phone. Bonlook does, however, have a 30-day free returns policy for orders over $80, which is easy to activate online.

Firmoo is beloved for its extensive selection of stylish and unusual frames and affordable pricing. Even though the unwieldy website navigation, exclusive use of PayPal, and lack of package-tracking numbers leave us unable to fully recommend the site, our panelists generally loved the Firmoo glasses we tested. And the return experience was positive, though not free (you’re not refunded for the outbound and return shipping costs).

GlassesUSA ’s enormous, 1,500-plus frames selection (around the same number as Eyebuydirect’s, but with name-brand options) was sullied, in our experience, by fluctuating prices, coupon landmines, and upsells upon upsells. It is the only company we considered that did not include anti-scratch coating with lenses, instead offering a $39 “package deal” for anti-glare, anti-scratch, and UV protection. When one of our orders didn’t arrive, we contacted customer service. GlassesUSA sent a new shipment notification two days later. Nearly two weeks after that, the glasses arrived. We quickly received full refunds for the glasses we returned to this retailer.

We eliminated the following retailers without testing:

Coastal is now part of Eyebuydirect. Previously, it had the same return policy and virtual try-on options, as our pick, Compared with Eyebuydirect, Coastal offered more-expensive with Eyebuydirect, Coastal offered more-expensive frame options (including from brand names like Coach and Tory Burch).

Barner and Sunnies Studios are both pricier than most of our picks, and neither company offers free returns.

See Saw Seen offers virtual try-on of its small but unique selection of frames, but prescription lenses are nonrefundable.

SmartBuyGlasses offers virtual-try on, but its seemingly generous 100-day return policy applies only to brand-new, unused items with manufacturer seals intact.

Archibald London offers in-home try-on, but these made-in-Japan frames and lenses start at $225, and prescription lenses are nonrefundable.

Cooper Crwn  prescription lenses are nonrefundable.

Quattrocento offers free returns, but has a smaller selection of frames that are more expensive than any of our picks.

Covry offers in-home try-on for $10 (credited to the purchase of new glasses), but prescription lenses are nonrefundable.

GlassyEyewear returns are not free and there are fewer than 40 available frames.

David Kind offers in-home try-on and a no-questions-asked, 30-day return policy, but the least expensive frame and lens combinations are at least $295.

Roka  prescription lenses are nonrefundable.

We also eliminated the following online eyeglasses retailers because they lacked a personalized virtual or in-home frame try-on service at the time of testing: Ambr Eyewear , America’s Best , Coco Leni , Diff Eyewear , Eyeglasses.com , FramesDirect , GlassesShop , GreatEyeglasses.com , Overnight Glasses ,  Polette , Payne Glasses , Visionworks , and Walmart Optical .

Leigh Krietsch Boerner contributed reporting to this guide.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Tester 1: Single-vision Rx -3.75, -1.25 with mild astigmatism; ordered lightweight wire frames with the noted lenses, all with anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings.

Tester 2: Single-vision Rx -6, -7 with moderate astigmatism; ordered plastic cat-eye frames with the best-available lenses and coatings and metal cat-eye frames with the cheapest possible lenses.

Tester 3: Progressive Rx with mild astigmatism; ordered rectangular plastic frames with the noted lenses, all with anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings

Nancy Kirsch, director of the Essilor Eyewear Center at the University Eye Center and assistant clinical professor at the State University of New York College of Optometry , phone interview , March 23, 2018

Dr. Neil Pence, associate dean for clinical and patient care services at the Indiana University School of Optometry , in-person interview , March 22, 2018

Dr. Camille Cohen, optometrist in private practice , phone interview , March 28, 2018

Dr. Michael Chiang, professor of ophthalmology, medical informatics, and clinical epidemiology at Oregon Health & Science University , email interview , March 30, 2018

Dr. Jeff Pettey, director of education at the John Moran Eye Center and assistant professor at the University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , email interview , March 30, 2018

Dr. James Salz, ophthalmologist in private practice , email interview , March 30, 2018

Dr. Abdhish Bhavsar, ophthalmologist in private practice , email interview , March 30, 2018

Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the American Optometric Association , phone interview , December 6, 2017

Alysa Bernstein, attorney, Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection , phone interview , October 17, 2019

Meet your guide

Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer covering health and grooming at Wirecutter. She is a GLAAD Award–nominated on-air host and a New York Times best-selling author. Her latest nonfiction book, The Real Body Manual , is a visual health and wellness guide for young adults of all genders. Her other books include Bedtime Bonnet and Pregnancy, OMG!

Further reading

Should I Buy Glasses Online?

Though buying online gives you more choice and could save you money, some people are better off purchasing prescription glasses in person through an optician.

The Best Sport Sunglasses

After performing 120 hours of testing, we think the versatile, high-value Ryders Seventh  photochromic glasses are the best outdoor eyewear for most people.

The Best Cheap Sunglasses

The right pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes while broadcasting your own personal style. We found seven high-quality pairs that won’t break the bank.

The Best Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

There’s no proof that blue-light blocking glasses are necessary, but experts agree they’ll likely help you sleep better. We found four pairs worth trying.

12 Tips to Give an Amazing Online Presentation

Whether you’re new to giving online presentations or a seasoned veteran, here are some tips that will launch your next presentation into the stratosphere!

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Do you have an online presentation coming up? I’ve given hundreds of virtual presentations, ranging from YouTube presentations to presentations for Microsoft. And from my experience, online presentations are a different ballgame than in-person ones.

In this article, I’ll share my top 12 tips and tricks to save you the trouble and ace your next presentation.

An online presentation is a prepared speech or talk in which a person or group provides information, pitches a new idea, or introduces a new product or service through a video call. Online presentations are given to an audience, usually in a business setting.

Ready to take a dive into the tips? Let’s go!

Start With Momentum

Virtual presentations are like taking a flight on an airplane. The beginning and ending are super important, but the middle’s kind of a blur. 

That’s why, if you’re going to prioritize any part of your presentation, you are better off spending the majority of your energy on the first and last minutes. Let’s focus on the first moments.

The beginning of your presentation is critical because it sets the tone—a good first impression makes you feel confident and your audience relaxed. This forward momentum will carry onto the middle part of your presentation where you’ll be presenting the bulk of your data/statistics/information—so if you don’t nail your first impression, you won’t gain that forward momentum you need for the rest of your presentation.

And believe me, people judge you almost instantly! Here’s what the science has to say about first impressions:

A 2017 University of Toronto study found that observers take as little as 5 seconds to determine whether a person is charismatic or not!

So when you’re delivering a presentation online, you should try to make your beginning as error-free and smooth as possible. This includes being prepared and removing potential roadblocks:

• Fix computer errors: ALWAYS double- or triple-check your equipment before giving a virtual presentation. Make sure your microphone, webcam, and internet is working. If you have to fumble around with technical details during the video call, your audience may have the impression that you are unreliable.
• Eliminate distractions: Silence your phone, turn off desktop notifications, get rid of loud fan noises, and make sure your room is kid/dog free. Keep in mind that your audience will likely be listening through their headphones, so even the tiniest of noises might be heard.
• Dress appropriately: Here’s an easy one that some people actually neglect. Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like you should have worn something a little nicer ? If you are giving a business presentation, dress in business appropriate attire (yes, even the pants, too!). It’s best to match your audience—and if in doubt, err on the side of professional! It’s also important to wear a color to stand out from your background, but not a color that’s too distracting.
• Be happy: Like it or not, we can’t hide our emotions. Research shows that people can hear your mood from your voice. So if you’re not in a good mood, try boosting it! Watch some funny YouTube videos or give yourself a small pep talk . Sounding confident and happy is the key to success, so make sure you are in the right mood before you go live.

Open With IISSAAQQ

What does this really bad spelling of Isaac stand for? IISSAAQQ stands for the best ways to start an online presentation:

• Icebreaker: One of the best ways to open up your audience is to give a virtual icebreaker. I always keep an icebreaker on hand that can be done over the computer before starting any online presentation—it’s one of the best ways to connect with your audience!
• Illustration: You can say to the audience “Remember when…” and provide a picture, or paint a scene by telling the audience to imagine a scene when xyzzy occurred.
• Short story: A short personal story or story about someone else can really grip people, but the key is to make it short and not drag on.
• Statistic or surprising fact: A really good statistic can get people thinking and challenge their perspective.
• Aphorism: An aphorism is a common phrase or saying, such as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Add a twist to the aphorism for added effect (“an apple a day keeps the doctor away… except if you’re sitting with an apple computer for 8 hours a day.”
• Analogy or metaphor: Saying an analogy (“User interface is like peeling an onion”) can really break down complex terms into more simpler ones, making it more digestible for your audience.
• Question: Starting with an engaging question can add a great amount of audience engagement, or even asking a rhetorical question can get them thinking out-of-the-box.
• Quote: A great way to start your online presentation is with a quote–but it should be related to your presentation and from a credible source.

End With a Bang

The ending is the part where your audience is (hopefully) happy that the presentation is over, and they feel like they’ve learned something or feel inspired to change. If you’ve made it this far in your presentation, the LAST thing you want to do is crash and burn. So here are some tips to make an amazing presentation that will remain in your audience’s mind long after it has ended.

• Have an easy solution: The last few slides of your presentation should not be too information-heavy. Keep that for the middle. Your last slides should be both convincing and easy-to-understand.
• Have a clear ending: Avoid the awkward “So, does anyone have any questions?” moment by providing an end slide to your virtual presentation. It can be a simple recap of the presentation, or a call to action.
• Include a digital goodie: Include a digital goodie at the end! Everybody loves getting things, and it shouldn’t stop just because you are online. Digital goodies might include a downloadable PDF or document that includes more statistics/research or a list of relevant sources related to your presentation.
• Lead with a call to action: Calls to action are driven by emotion. And they work because we often respond to emotion over logic. If your business is proposing a new solution to an existing problem, try focusing on the emotional benefits vs. the statistics—happier customers vs. less product returns, cleaner world vs. smaller carbon footprint, etc. You can also try this double method: start with the negative, which amplifies the potential bad that might happen if your recommendation is not taken. Then, you can add in the positive, which highlights the good that can happen when your recommendation is taken.
• End with humor: One of the best ways to end a presentation is to use humor. If you do it right, you can leave a HUGE impression on your audience that will last for days, weeks, or months! There are a few ways to end with humor. First, you can introduce a question in the beginning or middle of your presentation and answer it in a funny, surprising way at the end. Second, you can end a story you started but stopped in the beginning or middle of the presentation. Some really good people to draw inspiration from are stand-up comedians. One great example of callback humor is in the movie, Airplane! In the beginning of a movie, a passenger enters a taxi. The driver tells the passenger to wait for a bit, but the driver never comes back as he ends up on an airplane instead. In the closing credits, this scene is played, which recalls the intro of the movie in a funny but memorable way:

Show Your Face

Did you know that faces are attractive to humans? A study by Richard Fantz demonstrated that infants stare twice as long at human faces! We are just inherently born with an attraction to faces. In short: we love human faces, and yours is no exception.

If you’re giving an online presentation or even getting on video call for the first time with your new online networking contact, a super-easy bump in your likability factor is to simply show your face. Many video call programs such as Zoom or Skype allow you to share your screen while also showing your face. Here’s an example of my face in a webinar I hosted on how to thrive in a digital workplace:

Pro tip: you can even take it up a notch by backing up your webcam. This allows you to show your body language better! In fact, one of the most important nonverbal cues for charisma is your hand gestures . In the Toronto study mentioned earlier, the observers didn’t even need to hear a presenter talking; all they needed to do was see their body language! That’s how powerful body language really is. So push back your computer or phone or camera so your hands and upper torso are showing!

When you use your hands, you can also benefit from the following:

• Showing your wave hello (I ALWAYS do this!)
• Your explanatory gestures while you are speaking
• Visible hands while you are listening

Want more tips on how to make a better video call? Here are our 15 Tips for a Better Video Call !

Stand, Don’t Sit

Sitting is great. Standing is even better! One big mistake a lot of virtual presenters make is sitting down instead of standing. 

When you stand, you can utilize the full range of your deep breathing, therefore increasing your vocal power . You’ll be able to project your voice louder and deeper, and have stronger vocal variance when you stand. Standing also helps you naturally convey a more powerful posture if your chest is up and your back is straight.

If you can, try to utilize a standing desk to your advantage! If you don’t have a standing desk, you can use your kitchen counter or another higher position to place your laptop. If you absolutely must sit, remember to keep your back straight throughout the presentation.

Does your online presentation contain a juicy tip, great piece of advice, or free goodie?

Consider giving it out in the first 5 minutes of your presentation rather than keeping it until the end. This will give your audience a little dopamine boost of motivation to continue listening to your presentation!

“Simply put, people are obliged to give back to others the form of a behavior, gift, or service that they have received first.“ – Robert Cialdini, author of Influence

Leverage Visuals to Your Advantage

Have you ever wondered what is the best way to use visuals in your online presentation? Visual aids are used to:

• engage the audience
• allow the audience to remember the information
• axplain complex ideas in easier-to-digest ways
• add variety to your slides

I try to use visuals in ALL of my online presentations! The thing is, it’s really hard to keep your audience engaged and distraction free, especially if they are online. So if you’re boring your audience by using long lists of words… your message won’t be getting across. According to John Medina, author of Brain Rules :

• If we only read text, we are only likely to remember 10% of the information 3 days later.
• If we add in a relevant image, we are likely to remember 65% of the information 3 days later!

So there’s no easier way to have your information remembered than to add visuals! Here are some examples of visuals you can use in your presentations:

• stock photos
• Youtube videos
• hand-drawn pictures

In my articles, I like to use hand-drawn stick figure comics. That’s because they’re both funny and engaging! They also help nail down important bits of information I want my readers to take away. 

For example, here’s a random fact that you may not have known:

Alligators don’t only eat meat; they eat fruit, too!

Interesting, right? Now here’s an image to really drive in that fact:

I know, it’s not the best picture ever (I blame my lack of art skills!). But see how adding a simple image can really solidify a piece of information? You’ll remember this fact a lot longer by seeing an image rather than just by reading or hearing it. 

Now take the power of visuals and use it to your advantage—if you’re giving a business presentation online, sprinkling in a few key visuals throughout your presentation can help you drive in those really important points. 

If you’re debating whether you should use a visual, here’s a quick checklist to ask yourself:

• Does my visual help the main point of the slide?
• Is my visual appropriate for the audience?
• Is my visual too distracting?
• Does my visual help the audience understand complex information better?
• If a video, is it too long or short?

If your visual doesn’t meet one of the above checklist items, it’s best to cut it. And here’s something important you can write down for each visual you add into your slide:

The purpose for this visual is to ___.

If the purpose is not clear enough, consider removing the visual. Remember: visuals should only ADD value to your slide, not take it away.                                                                           

Add Interaction

A major downside to online presentations is that it’s hard to engage your audience. Besides nicely-placed visuals, you can add an element of interaction to your virtual presentations to make your audience more interested. Here are some interactive presentation ideas:

A great way to increase audience engagement is to use physical props. 

How do you use props in an online presentation? Props should be used to explain a difficult concept, demonstrate a product, create humor, or be memorable. They should always support your presentation, and not distract from it. And the key to using online props is to first make sure that people can actually SEE your prop.

This means if you are in a video call, avoid using small objects that everyone can’t see. If you need to, you can momentarily stop screen sharing and turn to your live video feed so the audience can focus on your prop. 

Pro tip: Don’t show the prop until it is needed. A bad move is to give away the goods and immediately take them away, causing your audience to remain in suspense and be distracted throughout your presentation!

Host Quizzes and Polls

One cool thing you could do during your presentation is to include your audience’s opinions using surveys. If I’m giving a presentation, I can insert a little quiz with a list of possible answers which my audience can then vote on. It’s really interesting to see how many people pick the right (or wrong) answer!

If you want to know how to create awesome quizzes for your presentation, check out our software section below.

Live Q&A’s

One technique I love to use for better interaction is to simply ask questions!

For example, if you have an existing product you are discussing, you might want to ask your team, “What are some common customer complaints about this item?” Your team will then give their answers, pitching ideas of some common customer complaints.

Here’s where it gets good…

You can then go to the next slide that addresses these problems individually. Bam! You’ve done two things: 

• You added interaction, and 
• You provided a nice transition to the next slide. 

Niiiice, a two-for-one combo!                

Cut the Presentation Bologna

What happens when you talk about the same things over and over again in a presentation? One bored audience, that’s for sure. And a whole lotta bologna on the side.

Repeating the same stuff. Facts that don’t need to be there. Extra words that make your eyes tired or are difficult to read.

I call this stuff Presentation Bologna. And it’s NOT the good kind of bologna (is there even a good kind?). Presentation Bologna includes:

• bullet points not relevant to the slide’s topic
• statistics or facts that reinforce already-existing data
• visuals that take up space rather than contribute value
• “fluff” words, or extra words that can be cut from a sentence without changing the original sentence’s meaning

Your goal is to make your presentation slides as small as possible, while retaining the most essential information possible. You can even write down notes on notecards to help assist you in explaining the points you have in your presentation or memorize what you will say altogether.

Online presentations should be simple and straightforward, like live presentations. The biggest difference here is that your audience will likely be straining their eyes, trying to look at their (potentially tiny) computer screens while you are giving a presentation.

That’s why it’s essential to cut the bologna. I usually do this step after creating the bulk of my presentation, but before practicing my presentation. Speaking of practicing, let’s move on to the next step…

#Screen Record Yourself         

The great thing about giving online presentations is that you can practice everything in the comfort of your own home. You can practice in the same room you’ll present in, with the same lighting, with the same computer setup, and everything. When practicing, make use of the screen recording feature! Screen record is an absolute must, especially for virtual teams . Most newer Mac and Windows computers have a built-in screen record feature already. 

When going over your video recordings, take careful consideration of the following:

• Do I use too many/not enough hand gestures?
• Is my body language unnatural or distracting?
• Do I sound loud and confident enough?
• Do I have any technical issues?
• Am I under the time limit or going over?

You can even send your presentation over to a friend or family member for them to review at their convenience. Yay for technology!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Pick Your Presentation Tools

When giving an online presentation, you have to have the right tools for the job. There are a lot of presentation tools out there—tools exist for: 

• making your own animations
• creating Infographics
• planning conferences
• creating mind maps
• finding great images for your slides
• making your entire presentation

Depending on your needs, you’ll need to choose the right tools for your virtual presentation. I recommend choosing one tool to create your presentation and adding in visual tools along the way, based on your needs. Here are 5 of my favorite online presentation tools I use:

Pixabay is by far my most favorite image-finding tool. This site has over 1.7 million free, high-quality stock images and videos you can use to insert into your virtual presentation. Using a stock image is a great way to break up text, add a little emotion, and make your presentations a little more exciting.

When I use Canva, I feel like I’ve been given a magic design wand. That’s because there are a ton of free infographics, logos, pictures, posters, and even presentation templates you can use and customize to your heart’s content. And they’re surprisingly high quality for being free! Canva  even has a section for Zoom Virtual Backgrounds that you can add to your video call when giving your online presentation!

Did I mention it’s free? I use the Premium version, although the Free version is great, too!

• Poll Everywhere

Here’s one that I mentioned earlier in the article. This is a great software I use to create live polls and quizzes for my virtual presentations! Whether it’s a multiple choice quiz, true/false test, or just a general Q&A poll, users can participate on their computers, phones, or tablets! It’s super easy to use and integrates easily with Keynote as well. 

Want to eliminate distracting noises completely? Sometimes that’s not possible. But the closest thing I have found to help is Krisp. Krisp is a software that’s free to use (up to 120 minutes a week!) and works by blocking out all background noises so only your voice can be heard by other conference call members. You can download and install it, but I use the Chrome extension! It’s seriously worth giving a shot if you’ve got loud noise in the house.

Here’s the golden question: Should I make a Keynote online presentation, or a Microsoft PowerPoint one? Since I have a Mac, I use Keynote. It’s intuitive, easy-to-use, and it’s built into all Mac computers already. Keynote has a ton of presentation templates you can use, and you can even create tables and charts in the app itself! For me, Keynote is a must for my presentation-creating needs.

I compiled a list of the best tools my team uses. You can check them out here:

15 Best Remote Tools

Embrace The Fear

Have you ever been skydiving? Even if you haven’t, you can just imagine that pit-in-the-stomach feeling of jumping out of an airplane. And if you shy or a natural introvert , giving presentations is not so different than skydiving.

After giving hundreds of presentations—both in-person and online—my best piece of advice to those with presentation anxiety is to give up on trying to get rid of that fear. That’s because that fear will probably never go away . 

But here’s the silver lining: the fear does get better. The more you give presentations and get comfortable speaking in front of people, the less giving presentations suck . If you hate giving presentations like I once did, you might even turn to love them—once you learn how to walk with confidence and have the power to influence the way people think, you feel like you’re on top of the world! 

And that pit-in-the-stomach feeling? It changes to a good fear—the kind that makes you look forward to giving presentations! And the more presentations you give, the better you get.

Life is better when you build your social skills. As a recovering awkward person, I was terrible at socializing—I would often lock myself in the bathroom at parties just to avoid conversation! But now, I want to inspire people to take charge of social situations because I know that social skills are the key to a happier, more productive life. That’s why I gave all my secrets about how to be ridiculously likable in Chapter 5 of my book. Interested? Here’s a free gift for you today– click here for the free first chapter of Captivate !

Unlock the Secrets of Charisma

Control and leverage the tiny signals you’re sending – from your stance and facial expressions to your word choice and vocal tone – to improve your personal and professional relationships.

Succeed with People

Master the laws of human behavior. Get along with anyone, increasing your influence, impact, and income.

Bonus: Other Creative Presentation Tips

Congratulations, you have arrived at your destination!

As a thank you for taking this Science of People flight with me, I’d like to share with you some bonuses to take your presentation skills to the next level. 

Here are some techniques you may want to master:

All too often we end up using the same old social scripts and asking people the same questions over and over again. If you want to do a team icebreaker before, during, or after your presentation, use my list of conversation starters:

57 Killer Conversation Starters

People who don’t feel confident often believe that confidence is something we are born with. It’s not . Confidence is a skill that can be developed. If you are nervous about your presentation, try boosting your confidence with these scientific techniques:

11 Scientific Strategies For More Confidence

Not everyone can work from home. But if you find a way to do it properly, you can reap some pretty amazing benefits. Check out the 7 Deadly Problems of working at home and how to combat them:

How to Work from Home Successfully in 7 Steps

Finally, I put together a guide on how to manage remote teams. If you’re leading a team of remote workers, this is one guide you shouldn’t miss! Check it out here:

12 Reliable Tips to Manage Remote Employees

Popular Guides

How to deal with difficult people at work.

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

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The Best Places To Buy Prescription Glasses Online, Tried By Our Team

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Thanks to the internet, the best prescription glasses online are right at your fingertips. It’s easy to browse, customize and try on frames without taking a trip to the eyeglass store or optometrist’s office. You’ll need a current prescription, of course, but sites like GlassesUSA (our top pick overall) let you renew expired prescriptions with a virtual vision test. Buying prescription glasses online can save you cash, too, and many retailers—including Warby Parker —also accept HSA and FSA funds, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Our team tested (and re-tested) many pairs to find the best prescription glasses online—and where to ... [+] buy them.

To determine the best places to buy prescription glasses online, we compiled a list of dozens of highly-rated retailers that you can shop from your computer. We enlisted three Forbes Vetted staffers to test out these numerous frames from these retailers and share their in-depth feedback through the entire process—from ordering and website navigation to day-to-day wear: Former branded content editor Dana Holmes, who wears progressive lenses; managing editor Emmy Favilla, a nearsighted, daily glasses-wearer; and associate insights architect Shan Newton, who requires a strong prescription. We also got advice from Dr. Sandra Young, O.D ., an optometrist and eye health expert, and Dr. Inna Lazar , an optometrist and dry eye specialist, and style tips on the best frames for your face shape according to deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar . After testing, we landed on the eight best prescription glasses retailers that you can shop online.

• Best Prescription Glasses Online Overall: GlassesUSA Muse Zenith Eyeglasses
• Best Affordable Prescription Glasses: Eyebuydirect Amity Glasses
• Best Prescription Sunglasses: Zenni Optical Browline Sunglasses
• Best Stylish Prescription Glasses: Warby Parker Durand Eyeglasses
• Best Designer Prescription Glasses: Frames Direct Ray-Ban RB5228 Eyeglasses
• Best Durable Prescription Glasses: Roka Hunter Eyeglasses
• Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Felix Gray Roebling Glasses
• Best Reading Glasses: Look Optic Cosmo Readers
• Best Prescription Glasses For Kids: GlassesUSA Muse M Classic Kids

Best Prescription Glasses Online Overall

Unbeatable selection, glassesusa muse zenith eyeglasses.

I'm the executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted, a functional nutritionist and a certified sleep science coach. In between geeking out over SEO and obsessing over products, from mattresses to treadmills to every kitchen gadget I can get my hands on, I've written more than a dozen books and cookbooks and created over 1,000 original recipes.

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I’m a freelance writer who covers the outdoors, the environment and travel. Before diving into a writing career, I spent years in the outdoor industry as a backpacking guide running multi-day trips in Yosemite, Yellowstone, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland but now live in Salt Lake City, Utah where I spend my time trail running, climbing, and biking. You can see my work in other publications like Outside, Climbing, and SELF, or on my website:  www.hannah-singleton.com .

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: GlassesUSA offers a variety of styles and brands, including designer frames, blue light glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses and sports glasses.
• What could be better: Only your first pair of glasses is eligible for the 14-day return policy.

GlassesUSA is one of the largest and best online prescription glasses retailers, offering hundreds of designer frames from Ray-Ban, Gucci and Oakley, along with less expensive house brands in every frame style and color you can imagine. Prices run the gamut from $39 up to $700, depending on which brand you choose. With its virtual try-on feature, you can upload a photo directly to the website and see what each frame looks like on your face before you commit. GlassesUSA also has an app that scans your prescription through your current lenses, and those with expired prescriptions can get a renewal via the company’s virtual vision test.

All lenses are made to order in-house and then put through a series of inspections to check for quality, clarity and proper alignment. You also have the option for upgrades like progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings and transition lenses for up to $169 more. Associate insights architect Shan Newton describes the selection and checkout flow as “sleek and intuitive,” and was pleased with the speedy delivery time. Managing editor Emmy Favilla notes that her glasses arrived 9 days after her order, which was pretty impressive given that the window included Thanksgiving weekend. If you’re unhappy with your new glasses for any reason, GlassesUSA has a 14-day, no questions asked return policy—but you can only take advantage of this for your first pair.

What our editors say: “I felt a bit overwhelmed by the number of options, but it was easy to evaluate the frames,” says former branded content editor Dana Holmes of shopping on the GlassesUSA website. “The ordering process was simple and I felt confident making my complicated prescription order.”

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Affordable Prescription Glasses

Affordable name brands and house designs.

Eyebuydirect

Eyebuydirect Amity Glasses

Turnaround time: 7 to 14 business days | Return policy: 14 days for a one-time replacement or refund | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: Eyebuydirect has a wide selection of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, blue light glasses and sunglasses, at prices to suit any budget.
• What could be better: You can only receive a refund or replacement once, per the return policy.

Eyebuydirect’s wallet-friendly prices make clear vision affordable and accessible. To keep prices down on Eyebuydirect’s own styles, everything from concept to design to manufacturing is done in-house. You can also choose from name brand frames from Oakley and Ray-Ban, and the site makes it easy to locate options with specific features like frame shape (which is useful if you want to. Since Newton only wears rectangular frames and can't wear small-sized frames, he says that being able to filter on these preferences is super helpful. Frames start at $6 and standard lenses at $7 or you can opt for upgrades like advanced lenses and premium lenses, which go for $49 and $80, respectively. Favilla appreciates that there are a variety of options for blue light filtering as well as two choices for high-index frames.

When you find a frame you like, you can click “try on” to upload a photo and see what it looks like on your face. The photo stays uploaded as you navigate the site, so you can quickly see what other options look like. Eyebuydirect offers a 14-day “no questions asked” return policy for a one-time replacement or refund, but its 365-Day Product Guarantee covers defects for a full year.

What our editors say: Our testers note that their eyeglasses arrived promptly and safely in a compact cardboard box. “I like that the packaging was small enough to fit into my apartment's little mailbox in the lobby, rather than needing to be left out in a common area with bigger packages,” says Holmes.

Best Prescription Sunglasses

Stylish pairs for under $50.

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical Browline Sunglasses

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Only for eyeglasses | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: Zenni has a wide selection of prescription sunglasses, which can be polarized for an additional fee. The site also has a great virtual try-on feature.
• What could be better: The site does not directly accept insurance.

Zenni is all about making prescription glasses affordable, with frames starting at just $7 and capping at $50—and that price includes standard prescription lenses. Its selection of prescription sunglasses is particularly impressive, and at such reasonable prices, it won’t sting if you happen to lose a pair on vacation.

While you won’t find any designer names among the selections, there are hundreds of designer-inspired frames in different shapes, sizes and colors. Once you select a pair you like, Favilla recommends taking advantage of the site’s virtual try-on feature. In addition, Holmes appreciates how the site allows you to filter frames by pupillary distance. Zenni also offers low-bridge options and ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses with prescription single vision and progressive lenses. You can add upgrades, like polarization, that start at $33.

What our editors say: “With my complex prescription, the cost adds up fast so a lower-priced frame is a nice bonus,” says Holmes. Favilla is particularly a fan of the site’s try-on feature, saying, “It’s very advanced to give you a well-rounded view of what your glasses will look like. It was a seamless experience from beginning to end.”

Best Stylish Prescription Glasses

Classic, modern designs, plus free try-ons.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker Durand Eyeglasses

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes, as well as in-home try-on | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: Warby Parker offers a wide selection of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, blue light glasses and sunglasses, as well as a variety of contact lenses including in-house and third-party brands like Acuvue, Bausch + Lomb and Biofinity.
• What could be better: Kids’ glasses are only available in-store or over the phone.

Warby Parker offers designer-style glasses at affordable prices. Favilla has been ordering her prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses from the site for over a decade. All frames start at just $95, an impressive price that includes basic prescription lenses. You can try on virtually, but one of the brand’s biggest claims to fame is its at-home try-on program. Pick up to five frames to receive, for free, to physically try on before you buy. Holmes highly recommends taking advantage of this perk, as the frames she ordered based on her existing glasses’ measurements ended up being too small.

Once you have your frames picked out, you can add basic prescription lenses, which Newton describes as “perfectly accurate” and “not too thick,” despite his strong prescription. You can also choose from various upgrade options, like progressive lenses, blue light filtering or light-responsive lenses, which add up to $200 to the total price. If you don’t like your new glasses, you can return them for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt. And if your lenses get scratched in the first 365 days, you can get new lenses made for free.

What our editors say: “The size accuracy, feel and fit are always excellent in my experience,” says Favilla. “The frames I wear regularly are blue light-blocking, which seem to do their job (as far as I can tell) to help prevent eye fatigue.”

Best Designer Prescription Glasses

Discounted designer and name brands.

Frames Direct

Frames Direct Ray-Ban RB5228 Eyeglasses

Forbes Vetted readers get 20-50% off 80+ top brands along with 60% off lenses & add-ons at FramesDirect using promo code LENSJUN60.

Turnaround time: 11 to 14 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: No | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: Frames Direct has an impressive collection of high-end designer styles, including pairs from Gucci and Prada.
• Keep in mind: For refunded returns, you have to pay shipping. There are also limited product photos on the website.

Frames Direct claims to have the largest selection of designer eyewear online: There are almost 5,000 frames from high-end brands like Gucci and Prada, as well as Oakley and Ray-Ban (in a wide variety of colors, too). Favilla mentions that her Armani Exchange glasses arrived with a “certificate of authenticity” that guarantees the glasses are genuine. Most brands sell for 20% to 80% off the retail price, and you can often score prescription lenses at a discount.

As far as lenses go, choose single vision, no-line progressives or non-prescription readers. You can also select different lens materials, from thin polycarbonate to lower-cost plastic, as well as optional upgrades like digital light protection or scratch-resistant coating. And before your order goes through, an optician will review everything to make sure you picked the best selections for your prescription.

What our editors say: “The value of these name-brand eyeglasses, with all the additional add-ons to my lenses, is very impressive,” says Favilla. Holmes, who wears progressives, says, “The lenses themselves match my prescription and have one of the best fields of vision of any of the glasses that I tried.”

Best Durable Prescription Glasses

Hard-wearing frames for an active lifestyle, roka hunter eyeglasses.

Turnaround time: 5 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, and HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: Roka makes durable-yet-lightweight frames that stand up to intense activity; the glasses are designed with gripping technology that keeps them on your head.
• What could be better: Shipping times are longer than other brands.

If you plan on wearing your prescription glasses while working outdoors or playing a sport, you’ll want a hard-wearing pair—and durability is Roka’s specialty. For example, its popular Hunter style is designed with spring hinges and grip technology to ensure the frames stay securely on your head.

In addition, Roka offers a virtual try-on feature and an at-home vision test for renewing your prescription online. It accepts insurance plans from several major providers as well as HSA/FSA. However, both Holmes and Favilla note that Roka’s delivery speeds are slower than other brands, so keep this in mind if you need your glasses to arrive by a certain date.

What our editors say: “Although Roka has a small selection, I was able to find a pair that looked great and fit my needs pretty quickly,” says Holmes. Favilla adds, “I like that you can shop for frames based on activity, which I could see being super helpful for various types of athletes.”

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Filters out 15 times more blue light, felix gray roebling glasses.

Turnaround time:  6 to 10 business days |  Return policy:  30 days for returns; one-year warranty against manufacturing defects |  Insurance accepted:  No, but HSA/FSA accepted |  Virtual try-on:  Yes |  Virtual Rx renewal:  No

• What’s notable: Felix Gray’s unisex styles are designed with proprietary technology with higher blue light filtering than average lenses.
• What could be better: Options with prescription and progressive lenses can end up being costly.

Felix Gray is an eye-care leader known for its blue light glasses , which protect your eyes better than the average options. Each pair utilizes a proprietary technology that filters out 15 times more blue light than other lenses, which helps reduce blurry vision and tired eyes when staring at a screen for hours. You can purchase with or without a prescription, and request magnification as well—a good option for anyone fixated on spreadsheets all day.

What our writers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton swears by this brand for work. “I upgraded to Felix Grey readers from a cheapie bookstore pair and the difference is significant,” she says. “The Felix Grey frames feel super sturdy and high-quality, just like a pair of glasses from the optician, and the blue light-blocking lenses are totally clear. I wear them when I work at my computer all day, and I have less eye strain and headaches compared to my old readers.”

Best Reading Glasses

Non-prescription readers in fresh styles, look optic cosmo readers.

Turnaround time: 1 business day | Return policy: 90 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: No | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: Look Optic specializes in stylish readers with classic and modern frames; turnaround times are speedy and shipping is free.
• What could be better: You have to click on each product to view its price, which can make browsing a bit tiresome.

For those who need a pair of non-prescription readers, Look Optic—named “most stylish” retailer in our Best Reading Glasses round-up—offers an array of chic styles you’ll actually look forward to wearing. Keep in mind that the site doesn’t offer any prescription lenses, but you will find tinted options for wearing in the sun as well as blue light blocking styles for working on your laptop. While Look Optic doesn’t accept insurance, the website frequently runs promotions that keep costs low.

Best Prescription Glasses For Kids

Styles they'll actually wear, glassesusa muse m classic kids.

• What’s notable: Glasses USA boasts a large selection of kids’ prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, sports glasses and contact lenses.
• What could be better: Only your first pair is eligible for the 14-day return policy.

Kids and tweens are picky— really picky. GlassesUSA offers plenty of choice to satisfy different styles, at prices that won’t make you cringe if they drop or lose their glasses. Still, if sifting through hundreds of kids’ frames sounds overwhelming, there are easy-to-use filters—to sort by age, frame shape, brand, color, price and more. Most frames come with free single-vision prescription, with optional add-ons like blue light blocking and light transitioning. In our experience, you can regularly find discounts and clearance sales, which means you could spring for two pairs if you wanted. For added reassurance, GlassesUSA offers a 14-day, full money-back guarantee return policy, plus free shipping and returns.

The Best Beard Trimmers, Following A Year Of Extensive Testing

How to darken your bedroom to get the deepest, most restful sleep, current deals on prescription glasses online.

• GlassesUSA : Save 40% on frames with basic Rx lenses using code LABORDAY .
• Eyebuydirect: Buy one pair and get another for 20% off with the code LBSBOGO20 .
• FramesDirect: You can get 50% off on frames from this top-rated site that carries brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban and Kate Spade.
• Warby Parker : When you buy two or more pairs of glasses, you get 15% off—no code needed.
• Look Optic: Save 25% on progressive glasses code PR25 from this brand that specializes in cool, stylish readers.
• Zenni Optical: Get up to 25% off on these already affordable glasses using the code LABORDAY24 .

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Our content library includes several eyewear stories , and we tapped into our subject knowledge to highlight retailers that offer the best prescription glasses online and the best shopping experience.

• Lindsay Boyers , the author of this piece, is the executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted. She has experience testing, reviewing, and obsessing over specs for all types of products, and has used her knowledge to compile the findings of our three glasses testers.
• We enlisted the help of two optometry experts: Dr. Sandra Young, OD advised us on the technical aspects of ordering the right prescription by detailing how to measure pupillary distance, explaining lens options and more. We also spoke with optometrist Dr. Inna Lazar about popular lens types, adapting to new prescriptions and how often you may need to refresh your eyeglasses.
• Kari Molvar , senior fashion editor at Forbes Vetted, shared her tips on finding the best frames for each face shape. Molvar herself has worn glasses for more than 30 years.
• We routinely update this story for accuracy and to re-evaluate product availability and popularity. In its September 2024 update, Forbes Vetted contributor Hannah Singleton revised all of the content to ensure it was relevant, added insight about our testing process, and updated the current deals section.

How We Chose The Best Prescription Glasses Online

We spent hours researching popular eyewear companies and what they offer in terms of selection, value, insurance eligibility, return policy and turnaround time. In addition:

• We recruited three glasses-wearing Forbes Vetted staffers—former branded content editor Dana Holmes, managing editor Emmy Favilla and associate insights architect Shan Newton—to thoroughly browse each site. We also tapped Forbes contributor Becky Eaton who has tested our prescription glasses websites separately.
• Our testers went through the online process and tried out glasses over a few weeks timespan. They paid attention to the user-friendliness of the glasses buying process and highlighted special features like virtual or at-home try-ons and prescription renewals. Once they received their products, they wore each pair for hours to see how they felt and performed.
• Our editors assessed the feedback of our three glasses-wearing testers to determine the best prescription glasses online and evaluated each site’s ease of use and the quality and variety of its products. We ultimately picked the best eight online retailers that are worth your while and organized them based on their strong suits, like affordability or designer options.
• We indicated the estimated turnaround times, return policies, availability of virtual try-on features and vision renewal tests, and whether insurance and HSA/FSA funds are accepted to help you pinpoint the best prescription glasses retailer for your needs.
• We also noted key points about the eyewear options offered as well as reasons one might prefer shopping somewhere else.

At Forbes Vetted, we've reviewed dozens of glasses, putting them through a series of quality, style ... [+] and comfort tests.

How To Buy Prescription Glasses Online

If you’re new to buying prescription glasses online, it may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have the correct information handy—and you purchase from a trustworthy retailer that offers a fair return policy—you can shop with confidence at your convenience, and save money, too.

1. Get A Current Prescription

For new prescriptions: All online prescription glasses stores require a current prescription. In most cases, this means you’ll have to make an in-person appointment with your regular eye doctor first. It’s important for your eye doctor to get a close look at your eyes to make sure everything is healthy and functioning properly—for instance, an in-person eye exam can detect things like early signs of glaucoma and diabetes.

For renewing prescriptions: Some sites, including Warby Parker, let you renew your prescription via a virtual vision test , but only if your health qualifies and your current prescription is still working for you. It’ll likely cost you, but not much (Warby Parker’s exam is $15, and only if your prescription is renewed). GlassesUSA allows you to renew your prescription through an app called Visibly . Alternatively, if you already have another pair of glasses outfitted with your current prescription, GlassesUSA offers a free prescription scanner so that you can easily order a new pair of frames without having to reach out to your eye doctor.

2. Measure Your Pupillary Distance

In addition to a current prescription, you’ll also need your pupillary distance (or PD). Pupillary distance is the measurement between the centers of the pupils in your eyes, usually expressed in millimeters. “It is crucial for crafting prescription eyeglasses because it ensures that the lenses are positioned correctly in relation to the wearer's pupils, maximizing visual clarity and comfort,” says Dr. Inna Lazar. “An inaccurate PD measurement can result in eyestrain, blurred vision, or dizziness.”

For the most accurate results, have your eye doctor measure pupillary distance during your eye exam and make sure to make a note of it in addition to your prescription. Alternatively, you can use an app, like EyeMeasure, or online tools, like Zenni’s digital PD ruler or Warby Parker’s PD measuring tool .

Eyebuydirect has hundreds of chic and stylish frames, like this pair on our tester, at affordable ... [+] prices.

3. Choose Your Lens Type

There are three major types of lenses:

• Single vision: “A single-vision lens has one optical prescription correction for the entire lens,” says Young. “These lenses include prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.” Most prescription glasses and reading glasses are single vision lenses.
• Multifocal: “Multifocal lenses are lenses that have two or more optical power zones combined into one lens,” Young explains. “A bifocal lens is designed for two different distances to be clear; a trifocal has three distances. Typically the two zones of clear vision in a bifocal lens are close up and across the room. Trifocals have the addition of an intermediate zone of clear vision between distance and near vision.”
• Progressives: “Progressive lenses offer a seamless transition between different lens powers, catering to near, intermediate, and far vision without the visible lines found in traditional bifocal or trifocal lenses,” says Lazar. “This design not only provides a more aesthetic, line-free appearance but also mimics natural vision more closely by allowing users to look through various lens powers by simply adjusting their gaze.”

4. Choose Your Lens Coating

Most retailers give you the option to add different coatings to your lenses. They typically enhance the user experience and aesthetics of your glasses, but they will also add to their overall price.

• Anti-reflective: “Anti-reflective (AR) lenses feature a coating that reduces glare by allowing light to pass through the lens, enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain​​​​,” says Lazar. “This makes them ideal for nighttime driving and prolonged screen use, as they improve visibility and comfort by minimizing distracting reflections​​. Additionally, AR lenses improve the aesthetic appeal of eyeglasses by making the lenses nearly invisible, allowing for clearer eye contact​​.” Another reason you may want an AR coating, according to Young, is if you have high index or polycarbonate lenses, as they reflect more light.
• Anti-scratch : Many plastic lenses have anti-scratch resistance, but they benefit from an anti-scratch coating because plastic is soft and can show wear easily, according to Young. If you tend to be rough on your glasses and aren’t super careful where and how you set them down when you’re not wearing them, pay attention to lens durability and consider an anti-scratch coating when purchasing.
• Anti-fog: “These coatings help to minimize moisture condensation that occurs [when] going from an indoor environment to outdoors, especially during winter months,” says Young. A hydrophilic anti-fog coating is especially beneficial to people who wear masks, face shields or helmets often.
• Blue light blocking : Perhaps one of the most popular add-ons, these coatings help block the blue light emitted from screens to reduce eye strain. This is a great option for anyone who wears prescription glasses regularly and works at a computer.
• Transition: “Transition lenses have been capturing more attention lately, not just for their slick ability to darken under the sun and go clear indoors but also for the great eye protection they provide by blocking UV light,” says Lazar. “The cool thing about transition lenses is that they come in a variety of shades and colors, allowing for full customization.”

Our tester loved these fashionable prescription aviator style sunglasses from Zenni.

How To Find The Best Frames For Your Face Shape

Finding the right frames depends on your face shape, which are usually classified as round, oval, diamond, heart, or square. Overall, “the rule of thumb is essentially to create contrast between your face shape and frames,” explains deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar. “Note that you can also be a blend of two types of face shapes.”

That said, there are no hard and fast “rules” about which frames look best —you, after all, are the final judge on the matter and you should wear glasses that make you feel good. When giving advice on the topic, most style experts rely on the principles of natural symmetry and proportion. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind for each face shape:

• Round: Round faces are typified by soft features, full cheeks, and an equal width from your forehead to jawline. The best glasses for round faces tend to have defined angles and straight lines, like square or rectangular frames.
• Diamond: These face shapes start narrow at the forehead, widen out around the eyes and cheekbones, and taper at the jawline. Glasses that are larger at the top, like browline or cat-eye frames, will work well to provide contrast.
• Heart: This face shape becomes more narrow near the bottom of the face, tapering at the jaw and chin. Round frames with soft curves are a nice compliment to the strong, angular lines of the cheekbones that are common to this face shape.
• Oval: This is one of the most common and versatile face shapes, and will look balanced with most glasses. Feel free to explore with oversize frames, especially if you have a longer face.
• Square: If you have a wide, structure jawline and broad forehead, round or cat-eye frames will add softness.

These Roka prescription glasses are a classic wayfarer style that works well on most face shapes, ... [+] and the transparent-yet-durable frame style is on trend.

“I find the best way to shop for glasses is to not get too overwhelmed,” says Molvar. “There are many pairs that will look good on you, and you can get lost in all the details of shapes and frame types after a certain point,” she says. A good tip if you’re stuck or feeing indecisive: Narrow your selection to five pairs and then ask a friend or someone whose advice you trust for their opinion, says Molvar. If you’re feeling decision fatigue, you’ll find a simple, handy visual guide, below.

Look for frames that contrast with your face shape, as a simple rule of thumb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i buy glasses online if i know my prescription.

Yes, and having a current prescription is necessary for placing your online order. Thanks to advances in technology, you can also renew an expired prescription online via certain retailers. Sites like GlassesUSA , Warby Parker and Roka offer vision exams from your phone or computer screen for a small fee, and the results are reviewed by optometrists. Again, this is only for prescription renewals; if you need a new or updated prescription, you’ll have to make an appointment with your eye doctor.

Is It Safe To Get Prescription Glasses Online?

Buying prescription glasses online is entirely safe, just make sure you have an up-to-date prescription that is no more than a year old. However, keep in mind that you may have to get the fit of your glasses adjusted if you order online. 

There are pros and cons to both buying prescription glasses online and in stores. Online shopping offers convenience, a wider selection of styles and brands, often at lower prices. It's ideal for those who know their prescription and measurements, as you can easily find the best online glasses for you in just a few minutes. Many online retailers provide virtual try-on features and generous return policies. However, it's harder to get a feel for the fit and quality of the frames if there isn’t a home-try option, and personal assistance can be limited.

In-person shopping allows you to physically try on frames for the best fit and get immediate professional assistance. Opticians can provide advice on lens options and frame adjustments. However, physical stores may have a smaller selection and higher prices compared to online options.

The best option may be to visit and ophthalmologist for testing, measurements, and professional guidance, and then use this information to shop online. 

Which Are The Most Comfortable Prescription Glasses?

The comfort of your eyeglasses is dependent on a few different things: First, the most comfortable prescription glasses are those with lenses in an updated prescription that won’t cause eye strain and headaches. Frame choice can significantly impact comfort as well. If you wear your frames for long periods of time, look for lighter weight styles that won’t sit heavily on your face and cause discomfort (retailers including Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical list every frame’s weight). When ordering glasses, pay attention to the width of the nose bridge to be sure the glasses will accommodate the shape of your nose and sit properly without causing discomfort. Also look for frames with spring hinges at the temple that flex to prevent squeezing and excessive pressure at the temple or around your ears, and nose pads that can be adjusted at the bridge of your nose.

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The Best Places to Buy Prescription Glasses Online

Stylish, affordable frames are only a click away.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Glassesusa.com.

EyeBuyDirect

Best Customer Service

Warby parker.

It's no longer slim pickings when it comes to buying prescription eyeglasses online these days. Dozens of online optical retailers digitally shelve stylish frames aplenty, with tons of features to filter through, like blue light lenses to progressive specs. Many brands even offer the added convenience of free at-home try-ons and virtual fittings, so you can find the right fit from your own time.

Based on our own testing and advice from optometrists, these are the best places to buy prescription glasses online based on variety, prices, quality, shipping and more.

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of online prescription glasses, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute convened a panel of testers with diverse eyecare requirements, spanning from readers to progressives. This panel collectively purchased 20 pairs from various online sites. Additionally, two licensed opticians and clinical professors at SUNY College of Optometry — Andrea P. Thau, O.D . and Nancy Kirsch — meticulously assessed the glasses for prescription accuracy. Furthermore, we consulted eye care specialist Melissa Sherman, O.D. , to address any lingering inquiries regarding what factors to consider, available at the end of this guide.

For more options, check out our guides to the best smart glasses and the best sunglasses , and read our review of the best eye drops if you're experiencing dryness.

GlassesUSA stands out among optical e-tailers for its vast selection of affordable no-frills frames to familiar name brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, Prada and more . Despite the sheer number of options (1,438!), we found it easy to wade through thanks to filters that narrowed the search to preferred specs.

"I especially like that you can like a bunch of different options then go back to compare them," says one GH tester. Its virtual try-on lets you upload a photo directly to the website and see each frame, while some frames let you see with a live video. Our testers cited it as "more realistic than other sites."

Then, fill in or upload your prescription. You'll also need to know your pupillary distance — which you can measure yourself or with the help of a friend, but an optometrist is the most precise route. Note that you cannot measure PD through the GlassesUSA website, though other optical e-tailers give the option. Shipping took our testers roughly six to 11 days to receive their pair.

With exclusive promo code " HEARST50 ," you can shop 50% off select frames.

Starting at just $6 , EyeBuyDirect's online glasses collection is much more affordable than other options out there. It's great for a backup pair or for grabbing multiple pairs that suit different occasions. With about 1,589 frame options, EyeBuyDirect offers the second most number of frames among the online prescription glasses stores we researched. Opt for lens upgrades like anti-reflective coating and water-repellent coating, which are about $10 each. All you need is your most recent lens prescription from an optometrist.

Once a frame catches your eye, simply click "try me on" under the photo of the frames to snap a photo to view it on your face. Testers called it "intuitive" thanks to its big text and images and enjoyed the video recording feature that allowed people who can't see without their glasses a closer look at their try-on. Our surveys found that testers got their orders as early as seven days.

The frames earned mixed reviews: "I like the shape, they feel sturdy for the price and the lenses look good." Another GH tester adds: "They are tight above my ears, and they give a different vibe on my face than I imagined.” While the frames are low-priced, just keep in mind that you may need to pay additional fees for thinner lenses if you have a higher prescription.

Warby Parker, a coveted seller in the online glasses space, offers sharp-looking glasses running the gamut from $95 to up to $195. Find the style that suits you by selecting five frames to try on at home — for free . Our experts found that there are about 211 women's frames and 191 men's frames, with some overlap, to choose from. "It was easy to navigate and see different styles of frames," according to one tester.

In addition to the at-home trial, testers raved about the "impressive and realistic" virtual try-on. One enjoyed that it makes a size recommendation for your face (narrow, medium, etc.) and highlighted that it gave a better idea of whether the frame's color and design suited them. A pain point for testers was the lack of frame individuality, with some noting that the pairs didn't feel as high quality as designer frames.

When one tester had a hiccup with their pair, "Warby replaced them for free, and their customer service is quite responsive so that's a huge bonus!" The online glasses brand also has various storefronts across the country, so you can get them fitted in person if you live near one. It's a simple process that only requires an appointment ahead of time. Although your receipt can grow in expense with the more add-ons you choose (like blue light filtering), Warby Parker still offers prices competitive with traditional eyeglasses stores and is an in-network provider for some insurance plans.

Zenni Optical

First and foremost, Zenni Optical has a TON of options for online glasses in its collection — the most out of all the e-tailers on this list. (We're talking 1,676 frames. ) No need to feel overwhelmed, though. Testers found the frame-picking process painless, with one saying it was easy to "figure out the correct size based on the dimensions." Meanwhile, its virtual try-on earned claps for its ease of use. "[It] made me feel like I could make my decision without regret. I liked how easy it was to put in all of your lens information and prescription info.”

Prices range from under $10 to about $40 for the basics, but if you need to upgrade the lenses or choose add-ons, plan to spend a bit more. Plus, add a personal touch by engraving your name inside the arm for an additional $2. GH testers had their pairs arrive within 10 and 12 days, respectively.

For prescriptions that require stronger prisms, keep in mind that one tester with 5.5 prisms added that they needed better strength. Another tester needed a tighter fit adjustment while also noting that the frames felt flimsier than other frames they've tried.

Liingo narrows down its impressive stock of original prescription eyeglasses online by sorting frames by face shape, frame shape, size, color and material. Every style includes free premium RX polycarbonate lenses , meaning glasses are thinner, lighter and claim to be up to 12 times more impact-resistant than traditional lenses. Similar to Warby Parker, this online glasses store can send five styles for a free at-home try-on, giving you five days to mull it over. Offering the speediest shipping time, Liingo delivered pairs to our testers in six and seven days, respectively.

If you're unsure what lens type works best for your prescription, Liingo has trained opticians at the ready who will make specific recommendations just for you. Conflicted about what size to order? Try the Find My Fit tool, enter the size of your current glasses and find Liingo styles that match up. Its face-scanning tool also accesses your device's camera to measure your face and recommend styles that fit. Keep in mind that the try-on isn't foolproof. "They don't 100% look like/fit the way they did in the virtual try-on, which is a bit disappointing," writes one tester. "I was hoping that they'd be a bit smaller like the preview showed, but the lenses are huge."

On the other hand, a tester raved about its sturdiness and mentioned that the prescription lenses matched up well with their vision. In the likelihood of a frame adjustment, Liingo reimburses you up to $25 at any optical shop you choose. One tester found their pair had a seamless fit, not requiring a readjustment: "They rest comfortably and snugly on my ears and nose.”

Lenscrafters

If you're still wary about ordering glasses online, you can always play it safe with a classic retailer like Lenscrafters. You'll find the same types and brands of glasses that you would normally see at the brick-and-mortar , only from the comfort of your home instead. Its brands span the likes of Ray-Ban and Oakley to Prada and Burberry. While one tester had mishaps with the virtual try-on — they couldn't retake their photo and it didn't fit proportionally — another tester reported that their pair looked and fit exactly like their digital try-on. "I have worn them nonstop since I got them! The quality is extremely high," says a tester.

As far as lenses go, the process is pretty similar to the other options on this list. You can choose from a variety of lenses and add-ons — blue light filtering and thickness — that'll add up depending on your needs. For example, the anti-reflective coating add-on costs a nearly $60 surcharge. On the bright side, it's one of the few optical e-tailers on this list that is in-network for select insurance plans.

Another con: Shipping took 11 days for prescription pairs, which is about four days longer than the brand's projected window. Buying from LensCrafters online is a bit expensive, but if your frames ever need to be adjusted, you can easily pop into the nearest store anytime for adjustments.

Pair Eyewear

Ditch the plain black Clark Kent frames for ones with a bit of personality — tagged with cute, clever names like The Wanda and The Twain . From astrology prints to St. Patrick's Day-themed frames , Pair Eyewear has a vast collection of fun, youthful "tops," or interchangeable design pieces for the top of your eyeglasses, that compensate for the smaller frame selection. "The additional magnetic frame covers offer many different looks. The most versatile specs ever!" says one tester.

Some found the site less easy to navigate and wanted more instruction. "It was all on one page and should have changed screens for each step," they write. "It needed to describe what a topper is. That made it confusing and hard to navigate. I easily put a few of the same frame in the cart unintentionally." Otherwise, testers found "the glasses are excellent quality and [I] feel great wearing them."

Another person rated the virtual try-on highly because it rendered the potential frames on top of their old ones for a more accurate fit. Our testers received their respective glasses pairs within the 10- to 14-day shipping projection: One got their readers in seven days, while the other got their prescription glasses on the tail end of the window.

Bailey Nelson

Want to refresh your go-to look? Founded in Bondi Beach, Australia, in 2012, Bailey Nelson offers a breadth of cool eyewear styles — about 116, to be exact. According to their site, each frame is unique and designed in-house to keep up with current trends . That doesn't mean quality isn't top of mind, though. They offer a range of lenses for different eye preferences and needs, such as scratch resistance, anti-reflection coating, smudge resistance, UV protection and tinted/polarized options.

Bailey Nelson impressed testers with its top-notch quality, from the metal material to the nosepieces to the actual lenses. "I'm honestly shocked by how well they fit, especially after choosing them online with no real try-on," writes one tester. "Typically, it takes a bit of adjusting to get glasses to fit my face correctly, but thanks to the sturdy nosepieces on this pair, they stay in place and fit nicely without adjustment! The style is super fun, and the glasses are just beautiful overall."

The virtual try-on wasn't seamless for everyone, however: One tester reports that it took a few refreshes to locate their face. As for when you can expect your prescription, the brand claims that you'll get your glasses within 10 to 15 business days, depending on your order. However, it took about 19 days for one of our testers who lives in the U.S. Another tester noted issues with their prescription. "It's as though my point of sight is off a bit, and my eyes want to wander from the center. I want to continue to wear them to see if my eyes can break into them. If not, I still will use these frames and get my doctor to switch out the lenses.”

Touted as designed by athletes for athletes, these lightweight performancewear eyeglasses rest comfortably without slipping or bouncing. The prescription glasses have rubber grips at the ends, and the frames come with grippy nose pads to ensure a better, more secure fit . It's got a slimmer selection of 17 frames, however.

A few testers who ordered progressive online prescription glasses found their pairs to be lightweight and needed no adjustment — they added that the prescription was correct and made it clearer to see both near and far. Prices start relatively high but are a worthy investment if you're an active person or spend much of your time outdoors. Just note that one tester critiqued the lack of a virtual try-on, so they ended up with a pair that wasn't as complementary to their facial attributes.

When glasses serve more of a purpose to you than stellar eyesight, Eyebobs offers roughly 70+ funky, fashionable frames, including geometric shapes. Fine-tune your search with a personalized style quiz that records your face width to shape preference to color palette , then recommends three pairs of glasses, plus a compatibility percentage based on your answers. Frame sizing spans from narrow, average and wide, with a size guide that points you to a more accurate fit.

Its virtual try-on feature (offered on both mobile and desktop) worked well for testers, but Eyebobs only offers the option for select frames. Though the brand offers free two-day shipping on orders $75+, know that made-to-order items take about seven to 10 business days to create. Our tester received a pair of reading glasses after eight days and reported back satisfaction with their quality, while also enjoying the vibrant case options.

Frequently running sales and deals , LensDirect lets you save on high-quality frames. The New York-based company is even offering buy one, get one free single-vision glasses with code " BOGOFUN ." Choose from their selection of about 97 eyeglass frames, with many offering virtual try-on features, plus thorough dimensions that help you understand how it will fit your face shape.

Frames can be adjusted in-store at no additional cost. And rather than calling in new frames altogether when your prescription changes, LensDirect offers lens replacements starting at $59. The brand's site says its orders typically take about 10 to 12 business days to ship, and our testers each received their pairs at the 13- and 20-day mark.

How we chose the best online prescription glasses

Our pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute did extensive research to find the prime optical e-tailers, starting by putting together a panel of consumer testers with a range of eye care and prescription needs — from readers to blue-light filters to high-index lenses. We also sent some of the glasses we ordered to eye experts Kirsch and Dr. Thau, who checked the accuracy of the prescriptions and the conditions of the frames.

Each tester was assigned one eyewear brand out of 11 retailers to order from online. A total of 20 pairs were ordered, ranging from readers to progressives. We then asked testers to record their shopping experience. That included rating each service based on features like virtual try-ons, style options and more. Our experts took a detailed look at the different store's return policies, insurance options, prescription upload process, shipping time and price range to inform our top picks.

Trying out the glasses in real life, testers wore their pairs for a minimum of one full day before giving their final thoughts. Each recorded their impressions of the quality of the glasses and whether they perceived the prescription to be accurate. In determining the overall score, our analysts broke down the surveys by ease of use, performance and satisfaction.

What can I expect to pay for a pair of prescription glasses online?

About a $70 to $150 budget should generally buy you a solid pair of eyeglasses from direct-to-consumer brands. "If you are someone who rarely wears glasses but needs something for occasional driving, you may not want to spend as much money on this as someone who wears progressives full time," explains Dr. Sherman, the Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Eye Center of New York.

How to buy prescription glasses online

✔️ Keep a current prescription on hand . Get your eyes checked once a year by an eye care professional who will look for changes in your eyesight as well as check for cataracts and diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. " Eye health is the most important part of achieving sharp vision for your entire lifetime," says Dr. Sherman. Keep in mind that not all prescription glasses can be filled online. "Patients with high astigmatism or patients needing progressives should buy their glasses in person to ensure that the lenses are centered in front of their eyes; this is important for achieving optimal vision," says Dr. Sherman.

✔️ Measure your pupillary distance. " The frame must sit appropriately on the face, the lenses must be fabricated perfectly and the lenses centered appropriately, all factors that are very challenging to do online," says Dr. Thau. You'll need to know your pupillary distance, a.k.a. the space between your eyes. There are some systems for measuring this online, but your eye doctor will be able to get a more accurate number. People who already have an idea of what kind of glasses they like can look at the measurements of their current frames (often printed on the inside of an arm) to find a similar-fitting pair.

✔️ Select your preferred lens type and add-ons. From blue-light-filtering add-ons to high-index lenses, you can customize your glasses to suit your specific needs.

• High-index lenses : If your prescription skews high, you can benefit from high-index lenses, which make the lens lighter and more comfortable, according to Dr. Sherman.
• Progressive lenses : These simplify the lives of people who need both distance and near correction, cutting down on the pairs you carry.
• Lens c oatings : Dr. Sherman recommends anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings to "ensure longevity" through many wears and cleaning your glasses, and also to "optimize the quality of the vision" in the lenses.

✔️ Read the fine print. "Patients should also consider the remake policy for online purchases; sometimes errors occur, and in this case, the patient should know if redoing the lens will be covered by the online retailer," says Dr. Sherman. Don't forget to check if your vision insurance will cover anything — you can even pay with an HSA or FSA card on some of these websites.

Is it a good idea to buy glasses online?

Our pros recommend that those who need progressive prescriptions avoid ordering their glasses from an online retailer without physical storefronts or in-person adjustment options . Luckily, some retailers listed above, like Lenscrafters and Warby Parker, include free adjustments and others such as Liingo offer reimbursements, while Roka scored high among testers with progressive prescriptions.

Three out of five of our testers who ordered progressive prescriptions were not able to wear their glasses because the fitting heights of the lenses were incorrect — a crucial measurement usually determined by in-office opticians or doctors of optometry who measure and fit glasses to the face, according to Dr. Thau. "The height determines where the distance, intermediate and reading zones will be situated," says licensed optician Divya Sood . "If measured incorrectly, the glasses will result in poor vision. It is also possible that the wearer experiences headaches, malaise and nausea."

Single prescriptions are not guaranteed to be made correctly, either. Two testers with single-vision prescriptions had issues seeing comfortably through their lenses. Some also complained about their frames fitting too tight, the arms being too long and the frames sitting crooked.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler led testing for this story. She regularly conducts hands-on testing and analysis of products for the GH Institute, including running the latest Lab tests and surveys on online prescription glasses. Chiara recruited Dr. Andrea P. Thau , Assistant Clinical Professor Nancy Kirsch and licensed optician Divya Sood to review the prescription lenses in our tests. In addition to her experience at GH, her background as a cosmetic chemist includes scrutinizing product claims.

Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin wrote this story. She regularly collaborates with Lab experts to translate their testing and data analysis into comprehensive product guides. She also consulted eye care professionals Dr. Thau and Dr. Melissa Sherman to answer the most frequently asked questions about online prescription glasses.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.

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An interactive slide deck is more user-friendly than a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation or Google Slides document. That’s because you can break information down into chunks with pop-ups, labels, voiceovers and annotated infographics.  

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• Personal Care

Article updated on September 18, 2024 at 11:26 AM PDT

Best Places to Buy Glasses Online for 2024

Skip the trip to the doctor's office and cut the cost of frames by buying prescription glasses online. We know the best places to get your next set.

Our Experts

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

Over seven years of eye-care testing experience, we use our expertise to offer well-rounded, honest reviews.

What to consider

Customer satisfaction

We considered customer reviews from reputable third-party platforms like the Better Business Bureau to gauge overall client satisfaction.

We assessed product range, choosing retailers that offer a wide array of products.

Accessibility

We prioritized online retailers that offered a smooth ordering process.

Price transparency

We favored retailers that provide competitive pricing and clear breakdown of costs.

Shipping policies

We also considered shipping and delivery times to a prompt and reliable service.

What are the best places to buy glasses online overall?

Buying glasses online is very easy in 2024 with the number of retailers around. You can even get a better deal on your frames by shopping around at the best stores. After trying out a few websites for ourselves, we've found the best of the best when it comes to insurance acceptance, price, design, shipping times, ease of ordering, customer care and site features.

As it stands, Zenni is at the top of our list, as it offers the lowest prices and has a good selection of stylish frames and lens options. Warby Parker has previously been listed as our top pick and currently, GlassesUSA is also one of the most affordable sites. Our editors have had great shopping experience at Warby's, and it also has the option to buy from its many brick-and-mortar stores . We've also found plenty of other excellent options and you should be able to save a lot of money by shopping online instead of at a local eyeglass store. If you're looking for replacement prescription lenses to put into your favorite frames, check out our list of the  best places to buy replacement lenses online .

Best prescription glasses online of 2024

• Budget-friendly
• Multiple ways to try frames virtually
• Wide selection of frames
• Shipping times can be slow
• Cheap frames look and feel a little cheap

Best for the budget-conscious

Zenni has been around for awhile, and it's the first site I used to buy cheap prescription glasses and sunglasses online. It's more of a budget-minded site, and over the years, I got some nice deals on cheap glasses, particularly when Zenni was running its occasional three-for-two glasses sales. I've had both standard eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses made here, and so has fellow editor David Katzmaier, who has since graduated to Warby Parker (he said, however, he would still buy prescription sunglasses at Zenni because they're cheap and decent enough).

In the last couple of years, Zenni has been subtly shifting its image, bringing in celebrities like Rashida Jones and 49ers tight-end George Kittle to give the brand a little more of a hip vibe. The lenses are good and these guys offer nice deals on upgrades to photochromic lenses.

Notable site features:  There's a Frame Fit "mirror" feature that allows you to upload a photo and see the frames on your face, as well as a new "virtual" try-on feature (powered by Ditto) that allows you to see the glasses on your face as you move around using your computer's webcam or your phone's camera. This is similar to the virtual try-on feature that Warby Parker offers.

Shipping times:  While Zenni says, "Your eyeglasses are delivered around two weeks from the time we receive your order," it now offers a rush delivery option that gets you your new glasses in 3 to 5 days. Only certain frames qualify for rush service, however.

Current discounts: Check out  Zenni's coupons and promotions landing page .

• Good selection of designer frames
• Easy to try on pairs virtually
• Cheap frames do feel a little cheap

Best for style selection

Founded in 2008, GlassesUSA offers more affordable options for buying prescription eyeglasses and designer eyeglasses online than sites like Warby Parker and Roka, with full prescription glasses starting at $26. But it also features premium designer frames from high-quality eyeglasses brands, including Ray-Ban and Persol. The designer eyewear lists for more but discounts can bring them down in price.

The one-stop shop for stylish glasses offers various discounts off your first frames, as well as discounts on lens upgrades (photochromic, for instance), contact lens options and reading glasses . And around major holidays you can look for seasonal promotions on men's eyeglasses, women's glasses and contact lenses.

Notable site features: A virtual "mirror" feature lets you upload your photo to the site and see what a pair of eyeglasses looks like on your face shape to help you find the perfect pair of optical frames. And the company is upping the try-at-home ante. Instead of just sending you the frames, GlassesUSA will send you the frame with your actual prescription in it so you can truly try it out for up to 14 days -- though the feature is limited to certain frames and lens options. The site also offers a 100% money-back guarantee so you can return your glasses if you don't like what you ultimately get. Lastly, you can download a free prescription scanner app for iOS or Android that allows you to " extract the optical parameters from your current glasses " using your phone and a PC (it works with relatively simple prescriptions, so read the fine print to see its limitations). While we've spotted a few negative online reviews for GlassesUSA, the company seems to diligently follow up and respond to each one.

Shipping times: Expect 7 to 10 days between ordering and arrival of GlassesUSA products, depending on the types of glasses and the shipping option you choose .

Current discounts : Check out  GlassesUSA's coupons and promotions landing page . Additionally, use code CNET50 for 50% off eyeglasses and sunglasses, excluding premium and luxury brands, sale items and certain tagged items (includes free basic Rx lenses and free shipping).

• High quality
• Convenient iPhone app
• Some cities have Warby Parker brick-and-mortar stores
• Online vision test
• Pricier than some competitors

Best shopping experience

Warby parker.

Several CNET editors have bought their glasses on Warby Parker, which has a good selection of sharp-looking eyeglass frames . While glasses start at only $95 with a single-vision prescription, chances are you're going to pay a bit more — around $150 to $200 — based on the type of frame options you choose, your prescription, and type of eyeglass lenses. Prescription sunglasses start at $95, and progressive lenses in both eyeglasses and sunglasses start at $95. But based on my co-workers' experiences as well as my own, the finished products tend to be a step up from what more budget-oriented sites offer.

Notable site features: The company's mobile apps allow you to search the site by frame size and to try on various frames virtually (it works surprisingly well) and better yet, you can try up to five frames at home for five days for free. Once your five days are up, you place your box in the mail with the prepaid return label (hopefully, you find at least one style that you like from among the five you picked for the home trial). There's also a $15 online virtual vision test to renew prescriptions that are outdated. (Based on the test, you may not be eligible, however.)

Warby also has physical optical stores in some locations around the country if you want to go in and try frames that way. Some of these locations also offer eye tests, and that prescription can be used at Warby or elsewhere.

The online glasses store also has a "buy a pair, give a pair" program, so for every pair of glasses you buy, the company distributes a pair to someone in need, either for free or for "ultra-affordable prices." ( See details .)

Shipping times: According to Warby: "Single vision glasses take seven to 10 business days to reach you from the time we have all of your order information. Sunglasses and progressives take 10 to 12 business days to reach you." (These estimates jibe with the experience of CNET editors who have used the service, and my pair arrived in six business days.) You can pay more for expedited shipping.

Current discounts : Get 15% off when you buy two or more pairs of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, no promo code required.

• Good mix of affordable and designer options
• Two-day shipping available
• Cheap frames feel a little cheap

Fast delivery

Eyebuydirect.

EyeBuyDirect is similar in many ways to a lot of its competitors. Along with an in-house frame brand (Rflkt Eyewear) it has some Ray-Ban and Oakley frames. I went with a more affordable Rflkt frame and paired it with a higher-end lens. The price came out to around $150 -- you can go cheaper or more expensive. The most budget-friendly pairs are under 10 bucks. The frame quality was decent though not on par with, say, Roka's frames. Lens quality was good and the ordering process was smooth, with a standard virtual try-on feature where you upload a photo of yourself to help you find the perfect frame.

Notable site features:  The site has a virtual try-on feature and a fit-and-style quiz that helps you pick out a frame. Frame types are sorted by six types: classic, artsy, eco-friendly, bold and street style. It's also worth noting that with every pair of glasses you buy, you can opt to have EyeBuyDirect donate a pair to a person in need somewhere in the world: You pick where.

Shipping times : EyeBuyDirect direct says it's typical turnaround time is 7 to 14 business days but with single-vision lenses, you can get free two-day delivery that can cut turnaround times (many frames are available for two-day delivery).

Current discounts : All of EyeBuyDirect's deals and promo codes are displayed on its home page.

• Offers lens replacement
• Free shipping
• Not particularly affordable

Good for swapping out old lenses

What do you do if you already have a pair of eyeglasses frames you like but your prescription is old (or the lenses on your frames are scratched) and you just want to replace the lenses? Lensabl is one of the few sites that allows you to send in your own pair of frames and get a new prescription lens for them. Its motto is, "Your frames, our lenses."

You upload your prescription online, pick the type of lens you want, and then Lensabl sends you a box with a prepaid return shipping label. You simply mail them your glasses in the box (shipping is free). First-time customers get 15% off. This site is also a good option if you have an old pair of glasses that you want to turn into prescription sunglasses.

Lensabl also offers full glasses packages with its own frames. Many of the options are free with an accompanying lens purchase.

Notable site features:  For $25, you can renew your prescription online . Not everybody qualifies to take the online eye exam — you have to answer some questions to see if you qualify — but if you do, Lensabl says, "All you need is your computer, smartphone and about 15 minutes of time." Your results will be reviewed by an eye doctor or optometrist licensed in your state who will then issue you a new prescription via email.

Shipping times: Lensabl pledges "about two weeks" turnaround time from when you ship your frames to when you'll receive them back.

Current discounts : All of Lensabl's deals and promo codes  are displayed on its homepage.

• Fast turnaround times
• User-friendly site
• Good selection of lens types
• Expensive for rush jobs

Extra fast delivery

Overnight glasses.

As its name implies, Overnight Glasses can make you a new set of prescription glasses quickly, and really quickly if you're willing to pay extra for it. If you buy a frame/lens package, fast three- to four-day service is available for $9. (It takes slightly longer for progressive and bifocal lens types.) The quality of the lenses I got was as good as that from other replacement-lens sites, so there's no sacrifice on prescription eyewear quality for speed. Lenses and a new frame will cost you from $42 to $309.

As for new lenses, you ship your frames to Overnight Glasses and they'll replace your lenses with new ones in 48 hours. They can do polarized, blue light, Transitions and many other types, though progressive take an additional two days (so 72 hours total from the time your frames are received).

If you're looking for a truly overnight option, its emergency,  24-hour rush service  costs an additional $30 for single vision. As noted, a progressive lens order can take an additional two days, so the fastest you can get new progressive lenses is three days.

Overnight makes lenses for Bose Frames and Amazon Echo Frames audio glasses.

Notable site features: The site has a clean look and is easy to use. Shipping options are one of the key focuses.

Shipping times:  As fast as 48 hours from the time your eyeglass frame is received, while 24-hour rush service costs an additional $30 for single vision (progressives take an additional two days) or is free on orders $180 and over. Note that coupons and discounts do not change the original order amount so if your original order amount was $185 and you got 30% off, you're still eligible for the free overnight rush service.

As for lens-replacement orders, these are the ship times, according to Overnight: "Orders $150 and over get free second-day Air UPS delivery both ways, included automatically when the order reaches that amount. New lenses for single vision prescriptions deliver in five days or less if you send your frames the same day you order. Orders under $150 can add the speedy service for an additional $20 or get free ground USPS shipping."

Current discounts : Check out Overnight Glasses' coupons and promotions landing page .

• Huge selection
• Helpful filters
• Selection can be overwhelming
• No virtual try-on feature

Best for high-quality lenses and massive frame selection

Eyeglasses.com.

Eyeglasses.com's huge selection of both frames and lenses is a big selling point, but it also has the downside of offering so many options that it can be a little daunting to figure out exactly what to buy. You can get budget options — lens prices start at $49 — but the site skews toward more premium options. The idea is to get a significant discount (upwards of $200) on a high-quality frame-and-lens combo that you'd spend big bucks for in a brick-and-mortar shop. "Our business targets the main part of the eyewear industry, to supply the same products that customers would get at the eye doctor, but at 50% lower prices," CEO and Founder Mark Agnew told me.

The site carries over 300 brands and 200,000 individual models, which seems to be the largest catalog of any online glasses site. The filters are also decent, allowing you to filter by rim style, material, brand, price, category, eye size, clips and country of origin. There are advanced search options too, such as bridge size and temple size, and  B measurement . There's no virtual try-on feature, however, and many of the frames don't have models to show you what the frames look like on someone's face.

Notable site features:  Eyeglasses.com says it only sells "high quality, individually made lenses made in the USA" and the sample glasses I tried had excellent lenses that gave me a very sharp image. As I said, there's a huge selection of lens options, and you get a "Perfect Lenses Guarantee" that allows you to send your glasses back if they don't work for you. You can get a one-time free redo of the lenses, or a full refund on the frames and 50% cash back on the lenses, your choice.

The site also offers a lens replacement option for your existing frames (you send your frames in). Unlike Lensabl (see below), which highlights the feature, Eyeglasses.com doesn't market the option front and center. You can also get new glasses very quickly if you choose to pay extra for expedited shipping.

Shipping times:  Less than 6 days, according to the site. I received a new pair in a couple of days, but I had an expedited shipping option.

Current discounts : Check out Eyeglasses.com's coupons and promotions landing page .

• Easy to pay through insurance
• Long return/exchange window
• Limited site features

Insurance-friendly site

Glasses.com.

One of our editors recently used glasses.com and reported a good experience. She said Glasses.com accepts a lot of vision insurance plans and automatically handles payment if your insurance provider is in their network (you can usually get one pair of glasses free). If your vision insurance plan is out of network, like VSP and Spectera, the site automatically generates a bill (via email) that you need to submit to get reimbursed.

Notable site features: Glasses.com is a pretty no-frills site. It does have a quiz you can take that recommends what frames are right for you. You can also return frames and lenses within 60 days if you have an issue with them.

Shipping times:  Expect around 14 days with the free shipping option or around eight days with expedited shipping ($15). 

Current discounts : Check out  Glasses.com's coupons and promotions landing page .

• Excellent frames
• Good selection
• Durable and comfortable
• No virtual try-on

Best frames

Roka eyewear.

Austin, Texas-based Roka branched out into the online prescription eyewear business a few years ago. The retailer's marketing slogan is "The most technically advanced eyewear that doesn't look technical," and its glasses are impressively light, durable and stylish looking. Like Warby Parker, these are at the higher-end of the online prescription eyeglasses spectrum, with prices of around $200 for a completed pair of prescription glasses, depending on some of the lens upgrades you might add. But Roka has some of the best glasses frames out there.

Roka started out making athletic glasses for runners, bikers and triathletes, and many of its prescription frames are bendable at the ends and have rubberized tracks that help you get a more secure fit. The frames also come with three sizes of grippy nose pads to ensure a better fit. They are among the most comfortable glasses I've worn, and they really stay on your face. I personally like the small Oslo frame in clear.

Notable site features: Roka used to have a home-trial program, but that's no longer available. It does offer an online virtual vision test to renew prescriptions that are outdated (based on the test, you may not be eligible, however). Roka says it accepts "returns or exchanges on most items within 30 days of receipt. Returns of prescription eyewear are allowed — for a refund or store credit — and require a $20 restocking fee."

Shipping times:  Roka has improved its turnaround times since it began cutting lenses in Austin. It says its standard prescription eyeglasses, readers, and nonprescription sunglasses "will generally ship by the next business day. Our prescription sunglasses and progressives will generally ship in 5 to 7 business days." For all its glasses, Roka offers free standard shipping in the contiguous United States, as well as optional expedited shipping options, including overnight shipping.

• Huge selection of designer frames

Good customer service

• Limited affordable options

FramesDirect

FramesDirect is similar to a lot of the other online glasses retailers out there, but it focuses more on offering decent discounts on premium brand frames, claiming to have the largest selection of designer glasses online. This eyewear retailer is also one of the few places that offers prescription lens inserts for the Quest 2  and other VR headsets.

Finally, the site has strong customer service ratings from TrustPilot .

Notable site features:  Like its sister site EyeBuyDirect and others, FramesDirect has a philanthropic partnership with the Essilor Vision Foundation to improve the sight of people who can't afford glasses. FrameDirect says that "for every pair of glasses bought, we will donate a pair of glasses to someone in need," and you can select the region for the donated pair. Like Zenni, Warby Parker and others, it has a virtual try-on feature.

Shipping times:  Expect around 14 days.

Current discounts : Check out  FramesDirect's coupons and promotions landing page .

• Can shop by specific sport or activity
• Knowledgeable customer service staff

Best for prescription sports glasses

As you'd expect, SportRx caters to people looking for sports-oriented prescription glasses, with a wide variety of options from big eyewear brands such as Smith, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Costa and Nike. Not all the frames it sells have an Rx option, but most do. Although you'll get a better deal here than you'd get from your local sunglasses boutique, this is not a budget site and you can end up paying upwards of $250 or more, depending on your prescription. But SportRx runs some deals on frames and also gives you access to a real optician to help you decide which glasses are right for your prescription and athletic pursuits. Making Rx lenses for sports glasses can be tricky.

Notable site features:  SportRx says that instead of speaking (or live-chatting) to a run-of-the-mill customer service staffer hidden in some obscure call center, you're speaking with a "friendly SportRx Optician in sunny San Diego" who's gone through a rigorous training regimen (the SportRx Academy) and is well-versed in various aspects of optics: refractive light, myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism and everything else you can think of. "What's more," the site says, "they have extensive training on the best sports frame and lens options on the planet."

Shipping times: Around 14 days.

Current discounts : Check out  SportRx's coupons and promotions landing page .

Why should you trust us about finding the best places to buy glasses online?

At CNET, not only have we reviewed a wide range of online glasses retailers, including the most popular sites for buying glasses online, but we periodically go back and retest retailers we've already tried out. We also monitor any new notable features that only glasses sites might add, as well as any special discounts and new product options. Additionally, we endeavor to try out a site's budget options along with higher priced offerings since there are so many lens and frame options to choose from. In many but not all cases, we also jury test retailers, with multiple CNET editors providing feedback from their experiences using a site. This is particularly true for popular sites like Zenni, Warby Parker, GlassesUSA and EyeBuyDirect. And finally, we've consulted ophthalmologists and other eyewear experts to make sure we're providing useful and accurate information.

How we chose the best places to buy glasses online

For this roundup of the best online retailers for prescription glasses, we considered factors like affordability, variety of selections, notable site features, shipping time and quality. These online retailers were independently chosen by our editors.

Read more:  How to Use Your Smartphone to Check Your Vision

How to buy prescription glasses online

1. The first thing you need to buy prescription glasses online is a prescription . The best way to get an accurate prescription is to visit an optometrist and have an eye exam , which tends to cost around $100. After the test is complete, you need to make sure you get a hard copy of your prescription so you can retain it for your records. Alternatively, you can pick up a device like the $99  EyeQue Vision Check  to use your smartphone to check your vision and create a prescription that many online glasses stores will accept, though some do require an Rx from an optometrist.

2. Get your pupillary distance number from your optometrist or measure it yourself . Be aware that sometimes optometrists won't give your pupillary distance because they'll say they want to measure you for a specific set of glasses. But insist on getting one because it's required to order glasses online. Note that you can also measure PD yourself using an app on your smartphone or download a  PD ruler  that most online stores have  available for download  with instructions on how to use it. Pupillary distance is key, because when lenses are made it's important to know where your eye is in relation to the center of the lens.

3. Make sure your prescription isn't out of date . If you haven't had a vision test in a while , it might be a good idea to get another one. Some sites like Warby Parker offer an inexpensive virtual vision test if your prescription is out of date but you feel you're seeing well out of your current glasses (but still want to replace them). You take a five-minute vision test, looking at an eye chart from home. An eye doctor then reviews the results and responds within 48 hours to let you know if you've qualified for a prescription renewal.

4. Some but not all stores accept dollars from Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts . If you have money you want to use from an FSA or HSA, or have vision insurance, you need to check on the store's insurance, FSA and HSA policies before making a purchase. Many do accept them.

5. Go to an online retailer and select a pair of frames that you like . This can be the hardest part of the process , because it's tricky to know exactly what you'll look like in the glasses unless you try the frames on in person and look at yourself in a mirror. Some online retailers have virtual try-on applications or, even better, they'll ship you a few frames to try on at home before you select one or more to buy.

6. Provide your prescription . With some online retailers, you can simply take a picture of your prescription with your smartphone and upload the image to the site. And most prescription glasses sites also allow you to manually input your prescription numbers, which is typically what I do. When a site asks for your prescription, it will also ask for your PD number.

7. Select the type of lenses you want . You can buy complete basic single-vision prescription glasses for less than $20 online. And in most cases, they'll work fine. But you will certainly notice a difference when upgrading to higher quality lenses in terms of clarity and weight (thinner, lighter lenses tend to cost more). I personally have a few cheap sets of prescription glasses that I keep in my car or in a backpack as backup glasses in case something should happen to my main pair. However, what I've found is that often the best thing to do is spend a little more for a higher-grade lens and not go for the cheapest option.

8. Before making your final purchase, read the fine print on the site's return policy . Many sites are good about letting you return glasses if the lenses you ordered (based on your correct prescription numbers) aren't good for some reason or the frames just don't fit right . But read the fine print on the return policy. In some cases you can get a full refund and in others a store credit. However, sometimes stores will only offer a partial store credit. You don't want to be surprised if something goes wrong. I've only had one company screw up my order with a wrong prescription in one lens.

9. Input any discount codes at checkout . Glasses sites constantly have promos running with discount codes that you input at checkout, though they sometimes exclude premium frames from name-brand companies. And sometimes you'll see slightly sweeter deals around a holiday, with online glasses stores using almost any holiday as an excuse to offer a new discount code.

Online glasses FAQs

Is it a good idea to buy glasses online.

Yes, particularly if you're looking to save money, often a significant amount. That said, before purchasing glasses online, most people initially go to an optometrist for a proper eye exam to get their prescription.

What is the best place to buy glasses online?

It really depends on what you're looking for in terms of frame style and pricing. Every store on this list is a good place to shop for glasses online, but the types of frames vary by store, with some stores offering more premium frames, which tend to cost more. Lens quality also can vary, and some stores offer faster delivery.

Who has the best prices for prescription glasses?

Stores like Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect advertise offers for cheap prescription glasses (that includes frames and lenses) for $7 or even slightly less. While that's slightly deceptive — only because the price doesn't include tax and shipping, and you really should add an anti-glare coating to the lens for about $4 extra — I have put together a usable pair of glasses for around $17 shipped.

What can I expect to pay for a pair of prescription glasses online?

You can often get glasses with basic frames and lenses for less than $100 and sometimes even less than $50 during certain promotions. (I once bought a pair of prescription glasses for $9 that I can't say were all that good, but I've kept them in my car as an emergency pair.)

More premium lenses made of lighter and stronger materials, with additional scratch resistance and anti-glare coating or photochromic lens that change from clear to tinted, cost significantly more. But a pair of premium Rx glasses that might cost you $300 to $400 online would probably cost double that or more in a brick-and-mortar shop .

Note that some online glasses shops do accept vision insurance, though even if they do, you'll have to check whether they accept your specific vision insurance. Many online eyewear retailers, including Warby Parker, accept money from flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts along with vision insurance. Shopping online also allows you to get higher-end eyewear at more budget-conscious prices, as you can often find glasses deals .

Can I return prescription glasses I buy online?

Yes, sometimes prescription glasses don't end up being perfect and may end up bothering your eyes. I once had a certain online store screw up the prescription in the left lens while the right one was correct. In many cases, you can return the glasses if you're not satisfied, but make sure to read the fine print on the store's return policy. Often, the store will remake the glasses for you or give you a full refund. However, certain sites only offer partial refunds.

What kind of deals can I find for prescription glasses online?

Most sites offer 15% to 20% off your first purchase if you provide an email address. Many sites also offer additional deals with certain codes at checkout, whether it's discounts on frames, lenses, lens upgrades and sometimes you'll see a buy-one-get-one-free deal. However, typically restrictions apply, which can mean you can only use the code for certain frames and less complicated prescriptions (single lens as opposed to progressive lenses). Look for sales and new codes to crop up around various holidays.

What type of eyeglass lens is best?

For pure clarity, a glass or mineral glass lens is the best. But most people prefer polycarbonate lenses, which are lighter and more durable. High-index lenses are good for those who have strong prescriptions that would normally require thicker lenses. These high-tech plastic lenses end up being the same thinness as standard plastic or polycarbonate lenses that have a lighter prescription. However, you do have to pay more for high-index lenses. Arguably the best lenses are  Trivex  lenses, which are lightweight and durable and offer slightly better clarity than polycarbonate lenses. But they are more expensive than plastic ( CR-39 ) and polycarbonate lenses.

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