Wearing eyeglasses used to be uncommon for a vast number of Americans. Now, seemingly everyone wears glasses in different styles and colors. The issue is finding cheap, quality glasses.
Eyewear is a $140 billion industry controlled by Luxottica and a handful of optical companies. To find cheap glasses, you’re going have to look outside of the main websites that sell eyewear.
This article will show you where you can find quality glasses that are cheap on your wallet. But first, you may have a question:
What’s The Advantage Of Shopping For Glasses Online?
Aside from the obvious advantage — convenience — of shopping online for eyewear, there is also the speed in which you can explore different websites and the frames they offer.
Going into a physical store and browsing their selections can wear you after a couple locations, not to mention responding to the sales clerk’s inquiries on what you’re looking for.
Another advantage is that you can save hundreds of dollars shopping for glasses online. The prices that some of these eyewear distributors have are hard to beat compared to your major eyeglass stores.
How Much Do Basic Eyeglasses Cost?
Here Are Some Of The Best Places To Buy Glasses Online
As you’ll see though, you may be able to get glasses for much cheaper and even under $20.
Lensabl.com
Lensabl.com is a great site to find discounted frames. The styles that they have are a bit limited compared to some of the other sites on this list, but they have quality glasses in more standard designs.
Does Lensabl Take Insurance?
Lensabl accepts Linneo insurance payments, but not other major insurers.
You may be able to get reimbursed by your vision insurance company for your Lensabl purchase. Submit your Lensabl receipt to these insurance companies for reimbursement.
Return policy: Lensabl lets you return glasses that don’t fit right or if the prescription is off. Standard shipping (2-4 business days) is free in the US and done by USPS Priority. Expedited shipping is $20 and is done by UPS overnight (1 business day).
Zenni Optical
Zennioptical.com is one of the cheapest sites to buy glasses online. I’ve seen frames as cheap as $12.95.
Zenni Optical also has a vast selection of different styles. When it comes to frugal prescription eyewear, Zenni is hard to beat.
The cool part? With Zenni’s 3D Virtual Try-On tool, you can upload a video of yourself to get a realistic 180-degree view of how a particular frame will look and fit on your face.
Does Zenni Optical Work With Vision Insurance?
Zenni Optical doesn’t accept vision insurance, but some insurers will accept an invoice copy for reimbursement from the company. Check with your insurance company, and if they do, request an emailed invoice copy from Zenni at service@zennioptical.com.
Return policy: Zenni gives you 30 days from the date you receive the glasses to call them for a return. They will give you a one-time-use 100% store credit (excluding shipping), or for a 50% refund (excluding shipping) to the credit or debit card or PayPal account. Unused accessories can be returned for a 100% store credit or a 100% refund (both excluding shipping).
EyeBuyDirect.com
EyeBuyDirect.com is another great place to find affordable glasses online. They frequently have 50% off sales and frames for as cheap as $26 Like Zenni, EyeBuyDirect.com has a Virtual Try-On feature that lets you see how you look with certain frames on your face.
If you’re unsure of what looks good on you, take EyeBuyDirect’s Fit & Style Quiz to get your answer.
Does EyeBuyDirect.com Accept Insurance?
EyeBuyDirect.com is not currently affiliated with any insurance companies. They can provide you with a detailed copy of your receipt so that you can use your FSA/HSA toward your purchase.
Return policy: If you’re not happy for any reason, EyeBuyDirect.com says you can get a refund or a replacement with no literally no hassle involved. They have a14-Day Fit & Style guarantee which allows customers to make an equal exchange or return with no questions asked.
Liingo Eyewear
At LiingoEyewear.com, you can get a nice pair of prescription glasses starting at around $79. The site’s Frame Fit tool uses your computer’s camera to scan your face and give you frame recommendations.
Does Liingo Eyewear Accept Insurance?
Liingo Eyewear does accept insurance. The company is an out-of-network provider for most insurance companies, which means you might not get coverage.
If your vision insurance does accept for an itemized receipt, contact Liingo at hello@liingoeyewear.com.
Return policy: You get free returns and free shipping up to 60 days.
Goggles4U.com
Goggles4u.com is a well trusted site that features a lot of BOGO (buy one get one free) offers on its frames. With prices as cheap as $4.95, affordability is the focus, no pun intended.
For orders within the United States, you should know that standard shipping is $5.95 and Priority shipping is $9.95.
Does Googles4ucom Accept Insurance?
Googles4u.com does not accept insurance. If you have an FSA/HSA card associated with VISA, Mastercard or AMEX you can pay that way.
Return policy: Googles4u.com has a one-time exchange policy that allows customers to modify their orders if the glasses do not fit. You must report any issues within 15 days of getting your glasses. They encourage you to contact them via Live Chat, Call (1-888-972-9060), or over an email to be sent at steve@goggles4u.com.
Vlooktical
On Vlookoptical.com, you’ll find designer frames for as low as $1 to $6. These frames are lightweight and flashy, but you’d better take good care of them if you want them to last.
Does Vlook Optical Accept Insurance?
Vlook Optical does not accept insurance.
Return policy: Customized glasses are non-returnable. If the glasses have not been personalized, you can return them within 14 days after delivery the product.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the original packaging, unused and in the same condition that you received it.
Final Word
Getting your glasses online is a great way to save money. Just like at your optometrist’s office you typically can get special lenses like:
- Bifocals
- Scratch Resistance
- Blue light or blue cut protection
- Anti-reflection
- UV Protection:
- Hydrophobic coatings
Before you buy online, always review the store’s return policy just in case you need to take the item back.