Ah, those carefree days when my kids were in elementary school! It seems as if we had all the time in the world for things like taking them out of school for a few hours so we could get their vision checked and try on glasses. But with a middle schooler and a high schooler, those days are gone. Not only is it more crucial than ever that they can see what’s going on at school, but it’s also more crucial than ever that they NOT miss class time for doctor’s appointments. And the last time I took Kimmie to pick out new frames for her glasses prescription, the dithering at the glasses store took over an hour!
What’s a busy mama to do? Enter ordering eyeglasses online to the rescue!
Figuring out years ago that I could order my contacts online was a game-changer; not only did having them shipped to my house save time, but I also saved a bundle over buying them through my optometrist. Well, little did I know until recently that ordering eyeglasses online is just as easy!
This is a collaboration post. However, please know I stand behind everything written here, and only include links to products/services/resources I’m willing to recommend personally.
Why online glasses ordering?
Ordering glasses online has become a convenient alternative to visiting a brick-and-mortar store. With tons of online glasses retailers to choose from, you now have access to a wider range of styles and options right from the comfort of your home. And if your kids are even a fraction as busy as mine are, between activities and homework, you will LOVE the fact that you can do this at any time of the day or night from your very own living room.
The process is pretty straightforward. Just like when you order glasses in person, you’ll need a current prescription from an eye doctor. In addition, you’ll need a basic understanding of how to choose frames that fit your face shape and personal style.
The best part of all? Unlike a brick-and-mortar glasses store, when you shop for prescription glasses online, you’re not limited by the inventory or styles of a single store. You can effortlessly compare styles, prices, and even try on frames virtually in some cases. Plus, by entering your prescription information and pupillary distance, you can ensure your lenses are accurately crafted to meet your vision needs. Once you’ve selected the perfect frames, placing your order is just a matter of providing shipping and payment details.
Getting Started with Online Glasses Ordering
Before you get started, it’s helpful to figure out what your options are. And I often find it easier to do my homework before I go to the doctor’s office for that vision exam. Knowing our options in advance makes it so much easier to avoid being pressured into buying glasses at the doctor’s office, which more than one optometrist has tried to do to my family over the years.
If you’re looking for a new vision provider – say, one for a child with a new vision problem – finding one that only offers eye exams (not also glasses) can help you avoid strong-arm tactics in their office, or similar efforts to keep you from buying glasses elsewhere. I once tried to get glasses for one of my kids at an insurance-approved provider, only to learn that the optometrist’s office had put a “lock” on her prescription to try to prevent us from buying glasses anywhere except through their office!
If you have vision insurance, it’s also worth checking with them to see if they have preferred online retail outlets. Larger insurance networks can often leverage their clout to get even better discounts on a wider range of options for their patients; others might have a single online provider that they prefer you use. Either way, knowing your options upfront will help you make a decision on the best provider for your needs and your budget.
Selecting the Perfect Frames Online
Finding the right eyeglasses frames online is a blend of knowing your face shape, understanding material options, and making use of technologically advanced try-on tools. This section walks you through these crucial steps to ensure you choose frames that not only suit your vision needs, but also help you look and feel your best.
1. Determining Your Face Shape and Frame Style
Determining your face shape is the starting point for selecting frames that will look great on your face (or your kid’s face). For round faces, rectangular frames can add balance. Conversely, oval or round frames can soften the angles of a square face. Today, there are a lot of services offer guidelines on how different frame styles suit various face shapes.
2. Materials and Aesthetic Considerations
Frames come in a range of materials, each with its own aesthetic and functional benefits. Metals like titanium and stainless steel are durable and sleek, and they often are more durable for kids (especially those who play sports). Acetate frames offer more color options and patterns. Consider hypoallergenic materials if you have sensitive skin, and take advantage of color and pattern options to enhance your personal style, or help your child display their own flair.
3. Virtual Try-On and Frame Measurements
Make use of virtual try-on features, to see how frames look on your face through realistic 3D simulations. This is especially helpful when you’re looking for glasses for your kiddos, whether style-conscious tweens/teens or fashion-forward younger children. And make sure you pay attention to frame measurements for a comfortable fit. If you need a quick turnaround, keep an eye out for services offering next day glasses delivery, like Overnight Glasses.
Completing Your Order with Confidence
When ordering eyeglasses online, be sure you have a clear understanding of lens options and your prescription details, and check out the company’s customer service policies before placing your order so you know what to expect.
1. Understanding Lens Options and Prescriptions
Choosing the right lenses is crucial for your comfort and vision clarity. If you have a single vision prescription, it’s easy-peasy to select the right glasses online. However, for those requiring bifocal or progressive lenses, additional information such as segment height is needed.
You’ll also need to consider whether you (or your child) wants or needs no-line bifocals, or workspace progressives (whose largest segment, midrange vision, is optimized for the distance of a computer screen). I’ve used both over the years, and as someone who started wearing bifocals in high school, trust me – this can be an issue even for kids! In addition to knowing what segment height you need, make sure you measure your pupillary distance (PD) correctly, since it’s essential for proper lens placement.
When selecting lenses online, you’ll have the same options to choose from as if you were ordering glasses at a regular store. Kids usually do better with plastic lenses vs. glass, since plastic are shatter-resistant. But since plastic lenses scratch more easily than glass, it’s worth considering add-ons like scratch-resistant coatings. Other optional add-ons can include anti-glare/blue-light-blocking coatings, glasses that automatically turn into sunglasses in bright light, or getting a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
2. Secure Checkout and Payment Methods
Once you’ve selected your frames and lenses, you’ll proceed to checkout. It’s important to use a secure payment method for your transaction. By this point, those of you with vision insurance will probably already have chosen a company that works with your vision plan, but make sure you give the online retailer the appropriate details to have your order processed through your vision insurance.
Finally, double-check that you entered all the details, from the numbers on your prescription to your shipping address and billing details, correctly. Any delays can make your order take longer, or mean your glasses won’t turn out right.
3. Customer Service and After-Sale Policies
Last thing before you click that big “place order” button, make sure you check out the retailer’s customer service and after-sale policies. Look for services that offer free returns or an exchange policy, such as the 14-day free returns policy. Policies like this are your safety net; if there are any defects, your glasses just aren’t quite “you,” or they otherwise don’t meet your expectations, free returns and/or exchanges will mean you can return them without additional cost.
Also verify whether you are entitled to a refund or replacement and how the process works. Reliable customer support can also guide you through eye exams and any queries post-purchase for a confident shopping experience.
The takeaway:
Purchasing eyeglasses online can be efficient and cost-effective. Ensure you have your current prescription and pupillary distance, then explore frames that complement your face shape. After selecting the perfect frame and lens options, you’re just a few clicks away from completing your order. Remember, reputable retailers offer detailed guides and customer support to assist you through the process.
Have you ever ordered glasses online for yourself or one of your kids? How did the process go? Let us know in the comments!
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