Buying Glasses Online

[easysurfer]

I dipped my toe into buying glasses online.

Been exploring at an online place and even trying glasses out virtually which is kind of a hoot.

Recently went to a local place was not too pleased with the result and process so thought I'd give online a go.

[erkevin]

I've used Zenni a few times. Very happy with the product/price.

[REWahoo]

DW and I have purchased from Zenni for many years. They do a great job.

[disneysteve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erkevin I've used Zenni a few times. Very happy with the product/price.

Can you explain how you took your measurements? We had looked into it once but couldn’t get past that. And if the final product isn’t aligned just right, it doesn’t work. We’ve had to go back to in-person places more than once because glasses were off slightly.

[erkevin]

They give you a little ruler-type thing to measure your pupil distance.

[OldShooter]

When you get your eye exam you can ask for the pupil distance number(s). You will either get one number, for distance, or two numbers, for distance and close. I'm not sure the difference has been a big deal for me.

When you ask, they know it's because you plan to mail order glasses instead of using their high-priced store, but they'll still give you the measurement.

FWIW, high prices in the US are because of the Luxottica monopoly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxottica I think there is a federal law.

[Dawg52]

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve Can you explain how you took your measurements? We had looked into it once but couldn’t get past that. And if the final product isn’t aligned just right, it doesn’t work. We’ve had to go back to in-person places more than once because glasses were off slightly.

I've used a ruler. I got lucky and got it right I guess as my vision is good with the glasses(Zenni). I use the same measurements from the first time I made a purchase. Amazing how well they fit right out of the box because like you I always had to go back for adjustments when buying from an optical store.

[CardsFan]

For those that use progressive lenses, how do you get the right spot for that? I have had issues in the past with the progression starting too low or too high.

For the record, I have been using Sam's club lately, with good luck.

[Qs Laptop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve Can you explain how you took your measurements? We had looked into it once but couldn’t get past that. And if the final product isn’t aligned just right, it doesn’t work. We’ve had to go back to in-person places more than once because glasses were off slightly.

Funny coincidence, I just ordered three sets of glasses from Zenni about half an hour ago. I'm a long time Zenni customer, over 12 years. I got sunglasses, computer glasses, and everyday, all purpose glasses. All three are progressive lenses; the sunglasses are polarized lenses and the everyday glasses I went with the premium progressive option, which means it comes with a wider "corridor" for the distance and mid vision segments. My total bill was $321.25 for three sets of progressives. Can't beat the pricing.

What type of measurements are you wondering about? Pupillary distance? Frame size? Lens size? Bridge? Temple arms?

[Qs Laptop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardsFan For those that use progressive lenses, how do you get the right spot for that?

Zenni uses what they call a standard segment height. Most people do just fine with this. If you get the premium progressive lens option (sometimes called a comfort progressive) they are more forgiving.

Quote:

I have had issues in the past with the progression starting too low or too high.

Then you need to adjust the height that the glasses are positioned on your face. You can do this by adjusting the nose pads (assuming they have adjustable nose pads.) I do this by heating up the nose pad area with a hair dryer, then use a small needle nose pliers to make small adjustments to the angle of the wire holding the nose pad to the frame.

Quote:

For the record, I have been using Sam's club lately, with good luck.

They likely had a tech fit the glasses to your face. Previously, I've taken my Zenni's to an optometrist at Wal Mart or Target and have them adjust my glasses. No, I didn't buy the glasses there but they usually will adjust glasses without asking where they were purchased. After having seen how they do this, I taught myself how to do it. It doesn't hurt to buy something, like lens cleaner when you ask for an adjustment.

[CardsFan]

Thanks for the feed back, Might give them a try. A few more comments below

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qs Laptop Zenni uses what they call a standard segment height. Most people do just fine with this. If you get the premium progressive lens option (sometimes called a comfort progressive) they are more forgiving. I will probably try the premium, assuming the cost is nominal Then you need to adjust the height that the glasses are positioned on your face. You can do this by adjusting the nose pads (assuming they have adjustable nose pads.) I do this by heating up the nose pad area with a hair dryer, then use a small needle nose pliers to make small adjustments to the angle of the wire holding the nose pad to the frame. I prefer the frames without pads, so less forgiving, no room for adjustment

[Qs Laptop]

Quote:

I will probably try the premium, assuming the cost is nominal

I just opted for this on one set of glasses, I think it was $18 more, or maybe it was $28.

Quote:

I prefer the frames without pads, so less forgiving, no room for adjustment

Then it's trickier as you have to heat up the frame and bend it, either at the point where the frames joins the temple arms (the hinge area) or else the temple arms themselves. But it can be done.

[easysurfer]

I brought out the digital calipers today to take some measurements of the frame and lenses of an old pair of glasses that fits well.

Update: Just realized, all that info is already on my old glasses frame: eye (width of lens), bridge, temple length

[kyzymurgist]

Wife and I are long time very satisfied repeat Zenni customers. Needed a new optometrist last year and decided on Costco based on great cost and reviews.

The exam was fine but the optometrist went on a lengthy rant about all the 'problems' with Zenni. He reluctantly provided our PD distances which were exactly the same as my at home measurements. We decided to give Costco progressive glasses a try for a change.

They were over twice as expensive as Zenni and DW hated hers. The fit was never quite right despite repeated adjustments and they fogged terribly despite all the premium coatings. I had no problem with my Costco glasses other than the cost.

DW bought a new pair from Zenni and was completely satisfied. She claimed vision was significantly improved with Zenni and Zenni clearly has a superior anti fog coating compared to Costco.

We won't go back to Costco. Zenni only for us.

[38Chevy454]

I use 39dollarglasses.com with good results. Not sure if a whole lot of difference from Zenni. I order progressive lenses, I have not had any issues with them being correct and proper height for me.

[OldShooter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38Chevy454 I use 39dollarglasses.com with good results. ...

Yes, there are a number of choices. I have used Zenni and others, all with good success.

If you have frames that you like, https://www.replacementlensexpress.com/ will put new lenses into them for you. I have had good luck with them.

This blog is no longer being maintained, but still a good source of information and links to other suppliers: GlassyEyes | Find Your Next Affordable Eyeglasses Online This is how I initially learned about alternative suppliers.

[Texas Proud]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardsFan For those that use progressive lenses, how do you get the right spot for that? I have had issues in the past with the progression starting too low or too high. For the record, I have been using Sam's club lately, with good luck.

What does it cost at Sam's?

[CardsFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud What does it cost at Sam's?

Working off memory from a year ago, about $300. Progressive, thinnest material, and transition.

[CDRE]

Last year price comparison for titanium frames with lens that are progressive and transition: Optometrist about $350, Sam's Club, $228, Zenni $124. Zenni is now my go-to source. The Optometrist balked very hard about providing me with my pupillary distance. I had to remind them that I paid for the service for about two decades and any associated records are my personal information for which I am entitled to receive.

[easysurfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDRE Last year price comparison for titanium frames with lens that are progressive and transition: Optometrist about $350, Sam's Club, $228, Zenni $124. Zenni is now my go-to source. The Optometrist balked very hard about providing me with my pupillary distance. I had to remind them that I paid for the service for about two decades and any associated records are my personal information for which I am entitled to receive.

The more I go down this rabbit hole, IMO kind of a shame that the pupillary distance(s) aren't a requirement with prescriptions so the consumer can easily shop.

Also, instead of the Latin abbreviations OD an OS, why not just say Right and Left? Old habits die hard I suppose.