Buying Glasses Online

[DrRoy]

I tried Eye Buy Direct. Didn't like the narrow range of the progressive correction.

 

[Buckeye]

My Zenni glasses (first order) came and the optical stuff (progressive without the expanded area) is perfect. They are REALLY tight (squeezing my head) and giving me a headache. Also, I didn't read the second tab of the frame description and discovered they were a shiny finish. Definitely wouldn't have chosen that on purpose. Not too bad, I suppose. Skipped Transition feature since this was a test. Bought two pairs of clip-on sunglasses (including a pair of snazzy blue mirrored ones ) and like them. Will have to get the tight fit issue resolved somehow. They appear to be the same width and length as my current glasses but definitely feel different. $88 for progressive lenses, anti-reflective coating, frames ($15), 2 clip-on sunglasses, shipping, tax, and 10% veteran discount.

 

[easysurfer]

What's a few millimeters among friends? A lot when comes to glasses frame width.

I got my glasses I bought online but had to return them for one with a wider frame. That's getting processed now. After putting the one I got on, I immediately noticed it pinched a bit around the temples. After measuring with a caliper, I see the width came out 3 mm shorter than specified.

So, I ordered a different frame and fudged a couple more mm. Shall see what I get next time around. Will the fudging adjust or will it then add two extra mm's too much .

Guess I'll find out in about 2 weeks.

 

[Buckeye]

My Zenni glasses (first order) came and the optical stuff (progressive without the expanded area) is perfect. They are REALLY tight (squeezing my head) and giving me a headache. Also, I didn't read the second tab of the frame description and discovered they were a shiny finish. Definitely wouldn't have chosen that on purpose. Not too bad, I suppose. Skipped Transition feature since this was a test. Bought two pairs of clip-on sunglasses (including a pair of snazzy blue mirrored ones ) and like them. Will have to get the tight fit issue resolved somehow. They appear to be the same width and length as my current glasses but definitely feel different. $88 for progressive lenses, anti-reflective coating, frames ($15), 2 clip-on sunglasses, shipping, tax, and 10% veteran discount.

I ended up returning my Zenni glasses for a 100% store credit. The issue was the weight and, although it had gotten better, they were still squeezing my head pretty hard even though they are as wide (on paper) as my current glasses. The lenses I purchased (index 1.53) had "ultra-lightweight" in the description but they aren't. I will reorder another pair (already picked out) with a higher lens index (thinner) as soon as I get my store credit. Hopefully the optics will be as perfect as the first pair.

 

[easysurfer]

I ended up returning my Zenni glasses for a 100% store credit. The issue was the weight and, although it had gotten better, they were still squeezing my head pretty hard even though they are as wide (on paper) as my current glasses. The lenses I purchased (index 1.53) had "ultra-lightweight" in the description but they aren't. I will reorder another pair (already picked out) with a higher lens index (thinner) as soon as I get my store credit. Hopefully the optics will be as perfect as the first pair.

Did you actually measure the width of the glasses? The one I got from Eyebuydirect, on paper too was the same as an old pair I was modeling the frame size from. But upon measuring one after another with a digital caliper, I could see they were off by 3mm. Makes a difference when pressing against the temples.

I ended up placing a replacement order for one with a wider frame. Unfortunately, looks like I only have one shot as getting a replacement. Makes sense, I guess to avoid customers that would then replace on and on again. But now the pressure is on for the replacement glasses to be acceptable.

 

[Piper20]

I ordered the Zenni glasses and these are so much better than the Crizal I purchased from my optician. The CrizaI lenses never lasted and the lenses would loose clarity in about a year. I had started with the idea of just basic but changed my mind. The clarity outside is wonderful. Using my phone, laptop, driving all better. Whether the finish lasts will see. Did find a $15 discount online.

 

[Buckeye]

Did you actually measure the width of the glasses? The one I got from Eyebuydirect, on paper too was the same as an old pair I was modeling the frame size from. But upon measuring one after another with a digital caliper, I could see they were off by 3mm. Makes a difference when pressing against the temples.

I ended up placing a replacement order for one with a wider frame. Unfortunately, looks like I only have one shot as getting a replacement. Makes sense, I guess to avoid customers that would then replace on and on again. But now the pressure is on for the replacement glasses to be acceptable.

I don't have a pair of calipers but when I tried to compare the two frames side-by side, I think I could see a millimeter or two difference with my old ones being a touch wider. I felt exactly the same pressure you described as I searched for the replacement pair that I will pull the trigger on when my credit shows up. The new frames are a couple of millimeters wider than the pair I am returning. The glasses just went into the mail today with their pre-paid, First Class label. They are travelling coast to coast so I'm assuming the credit will take a couple of weeks.

I see that Costco and Zenni apparently both use the Mitsui MR material for lenses.

 

[easysurfer]

I don't have a pair of calipers but when I tried to compare the two frames side-by side, I think I could see a millimeter or two difference with my old ones being a touch wider. I felt exactly the same pressure you described as I searched for the replacement pair that I will pull the trigger on when my credit shows up. The new frames are a couple of millimeters wider than the pair I am returning. The glasses just went into the mail today with their pre-paid, First Class label. They are travelling coast to coast so I'm assuming the credit will take a couple of weeks.

I was surprised my frame was 3 mm off. I wonder if anyone there verifies the measurements comparing to what's described online. At least the exchange so far has been an easy process.

 

[easysurfer]

I ordered the Zenni glasses and these are so much better than the Crizal I purchased from my optician. The CrizaI lenses never lasted and the lenses would loose clarity in about a year. I had started with the idea of just basic but changed my mind. The clarity outside is wonderful. Using my phone, laptop, driving all better. Whether the finish lasts will see. Did find a $15 discount online.

View attachment 45631

Noticed your PD measurements were the same for both eyes. Was each eye's PD numbers actually measured, or did you just take binocular PD and divide in half? If measured, then your pupil distances are perfectly symmetrical.

I'm obsessing over PD measurements in that I caved and bought a digital PD meter along with a PD ruler. Will see how the numbers compare with app method (binocular only) and a crude 3D printed contraption.

As I was thinking about my glasses in the past, I've probably bought about 10 prescription glasses in the past. Usually, about 2 years apart after an exam when my eyes change. Of those 10, I say only about 50% of the time I'd walk out seeing everything crystal clear. Success rate even lower now as my prescriptions are now in the progressive lens territory.

 

[Buckeye]

Noticed your PD measurements were the same for both eyes. Was each eye's PD numbers actually measured, or did you just take binocular PD and divide in half? If measured, then your pupil distances are perfectly symmetrical.

I'm obsessing over PD measurements in that I caved and bought a digital PD meter along with a PD ruler. Will see how the numbers compare with app method (binocular only) and a crude 3D printed contraption.

As I was thinking about my glasses in the past, I've probably bought about 10 prescription glasses in the past. Usually, about 2 years apart after an exam when my eyes change. Of those 10, I say only about 50% of the time I'd walk out seeing everything crystal clear. Success rate even lower now as my prescriptions are now in the progressive lens territory.

That's a bummer. I have been getting exams at the independent optometrist at my local Costco and my glasses made there. I leave the final fitting with everything looking great but, if I have any concerns after I get home, I go back and get my glasses adjusted. Couldn't deal with not seeing clearly and I am also in progressives.

 

[easysurfer]

That's a bummer. I have been getting exams at the independent optometrist at my local Costco and my glasses made there. I leave the final fitting with everything looking great but, if I have any concerns after I get home, I go back and get my glasses adjusted. Couldn't deal with not seeing clearly and I am also in progressives.

Since a teenager, I was going to an optometrist who was my eye care person for ages. A few years back he was closing up is practice and retiring, but before retiring totally, he worked his final year or two at one of those strip mall chains. I went to him but I could tell something changed. I think might be because instead of calling the shots, he now had to follow rules and procedures placed on him. My last visit with him wasn't good. Not only did the glasses not work out but when I told him I was seeing floaters and flashes, he seemed disinterested (despite in the past when he had his own practice, he'd say that was something worth mentioning).

So, deciding not to go to where he was I went to another strip mall type place (Lenscrafters) about a block from me. As for my eye examination, I switched from going to an optometrist to an ophthalmologist and I feel better now, have an eye MD look into my eyes to keep tabs on the floaters, flashes.

For my last two round of glasses, my ophthalmologist wrote me a prescription after examining and I got glasses from Lenscrafters. The first time, after the glasses was made, I couldn't see much of anything out of them. Was like looking out of a fishbowl. I told them, I can't see much. So they did a do over and when I got the retry, they worked out great. But in time, my right eye got worse so after another eye doc visit a couple years later and updated prescription, got my most recent pair. The left lens was perfect the right was way off. Told them and they said they could make another pair and then I return the one they just made. The other pair, the right is better, but now the left is no longer perfect. Very hit or miss.

What gets me is when getting the pair, then don't put me in a room and test out my vision against a chart. I don't know if that's just how things are done with Lenscrafters. Or because I didn't see their optometrist. I can't see myself going back and forth for months trying to get the glasses right.

That's what brings me here looking at the glasses online route. I figure. Lenscrafters costs a lot and I don't mind if each time the glasses work out great. But since that isn't so, I'd rather pay less online, and get one that even works better (though not perfect) and about 1/3 the price and take my time picking out the frames and options.

There's too much overlap in my situation. I prefer going to an ophthalmologist to my eye evaluation. They can prescribe glasses. But getting glasses it's a bit harder at a place because they didn't do the actual exam.

 

[Amethyst]

Just had my refraction appointment (where one Dr. used to do everything, I now must visit two at the same practice: one to check glasses and contact lenses, and the other to monitor glaucoma, narrow drain angles and so forth).

I showed her my near-rimless Zenni progressives with fashionable lens shape, anti-glare coating, etc. She verified that the Rx was correct, and asked what I'd paid for them ($120). She nearly floored me by saying that the same glasses/features would have cost between $900 and $1000 in the practice's optometry shop.

 

[easysurfer]

Just had my refraction appointment (where one Dr. used to do everything, I now must visit two at the same practice: one to check glasses and contact lenses, and the other to monitor glaucoma, narrow drain angles and so forth).

I showed her my near-rimless Zenni progressives with fashionable lens shape, anti-glare coating, etc. She verified that the Rx was correct, and asked what I'd paid for them ($120). She nearly floored me by saying that the same glasses/features would have cost between $900 and $1000 in the practice's optometry shop.

That's the thing. I read where some say for progressives, don't go online. But difficult not to when for the price of an expensive optometry shop pair, you can get several online ones.

 

[Piper20]

Noticed your PD measurements were the same for both eyes. Was each eye's PD numbers actually measured, or did you just take binocular PD and divide in half? If measured, then your pupil distances are perfectly symmetrical.



I'm obsessing over PD measurements in that I caved and bought a digital PD meter along with a PD ruler. Will see how the numbers compare with app method (binocular only) and a crude 3D printed contraption.



As I was thinking about my glasses in the past, I've probably bought about 10 prescription glasses in the past. Usually, about 2 years apart after an exam when my eyes change. Of those 10, I say only about 50% of the time I'd walk out seeing everything crystal clear. Success rate even lower now as my prescriptions are now in the progressive lens territory.

Easysurfer I had my optometrist give me the measurements from the gizmo you look thru. I told him I was getting cheap glasses from Zenni for yard work. These were less than 1/2 the cost of his.

 

[easysurfer]

Easysurfer I had my optometrist give me the measurements from the gizmo you look thru. I told him I was getting cheap glasses from Zenni for yard work. These were less than 1/2 the cost of his.

Nice of your optometrist. I wouldn't even rely on the measurements if offered by the Lenscrafters by me since seems they haven't made my lenses correctly.

 

[Buckeye]

Since a teenager, I was going to an optometrist who was my eye care person for ages. A few years back he was closing up is practice and retiring, but before retiring totally, he worked his final year or two at one of those strip mall chains. I went to him but I could tell something changed. I think might be because instead of calling the shots, he now had to follow rules and procedures placed on him. My last visit with him wasn't good. Not only did the glasses not work out but when I told him I was seeing floaters and flashes, he seemed disinterested (despite in the past when he had his own practice, he'd say that was something worth mentioning).

So, deciding not to go to where he was I went to another strip mall type place (Lenscrafters) about a block from me. As for my eye examination, I switched from going to an optometrist to an ophthalmologist and I feel better now, have an eye MD look into my eyes to keep tabs on the floaters, flashes.

For my last two round of glasses, my ophthalmologist wrote me a prescription after examining and I got glasses from Lenscrafters. The first time, after the glasses was made, I couldn't see much of anything out of them. Was like looking out of a fishbowl. I told them, I can't see much. So they did a do over and when I got the retry, they worked out great. But in time, my right eye got worse so after another eye doc visit a couple years later and updated prescription, got my most recent pair. The left lens was perfect the right was way off. Told them and they said they could make another pair and then I return the one they just made. The other pair, the right is better, but now the left is no longer perfect. Very hit or miss.

What gets me is when getting the pair, then don't put me in a room and test out my vision against a chart. I don't know if that's just how things are done with Lenscrafters. Or because I didn't see their optometrist. I can't see myself going back and forth for months trying to get the glasses right.

That's what brings me here looking at the glasses online route. I figure. Lenscrafters costs a lot and I don't mind if each time the glasses work out great. But since that isn't so, I'd rather pay less online, and get one that even works better (though not perfect) and about 1/3 the price and take my time picking out the frames and options.

There's too much overlap in my situation. I prefer going to an ophthalmologist to my eye evaluation. They can prescribe glasses. But getting glasses it's a bit harder at a place because they didn't do the actual exam.

My last pair of glasses at Costco cost less than $300, new frame and progressive lenses with Transition and all the other bells and whistles. You can bring them a prescription from anywhere if you are a member. Hopefully, the online providers can provide you with you need for a reasonable price. I bought glasses at LensCrafters years ago but the price was absolutely outrageous.

 

[easysurfer]

Thought I'd give an update on my adventure of buying glasses online. I got my glasses in the mail yesterday. This try was a lot better using my pupillary distances measured by a digital pupilometer rather than a more crude manual measurements.

Though I can't see crystal clear with the new glasses (the right eye is a bit worse than the left. Left is pretty much crystal clear), the glasses are a lot better than the one I got from Lenscrafters at about 1/3 the price.

I did some manual adjustments as think I got the vison out of these glasses about as good as I'll get. Not sure if they will work better at night compared to my best old pair. Testing last night, they were pretty close.

I do remember when getting my eyes tested, on the right eye when the person did the testing of "Is one better or two? Two or one?" Even after picking the better selection, neither was that great. Plus, my eye doctor said I do have a cataract (on scale of 1 to 10, it's only about a 1). I'm not sure which eye or both. But remember her saying, things may not be perfect vision anyhow as with the cataract.

As for the online buying experience, I'd probably do again. I got my glasses from Eyebuydirect and they are really patient allowing me to try 3 times til I got things decent.

 

[Sunset]

Thought I'd give an update on my adventure of buying glasses online. I got my glasses in the mail yesterday. This try was a lot better using my pupillary distances measured by a digital pupilometer rather than a more crude manual measurements.

Though I can't see crystal clear with the new glasses (the right eye is a bit worse than the left. Left is pretty much crystal clear), the glasses are a lot better than the one I got from Lenscrafters at about 1/3 the price.

I did some manual adjustments as think I got the vison out of these glasses about as good as I'll get. Not sure if they will work better at night compared to my best old pair. Testing last night, they were pretty close.

I do remember when getting my eyes tested, on the right eye when the person did the testing of "Is one better or two? Two or one?" Even after picking the better selection, neither was that great. Plus, my eye doctor said I do have a cataract (on scale of 1 to 10, it's only about a 1). I'm not sure which eye or both. But remember her saying, things may not be perfect vision anyhow as with the cataract.

As for the online buying experience, I'd probably do again. I got my glasses from Eyebuydirect and they are really patient allowing me to try 3 times til I got things decent.

Generally cataracts do get worse over time, so if it was long ago, you might have moved up to a 2 or more.

Great summary of your experience.

 

[Badger]

My last pair of glasses at Costco cost less than $300, new frame and progressive lenses with Transition and all the other bells and whistles. You can bring them a prescription from anywhere if you are a member. Hopefully, the online providers can provide you with you need for a reasonable price. I bought glasses at LensCrafters years ago but the price was absolutely outrageous.

I wore glasses from Costco for 15 years. I had my optometrist's script but had another exam by the Costco optometrist. I figure it was inexpensive and like the idea of a second opinion. With astigmatism the recommendations were not always the same so I would have another exam. When your glasses are delivered I would get a copy of the old Snellen eye chart to find how well each eye can see clearly. https://www.hves.com/wp-content/uploads/snellen-chart.pdf

Generally cataracts do get worse over time, so if it was long ago, you might have moved up to a 2 or more.

Great summary of your experience.

I was told for 10 years that I was going to eventually need cataract surgery. A year ago it was time. It has been great not to need glasses except for sunglasses and some Costco reading glasses when I need to read the "mice print" on drug prescriptions, warrantees, etc. Anything from 20 inches and farther has remained clear.

 

[easysurfer]

Generally cataracts do get worse over time, so if it was long ago, you might have moved up to a 2 or more.

Great summary of your experience.

After looking closer, I don't think my cataract makes a difference, at least not during daytime. For night time, perhaps.

I've come to the realization that my situation isn't a bad right eye as with my hands I can move the glasses slightly to my right and then the right lens goes in focus, but then making the left off by a little. Perhaps my pupillary distance measurement wasn't exact. I tweaked the nose pads a bit to make so there isn't that much difference between the right and left, but still haven't found the exact sweet spot on the glasses.

 

[easysurfer]

Update ...

My buying glasses online experience ended with me throwing in the towel.

I ended up getting then returning another pair of glasses that had one eye's PD adjusted by .5 mm on progressives. By that much adjustment, straight ahead viewing for driving was really sharp. But the view to the sides were blurry and my depth perception I could tell was off.

When I asked for a refund the customer service at the chat asked why I was returning and if I wanted to try a replacement. I said I wanted a refund. The rep then said they give 10% off on a replacement. I said I wanted a refund. When asked why I was assertive and said that I had a previous pair from them which is still off but because of the only can replace once policy, I'm kinda stuck with that.

That ended the sales pitch as I got a refund issued.

Maybe if I got a replacement with bigger lenses, that might have fixed the issue. Or not. But the one "challenge or lose time out" policy isn't that great.

I'm sure glasses online works for some, but think I'll go old school next time.

Been almost 2 months since I started this thread and still haven't got the perfect pair of glasses .

 

[Koolau]

Update ...

My buying glasses online experience ended with me throwing in the towel.

I ended up getting then returning another pair of glasses that had one eye's PD adjusted by .5 mm on progressives. By that much adjustment, straight ahead viewing for driving was really sharp. But the view to the sides were blurry and my depth perception I could tell was off.

When I asked for a refund the customer service at the chat asked why I was returning and if I wanted to try a replacement. I said I wanted a refund. The rep then said they give 10% off on a replacement. I said I wanted a refund. When asked why I was assertive and said that I had a previous pair from them which is still off but because of the only can replace once policy, I'm kinda stuck with that.

That ended the sales pitch as I got a refund issued.

Maybe if I got a replacement with bigger lenses, that might have fixed the issue. Or not. But the one "challenge or lose time out" policy isn't that great.

I'm sure glasses online works for some, but think I'll go old school next time.

Been almost 2 months since I started this thread and still haven't got the perfect pair of glasses .

In my home town (which I visit in summer) there's a discount eye glasses place. They often advertise "2 pair for $79." There are a lot of restrictions (no bifocals, no major astigmatism, etc.) Also, they are cheap, often ugly frames that qualify. BUT, I have lucked into a good fit, satisfactory look and have been relatively happy (for $79.) Plus you have a human making the measurements and "guaranteeing" fit and satisfaction. I don't think I'd try the on-line if I can buy local for a good price. Full disclosure, my script is very ordinary and not particularly "strong."

 

[subwayhamster]

I like Jins. They have a lens replacement policy that is great. When you need to replace your lenses for a frame you bought from them, they will do it by mail for $60 (high-index included, if necessary). This is for regular distance vision lenses, not something more complicated like progressives.

 

[Qs Laptop]

I just had another positive experience with Zenni Optical. I got new glasses from Zenni in late March--everyday glasses, sunglasses, and computer glasses (all have progressive lenses). I took them on vacation with me in April and about a week after getting back home I noticed things in the distance, like overhead freeway signs, were not as sharp as they had been when I first got the glasses.

I have a distance test out my front window. The neighbor's address numerals on the front of their house, which are black on a white background, are blurry and unreadable without glasses; with glasses they are sharply in focus. Same thing with the license plate number on the vehicle they routinely park in the driveway. My new glasses, which passed the neighbor vision test when I first got them, were no longer up to snuff. What's going on?

I went to the eye doctor yesterday and my eyes have changed again, since March 17th! Both eyes have shifted -0.25 diopters. So now I want to return the glasses to Zenni but I'm out of the 30 day return window. I called them and explained my predicament and they agreed to a 100% store credit, even though it's been almost 8 weeks since I bought them. Either I tell a convincing sob story or I suspect they looked at my order history and saw my numerous, frequent ordering and decided to give me a pass on the 30 day return requirement.

Sent them back to Zenni yesterday afternoon and awaiting my email today saying I've got $$ credit in my account so I can order new glasses with my new prescription.

For the time being I'm back to using my glasses I bought from Zenni in August 2022. Not ideal but better than nothing when driving.

BTW, I kept the computer glasses as there was no noticeable degradation of vision. If anything they've improved since my nearsightedness is now more acute.

 

[OldShooter]

... I went to the eye doctor yesterday and my eyes have changed again, since March 17th! Both eyes have shifted -0.25 diopters. So now I want to return the glasses ...

FWIW when I was shooting pistol competitively I spent quite a bit of time fooling with supplemental lenses, the goal being to get the front sight in perfect focus. (https://www.knobloch-schiessbrillen.de/shooting-glasses-knobloch-germany) For me, at least, a quarter diopter difference is nearly undetectable. YMMV, but for myself I would not worry about this small a change.