In the not-so-distant past, if you needed a new pair of prescription eyeglasses you had to find a local provider (usually an optometrist), go down to the location and wait — days, weeks, even months! Today, things are much more simple when you use a reputable prescription eyeglass store online.
Advantages of Shopping for Prescription Eyeglasses Online
Shopping online for prescription glasses is becoming a common trend in the U.S. Industry stats from IBIS show that 2.3 million prescription eyeglasses were bought online in 2013 and that number is continuing to grow. Shoppers cite a number of reasons for why they prefer to shop online instead of in a brick-and-mortar store.
Won’t Get Pressured to Buy More or Schedule an Eye Appointment
If you really hate haggling, the pressure from salespeople while buying eyeglasses at a brick-and-mortar store can be a real pain. You just want to leisurely try on eyeglasses, but they want to get you to schedule an appointment, add on an extra insurance option and upgrade to designer specs. Shopping online is much more relaxed and there’s no pressure to buy anything except the eyeglasses you want.
If you need a new pair of prescription eyeglasses there’s a good chance you’ve experienced some sort of inconvenience already. Like just about everything else, shopping for eyeglasses online from the comfort of your own home is just more convenient.
Quicker Turnaround Time
Online eyeglass stores tend to be a little quicker when it comes to getting your glasses put together.
Huge Selection
Finding prescription eyeglasses that fit your personal style is easier when you have more to choose from. Online stores often carry larger inventories because they aren’t limited by shelf space. They also tend to carry more of the latest trends, which is important to any fashionista.
Better Deals
Like other online businesses, virtual eyeglass stores are able to offer better deals because they have less overhead and lower operating costs. Businesses use those savings to offer better deals on frames and prescription lenses as a way to attract more customers – and it works!
Eyeglasses Arrive at Your Door
Why make a second trip to the eyeglass store if you don’t have to? Shopping online means your new eyeglasses are delivered right to your door.
Disadvantages of Shopping for Prescription Eyeglasses Online
Can’t Physically Try Eyeglasses On
The only real drawback of shopping for prescription eyeglasses online is not being able to try them on. However, many consumers are now going to brick-and-mortar stores to try on eyeglasses, then searching for them online. If you have the time and want to get the 
You can also see what the glasses look like on other people if the provider has social media accounts like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
You Need to be Familiar With the Various Lens Options
The other disadvantage most people run into is selecting the best lens. Most of us put a lot of emphasis on how the frames look, and the lenses are a bit of an afterthought. Remember, the lenses are what help you see, and they can affect how the glasses look. You’ll need to consider:
- Lens thickness
- Scratch resistance
- Impact resistance
- Protective coatings
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Viewing clarity
At a traditional store, someone is there to walk you through the lens selection and explain each one. Good online eyeglass stores should also have experts to help you make the best choice. Look for an online store that offers live chat so you can get personalized advice while you’re shopping. It’s also important to ask about safety standards to ensure your lenses meet the basic requirements.
If you’re concerned about the lenses or you need a specialty lens, another option is to buy your frames online then take them to your optometrist. That way you can know for sure your prescription will provide perfect vision.
Hey Rose. I think the middle road of buying your frames online and having your local optometrist fit them with your lenses is the smartest choice.
I always buy my eyeglasses online — the price savings can be significant!
I don’t know much about prescription lenses, so I’d be concerned about getting good quality if I bought them online. However, I hadn’t thought of buying the frames online and taking them to my optometrist to have the lenses put in. Thanks for the idea.