# Has anyone here bought eyeglasses online? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 9, 2018, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757 "2018-06-09T14:20:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BeeGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@BeeGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeeGee)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/21 "2018-06-12T17:57:05Z")
Another happy Zenni customer for about four years. Sunglasses, blue light prescription, back ups, etc. Never had an issue with any of them and my glasses are for astigmatism. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/22 "2018-06-29T22:51:44Z")
OP checking in. I just got my pair from Zenni and I couldn’t be happier. I had to make some adjustments to the nose pieces, which was a little scary, but all is good. The prices are a little misleading, but still far cheaper than my old way of buying. This pair cost a little over a hundred bucks; I’ll be ordering another pair. mmm ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/23 "2018-06-29T23:17:14Z")
Wow. I couldn’t spend $100 at Zenni if I tried. I can’t imagine what you must have been paying elsewhere! Mine were about $45 including the sunglass clips. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2018, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/24 "2018-06-30T01:04:17Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Wow. I couldn’t spend $100 at Zenni if I tried. I can’t imagine what you must have been paying elsewhere! Mine were about $45 including the sunglass clips. Really? Interesting. Maybe it’s because my lenses are progressives? mmm ETA: I’m used to paying $300+. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2018, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/25 "2018-06-30T12:29:39Z")
**Mrs. FtG** went to the optometrist a couple weeks ago and got an upgraded Rx. Went to a national chain store. The service was astonishingly horrible. The “specials” scheme was ridiculous. E.g., using a “discount” or “coupon” was not a good idea. The “discount” was off the “regular” price so it always came out much higher than the normal store price. Just walked out, went online and bought from eyebuydirect. Not here yet so we’ll see. Brick and mortar stores might complain about online stores “stealing” their business. But they themselves need to take the majority of the blame. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2018, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/26 "2018-06-30T13:43:31Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Really? Interesting. Maybe it’s because my lenses are progressives? A couple of months ago, I got progressive lenses for the first time. The optician had to make measurements and mark on the sample frames where the curvature should change, so I’m wondering how well it works to buy progressives online. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2018, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/27 "2018-06-30T23:50:41Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > A couple of months ago, I got progressive lenses for the first time. The optician had to make measurements and mark on the sample frames where the curvature should change, so I’m wondering how well it works to buy progressives online. It’s possible I just got lucky, but I am very satisfied. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2019, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/28 "2019-04-29T19:24:34Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > **Mrs. FtG** went to the optometrist a couple weeks ago and got an upgraded Rx. > > Went to a national chain store. The service was astonishingly horrible. The “specials” scheme was ridiculous. E.g., using a “discount” or “coupon” was not a good idea. The “discount” was off the “regular” price so it always came out much higher than the normal store price. > > Just walked out, went online and bought from eyebuydirect. Not here yet so we’ll see. > > Brick and mortar stores might complain about online stores “stealing” their business. But they themselves need to take the majority of the blame. Bumping this thread and hoping to find out how you liked EBD. I was ready to buy some glasses from Zenni, but bailed when I found they did not have a “check out as guest” option. I have something like 14 logins and passwords for work alone and I’m done. Not ordering from any business that makes me create an account. EBD seems to have the option as do a few others, so I’m hoping their products are good too. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/29 "2019-04-29T19:49:25Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Wow. I couldn’t spend $100 at Zenni if I tried. I can’t imagine what you must have been paying elsewhere! Mine were about $45 including the sunglass clips. I imagine high refractive index plastic, progressive bifocals and spiffy coatings will drive the price up FAST. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2019, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/30 "2019-04-29T20:25:30Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > Bumping this thread and hoping to find out how you liked EBD. We continue to be happy with EyeBuyDirect. E.g., **Mrs. FtG** ’s most recent glasses are better than her most recent “store bought” ones. Which broke and they tried to avoid covering it under warranty despite the wording making it clear that this was explicitly covered. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2019, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/31 "2019-04-29T20:52:30Z")
I have one pair fully covered, and another lenses only every two years. Then I buy several pairs based on those via zenni, EyeBuyDirect or Clearly.ca. I have had one pair I did not like, which I returned and got a refund. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2019, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/32 "2019-04-29T21:26:48Z")
My Zenni progressive half-rim aviators with Transition lenses came in the mail Friday-$150, and they work fine. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/33 "2019-04-30T17:55:25Z")
SWMBO bought her sunglasses from clearly.ca and she’s proclaimed them the best she’s ever had. Her prescription is pretty intense so to have a set that works this well is a minor miracle in itself. I’m looking at adding a set of extra readers through them and maybe a set for the computer or sunglasses as well. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2019, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/34 "2019-04-30T22:20:30Z")
OP checking in again. Still happy with my Zennis, but they are a little heavier than I like. The pair I bought from EyeBuyDirect - which I bought paying attention to the weight - are what I wear 80% of the time. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2019, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/35 "2019-04-30T23:48:14Z")
I’ve bought single-vision eyeglasses from Zenni and other places before. But my most recent pair of glasses have progressive lenses, which I bought in person. The optometrist had to make careful measurements to spec how the lenses should be made. So how well does it work to buy that sort of lens online? ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2019, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/36 "2019-05-01T00:12:22Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’ve bought single-vision eyeglasses from Zenni and other places before. But my most recent pair of glasses have progressive lenses, which I bought in person. The optometrist had to make careful measurements to spec how the lenses should be made. So how well does it work to buy that sort of lens online? I bought my progressives online from Zenni, and they are wonderful. Maybe I just got lucky, but even so, it was only a $30 gamble. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2019, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/37 "2019-05-01T00:43:09Z")
I’ve been buying single vision lenses for years from Zenni and have always been really happy with my glasses. I recently had to get my first pair of progressives and went with Warby Parker, because they process my type of vision insurance and thought I might want something a little trendier. I did the try-the-frames-at-home thing and even went into the brick & mortar store to try on frames. When I got my glasses, I wasn’t that happy with them. They slip down my nose. I went in and had them adjusted and still didn’t like them. SO…I ordered another pair from Zenni. Love them. Tons of compliments, super comfortable, progressive lenses are perfect. I’ll use the others as back-up. I also got my reading glasses (which I wear with my contacts) at Zenni. Much nicer quality than you would get at a drugstore or Target, and I paid $14. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2019, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/38 "2019-05-01T01:27:48Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’ve bought single-vision eyeglasses from Zenni and other places before. But my most recent pair of glasses have progressive lenses, which I bought in person. The optometrist had to make careful measurements to spec how the lenses should be made. So how well does it work to buy that sort of lens online? The two pair of progressives I bought online both work fine. That said, I’m sure there are others where that is not the case. It’s a bit of a gamble, but a relatively low cost one. mmm ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2019, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/39 "2019-05-01T02:21:17Z")
i can’t remember the name of the place but there’s one that has commercials with an owl… I’ve wondered if anyone used that place … too bad my health plan won’t let me use online places … ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2019, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757/40 "2019-05-01T14:22:07Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > i can’t remember the name of the place but there’s one that has commercials with an owl… I’ve wondered if anyone used that place … too bad my health plan won’t let me use online places … There might be a reason for that. > **[Why has the US Government allowed Luxottica to create a Monopoly in the...](https://www.quora.com/Why-has-the-US-Government-allowed-Luxottica-to-create-a-Monopoly-in-the-Glasses-market)** > > Answer (1 of 7): What constitutes a monopoly? The exclusive control of a commodity or service in a particular market, or a control that makes possible the manipulation of prices. If this is one litmus test then Luxottica certainly falls within that... They own Eyemed, the 2nd largest vision insurance in the States. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-bought-eyeglasses-online/815757.md?page=3)