Why are glasses online so cheap?

Online retailers that sell cheap eyeglasses and sunglasses often say they can offer low prices because they don't have the same expenses associated with a “brick-and-mortar” store, such as the high rent paid in retail shopping areas.

Is it okay to buy prescription glasses online?

Even if you don't have special prescription needs or fit problems, buying glasses online can still be risky. According to The Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association, more than 150 million American adults wear prescription eyeglasses (PDF).

How much cheaper are glasses online?

Buying glasses from an online retailer can end up saving you between 30 and 75 percent over eyeglass store prices. This is often due to the level of competition and the ability for online shoppers to shop around.

Why are glasses from Zenni so cheap?

There are various reasons why Zenni Optical is able to keep the cost of its eyeglasses low. Zenni glasses are made at a dedicated factory and shipped directly to the consumer. Also, because Zenni sells its glasses online, they don't pay for brick-and-mortar retail space.

Are cheap glasses as good?

Many assume expensive equals high-quality and cheap equals low-quality. Your glasses don't need to cost hundreds of dollars to provide you with clear vision. If you're looking for something to get the job done, cheaper lenses are never a bad option.

Buying prescription glasses online: What they don't tell you

Can cheap glasses damage your eyes?

If you don't already need to wear regular eyeglasses, they may even be fine for longer. But cheap readers only magnify the print to help you read it. They are not specific to your individual eye's needs. They probably won't harm your eyesight, but you may experience headaches and eye strain if you use them too much.

Should you buy expensive glasses?

For most people, hugely expensive eyeglasses are not worth the money; eyeglasses do not have to be $1000 for them to be durable enough to last a few years. The most cost-effective way to buy your eyewear is to buy moderately priced frames and replace the lenses every year using Rx-able's lens replacement services.

Which is better Zenni vs Warby Parker?

If affordability is the most important element of your next eyeglass purchase, Zenni Optical might be the way to go. Though cheaper than the selection at an optometrist because of the reduction in overhead cost, Warby Parker still runs higher in price than Zenni Optical, generally.

Do Optometrists make money on glasses?

Eyewear sales make up 62% of an optometrist's salary.

It's no wonder you're getting the hard sell after every eye exam. For private practice optometrists, a reported 62% of their salary comes from the sale of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

How is Warby Parker so cheap?

Last but not least, Warby Parker is so cheap because they offer free shipping and free returns. There is nothing worse with eyeglasses than when you have to pay even more to have the glasses shipped to you. With some eyeglass companies, you have to pay upwards of $20 or more to have the glasses sent to your home.

How much do online glasses cost?

For basic, single lenses, it's $113. That means the total will run you on average about $351 for a complete pair of glasses if you don't have vision insurance. However, prices truly run the gamut.

Are GlassesUSA legit?

GlassesUSA is a reliable site to order glasses, sunglasses, and contacts from. Their prices are competitive and the ordering process is convenient. Their 14-day return window is a bit short, but is effective. Their 100% money-back guarantee makes them a great choice for your first time ordering online.

Why are glasses so expensive?

One reason: the manufacturing and materials used to create eyeglasses. It's true that frames and lenses are manufactured better today than they were 30 years ago. Additionally, when it comes to lenses for those frames, there are many upgrade options that promise (and often deliver) a better experience.

Is it a good idea to buy progressive lenses online?

In most cases, you will get progressive lenses that are inferior to the ones in a local optical shop. Because you can not even type in the needed data for the high-end optimization. And wearing something from morning until you go to bed which is not ideal is probably not a good idea.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive reading glasses?

Here's something else you should know: scientific research suggests that most designer glasses show no overall difference in quality with generic brands. High-quality, off-brand eyeglasses bought at the supermarket may even last longer than the expensive brand names sold by your optometrist.

Why are Lenscrafters lenses so expensive?

Most plastic eyeglass lenses are made out of Columbia Resin #39, which is a plastic polymer, polycarbonate, or Trivex which is similar to polycarbonate. The fact is that what makes eyeglasses so expensive across the world is that one company holds a near-monopoly on both eyeglass frames and lenses.

Why do optometrists push progressive lenses?

Properly Fitted Progressive Lenses Can Help

Progressive lenses also eliminate the line in bifocals and make for a more seamless transition from looking in the distance to focusing on objects close-up.

Are eye doctors rich?

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average optometrist pay is $118,050 per year. Although this is a respectable average wage, it is approximately $46,000 less than what dental graduates earn. It's also roughly $90,000 less than the average physician's pay.

Who owns Zenni?

Zenni was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area garage of scientists Tibor Laczay and Julia Zhen who never raised venture capital and instead boot strapped their funding through personal savings and strategic financial planning. Today, Zenni operates from its corporate headquarters in Novato, Calif.

Are Zenni glasses made in China?

Our factory is in China. About 89 percent of the glasses sold in the United States are made in China. We are right in the center of excellence for glass manufacturing.

Where does Zenni make their glasses?

Zenni Optical owns a production facility in China. Once you place your order, it goes straight to the factory where all the frames and lenses are made, according to the company. There, the lenses are cut and assembled to your frames using the pupillary distance and prescription information you have provided.

Why are some glasses so cheap?

Online retailers that sell cheap eyeglasses and sunglasses often say they can offer low prices because they don't have the same expenses associated with a “brick-and-mortar” store, such as the high rent paid in retail shopping areas.

Do glasses brand matter?

Designer eyeglasses are not just about a logo or a brand name; they come with a higher quality, they are more durable, and carry a warranty and reputation that you don't get from imitation or no brand eyewear.