A new pair of glasses should not cost $800. Yet after paying vision plan premiums and then adding charges for frames, lenses, coatings, and other upgrades, some individuals spend $600 to $1,000 or more in a single year. That is a substantial amount of money for one pair of glasses.
Fortunately, companies such as Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, and Glasses Shop offer a simpler and much more affordable alternative.
Why Can Online Eyewear Cost So Much Less?
The price charged for glasses is not based solely on the cost of making the frame and lenses. Traditional eyewear prices can include designer licensing, retail space, inventory, sales commissions, and several layers of distribution before the finished glasses reach you.
Online eyewear companies simplify this process. They often design or source their own frames, sell directly to customers, and avoid much of the overhead associated with traditional optical stores. This allows them to offer quality prescription eyewear without the enormous retail markup.
The price difference can be dramatic:
- Zenni Optical advertises complete single vision prescription glasses starting at $6.95.
- Glasses Shop offers eyewear starting at $5.95.
- Warby Parker offers glasses starting at $95, including prescription lenses with scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings.
Your final price may be higher if you need progressive lenses, a stronger prescription, specialty lens materials, or optional coatings. Even with those additions, many customers can purchase multiple pairs online for around $200, including everyday glasses, prescription sunglasses, or a backup pair.
You Can Separate the Exam From the Glasses
Getting an eye exam does not mean you must purchase glasses from the same office. You can pay for an exam, receive your prescription, and then compare prices before deciding where to buy.
Federal rules generally require your prescriber to give you a copy of your eyeglass prescription after a refractive exam. You are not required to buy glasses from the prescriber. When ordering online, you may also need your pupillary distance, commonly called your PD. Learn more about your prescription rights from the FTC.
Some online eyewear companies also provide access to in-person care. Warby Parker, for example, offers comprehensive glasses exams at participating locations, with listed prices of approximately $95 to $130 depending on location.
Consider the Total Annual Cost
When comparing your options, look beyond the advertised vision plan copay. Add together the annual premiums, exam copay, frame charges, lens charges, upgrades, and any amount above the plan allowance.
For some individuals, that total can reach $600 to $1,000 or more. By comparison, someone might pay approximately $100 for an eye exam and around $100 to $200 for one or even multiple pairs of glasses through an online provider. That could mean several hundred dollars in annual savings.
Keep your regular eye health appointments, request a current prescription and PD measurement, and explore the vision resources available through EverTrust. Clear vision is important, but paying an inflated price for glasses does not have to be part of the experience.