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Dec 24, 2008
Buying Eyeglasses Online: A Practical Guide
File photo of Ferry
I recently started the process of purchasing eyeglasses online and this post is pulled from an email I put together to assist a friend with getting started, as well. Enjoy!
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Until my only recent pair of glasses broke a couple of weeks ago, I had only purchased glasses from my optometrist's office. However, breaking my only decent pair and my doctor being unable to fit me in for an appointment for a few weeks, I opted for a stop-gap eye exam at LensCrafters for an up-to-date prescription so that I could get some replacement specs. I did end up paying a bit more than I would have liked for the pair I found (link), but I needed some THAT day & I'm happy with them.
Once I started looking online I found quite a bit of good info on buying glasses online and paying 1/2 and 1/3 the price I would have at my eye doctor's office. I've since bought 2 additional pairs of glasses online (one & two) and have developed a mild addiction to looking for even more. It's helpful to know what shape frames look good on you, since you won't be able to try these on. This is also why measurements are rather important in looking for specs online. A good idea is to check out a pair in a retail shop so you can find a size that you're comfortable with. Then look up that frames' model ID number and pull the measurements from that.
Once you're equipped with an up-to-date prescription, some measurements for frame sizes that you like, you only really need one more thing--which is your PD or pupil distance. This is something that your eye doctor can measure and provide you with, but likely it won't be listed on your prescription sheet unless you specifically asked for it. You can either use a ruler or this PDF to asertain your PD on your own. Just hold up the ruler/paper to your eyes and either have someone mark down this distance between the middle of your two pupils, or if no one's around, either a mirror & pen or a camera & Photoshop can get you the same info.
Some sites require you provide a PD measurement to order glasses, others don't. It's not super-critical but I like to provide as much info as possible when I order so I can be assured my glasses are as fit for me as possible.
And finally, here are a few of the better online shops that I've found. You'll still pay a bit of a premium for brand name specs but you'll end up saving money either way.
http://www.go-optic.com/
http://www.coolframes.com/
http://www.framesdirect.com/
http://www.sunsrus.com/
http://www.eyebuydirect.com/Posted by Ferry on 12/24/2008 11:16 PM in Awesome, Geekery
Comments
FramesRx
12/25/2008
Nice article about buying glasses online. Please consider another online source for your eyeglasses www.framesrx.com. We have the largest selection of eyewear online and typically prices are less then the listed online retailers. We look forward to all new business.