Nothing feels worse than breaking your prescription lenses. Not only will you have to shell out some money for new ones, but if you need your glasses to see, you're in big trouble. That's why it's always a good idea to have some new lenses for old frames on hand. Of course, you could go pick up some lenses in person, though that can be expensive. Buying prescription lenses online can take more time, but it can also be significantly cheaper. Since you're not trying on frames, there's really no benefit to picking them up in person -- unless it's an emergency. That's why you should think ahead and order your prescription lenses online.
The companies that offer prescription lens updates for your favorite frames rely on some of the latest technology. We're talking way beyond simple glass lenses: multifocal lenses, transition lenses, polarized lenses, tinted lenses, lenses with antiglare coating and so much more.
I've pulled together a list of the best lens-replacement vendors to help you narrow down your options. All of these companies also sell frames and full prescription eyeglass and sunglass packages. However, the main thing that differentiates them is the eyeglass lens replacement option to send your current frames in and get a new prescription filled.
Each company will either send you a box with a return shipping label inside to mail in your glasses, or, if you already have a box for your glasses, the company will just send you the return shipping label. It's an easy process.
If you're wondering whether these eyewear retailers make prescription lenses for audio glasses like theBose Frames,Amazon Echo FramesandRazer Anzu, most do. (Only a few have officially partnered with Bose, like Lensabl and the Bose Tempo sports model, but you can also get prescription lenses separately.)
We'll update these best replacement lenses for glasses list as we try more. Before we dive in, keep in mind the following prerequisites, caveats and tips:
- Most of the prescription eyewear sites highlighted here for eyeglass lens replacement offer a discount for first-time customers.
- In most cases, you'll need to know your prescription andpupillary distance from your optometrist before you use an online glasses retailer -- so make sure you get a hard copy the next time you get your vision checked. Once you have your current prescription, most of these websites will let you upload a picture of the prescription from your phone the first time you buy prescription eyewear.
- If you don't know your prescription, certain lens-replacement outfits in this roundup can simply duplicate the lenses you have in your existing frames. (If a lens is cracked or scratched, you may simply want to replace it if your prescription is current.)
- Some eyeglass lens replacement sites will ask you to send a description or photo of your frame (and perhaps ask for a model number if you have one), so they can prep your order and process it faster.
- Most but not all existing frames can accept new prescription lenses.
- Seehow to buy glasses online and save hundreds of dollarsfor more tips.
Read more:Use Your Phone to Check Your Vision
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
As its name implies, Overnight Glasses can make you a new set of prescription glasses quickly -- and really quickly if you're willing to pay extra for a new pair of glasses. If you buy a frame/lens package, fast three- to four-day service is available for $9. (It takes slightly longer for progressive lens and bifocal lens types.) The quality of the lenses I got was as good as that from other replacement lens sites, so there's no sacrifice of prescription eyewear quality for speed.
As for new lenses for your current frame, you ship your frames to Overnight Glasses and it'll replace your lenses with new ones in 48 hours. The service can do polarized, blue light, transitions and many other types, though progressives take an additional two days (so 72 hours total from the time your frames are received).
If you're looking for a truly overnight option, the emergency, 24-hour rush service costs an additional $60 for single vision. As noted, a progressive lens order can take an additional two days, so the fastest you can get new progressive lenses is three days.
Overnight makes lenses for Bose Frames and Amazon Echo Frames audio glasses.
Notable site features: The site has a clean look and is easy to navigate. There are multiple shipping options.
Shipping times:As fast as 48 hours from the time your eyeglass frame is received, while 24-hour rush service costs an additional $59 for single vision (progressives take an additional two days).
Read more: Best Bluetooth Audio Glasses and Sunglasses for 2022
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Although it offers full frame/lens packages, Lensabl puts its lens replacement service front and center and comes up high in search results when Googling "lens replacement." Its motto is "Your frames, our lenses," with prices starting at $77 for buying a basic pair of single-vision lenses. A pair of tinted sunglasses lenses starts at $97. The budget new lens options are decent enough, but it does make a difference (in terms of sharpness and clarity) to step up to lenses more in the $150-plus range.
You upload your prescription online and pick the type of lens you want, and then Lensabl sends you a box with a prepaid return shipping label. You simply mail in your old frame in the box (shipping is free). First-time prescription lens customers get 15% off.
Lensabl does make prescription lenses for Bose Frames audio sunglasses.
Notable site features: For $25, you canrenew your prescription online. Not everybody qualifies to take the online eye exam -- you have to answer some questions to see if you qualify -- but if you do, Lensabl says, "All you need is your computer, [your] smartphone and about 15 minutes of time." Your results will be reviewed by an eye doctor or optometrist licensed in your state who will then issue you a new prescription via email.
Current deals and coupons: 20% off single vision lenses with promo code SV20, 15% off contacts lenses, frames and other lens types with promo codeSEE15,15% off Lensabl+ Vision Plans with promo codePLUS15.
Shipping times:Lensabl pledges "about two weeks" turnaround time from when you ship your frames to when you'll receive your prescription eyewear back.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
While it's had shops in the New York area for a while, ReplaceRxLenses is somewhat new to the online replacement-lens arena. My experience using this retailer was smooth, with a relatively quick turnaround time (about a week, but I was in New York). Its prices are competitive and slightly cheaper for some lens types.
The site says what differentiates it from competitors is that it doesn't have an assembly-line format for fulfilling orders, where one worker is responsible for manufacturing the lenses, another is responsible for tracing the frame and edging the lenses to fit the frame and another might handle the final eyeglass inspection. "With us, one technician works on a customer's order from start to finish," a rep told me. "We believe this format results in a better end product because there is almost no chance of information being lost or mistakes being made along the way."
ReplaceRxLenses says it can do a replacement for prescription eyewear or replace nonprescription lenses for Bose, Amazon Echo, Snapchat Spectacles and many other audio/smart frames.
Notable site features: The site says it has experience working with frame types and lenses that some other places can't handle. "We have plenty of experience working with sports frames, wraparound frames, vintage frames and extended range prescriptions," a rep told me. "Many other online replacement services can only work with certain frame types and up to certain prescriptions."
The site tries to get as much information about a customer's frame beforehand so it can begin working on the order even before receiving the frame, which helps expedite the order. (I submitted a photo of my frame).
Current deals and coupons: 15% off for new customers in exchange for your email address (leave site to see offer).
Shipping times: 7 to 14 days.
Eyeglasses.com
Eyeglasses.com has a huge selection of both frames and lenses and is also one of a small number of sites that offer a lens replacement service for existing frames, with prices starting at $49. As with all the other sites here, you simply choose the lens you want (that can be a little daunting because there are so many options) and you'll get sent a prelabeled box with which to return your frames, with free shipping both ways. If you don't know your prescription -- and don't want to change your current prescription -- you can opt to have Eyeglasses.com's technicians "read your lenses and duplicate them."
The service isn't superspeedy in terms of turnaround time, but the lenses are high-quality and the eyewear site has good online help options, including a Replacement Lenses Wizard and an online chat feature. Unlike Lensabl, which highlights its lens replacement service, Eyeglasses.com doesn't market the option front and center.
Eyeglasses.com makes lenses for Bose Frames and Amazon Echo Frames audio glasses.
Notable site features: Eyeglasses.com says it only sells "high-quality, individually made lenses made in the USA," and the sample glasses I tried had excellent lenses that gave me a very sharp image. There's a huge selection of lens options, and you get a "Perfect Lenses Guarantee" that allows you to send your glasses back if they don't work for you -- you can get a redo or a full refund, your choice.
Current deals and coupons: 15% off for new customers in exchange for your email address.
Shipping times: For replacement lenses, you can expect it to be a 10-to-14-day process from the time you place your order. You can cut down the time a bit with a one-day shipping option for an extra $12 fee.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
LensDirect says it can make quality lenses for a wide array of frames -- "practically any frame unless it just absolutely doesn't make any fundamental sense like putting a +7.5 prescription on a semi rimless frame" -- and has its own machine in-house that can cut the lenses anytime (other retailers have this as well). "We make lens replacement more affordable than our competitors without sacrificing quality," a rep told me.
However, LensDirect does not make replacement lenses for Bose and Amazon audio glasses.
My lens replacement took about a week, and the lens quality was high. After using discount codes, the cost for lenses I got was a bit less than from some competing sites like Lensabl.
Notable site features: The site has a virtual try-on feature if you're buying a frame and lens package. When it comes to an older audience (people who wear progressive or bifocal lenses), lens options tend to be more affordable (with discount codes applied), specifically when it comes to the 1.67 high-index lens, which is 40% thinner and lighter than a standard CR39 lens. "Even to a younger audience who wants to take a cheap eyeglass frame and get exactly the lens they need, our CR39 and Polycarbonate lenses start off more affordable even for them," a rep said.
Current deals and coupons: 15% off and free shipping on orders over $49 with promo codeSAVE15, 25% off for new customers in exchange for your email address
Shipping times:10 to 14 days.
More vision recommendations
- Best Prescription Sunglasses for 2022
- Best Place to Buy Contacts Online for 2022
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
FAQs
Can I get new lenses in my old frames online? ›
Lensabl gives you access to stylish eyeglass options that match your prescription. We put any lens in any frame so you can buy glasses lenses online here and pair them with your acetate or metal frames.
Is EyeBuyDirect good for strong prescriptions? ›It's narrower style means that you can pair it with thicker high prescription lenses. When it comes to high prescription lenses, look no further than EyeBuyDirect.com. At other glasses retailers, the combined price of both your frame and lenses can add up to a huge amount!
Who makes the highest quality prescription lenses? ›Essilor is the largest and highest quality eyeglass lens maker in the world, with over 200 lens labs in the United States alone.
Does zenni replace lenses? ›Categories of Glasses Zenni Optical Offer. Zenni Optical does not just stop offering glasses lens replacement to its potential customers at affordable rates; they go beyond that to provide numerous frames that give customers options to select the perfect pair of glasses that suits them.
What company will put new lenses in old frames? ›Individuals send their frames directly to Lensabl, and the company installs the new lenses into the frames and sends them back in a few days. A person must already have a valid prescription to use Lensabl, but they have the option to submit a prescription after completing their order.
Can you trust EyeBuyDirect? ›EyeBuyDirect has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with over 18,000 Trustpilot reviews and counting. People tend to be pleased with their purchase and feel the product is of comparable quality to other retailers that sell eyewear.
Is Zenni Optical reliable? ›Zenni Optical has an excellent reputation for being a trusted and straightforward company selling affordable online eyeglasses. Their Trustpilot rating is 4.6 stars, with many reviewers pleased with fast shipping, reasonable pricing, and top-notch customer service.
Why are zenni glasses so cheap? ›Companies like Zenni and Warby Parker are able to sell glasses at much lower prices than many eye doctors and boutiques partly because they only sell their own brands of eyewear. “Most glasses in the U.S. are marked up 10 to 20 times what they cost to manufacture,” said Dave Gilboa, Warby Parker co-founder and co-CEO.
Is zenni as good as Warby Parker? ›Zenni is cheaper, and therefore you should go with it if you're on a tighter budget. On the other hand, Warby Parker is better, mainly because you have a lot more lenses to choose from, higher quality materials, more services like prescription renewal, and so on.
Which is better LensCrafters or visionworks? ›...
LensCrafters vs Visionworks.
| 24% | Promoters |
|---|---|
| 10% | Passive |
| 66% | Detractors |
Is Buying prescription glasses online safe? ›
Reasons Not to Buy Glasses Online
Some experts say it's like trying to cut your own hair. It may be difficult to return the glasses. A large study found about half the online glasses had the wrong prescription or other problems. An incorrect prescription may give you blurred vision or make your eyes feel uncomfortable.
- Johnson and Johnson Contact Lenses.
- Ciba Vision Contact Lenses.
- Bausch & Lomb Contact Lenses.
- Cooper Vision Contact Lenses.
- Aryan Contact Lenses.
- Acme Yearly Toric Contact Lenses.
- Celebrations Contact Lenses.
- Silk Lens Contact Lenses.
Best Overall: Bausch & Lomb ULTRA Contact Lenses
The ULTRA lenses by Bausch & Lomb check off two important boxes, which is why they're our pick for best overall. They're made from silicone hydrogel, which not only keeps eyes moist but also allows more oxygen to pass through than other materials.
Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart | We use Essilor prescription lenses, the best brand for the sharpest vision.
Does Costco Optical just replace lenses? ›Costco is incredibly picky when it comes to eyeglass lens replacement. They can deny your repair or replacement based on size, shape, lens type, prescription, and brand. They can even cause you trouble asking for adjustments to frames you purchased from their optical center only two years prior.
Who is Zenni Optical competitors? ›zennioptical.com's top 5 competitors in August 2022 are: eyebuydirect.com, glassesusa.com, framesdirect.com, glassesshop.com, and more.
What brand of lenses does Zenni Optical use? ›All Zenni high-index lenses are made with MR™, a premium lens material. MR™ is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals in Japan, a global leading provider of ophthalmic lens materials and technologies.
Are LensCrafters lenses good quality? ›Overview. LensCrafters has a consumer rating of 2.39 stars from 20 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about LensCrafters most frequently mention eye exam problems. LensCrafters ranks 83rd among Contact Lenses sites.
Does target put new lenses in old frames? ›Can you place lenses in frames I did not purchase from Target Optical? Yes, it's possible to replace the lenses in your frames, but it depends on their condition due to: normal wear and tear, your particular prescription, your lenses, as well as the options you choose.
Does LensCrafters put new lenses in old frames? ›That said, if you bought your frames at LensCrafters, you could be sure they will have the right size lenses for your frames, and you'll have no issues bringing your trusty old frames back in to get fresh lenses.
Is EyeBuyDirect a Chinese company? ›
...
EyeBuyDirect.
| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Products | Eyewear |
| Parent | EssilorLuxottica (2013–present) |
| Website | eyebuydirect.com |
First up, we have basic plastic lenses which are made from CR-39, a plastic polymer. CR-39 is an abbreviation for “Columbia Resin #39”, the 39th plastic of that type made by Columbia Resin, the company that developed the polymer. After that, we have polycarbonate glasses lenses.
Who is EyeBuyDirect owned by? ›Essilor Acquires Majority Stake in EyeBuyDirect.com.
Is Zenni good for high prescriptions? ›For single-vision, Zenni can cover prescriptions for nearsightedness that go up to -20.00 and farsightedness up to +12.00.
How much are prescription glasses at Zenni? ›How much do Zenni glasses cost? The price of Zenni glasses ranges from $6.95 to $49.95 for single-vision prescription glasses. The cost goes up to $100 or more if you have a complicated prescription or add “extras.” Zenni sunglasses start at $12, and blue-light-blocking prescription glasses start at $24.
How long will it take to get my glasses from Zenni? ›You Receive Your Glasses
Your eyeglasses are delivered around two weeks from the time we receive your order.
- Get Regular Eye Exams (the Right Way) ...
- Research Vision Insurance and Health Care Benefits. ...
- Utilize Your HSA or FSA. ...
- Leverage Coupons and Cash-Back Rewards. ...
- Buy Contact Lenses in Bulk. ...
- Skip Add-Ons You Don't Need. ...
- Avoid Designer Brands. ...
- Buy Premium Brands for Less.
“What you're getting at Costco is a good price, and hopefully, really good customer service,” says money expert Clark Howard. The warehouse club chain's optical department earned winning marks on price, service after the sale, quality of frames and lenses and more.
Is Zenni 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. Just as Switzerland is known for making great watches, China is known for great glasses.
Who is better than Warby Parker? ›See Saw Seen is one of the best Warby Parker alternatives for both a diversity of offerings and a wide variety of styles. Their flagship store is in San Francisco, but they also have a robust website that offers everything from sunglasses and blue light blockers to kids' glasses and contact lenses.
Does Zenni have Crizal lenses? ›
These are designer glasses, plastic, with Crizal anti-reflective coating and 1.67 high index aspheric lenses.
Can you trust Warby Parker? ›On Trustpilot, Warby Parker has an average score of 3.5 stars based on customer ratings, with some people claiming delays in customer service or issues with frame quality.
How much should you spend on eye glasses? ›The average cost of glasses without insurance is $242, according to statistics from VSP. That's for frames only. 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.
Is it better to get glasses online or in person? ›While ordering online is still the best way to get the biggest range of styles and low prices, you can take your glasses into their stores for adjustment to better fit your face. They offer this service for free at any time. An online app allows you to upload a picture of yourself to virtually try on different frames.
Which eyeglass place is the best? ›- Best Overall: Costco Optical.
- Best Budget: America's Best.
- Best for People Without Insurance: Pearle Vision.
- Best for Convenience: Walmart Vision Center.
- Best for Frame Selection: Eyeglass World.
- Best for Doctor Quality: Vision Source.
- Best for Coupons and Discounts: LensCrafters.
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.
What is the cheapest place to buy eyeglasses online? ›Some of the cheapest options for buying prescription glasses online include Zenni Optical, Eyebuydirect, Goggles4U, Liingo Eyewear, Diff Eyewear, Vint and York and Warby Parker. GlassesUSA.com is one of the cheapest places to buy designer prescription eyeglasses from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada and Persol.
How much does it cost to get new lenses in old frames? ›Some businesses claim to be able to repair your lenses for as cheap as $40, however that only applies to basic lenses. The cost of new lenses in your old frames can reach $100 if you add an anti-glare coating or photochromic lenses. If your looking for a store to buy new lenses without changing your frames.
Will Target put new lenses in old frames? ›Can you place lenses in frames I did not purchase from Target Optical? Yes, it's possible to replace the lenses in your frames, but it depends on their condition due to: normal wear and tear, your particular prescription, your lenses, as well as the options you choose.
Can I use my old glasses frame with new lenses? ›If you still love your old frames but your prescription's changed or you've scratched your lenses - don't throw them away. Save them from landfill, we can put new lenses in old frames with our glasses reglaze service.
Can new lenses be put in vintage frames? ›
Luckily, in most cases, you can have new prescription lenses ground and shaped to fit old, vintage frames. All that's required is a visit to your local eye professional.
Can Walmart put new lenses in old frames? ›It depends on which Walmart you go to. Some Walmart's will replace the lenses in your frames and since they want to sell their own frames they usually add $25.00 to the cost of the lenses in a customer's own frame. You will need to call your local Walmart to find out their individual policy for your location.
Is it cheaper to get new lenses or new glasses? ›In every case, the starting cost is above standard glasses and sunglasses, but it's still a less expensive option than a completely new pair of glasses in most cases. There really aren't any type of glasses where you can't get the lenses replaced. It just depends on whether or not it's a more cost-effective solution.
How often should you change your eyeglasses? ›There's no hard and fast rule of how often you need to replace your prescription glasses, although most optometrists recommend you do so every one to three years. If your vision hasn't changed and your glasses are in good condition, you may be able to keep the same pair for a long time.
Are LensCrafters lenses good quality? ›Overview. LensCrafters has a consumer rating of 2.39 stars from 20 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about LensCrafters most frequently mention eye exam problems. LensCrafters ranks 83rd among Contact Lenses sites.
Will Costco put old lenses in new frames? ›Costco will not put lenses into frames. That includes lenses you purchased from Costco and frames you bought elsewhere or frames you bought from Costco and lenses you bought elsewhere.
What brand of lenses does Target Optical use? ›As far as contact lenses go, Target Optical carries most popular brands including Acuvue, Air Optix and Biofinity.
Can you replace prescription lenses in any frames? ›As a general rule of thumb, you can put your prescription lenses into any frame. However, sometimes your prescription or type of replacement lens isn't compatible with your frame. Opticians often inform you after an eye exam if there will be any restrictions regarding the types of frames you can use.
Can I put my new prescription in my old glasses? ›A sturdy optical frame should last the life of the lenses, and beyond. Hence it is often quite reasonable to reuse your frames for your new prescription lenses. Your optical frame also determines the size of your new lenses.
Can I use my old frames at LensCrafters? ›While glasses retailers differ on whether or not they allow patrons to use their frames when replacing a scratched or otherwise worn-out set of lenses, LensCrafters does enable customers to bring in their frames with a few caveats. First, they must be in good shape.
How much does it cost to put prescription lenses in Ray Bans? ›
Lens replacement starts at a base cost of $29.99 for standard eyewear and sunglass frames, shipping to and from costs more. Place your order online, where you will have the option to print out a flat-rate shipping label or pay for your own shipping. If you pay for shipping elsewhere, we suggest you purchase tracking.
How much is it to get prescription lenses? ›The average cost of glasses without insurance is $242, according to statistics from VSP. That's for frames only. 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.