A guide to ordering prescription glasses online

Pick up a new pair of specs online from the comfort of your own home.

woman shopping for glasses online

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

You can do almost everything online nowadays but one thing you might not have considered doing was ordering your prescription glasses online. If you don't have time to pop into the shop, then this can be an ideal option. Also, don't worry about not being able to try on your new pair of glasses in store, as many companies offer a virtual try service, so you can still check out whether you'll look good in your new pair of specs.

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Why you should order prescription glasses online

• Much more choice. You'll have more brands to pick from and websites can offer unlimited options compared to stores that can only stock so many glasses.

• You can shop from the comfort of your own home.

How do I order prescription glasses online?

Most importantly, you'll need to have your prescription to hand. If you don't already have this, simply visit or ring up the opticians you usually have your eye test at and they'll be able to tell you.

Then all you need to do is browse your chosen website and its selection of glasses to suit your face. Many companies such as Vision Express offer a virtual try service so you can see how well a pair of glasses suit you before you buy.

Once you've selected a pair (or two!) that you like the look of, you'll either be asked for your prescription details or if you already use that optician for eye tests (such as Specsavers or Vision Express), they will locate your prescription in their system if it's still in date.

It's then likely you'll be asked what type of glasses lens you require and any other add-ons such as lens enhancements such as your polarised glasses lenses.

The glasses will then be added to your basket and all you need to do is pay and wait for your new specs to arrive!

What if I don't like my glasses?

We've found the majority of companies offer free returns (for as long as 100 days!) so should your glasses arrive and you change your mind, simply arrange to return them.

The downsides to ordering prescription glasses online

• You won't get to physically try on numerous pairs and styles in order to find the right ones for you.

• You won't have access to someone helping you out like you would in-store.

• It might take you longer to find a pair of glasses if you're needing to return ones you don't like.

Where you can order prescription glasses online

Glasses Direct- Offers a 'try before you buy' home trial, where you can try up to four different pairs of glasses for seven days to help you find your perfect frames. Prices range from £9 up to just over £200.

Spex4Less- Specs4Less offer a free 12 month warranty with every pair of glasses and if you're not happy with your new specs you can return them for either a full refund or exchange.

Select Specs - Grab a pair of specs for a bargain, with prices starting from £6. Select Specs also stock a great range of designer collections too.

Specsavers - One of the UK's favourite eye care services, whether you're after a new pair of specs, sunnies or eye test, Specsavers can assist you with all of your eyes needs.

Vision Express- Similar to Specsavers, Vision Express have been providing eye care services for years.If you place a glasses order over £35 online, you'll also receive free delivery.

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