Online Shopping for Eyewear: Find the Perfect Glasses

Shopping for eyeglasses online has revolutionized how people access vision care. Instead of making an appointment and visiting retail stores, you can browse thousands of frames, compare prices, and order prescription lenses — all from the comfort of your home. Plus, vision benefits can offer additional discounts and savings when purchasing from trusted online retailers.

As online shopping for eyewear becomes more popular, it’s important to know what to expect. This guide will walk you through the process — including how to maximize your vision benefits, what to look for in a retailer, and how to ensure you get the perfect pair of specs.

Step-by-step guide to buying eyeglasses online

Purchasing eyeglasses online is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Get your prescription: Ensure you have an up-to-date prescription, including your PD measurement.
2. Choose a trusted retailer: Select an in-network retailer to maximize your savings.
3. Pick the right frames: Some online retailers have virtual try-on tools to help you find a frame style that suits you.
4. Select your lenses: Choose lens enhancements based on your lifestyle, such as blue light protection, photochromic (transition) lenses, or scratch-resistant coatings.
5. Apply your benefits and discounts: If purchasing through an in-network provider, your vision benefits will be automatically applied at checkout.
6. Review and place your order: Double-check your prescription details, frame measurements, and lens choices before completing your purchase.
7. Understand return policies: Read the retailer’s return and exchange policy in case adjustments are needed after receiving your glasses.

Why buy eyeglasses online?

Shopping for eyeglasses online offers unmatched convenience, allowing you to browse and purchase frames anytime, anywhere, without the need for appointments. Online retailers often provide significant cost saving, with competitive pricing, frequent promotions, and discount programs that make eyewear more affordable. Additionally, Ameritas vision benefits help reduce costs by applying discounts and allowances directly to your purchase.

Another advantage is the wider selection available online compared to physical stores. With thousands of styles, including classic, trendy, and designer frames, you can easily find options that match your personal style and budget. Many retailers also offer virtual try-on tools, allowing you to see how different frames will look on your face before making a purchase. These features help ensure you select eyewear that fits comfortably and complements your features. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing glasses online is the ability to shop anytime, anywhere. Whether you need a new pair of glasses or just want to browse the latest styles, online stores allow you to do so without the hassle of making an appointment.

Understanding your prescription

Deciphering your eyeglass prescription can be challenging due to various abbreviations and numbers. Here’s a breakdown of key terms:

• OD (Oculus Dexter): Right eye
• OS (Oculus Sinister): Left eye
• Sphere (SPH): Lens power for nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Negative numbers: Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Positive numbers: Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Cylinder (CYL): Lens power for astigmatism correction
• Axis: Orientation of astigmatism correction (0 to 180 degrees)
• Add: Additional magnifying power for multifocal lenses
• Prism: Prismatic power for eye alignment correction
• Pupillary Distance (PD): Distance between pupils for proper lens alignment

Tips for using benefits online

If you have an Ameritas vision plan, you can easily apply your benefits when purchasing eyewear online. Ameritas members have access to two of the nation’s leading vision networks: VSP and EyeMed.

If you have an Ameritas vision plan through VSP, you can use your benefits when shopping at Eyeconic.com. Discounts and allowances will be automatically applied at checkout, helping you save on frames and lenses.

If you have an Ameritas vision plan through EyeMed, you can use your benefits at several well-known online retailers, including ContactsDirect.com, Glasses.com, LensCrafters.com, Ray-Ban.com, and TargetOptical.com.

By shopping through an in-network provider, you can maximize your savings by applying your vision benefits directly to your purchase, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and gaining access to additional discounts on frames, lenses, and enhancements.

Maximizing your vision plan savings

Ameritas vision plans offer discounts to help you save even more. Both the VSP and EyeMed vision networks offer various discounts on eyewear and related services. For those enrolled in the VSP network, members can receive discounts on frames that exceed the retail allowance, as well as additional prescription glasses and non-prescription sunglasses. There can also be savings on lens enhancements, including coatings for anti-glare and scratch resistance, and discounted rates for LASIK procedures at participating locations.

Similarly, the EyeMed network provides discounts on frames that surpass the retail allowance and offers savings on additional prescription glasses, non-prescription sunglasses, and LASIK procedures. Both networks aim to make eyewear and vision care more affordable for their members. Taking advantage of these discounts allows you to affordably upgrade your glasses with premium lenses or purchase an extra pair for different occasions.

What if you buy out-of-network?

Ameritas vision plans give you flexibility, so you can still use your benefits even if you choose an out-of-network retailer. However, the process differs from in-network purchases. When buying out-of-network, you must pay the full price upfront. After making your purchase, you will need to submit a reimbursement claim along with an itemized receipt. Once your claim is processed, you will receive a refund based on your plan’s out-of-network benefits.

While this option allows for greater freedom in choosing a retailer, you will typically save more by purchasing from an in-network provider, where your benefits are applied directly at checkout.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying glasses online

When purchasing eyewear online, avoiding common mistakes is important to ensure a smooth experience. First, double-check your prescription details before ordering, as even a small error can lead to discomfort or blurry vision. You might want to get an eye exam first if your prescription is not current. Most eye doctors recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam every one or two years.

Pay attention to frame measurements and compare them to your current glasses to ensure a comfortable fit. Many buyers overlook lens enhancements, such as anti-glare coatings or blue light filters, which can significantly improve vision and eye comfort. Additionally, always review the retailer’s return and exchange policies before purchasing, so you understand your options in case adjustments are needed.

Buying eyeglasses online is an easy, affordable way to update your eyewear while maximizing your vision benefits. By choosing in-network retailers, you can apply your benefits directly, save money on frames and lenses, and enjoy additional discounts on upgrades. Whether you need prescription glasses, sunglasses, or specialty lenses, online shopping offers convenience and savings without compromising quality.

Explore our resources for additional tips and information on making the most of your vision benefits.

Sources and References:
Cleveland Clinic
Vision Benefits with Options