Choosing new glasses involves more than finding an appealing frame. Shoppers must also consider their prescription, lens type, frame measurements, comfort, insurance benefits, and budget. Researching these details online can make an eventual store visit more productive.
Visiting an online eyeglasses store website before going to a physical location can help shoppers review available frame styles, learn about lens choices, check current promotions, and schedule an eye examination. This combination of online preparation and in-person assistance can simplify the eyewear-buying process.
Key Takeaways
- Online research can help shoppers compare frame shapes, brands, lenses, locations, and store policies.
- A current prescription is important when purchasing corrective eyewear.
- Frame comfort and lens positioning may still need to be evaluated in person.
- Insurance coverage and promotions should be confirmed before making a purchase.
- Online appointment scheduling can make it easier to coordinate an eye exam and eyewear shopping.
Start With Your Vision Needs
Frame style is important, but accurate vision correction should come first. A current prescription tells the optical team what lens power is required and may include information about nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.
People who notice changes in their vision should schedule an examination before purchasing new glasses. Possible reasons to seek professional guidance include:
- Blurred vision
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty reading
- Eye strain
- Trouble seeing at night
- Increased light sensitivity
- An old or expired prescription
- Changes in an existing health condition
An eye examination may do more than determine lens power. Depending on the examination and the patient’s needs, an eye doctor may also evaluate eye health and look for signs that require additional attention.
The appropriate examination schedule varies by age, health history, symptoms, contact lens use, and professional recommendations. Anyone with sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, an eye injury, flashes of light, or other urgent symptoms should seek prompt medical care.
Research Frame Shapes Before Visiting
Browsing frame information online gives shoppers time to compare styles without making an immediate decision. Common frame shapes include:
- Aviator
- Browline
- Cat-eye
- Geometric
- Oval
- Rectangle
- Round
- Square
- Wayfarer
Face shape may influence which frames someone wants to try, but it does not have to determine the final choice. Personal style, comfort, prescription requirements, and intended use also matter.
Someone who wears glasses throughout the day may prioritize a lightweight frame. A person shopping for work glasses may prefer a restrained design, while another shopper may want bold colors or a statement frame.
Online browsing can help create a shortlist. The final decision may be easier after trying the frames on and checking how they sit on the bridge, temples, cheeks, and ears.
Understand Frame Measurements and Fit
A frame can look attractive but still feel uncomfortable if its measurements are unsuitable. Common measurements include lens width, bridge width, and temple length. These numbers are often printed inside the frame.
Fit can affect more than comfort. The position of the lenses in relation to the eyes is important for accurate vision correction, especially with progressive or other specialized lenses.
When trying on frames, consider:
- Whether the bridge slips or pinches
- Whether the temples press against the head
- Whether the frame sits level
- Whether the eyes are positioned appropriately within the lenses
- Whether the frame touches the cheeks
- Whether it remains secure during normal movement
An optical associate can help evaluate the fit and make appropriate adjustments.
Compare Lens Options Carefully
The lenses have a direct effect on vision, comfort, and the final price of the glasses. The appropriate option depends on the prescription, daily activities, and recommendations from an eye care professional.
Common choices may include:
Single-Vision Lenses
Single-vision lenses provide one corrective power throughout the lens. They may be prescribed for distance, reading, or another specific visual need.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses include multiple viewing zones without a visible dividing line. They can support near, intermediate, and distance vision in one pair of glasses.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant. They may be considered for children, active individuals, or people seeking added impact protection.
Anti-Reflective Coatings
Anti-reflective treatments may reduce reflections and glare under certain lighting conditions. They can be useful for driving, computer work, and other visually demanding activities.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to certain ultraviolet light conditions and become clearer indoors. Performance can vary depending on temperature, light exposure, and whether the wearer is inside a vehicle.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are commonly used in sunglasses to reduce glare reflected from surfaces such as roads and water.
Blue Light Filtering Options
Some retailers offer lenses that filter portions of blue light. Shoppers should discuss their screen habits, symptoms, and expectations with an eye care professional before selecting this option.
Not every lens feature is necessary for every shopper. Asking what each upgrade does and how it affects the total price can prevent unnecessary spending.
Review Brands and Styles Online
A retailer’s website may help shoppers identify brands they would like to see in person. At 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore, listed brands include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Tom Ford, Burberry, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Lacoste, Nike Vision, Prada, and others.
Inventory can vary by location and change over time. Shoppers looking for a particular frame should contact the preferred store before visiting.
Online brand research can also help customers compare:
- Frame materials
- Available colors
- General price ranges
- Style categories
- Intended use
- Manufacturer information
The presence of a brand online does not guarantee that every model or color will be available at every store.
Check Promotions and Insurance Details
Eyewear pricing can depend on the frame, prescription, lens material, coatings, insurance benefits, and promotional terms. Reviewing these details before visiting can make budgeting easier.
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore advertises coupons and selected promotions on its website. Offers can change, so customers should review the current terms and confirm eligibility with the store.
Before making a purchase, ask:
- Is the selected frame included in the promotion?
- Are lens upgrades charged separately?
- Can the offer be combined with insurance?
- Does the coupon have an expiration date?
- Are there prescription restrictions?
- What costs will remain after insurance?
- What are the payment and financing options?
The store states that it accepts most insurance, major credit cards, and CareCredit. Coverage still depends on the customer’s individual plan, so benefits should be verified before the purchase.
Schedule an Eye Exam Online
Online appointment scheduling allows shoppers to select a location and arrange an eye examination before arriving. 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore has independent doctors of optometry inside its Melbourne, Winter Park, and Orange City locations.
When attending an examination, patients may want to bring:
- Current glasses or contact lenses
- A list of medications
- Insurance information
- Relevant medical history
- Details about previous eye conditions
- Notes about recent vision changes
The prescription from an eye examination can then be used to select appropriate lenses. Patients should ask for a copy of their prescription and clarify any unfamiliar information.
Understand the Value of In-Person Assistance
Online research is helpful, but some parts of buying glasses benefit from direct assistance. In-store staff can help shoppers try frames, assess comfort, compare lens options, and take the measurements required for lens placement.
An in-person visit also allows customers to see frame colors and materials under normal lighting. Product photographs may not always show the exact appearance, texture, or fit.
20/20 Eyeglass Superstore states that its in-store laboratories can prepare most glasses in about an hour in many cases. Actual completion time depends on the prescription, frame, lens type, inventory, and required treatments. Customers should confirm the expected turnaround time for their specific order.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Glasses
Before finalizing an eyewear purchase, consider asking:
- Does this frame work with my prescription?
- Are the lenses included in the displayed price?
- Which upgrades are recommended, and why?
- How long will the glasses take to complete?
- What adjustments are included?
- What happens if the frame feels uncomfortable?
- Is there a warranty?
- What is the remake, return, or exchange policy?
- How much will insurance cover?
- Are current promotions applicable?
Getting the answers in writing can help prevent confusion after the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glasses be purchased without a new eye examination?
A shopper may be able to use an existing valid prescription. However, an examination may be appropriate if the prescription has expired or the person has noticed changes in vision.
Can every frame support every prescription?
No. Strong prescriptions, progressive lenses, and other specialized lens needs may limit suitable frame sizes or shapes. An optical professional can help identify compatible options.
Are online prices always lower?
Not necessarily. The total price depends on the frame, lenses, coatings, delivery, adjustments, warranties, insurance benefits, and available promotions.
How quickly can new glasses be prepared?
Turnaround time varies. Some glasses may be completed quickly, while specialized prescriptions or lens treatments may take longer.
Should insurance benefits be checked in advance?
Yes. Confirming eligibility, allowances, copayments, and network requirements can help shoppers understand their expected costs.
Final Thoughts
Online research can make eyeglass shopping more organized, but accurate prescriptions, proper measurements, and comfortable frame fitting remain important. Reviewing styles, lenses, appointments, and promotions beforehand can help shoppers arrive prepared.
Combining the convenience of online information with assistance from an eye care and optical team gives customers a clearer understanding of their choices. The result is a more informed decision based on vision needs, fit, style, and budget.
