We are living in unprecedented times. The global pandemic has stopped or drastically reduced our ability to interact with the outside world. The idea of going into an eye doctor’s office to get a new pair of glasses can be daunting. Many places do not offer walk-in help, and appointments must be made, in some cases, weeks in advance.
There has to be a better way.
Enter modern technology and the internet, where the online eyewear industry is booming. Gone are the days where you would have to spend hours in front of eyewear racks, becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the selection as an optician waits impatiently breathing down your neck.
Today you can forego this often exhaustive (and expensive) experience by virtually trying on glasses in the comfort of your own home. All you need is your computer, tablet, or smartphone to spend as much, or as little time as needed, choosing your next pair of glasses. Shopping for glasses has never been easier or, quite frankly, cheaper than it is today.
This review features products from partners who compensate us. Therefore, this may influence which products we write about but not our evaluations of them. We take great pride in providing authentic reviews while remaining objective. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.
What You Need to Know Before Ordering Online Eyewear
When shopping for eyewear online, you’ll be required to input your PD measurement (or pupillary distance) if you’re planning to get prescription lenses. A PD is a measurement of the distance between your pupils in millimeters. Anyone can measure their own PD with the right tools and a mirror at home. Simply check out our guide on how to measure your PD at home using one of five options. If all else fails, you can stop by your local optician to measure your PD.
You’ll also need a valid prescription (in most instances) if you intend to purchase prescription lenses online. Most prescriptions are valid for 2 years (depending on your state) and can even be verified online by many retailers. Check out our guide on how you can renew or find your prescription online.
What to Expect When Ordering Glasses Online
Single Vision Lens Options:
Single vision lenses are what most people wear, and you can expect them to be included in the price of most online prescription eyewear. Most retailers offer these in polycarbonate or CR-39 lenses as standard and occasionally as upgrades. Polycarbonate and CR-39 are relatively light (though not as light as high-index or Trivex lenses) and are very impact resistant and shatter-resistant.
For those with stronger or higher prescriptions, you’ll likely want to move to a high-index or Trivex lens to keep the weight lower and thickness of the lens at a minimum. Most, if not all, online eyewear retailers offer these lenses and more, but at an additional cost.
Progressive Lenses:
An important note for those looking for progressive lenses! When you order your glasses online, the manufacturer will make your progressive lenses using a standard measurement for the visual channel (the area of the lens where you can see clearly). Some people may find they have difficulty adjusting to their glasses in this case or that things don’t look quite right.
When you get progressive lenses in person, an optician can customize these measurements to you to ensure accuracy. Most of the time, an optician or eye doctor can fix these issues with an adjustment to the frame, and most will do so for free. If that fails, there is often a 30-60 day return or remake policy regarding glasses.
Reading Glasses & Gaming Glasses:
Frequently, there are also options for non-prescription lenses, whether for fashion or even anti-glare or blue-light filtering, for computer work, when you don’t need prescription glasses.
MORE > Learn more about single vision, bifocals, & progressive lenses.
Pros & Cons of Virtual Try-Ons
Pros
You can virtually “try-on” many styles very quickly.
Narrow down your favorite choices easily.
Eliminates the possibility of a long wait at a doctors office.
Allows for less decision fatigue because you can narrow down selection quickly.
It can give you a better idea of shape and color before going to a store to see them in person.
Not limited to store hours, try on whenever you want!
Browse eyewear from the safety and comfort of home.
Cons
Not knowing how heavy the frame and lenses are.
Not getting to experience the various quality and index of lenses.
Bifocals and progressives are made with a standard measurement.
Potential unknown allergies to some metal frame materials.
You’ve seen the ads. Those flashy production lines churning out pair after pair of adorable glasses, all without sitting down with an optician or leaving your home! Amazing! But how good is it?
While the Warby Parker websitedoes not allow for virtual try-on’s, the app in the apple store does allow for virtual try-on’s where you can see the frame superimposed on your face in real-time. For everyone, regardless of device, they also offer a fabulous “in-home” try-on option. It allows you to pick five frames from their collection and have them sent to you (without corrective lenses) to try on in your home from which to choose. To get started picking out frames and hopefully help alleviate some of that decision fatigue, they offer an optional quiz.
The quiz asks about face shape, whether it’s your first time wearing glasses, and what types of colors and styles pique your interest. After you finish answering the questions, which take 5 minutes at most, they’ll give you a narrowed list of possible options you might like based on your answers. After that, you pick your top 5 choices, and they’ll ship those options to you. Once you select your frame(s), you send them back and put in your order on an intuitive website format.
Eyebobs has been home to trendy prescription glasses, reading glasses, and more for many years. They recently launched their virtual try-on feature which is available for most, but not quite all their frames. It’s super easy to use and my favorite features are how the frame will move with your head as well as how easy it is to use.
You don’t need to upload any photos or take a selfie, just simply click the “Try-on” button, give the site permission to use your camera and that’s it! Their try-on will automatically detect your face, place the frames, and even size them to scale.
Eyebobs also offer a very helpful frame finder quiz if you’re having trouble picking from their many fantastic styles but they even go one step further. Want help from a pro? You can schedule an appointment with one of eyebobs expert frame stylists, how cool is that?!
Liingo Eyewear – Virtual Try-On
Liingo Eyewear is a natural feeling website that offers many styles and shapes of glasses. It also boasts a fully functioning virtual try-on. After you allow the website access to your camera, it’ll have you take a picture and even move your head to render a 3-D life-like version of yourself on the screen.
From there, you can pick out any style on their website, as well as any color they offer, and see how it looks. Roving your mouse over the picture turns your head so you can see the temple pieces too. One of the better virtual try-on’s I’ve seen; it makes it easy to choose which glasses appear best for your face shape.
LEARN > Need to find your PD measurement? Check out our easy PD measurement guide!
LOOK Optic – Virtual Try-On
As we age, our need for help seeing up close, increases dramatically. Look Optic has a wide range of reader-only frames with a virtual try-on right on their website. Just click on the frame you want to see, and it will pull up a “mirror.” The mirror only uses your built-in camera, so setup is a breeze. Allow the website permission to use the camera, and your face will appear with the glasses you chose. Since it’s real-time, you can turn your head from side to side to see how the temple pieces look.
Not every color is available for virtual try-on right now, but it still gives you an excellent idea of what a shape will look like and how it will fit your eyes. It allows magnification of up to +3.00 in half-step increments.
EyeBuyDirect is an easy-to-use site, only requiring a picture either from your computer or by logging into Facebook. For each of their frames, there is a “Try on” button. You simply drag and drop your photo and see what the glasses look like on your face.
Once you’ve decided on your glasses, they offer a few lens options, including a “premium progressive,” which means you can see clearly through a larger portion of the lens. Once you choose single vision or multifocal, they have a couple of “lens bundles” that allow you to add coatings and select your lens options. EyeBuyDirect is the easiest virtual try-on to understand as far as lens options go.
Are you not sold on virtual try-on’s? Just prefer that personal touch? Head over to your local optical to have a hands-on experience of picking out your glasses and seeing how they look in real life. The helpful staff has trained to help guide in picking out frames and lens options. You can look up optical stores based on zip code or by the brand of glasses you want to try.
Your Local Eye Doctor
Local is best! Whenever possible, I think that the mom-and-pop opticals around the country are an asset to the community. Many offer one-of-a-kind frame options and hands-on care. If you can, google your zip code and find a unique pair of glasses while supporting a small local business.
Other Alternatives
Warby Parker
Offering in-store try-on and complete comprehensive eye exams at over 80+ locations throughout the United States (and three Canada locations), they’re not difficult to find.
When visiting in person, you can benefit from a trained professional who will help you with glasses selection and navigate the confusing world of lens options. Opticians (licensed where required) and optometrists are there to assist you with all of your eyewear needs.
eyebobs
Appearing again, but this time for their in-store options! They have three locations throughout Minnesota. They do not offer eye exams, but they will do all of the work of getting your prescription from your doctor if needed. They offer two types of appointments; styling and adjustment.
LensCrafters
Lenscrafters is a one-stop shop for all of your eye care needs with over 1000 stores in the US and Canada, including a full range of comprehensive eye exams. They often have an in-store lab, so some prescriptions, even progressives, can be made in just an hour.
Quick turnaround is outstanding if you suddenly broke your glasses beyond repair and desperately need a replacement. They also take many different eye insurances and offer complimentary adjustments.
Target Optical
Taking many insurance and discount plans and offering eye exams in-store, Target Optical is the right choice if you want to get your glasses and maybe a new chair.
Target Optical employs opticians to help with eyeglass selection and lens options and doctors to conduct their eye exams. Their website allows you to search for a Target Optical by city, state, or even zip code, making them hard to miss.
The Bottom Line
There is no doubt that picking out glasses is daunting and can be anxiety-inducing. Virtual Try-Ons are an innovative way to pick out glasses, order them directly online, or give you a head start picking them out ahead of your annual eye exam.
There’s never been a better time, or excuse, to go online and order your glasses from the comfort of your couch. You have to wear them; you now have a stress-free way to make sure you look stylish doing it. There are minimal risks and a whole lot to gain from virtual try-on.
Tony worked for the better part of a decade in the optical industry for one of the largest independent eyewear companies in the United States. He was intimately involved with the digital, print, and product design working in concert with the development of many of the frame designs. He continues his love of eyewear through his writing and design work found right here on eyeweargenius.com!
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Best Virtual Try-On for Prescription Glasses, Sunglasses, & Reading Glasses – November 2024
We are living in unprecedented times. The global pandemic has stopped or drastically reduced our ability to interact with the outside world. The idea of going into an eye doctor’s office to get a new pair of glasses can be daunting. Many places do not offer walk-in help, and appointments must be made, in some cases, weeks in advance.
There has to be a better way.
Enter modern technology and the internet, where the online eyewear industry is booming. Gone are the days where you would have to spend hours in front of eyewear racks, becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the selection as an optician waits impatiently breathing down your neck.
Today you can forego this often exhaustive (and expensive) experience by virtually trying on glasses in the comfort of your own home. All you need is your computer, tablet, or smartphone to spend as much, or as little time as needed, choosing your next pair of glasses. Shopping for glasses has never been easier or, quite frankly, cheaper than it is today.
This review features products from partners who compensate us. Therefore, this may influence which products we write about but not our evaluations of them. We take great pride in providing authentic reviews while remaining objective. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.
What You Need to Know Before Ordering Online Eyewear
When shopping for eyewear online, you’ll be required to input your PD measurement (or pupillary distance) if you’re planning to get prescription lenses. A PD is a measurement of the distance between your pupils in millimeters. Anyone can measure their own PD with the right tools and a mirror at home. Simply check out our guide on how to measure your PD at home using one of five options. If all else fails, you can stop by your local optician to measure your PD.
You’ll also need a valid prescription (in most instances) if you intend to purchase prescription lenses online. Most prescriptions are valid for 2 years (depending on your state) and can even be verified online by many retailers. Check out our guide on how you can renew or find your prescription online.
What to Expect When Ordering Glasses Online
Single Vision Lens Options:
Single vision lenses are what most people wear, and you can expect them to be included in the price of most online prescription eyewear. Most retailers offer these in polycarbonate or CR-39 lenses as standard and occasionally as upgrades. Polycarbonate and CR-39 are relatively light (though not as light as high-index or Trivex lenses) and are very impact resistant and shatter-resistant.
For those with stronger or higher prescriptions, you’ll likely want to move to a high-index or Trivex lens to keep the weight lower and thickness of the lens at a minimum. Most, if not all, online eyewear retailers offer these lenses and more, but at an additional cost.
Progressive Lenses:
An important note for those looking for progressive lenses! When you order your glasses online, the manufacturer will make your progressive lenses using a standard measurement for the visual channel (the area of the lens where you can see clearly). Some people may find they have difficulty adjusting to their glasses in this case or that things don’t look quite right.
When you get progressive lenses in person, an optician can customize these measurements to you to ensure accuracy. Most of the time, an optician or eye doctor can fix these issues with an adjustment to the frame, and most will do so for free. If that fails, there is often a 30-60 day return or remake policy regarding glasses.
Reading Glasses & Gaming Glasses:
Frequently, there are also options for non-prescription lenses, whether for fashion or even anti-glare or blue-light filtering, for computer work, when you don’t need prescription glasses.
MORE > Learn more about single vision, bifocals, & progressive lenses.
Pros & Cons of Virtual Try-Ons
Pros
Cons
Best Websites For Virtual Try-On
Warby Parker – Virtual Try-On, Style Quiz, & In-Home Try-On
You’ve seen the ads. Those flashy production lines churning out pair after pair of adorable glasses, all without sitting down with an optician or leaving your home! Amazing! But how good is it?
While the Warby Parker website does not allow for virtual try-on’s, the app in the apple store does allow for virtual try-on’s where you can see the frame superimposed on your face in real-time. For everyone, regardless of device, they also offer a fabulous “in-home” try-on option. It allows you to pick five frames from their collection and have them sent to you (without corrective lenses) to try on in your home from which to choose. To get started picking out frames and hopefully help alleviate some of that decision fatigue, they offer an optional quiz.
The quiz asks about face shape, whether it’s your first time wearing glasses, and what types of colors and styles pique your interest. After you finish answering the questions, which take 5 minutes at most, they’ll give you a narrowed list of possible options you might like based on your answers. After that, you pick your top 5 choices, and they’ll ship those options to you. Once you select your frame(s), you send them back and put in your order on an intuitive website format.
MORE > Learn about Warby Parker’s home try-on program.
Eyebobs – Virtual Try-On, Style Quiz, & Virtual Stylist
Eyebobs has been home to trendy prescription glasses, reading glasses, and more for many years. They recently launched their virtual try-on feature which is available for most, but not quite all their frames. It’s super easy to use and my favorite features are how the frame will move with your head as well as how easy it is to use.
You don’t need to upload any photos or take a selfie, just simply click the “Try-on” button, give the site permission to use your camera and that’s it! Their try-on will automatically detect your face, place the frames, and even size them to scale.
Eyebobs also offer a very helpful frame finder quiz if you’re having trouble picking from their many fantastic styles but they even go one step further. Want help from a pro? You can schedule an appointment with one of eyebobs expert frame stylists, how cool is that?!
Liingo Eyewear – Virtual Try-On
Liingo Eyewear is a natural feeling website that offers many styles and shapes of glasses. It also boasts a fully functioning virtual try-on. After you allow the website access to your camera, it’ll have you take a picture and even move your head to render a 3-D life-like version of yourself on the screen.
From there, you can pick out any style on their website, as well as any color they offer, and see how it looks. Roving your mouse over the picture turns your head so you can see the temple pieces too. One of the better virtual try-on’s I’ve seen; it makes it easy to choose which glasses appear best for your face shape.
LEARN > Need to find your PD measurement? Check out our easy PD measurement guide!
LOOK Optic – Virtual Try-On
As we age, our need for help seeing up close, increases dramatically. Look Optic has a wide range of reader-only frames with a virtual try-on right on their website. Just click on the frame you want to see, and it will pull up a “mirror.” The mirror only uses your built-in camera, so setup is a breeze. Allow the website permission to use the camera, and your face will appear with the glasses you chose. Since it’s real-time, you can turn your head from side to side to see how the temple pieces look.
Not every color is available for virtual try-on right now, but it still gives you an excellent idea of what a shape will look like and how it will fit your eyes. It allows magnification of up to +3.00 in half-step increments.
MORE > Find out how to get your eyewear prescription online.
EyeBuyDirect – Virtual Try-On
EyeBuyDirect is an easy-to-use site, only requiring a picture either from your computer or by logging into Facebook. For each of their frames, there is a “Try on” button. You simply drag and drop your photo and see what the glasses look like on your face.
Once you’ve decided on your glasses, they offer a few lens options, including a “premium progressive,” which means you can see clearly through a larger portion of the lens. Once you choose single vision or multifocal, they have a couple of “lens bundles” that allow you to add coatings and select your lens options. EyeBuyDirect is the easiest virtual try-on to understand as far as lens options go.
MORE > Need your PD measurement quickly? Check out our guide to measuring your own pupillary distance.
Alternatives to Virtual Try-On
Are you not sold on virtual try-on’s? Just prefer that personal touch? Head over to your local optical to have a hands-on experience of picking out your glasses and seeing how they look in real life. The helpful staff has trained to help guide in picking out frames and lens options. You can look up optical stores based on zip code or by the brand of glasses you want to try.
Your Local Eye Doctor
Local is best! Whenever possible, I think that the mom-and-pop opticals around the country are an asset to the community. Many offer one-of-a-kind frame options and hands-on care. If you can, google your zip code and find a unique pair of glasses while supporting a small local business.
Other Alternatives
Warby Parker
Offering in-store try-on and complete comprehensive eye exams at over 80+ locations throughout the United States (and three Canada locations), they’re not difficult to find.
When visiting in person, you can benefit from a trained professional who will help you with glasses selection and navigate the confusing world of lens options. Opticians (licensed where required) and optometrists are there to assist you with all of your eyewear needs.
eyebobs
Appearing again, but this time for their in-store options! They have three locations throughout Minnesota. They do not offer eye exams, but they will do all of the work of getting your prescription from your doctor if needed. They offer two types of appointments; styling and adjustment.
LensCrafters
Lenscrafters is a one-stop shop for all of your eye care needs with over 1000 stores in the US and Canada, including a full range of comprehensive eye exams. They often have an in-store lab, so some prescriptions, even progressives, can be made in just an hour.
Quick turnaround is outstanding if you suddenly broke your glasses beyond repair and desperately need a replacement. They also take many different eye insurances and offer complimentary adjustments.
Target Optical
Taking many insurance and discount plans and offering eye exams in-store, Target Optical is the right choice if you want to get your glasses and maybe a new chair.
Target Optical employs opticians to help with eyeglass selection and lens options and doctors to conduct their eye exams. Their website allows you to search for a Target Optical by city, state, or even zip code, making them hard to miss.
The Bottom Line
There is no doubt that picking out glasses is daunting and can be anxiety-inducing. Virtual Try-Ons are an innovative way to pick out glasses, order them directly online, or give you a head start picking them out ahead of your annual eye exam.
There’s never been a better time, or excuse, to go online and order your glasses from the comfort of your couch. You have to wear them; you now have a stress-free way to make sure you look stylish doing it. There are minimal risks and a whole lot to gain from virtual try-on.
Tony worked for the better part of a decade in the optical industry for one of the largest independent eyewear companies in the United States. He was intimately involved with the digital, print, and product design working in concert with the development of many of the frame designs. He continues his love of eyewear through his writing and design work found right here on eyeweargenius.com!
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