With the ever-increasing growing popularity of virtual health care (big thanks to a pandemic), it’s no surprise that people have turned to the web for their eyewear needs, namely online prescription updates and even online eye exams.
Having a virtual option for prescription eyewear renewals and even exams, in some cases, has made shopping for new glasses and contacts more accessible than ever! For those who have spent years wearing glasses or contacts, expired prescriptions can be incredibly frustrating when we know that our vision hasn’t changed and we simply want a different style of glasses or a fresh box of contacts.
If you lead a busy life, haven’t found the right eye doctor locally, or simply don’t have the vision coverage to afford a private practice, you may want to consider having your eyewear prescription renewed online.
If so, you’re in luck! Below is a list of our favorite online options for prescription renewal and new prescriptions through a virtual eye exam. All you need to do s meet a simple of qualifications, use their respective apps or site, and you’re on your way to that next great pair of eyewear!
Read More
Here are a few of the qualifications you may need to meet:
• Be 18-55 years old
• Have a current & valid prescription (*Only in some cases)
• Have both a computer and smartphone to complete a prescription exam
* Your vision exam is typically valid for 1-2 years, depending on which state you live in. Sometimes a doctor will shorten or lengthen this time frame based on your particular eye health and vision stability.
Contact lens prescriptions typically only last one year since they sit directly on the eye and can potentially cause irritation and infection if not fitting correctly. That said, some contact lens wearers do settle into a good and lasting fit that might only need moderate prescription changes through the years. Online eyewear prescriptions are becoming more and more accessible, making it even easier to keep up with busy lives.
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.
Online Eye Exam vs. In-Person Eye Exam
Online eye exams are an incredibly convenient option for many people. Still, they should never be a replacement for receiving an in-person comprehensive vision exam performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Comprehensive eye exams are much more than receiving a prescription and are necessary to ensure good eye health and catch potential issues before becoming significantly worse.
Unfortunately, not everyone can take an online eye exam and receive a prescription. For starters, you have to be an existing eyewear user (no, having glasses as a kid doesn’t count in this instance). Where you live also comes into play when determining whether you are eligible for an online vision exam.
Online eye exams currently are available in the following states: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, or WY.)
Perhaps you’re not quite sure if the online route for your prescription is right for you. Take a look at these pros and cons:
Pros & Cons of Online Eye Exams
Pros
Simple, easy to use apps and websites.
Super convenient; anywhere, any time.
Affordable pricing on all eyewear.
Low cost, typically $20 – $35.
NO SALES PRESSURE.
Cons
Exams can require a valid/current prescription.
Cannot have any ongoing eye health issues.
Not a replacement for a comprehensive eye health exam.
Must have access to both a smartphone and computer for some exams.
If you’re still on the fence or if you are leaning toward the direction of an online eye exam, breeze through these sites to see which one will be the best fit for your vision needs, budget, and of course- your style.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker, home to the 5-day in-home try-on, offers an easy-to-use prescription renewal app that only takes about 20 minutes to work through. Best yet, once it’s complete and submitted, an ophthalmologist licensed in your state will review it for accuracy. It starts with a quick eligibility survey that uses factors like age, location, and your most recent eyewear prescription.
Excellent tutorials are also provided if you need a little help using the app to test your vision. For the time being, the app can only renew single vision prescriptions (no progressives or bifocals).
Not sure if your vision has changed? You can still use this app! If it’s determined that your prescription cannot be renewed, you don’t pay a thing, and you now know to get in for a complete, comprehensive vision exam.
It is also worth noting that Warby Parker has over 80 brick-and-mortar stores in many states where they offer comprehensive exams and prescription checks.
Visiting one of their locations in person also allows you to browse hundreds of their styles in person.
Online prescription renewal is only $15, and if you do find that you need to go in-store, the comprehensive exam is listed at $75 or $120 to include contact lens fitting (required for contact lens prescription).
Lensabl got its start by offering replacement lenses for your current glasses and now has evolved into one of the best websites for online prescription glasses, contacts, lenses, and even insurance. They are a little more inclusive regarding the types of prescriptions that can be renewed online. Lensabl offers prescription renewal for glasses and contacts at $25 and gives you additional options for renewing bifocal or progressive prescriptions.
With a trendy selection of frames and the must-have coatings customary with all lenses, Lensabl feels sensible. Do you have a frame that you are still in love with, or maybe you’ve been told elsewhere that you can’t have new lenses made?
Lensabl offers lens replacement starting at $77 and will work with many frame styles that other online retailers just won’t. Take a look to see if your beloved frame is eligible! Not sure what your prescription is? They even offer an app that can read the current prescription of your lenses with your smartphone’s camera…no joke!
Liingo Eyewear has an ingenious app that scans your current glasses, reads your prescription, and gets you promptly to the fun part- selecting your new frames!
You’ll need a computer screen that’s at least 12 inches and a smartphone with a functioning camera. If you’re a serious online shopper (like many of us already are), you’ll already have that card ready – you’ll use the magnetic strip for calibration to assure the app reads your lenses correctly (HOW COOL!).
There are specific parameters that your prescription must fall within for the app to read your lenses successfully. If your prescription has a substantial correction, the app won’t be able to read the lenses accurately enough to continue.
Your average person’s prescription should be easy for the app to read accurately (I’m about a -5.00 in both eyes, including correction for my astigmatism, and the app was SPOT ON). With Liingo, you can try on frames virtually through the app or use their in-home try-on program to check the fit and feel in person.
The frame selection can get a little pricier compared to rock-bottom discount eyewear sites, but you won’t pay for lenses, prescriptions, or shipping. Liingo Eyewear makes getting new glasses simple. Prescription glasses start at a very reasonable $79, including lenses, which is not bad at all!
WebEyeCare appears a little more contact lens-centric, but don’t let that fool you! They offer an excellent selection of eyewear in addition to many different contact lens brands. Vision exams are available for contacts and glasses, which are reviewed by an opthalmologist licensed in your state.
The process is nearly identical to Liingo Eyewear’s, making it relatively simple to get your prescription. Qualifications for the online prescription renewal seem to follow suit with other online options; age, location, and a recent prescription.
The contact lens vision test from WebEyeCare is $34.99, while the test for eyeglasses is $39.99 (at the time of posting) and states a 1-2 business day turnaround for your prescription to be confirmed.
Finally, unlike all the brands mentioned above that only sell their own brand of frames, WebEyeCare carries tons of well-known brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Coach, Burberry, and more!
Maybe you’re looking to update glasses for the kids, or your prescription is a little more complex than the parameters available online (you know who you are). Your local optometrist is the best place to start.
Kids are constantly changing and may experience vision changes more frequently than adults. Your local optometrist will be your best resource through these ages.
Even as adults, we experience changes in our vision. Age, lifestyle change, or even diet and medications can affect vision.
Visual acuity tests are easy to administer but monitoring eye health is a little more complex. Regular visits to your optometrist will keep your vision needs up to date but can also keep you informed on the health of your eyes and provide forewarnings for an array of other health concerns.
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to discuss your vision concerns in person, or perhaps you’re bound by your vision insurance provider. Maybe your local optometric office is that one soothing appointment you look forward to (unlikely!). Whatever your reason, supporting your local small businesses is always a good thing.
Other Alternatives
Warby Parker In-Person Eye Exams
Warby Parker is one of the best places to renew your eyewear prescription online due to their excellent choice for affordable eyewear (including contacts – Save 15% on your first contacts order.). But they also offer complete comprehensive exams through their brick-and-mortar locations, along with a wide selection of frames for all tastes.
Visiting Warby Parker in person is an excellent option when you’re ineligible for an online prescription or want to check on your eye health and vision.
For those that have a current prescription but would still prefer the comfort of their own home, Warby Parker enables your browsing comfort by offering a wide variety of eyeglass and sunglass options online that are customizable to your needs – you can even try them on at home!
LensCrafters
LensCrafters locations are abundant; chances are you’ve browsed one at your local mall. In addition to vision exams, they offer all major contact lens brands and designer frames like Ray-Ban, Tiffany, and Tom Ford, to name a few.
Though “designer” insinuates a higher price tag, LensCrafters works with many different insurance companies so that you can achieve that look you’ve been going for at an affordable price.
Target Optical
Target Optical (Enjoy 20% off your first order of a complete pair! Apply code GET20 at checkout.) is an excellent option for eyewear, especially if you’re doing a lot of your shopping there already, so convenient! They offer a wide variety of contact lens options and many discounted designer frames in-store and online. Choose from some of your favorite and well-known brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban, Calvin Klein, Coach, Armani, and more. Target optical makes it easy to achieve that look you desire with brands you know, all at a great price.
Chances are, they’ll take your vision insurance as well. Check them out next time you’re out and about or from the comfort of home- if that’s more your speed.
The Bottom Line
Though most eyewear providers offer glasses and contacts, pricing and convenience vary greatly depending on your particular needs. Suppose you feel like your current prescription could use an update. In that case, your best bet is to schedule a complete comprehensive exam with a licensed eye doctor.
For those of us who keep a busy schedule, the online approach to renewing your prescription seems ideal. Online eye exams currently require the use of a smartphone and computer.
Free apps from Liingo Eyewear and Warby Parker make online eyewear prescriptions accessible to even more individuals; you don’t even give out your email unless the app retrieves a successful prescription from your lenses.
If a roadblock arises when seeking a prescription through an online resource, remember that you aren’t limited to your outrageously priced, local private practice. Places like Target Optical (Enjoy 20% off your first order of a complete pair! Apply code GET20 at checkout) manage to offer eyewear at already low costs, and they work with numerous vision insurance providers, a very cost-effective option.
Perhaps you’re looking to transition to the online route? Warby Parker might have a brick-and-mortar location nearby where you can take care of periodic in-person examinations and manage the rest of your eyewear and prescription renewal needs online, anywhere, on your time.
Love your local eye doctor, but their eyewear selection feels overpriced, and your expired prescription is working fine? Lensabl can renew your prescription, even progressives, all online. Shop their selection or take that prescription to another site; it’s up to you!
The key is to take your vision care needs into your own hands, research, and shop around to see what will fit your needs, budget, and style!
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Most of us don’t go a day without wearing sunglasses, but do you even know if they perform the task they were designed for? Sunglasses are the most effective defense against UV (ultraviolet) light and yet, many people aren’t even sure if their favorite sunglasses have adequate UV protection against the sun's rays. Unprotected extended [...]
The sun is shining, the snow is perfect, and the lift lines are short, it’s the perfect day on the mountain. Then it starts, and when it does, it can ruin your whole day. I am talking about your goggles fogging and when it happens (and it will), you will want to know how to [...]
Online Eye Exams: How to Renew, Receive, or Update Your Eyewear Prescription Online – November 2024
With the ever-increasing growing popularity of virtual health care (big thanks to a pandemic), it’s no surprise that people have turned to the web for their eyewear needs, namely online prescription updates and even online eye exams.
Having a virtual option for prescription eyewear renewals and even exams, in some cases, has made shopping for new glasses and contacts more accessible than ever! For those who have spent years wearing glasses or contacts, expired prescriptions can be incredibly frustrating when we know that our vision hasn’t changed and we simply want a different style of glasses or a fresh box of contacts.
If you lead a busy life, haven’t found the right eye doctor locally, or simply don’t have the vision coverage to afford a private practice, you may want to consider having your eyewear prescription renewed online.
If so, you’re in luck! Below is a list of our favorite online options for prescription renewal and new prescriptions through a virtual eye exam. All you need to do s meet a simple of qualifications, use their respective apps or site, and you’re on your way to that next great pair of eyewear!
Read More
Here are a few of the qualifications you may need to meet:
• Be 18-55 years old
• Have a current & valid prescription (*Only in some cases)
• Have both a computer and smartphone to complete a prescription exam
* Your vision exam is typically valid for 1-2 years, depending on which state you live in. Sometimes a doctor will shorten or lengthen this time frame based on your particular eye health and vision stability.
Contact lens prescriptions typically only last one year since they sit directly on the eye and can potentially cause irritation and infection if not fitting correctly. That said, some contact lens wearers do settle into a good and lasting fit that might only need moderate prescription changes through the years. Online eyewear prescriptions are becoming more and more accessible, making it even easier to keep up with busy lives.
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.
Online Eye Exam vs. In-Person Eye Exam
Online eye exams are an incredibly convenient option for many people. Still, they should never be a replacement for receiving an in-person comprehensive vision exam performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Comprehensive eye exams are much more than receiving a prescription and are necessary to ensure good eye health and catch potential issues before becoming significantly worse.
Unfortunately, not everyone can take an online eye exam and receive a prescription. For starters, you have to be an existing eyewear user (no, having glasses as a kid doesn’t count in this instance). Where you live also comes into play when determining whether you are eligible for an online vision exam.
Online eye exams currently are available in the following states: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, or WY.)
Perhaps you’re not quite sure if the online route for your prescription is right for you. Take a look at these pros and cons:
Pros & Cons of Online Eye Exams
Pros
Cons
If you’re still on the fence or if you are leaning toward the direction of an online eye exam, breeze through these sites to see which one will be the best fit for your vision needs, budget, and of course- your style.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker, home to the 5-day in-home try-on, offers an easy-to-use prescription renewal app that only takes about 20 minutes to work through. Best yet, once it’s complete and submitted, an ophthalmologist licensed in your state will review it for accuracy. It starts with a quick eligibility survey that uses factors like age, location, and your most recent eyewear prescription.
Excellent tutorials are also provided if you need a little help using the app to test your vision. For the time being, the app can only renew single vision prescriptions (no progressives or bifocals).
Not sure if your vision has changed? You can still use this app! If it’s determined that your prescription cannot be renewed, you don’t pay a thing, and you now know to get in for a complete, comprehensive vision exam.
It is also worth noting that Warby Parker has over 80 brick-and-mortar stores in many states where they offer comprehensive exams and prescription checks.
Visiting one of their locations in person also allows you to browse hundreds of their styles in person.
Online prescription renewal is only $15, and if you do find that you need to go in-store, the comprehensive exam is listed at $75 or $120 to include contact lens fitting (required for contact lens prescription).
MORE > Learn about Warby Parker’s home try-on program.
Lensabl
Lensabl got its start by offering replacement lenses for your current glasses and now has evolved into one of the best websites for online prescription glasses, contacts, lenses, and even insurance. They are a little more inclusive regarding the types of prescriptions that can be renewed online. Lensabl offers prescription renewal for glasses and contacts at $25 and gives you additional options for renewing bifocal or progressive prescriptions.
With a trendy selection of frames and the must-have coatings customary with all lenses, Lensabl feels sensible. Do you have a frame that you are still in love with, or maybe you’ve been told elsewhere that you can’t have new lenses made?
Lensabl offers lens replacement starting at $77 and will work with many frame styles that other online retailers just won’t. Take a look to see if your beloved frame is eligible! Not sure what your prescription is? They even offer an app that can read the current prescription of your lenses with your smartphone’s camera…no joke!
LEARN > Lensabl’s innovative build your own eye insurance policy Lensabl+
Liingo Eyewear
Liingo Eyewear has an ingenious app that scans your current glasses, reads your prescription, and gets you promptly to the fun part- selecting your new frames!
You’ll need a computer screen that’s at least 12 inches and a smartphone with a functioning camera. If you’re a serious online shopper (like many of us already are), you’ll already have that card ready – you’ll use the magnetic strip for calibration to assure the app reads your lenses correctly (HOW COOL!).
There are specific parameters that your prescription must fall within for the app to read your lenses successfully. If your prescription has a substantial correction, the app won’t be able to read the lenses accurately enough to continue.
Your average person’s prescription should be easy for the app to read accurately (I’m about a -5.00 in both eyes, including correction for my astigmatism, and the app was SPOT ON). With Liingo, you can try on frames virtually through the app or use their in-home try-on program to check the fit and feel in person.
The frame selection can get a little pricier compared to rock-bottom discount eyewear sites, but you won’t pay for lenses, prescriptions, or shipping. Liingo Eyewear makes getting new glasses simple. Prescription glasses start at a very reasonable $79, including lenses, which is not bad at all!
MORE > Read our extensive review on Liingo Eyewear.
WebEyeCare
WebEyeCare appears a little more contact lens-centric, but don’t let that fool you! They offer an excellent selection of eyewear in addition to many different contact lens brands. Vision exams are available for contacts and glasses, which are reviewed by an opthalmologist licensed in your state.
The process is nearly identical to Liingo Eyewear’s, making it relatively simple to get your prescription. Qualifications for the online prescription renewal seem to follow suit with other online options; age, location, and a recent prescription.
The contact lens vision test from WebEyeCare is $34.99, while the test for eyeglasses is $39.99 (at the time of posting) and states a 1-2 business day turnaround for your prescription to be confirmed.
Finally, unlike all the brands mentioned above that only sell their own brand of frames, WebEyeCare carries tons of well-known brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Coach, Burberry, and more!
MORE > Need your PD measurement quickly? Check out our guide to measuring your own pupillary distance.
Alternatives to Online Eye Exams
Your Local Eye Doctor
Maybe you’re looking to update glasses for the kids, or your prescription is a little more complex than the parameters available online (you know who you are). Your local optometrist is the best place to start.
Kids are constantly changing and may experience vision changes more frequently than adults. Your local optometrist will be your best resource through these ages.
Even as adults, we experience changes in our vision. Age, lifestyle change, or even diet and medications can affect vision.
Visual acuity tests are easy to administer but monitoring eye health is a little more complex. Regular visits to your optometrist will keep your vision needs up to date but can also keep you informed on the health of your eyes and provide forewarnings for an array of other health concerns.
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to discuss your vision concerns in person, or perhaps you’re bound by your vision insurance provider. Maybe your local optometric office is that one soothing appointment you look forward to (unlikely!). Whatever your reason, supporting your local small businesses is always a good thing.
Other Alternatives
Warby Parker In-Person Eye Exams
Warby Parker is one of the best places to renew your eyewear prescription online due to their excellent choice for affordable eyewear (including contacts – Save 15% on your first contacts order.). But they also offer complete comprehensive exams through their brick-and-mortar locations, along with a wide selection of frames for all tastes.
Visiting Warby Parker in person is an excellent option when you’re ineligible for an online prescription or want to check on your eye health and vision.
For those that have a current prescription but would still prefer the comfort of their own home, Warby Parker enables your browsing comfort by offering a wide variety of eyeglass and sunglass options online that are customizable to your needs – you can even try them on at home!
LensCrafters
LensCrafters locations are abundant; chances are you’ve browsed one at your local mall. In addition to vision exams, they offer all major contact lens brands and designer frames like Ray-Ban, Tiffany, and Tom Ford, to name a few.
Though “designer” insinuates a higher price tag, LensCrafters works with many different insurance companies so that you can achieve that look you’ve been going for at an affordable price.
Target Optical
Target Optical (Enjoy 20% off your first order of a complete pair! Apply code GET20 at checkout.
) is an excellent option for eyewear, especially if you’re doing a lot of your shopping there already, so convenient! They offer a wide variety of contact lens options and many discounted designer frames in-store and online. Choose from some of your favorite and well-known brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban, Calvin Klein, Coach, Armani, and more. Target optical makes it easy to achieve that look you desire with brands you know, all at a great price.
Chances are, they’ll take your vision insurance as well. Check them out next time you’re out and about or from the comfort of home- if that’s more your speed.
The Bottom Line
Though most eyewear providers offer glasses and contacts, pricing and convenience vary greatly depending on your particular needs. Suppose you feel like your current prescription could use an update. In that case, your best bet is to schedule a complete comprehensive exam with a licensed eye doctor.
For those of us who keep a busy schedule, the online approach to renewing your prescription seems ideal. Online eye exams currently require the use of a smartphone and computer.
Free apps from Liingo Eyewear and Warby Parker make online eyewear prescriptions accessible to even more individuals; you don’t even give out your email unless the app retrieves a successful prescription from your lenses.
If a roadblock arises when seeking a prescription through an online resource, remember that you aren’t limited to your outrageously priced, local private practice. Places like Target Optical (Enjoy 20% off your first order of a complete pair! Apply code GET20 at checkout) manage to offer eyewear at already low costs, and they work with numerous vision insurance providers, a very cost-effective option.
Perhaps you’re looking to transition to the online route? Warby Parker might have a brick-and-mortar location nearby where you can take care of periodic in-person examinations and manage the rest of your eyewear and prescription renewal needs online, anywhere, on your time.
Love your local eye doctor, but their eyewear selection feels overpriced, and your expired prescription is working fine? Lensabl can renew your prescription, even progressives, all online. Shop their selection or take that prescription to another site; it’s up to you!
The key is to take your vision care needs into your own hands, research, and shop around to see what will fit your needs, budget, and style!
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