I started wearing reading glasses in my 40s. I couldn’t believe how expensive eyeglasses are. I now have to wear them full-time. The last time I priced eyeglasses at my local, optometrist shop, the glasses I wanted were $450. I couldn’t wrap my head around spending that much for eyeglasses. So, I started to investigate the possibility of purchasing classes online.


Online eyeglass retailers bypass some of the costs of traditional retail brick and mortar locations. They pass their saving onto you.


The first set of glasses that I purchased online work from a company called glasses USA. I spent $150 on computer glasses that look good. They have blue light blocking and anti-scratch coating. You can upload your photo and try and frames online. They have a easy return policy. If you don’t like your glasses for any reason, you can return your glasses within 14 days. No questions asked and it is hassle-free. I made a mistake on my first set of eyeglasses, and I returned a pair. They replaced them with no questions.


The following year I decided to try a new online company called Zenni. They have a lot of helpful educational information on their website. There are helpful videos that support you in making a confident purchase online. They have a 30-day one-time use 100% store credit or 50% refund policy. You can shop by your face shape. Both sites allow you to upload your photo and try the frames online. I purchased two pairs of glasses with blue light blocking. They also had anti-reflective coating for less than $215.


Warby Parker is another eyeglass online retailer. You can try-on 5 pairs of frames for 5 days to see how you like them. I did order some frames to try on. I didn’t buy from them, but it is another good option in saving money when buying prescription eyeglasses.


Purchasing eyeglasses online is not for everyone. Like most people, I like to share my finds with people I know and care about. I shared my experience with my mother. She purchased eyeglasses from Glasses USA. She is thrilled at the cost savings. Another family member, was not so keen on ordering prescription glasses on line. She purchased from Costco. Her cost savings was not quite as much as using one of the online retailers. But she felt much more comfortable with the process.


Maintaining a healthy retirement budget is important. It's important to be conscious of where your money is being spent. Savings in one area may loosen up your budget to allocate funds somewhere else.  Be well.