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With the most popular online eyeglass retailer out of the question for me, I bought my first few frames at my optometrist’s office, shelling out hundreds per pair, even after insurance. Last month, I found out I’d need to update my prescription again, and I really did not want to take such a big hit to my bank account. After some research into other places to buy cheap glasses online, I decided to try EyeBuyDirect, which offers frames for as low as $15 and more lens options than many other online stores.
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At first, I was skeptical—how could a pair of glasses that cheap possibly be any good? But, they offered total glasses packages, progressive lenses and all, for around $63, and my vision insurance would reimburse me for the cost. With the cost so low—and with a 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy—I figured it couldn’t hurt to try a pair.
It took me three hours of deliberation before I finally picked frames I liked. Unlike Warby Parker, which has an excellent home-try-on program, EyeBuyDirect instead has a cool feature where you can upload a picture of yourself and try glasses on virtually. My face is a bit round, so usually round glasses don’t work for me. But, the slightly rounded, leopard-patterned Instant Crush style somehow looked the best on my Facebook picture.
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Ordering proved to be a little tricky. I had to measure my pupillary distance while looking at a faraway object and while looking close by, since my prescription varies for near and farsightedness. But, they provide a nifty video, and my brother helped me out.
My new glasses arrived in the mail two weeks later in a nice box with a small screwdriver to tighten or loosen them. I loved them as soon as I slipped them on. They’re sturdier, cuter, and even fit better than the more expensive pairs I bought at the doctor’s office. I didn’t have to use the screwdriver at all. The lenses rarely get smudged—even when I made Korean barbecue beef from scratch for dinner and after I walked through rain on my way to work one morning.
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These glasses are ultra-cheap, the frames are sturdy and stylish, and the lenses perfectly correct my vision and remain clean. My only regret is that I didn’t wait a little longer to buy, because now EyeBuyDirect.com is running a Buy-One-Get-One-Free promotion through August 18. I could’ve had two awesome pairs or a pair of prescription sunglasses.
But, I love my Instant Crush progressive frames, friends have already complimented me on how attractive they are, my wallet is happy, and I will never buy glasses in-person again.