People get glasses and contact lenses online now?!
Indeed, times have changed. It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when people depended on their eyecare provider for the best options on their glasses and contact lenses.
Patients are understanding less by going online, so I feel the need to educate the casual consumer about the Ins and Outs of getting your vision correction solutions through the web.
*Scroll down to the end for all the latest promotions and coupon codes for great savings on glasses and contacts online.
What You Miss Out On When Ordering Glasses & Contacts Online:
One major drawback with ordering online is Quality Control, and this has more to do with glasses orders. With contact lenses, there’s not much that can go wrong when you have an accurate, finalized prescription from your doctor. It’s a little more complicated with glasses orders though.
So, here’s a typical scenario. You get your eye exam by your eyecare provider, you get a printout of your prescription and measurements, and then you use that information to order online.
Your glasses are shipped conveniently to you and everything should work flawlessly right? For the majority of folks, yes.
What could possibly go wrong then? Well, you likely won’t know how to verify the material of your lenses, or if the lenses were correctly edged with the optical centers in alignment with your pupils, or if the anti-glare coating will last more than a few months before peeling off.
If the optical centers aren’t aligned, you could possibly have unwanted distortion and poor vision. Maybe the anti-glare coating doesn’t work as well at night like you’re used to, and that blurs your vision. Whether or not you initially blame your optometrist for the blurry vision, the next step will always be a trip to see your eye doctor again (because the online shop will ask you to check with your doctor before initiating a return). 
Let’s go over a lot of the optical mumbo jumbo so you know what you’re getting into with online glasses and contacts!
Online Glasses & Contact Lens Tips!
*Tip #1
: In the United States, you need a valid prescription to order glasses and contact lenses online.
*Tip #2
: For glasses, you will need the Pupillary Distance (P.D.) measurement, which is usually done at the optical when you order glasses. Ask the optical staff for this measurement if you plan on ordering online. Remember though, you can’t hold the staff liable for any mistakes when ordering online. Want to measure it yourself? Try this guide here.
Contact Lenses: Again, not much can go wrong here once you have a finalized prescription from your doctor.
You HAVE to order the exact brand, type, and size of contacts that are on your prescription. If you’re not happy with the contacts that were prescribed based on the trial pair you receive, be sure to voice that with your eye doctor so that you can get a prescription written for the exact lenses you do like.
Or, if you were only prescribed clear contact lenses and you wanted to order colored lenses online, you’ll need a separate prescription for that.
Many lenses come in more than one Base Curve (B.C.), which will affect how the lenses fit and move (and feel) on your eyes. Usually, there is only one Diameter (Dia.) for a brand of contact lens, which is just the overall size of the contacts.
Been told you need astigmatism contact lenses? I explain astigmatism contact lenses here.
Glasses: This is where things can get much more confusing with all the materials and options available.
*Tip#3
: Prescriptions leading with a “-” are nearsighted, and with a “+” are farsighted.
*Tip#4
: On a prescription, OD (Oculus Dexter in Latin) is the right eye and OS (Oculus Sinister) is the left eye.
Materials
Plastic - Basic, cheapest, lowest quality, doesn’t come with scratch resistance or UV protection (both can be added on though). Will get by okay for budget conscious. Won’t be too thick with low power prescriptions like (+/-)0.25 to (+/-)2.00.
Polycarbonate – Better optical quality, more scratch resistant, more sturdy, and has UV protection. Is also thinner and lighter than basic plastic. I recommend this upgrade for powers higher than (+/-)1.50. This is also a must for children for its durability, since little ones are usually pretty rough on glasses.
Trivex – Slightly better optical quality and slightly lighter weight than Polycarbonate. Roughly the same thickness as Polycarbonate. Also is more scratch resistant and has UV protection. Many online glasses stores may not offer this option. In general, I recommend this for the same prescription ranges as Polycarbonate. It is a newer technology than Polycarbonate, and some will argue is slightly better all-around.
Hi Index – Thinnest and lightest material. Costs more of course. I definitely recommend this to patients when their prescription is higher than (+/-)4.00. The higher the index number, the thinner and lighter the lens (i.e. a 1.67 index is thinner and lighter than a 1.60 index). You will see hi-index options like 1.60, 1.67, 1.71. Most online stores don’t offer a 1.74 hi-index lens, and we have to order these from Germany at my office.
Add-Ons
Anti-Reflective (AR) coating – This reduces the glare seen by your eyes. Recommended if you experience eye fatigue from your computer screen glare, and for night-time driving when the street lights and car headlights can cause a lot of glare/halos. Again, there are different levels of quality on this coating. If your online store doesn’t offer more than one choice, you are likely getting a basic version. Patients who wear their glasses full-time can often have this coating start to bubble or peel in a year or less. With a premium AR coating, you will have better performance against glare and smudging from your fingers. Plus, it usually comes with a 2-year warranty.
Photochromic – This is the coating that turns your lenses darker in the sunlight. Most people are familiar with these as Transitions, which is a brand name of this type of lens. There are other brands of this coating, such as Photofusion, but Transitions are still the most popular.
Others – You can add just about any kind of tint to the lenses of your glasses. You can add a variety of colored tints, gradient tints, and even make your lenses polarized(helps block glare from water/atmosphere). For plastic lenses, you can add on a UV coating and a scratch coating. Newer coatings can be anti-static and even anti-fog. Some of these newer coatings can’t be ordered online.
Types Of Lenses
Single Vision (SV) – One prescription power throughout the lens. If you’re under the age of 40, this will likely be your lens type.
Bifocal – Two prescriptions in each lens (1 visible line). The top portion is generally the distance vision and the portion underneath the line will be near vision. If you’re in your early to mid 40′s, it may be time to familiarized yourself with bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lens options.
Trifocal – Three prescriptions per lens (2 visible lines). The top is the distance, the middle is the intermediate (computer), and the bottom is the near vision.
Progressive Addition Lenses (PAL) – These are basically trifocals without the lines. More cosmetically pleasing, with a higher cost. There are many different manufacturers of PALs, and many different levels of quality and performance. In general, a more premium quality PAL lens will give you more usable area in the computer and reading portions. This equates to more functionality, less eyestrain, and easier adaptation. Some of the highest quality Progressive lenses can only be ordered through your eye doctor’s office.
Digital Customized Lenses – This is the new era in the optical world. Rather than having your lenses cut from a standard mold used for the masses, your lenses are digitally made and cut based on your prescription and measurements. The technology is available for all types of lenses and the premium options require special measurement equipment from your local optical. This means these lenses can only be ordered through your local optical. For those seeking the best of the best, this is the way to go. Honestly though, most people will be just fine with traditional standard lenses.
I hope the information provided will help you make a more informed decision when ordering your glasses and contact lenses online.
Below, I’ve rounded up all the current online glasses & contact lenses promotions, discounts, and coupons available for all the popular websites. I’ll keep them updated as they change.
*Tip #5
: While 1-800-Contacts is the most well known site, Contact Lens King has better prices on just about all types of contact lenses.
*Tip # 6
: The most popular sites for online glasses are ZenniOptical, GlassesUSA, and FramesDirect.
Online Contact Lenses Coupons, Promotions, Discounts October 2013
1-800-Contacts:
Returning Customers – Save an Extra $10 off orders over $200 + Free Shipping – Discount appears at checkout
$10 off contact lenses + free shipping on any order over $100 with coupon code: Deal10
1-800-Get-Lens:
1-800-GET-LENS: Get $30 off all orders of $299 or more with code FSA-SA13. Expires 10/31/13
AC Lens:
Save 5% off any order. Enter code LENSES at checkout. Offer ends 31/10/2013.
Buy Contact Lenses Online – Save $5 off $50 at AC Lens! - Use Code ACLS5 in the instructions portion of our order form. Expires 12/31/13.
An additional $5 off any order over $50! Enter ACLS5 in the instruction field of our order form.
America’s Best Contact & Eyeglasses:
Save Time and Money – Try Auto Reorder of Contact Lenses
ContactsAmerica:
ContactsAmerica: Receive $30 off all orders of $299 or more using code FSA-LNFE13. Expires 10/31/13
Contact Lens King:
Enjoy free shipping on all contact lens purchases shipped in the continental United States at ContactLensKing.com
Discount Contact Lenses:
$5 off any $50 Contact Lens Order - Enter coupon code DCL5 in the instructions box of our order form. Expires 12/31/2013.
JustLenses:
Use your FSA and get $30 off all orders of $299 or more at JustLenses.com. Use code FSA-PQT13. Offer expires 10/31/13
Lens.com:
Receive FREE Standard Shipping plus $5 off on all orders of $199 or more at Lens.com- Use Coupon Code CJP-AB13. Expires 10/31/13
Lens.com: FREE Standard Shipping plus $20 off on all orders of $225 or more with code HALLOWEEN-RX13. Offer expires 10/31/13
Use your FSA at Lens.com and get $30 off on all orders of $299 or more use Coupon Code: FSA-US13 Offer expires 12/31/13
Lensmart:
25% off your first Lensmart order with code 25OFFLM!
New Customers – 20% off & Free Shipping! Enter 20OFFLM at Checkout.
Lensplanet:
Cheap contact lenses – save 70%
LensWorld:
New Customers – 20% off and Free Shipping! Enter 20OFFLW at Checkout.
Online Glasses & Sunglasses Coupons, Promotions, Discounts October 2013
BestBuyEyeGlasses.com:
New Year 10% Off minimum of $50 plus FREE Shipping in US – Use Coupon: NewYear
EyeBuyDirect.com:
10% off all orders with code EYEBUY10 at EyeBuyDirect.com through October 31st, 2013
Save Up To 60% On Designer Sunglasses at EyeBuyDirect.com!
Eyeglasses.com: None Currently
EyeSave Sunglasses:
Free Shipping SITEWIDE on orders over $99 at EyeSave.com
EyeSave.com SUNGLASSES – Save up to 60% – Rayban, Maui Jim, Bolle, Serengeti, Gucci, Dior, Burberry & more!
Shop Ray Bans & save an extra 30% off. Plus 10% off all styles. Offer expires 10/14 at 9pm.
FramesDirect.com
Save $15 on Sunglasses priced $150 above! Enter Code: SUNNY15 at FramesDirect.com
Save $15 on Prescription Eyeglasses with lenses, Sunglasses, and Prescription Sunglasses with lenses priced $150 above! Enter Code: AF15OFF at AFEyewear.com
Save $25 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $250 above! Enter Code: WINTER25 at FramesDirect.com
Save 30% on Lenses with the purchase of Eyeglasses or Prescription Sunglasses! Enter Code: WINTERLENS
Save $50 on Prescription Eyeglasses priced $400 or more! Enter Code: SUMMER50 at FramesDirect.com
Save $15 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $150-$249! Enter Code: FALL15AF at AFEyewear.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save $20 on Prescription Eyeglasses with lenses, Sunglasses, and Prescription Sunglasses with lenses priced $199 above! Enter Code: AF20FALL at AFEyewear.com
Save $30 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $250-$399! Enter Code: FALL30AF at AFEyewear.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save $70 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $400 above! Enter Code: FALL70AF at AFEyewear.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save 30% on Lenses with the purchase of Eyeglasses or Prescription Sunglasses! Enter Code: RXFALLAF at AFEyewear.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save $15 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $150-$249! Enter Code: FALL15 at FramesDirect.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save $30 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $250-$399! Enter Code: FALL30 at FramesDirect.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save $70 on Eyeglasses & Prescription Sunglasses priced $400 above! Enter Code: FALL70 at FramesDirect.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Save 30% on Lenses with the purchase of Eyeglasses or Prescription Sunglasses! Enter Code: RXFALL at FramesDirect.com. Offer ends 10/16.
Glasses.com:
Save an extra $20 off orders of $150 PLUS Free Shipping
GlassesUSA:
Don’t get caught with a penalty/Tax! Save over 80% on prescription eyeglasses with Vision Benefit Plan. Coverage Starts at $20 a year
GlassesShop:
Get your first pair FREE! Use code: FIRSTFREE. Valid only for a first purchase and only one free pair of glasses per customer and prescription. Shop now!
Eyeglasses buy one get one free! Use coupon: B1G1. Ends Oct. 31. View more.
Columbus Day sale. $5 off on orders over $39. $15 off on orders over $69. $50 off on orders over $129. Plus free shipping on orders over $39(original was $59). Ends Oct. 14.
Lens Direct: None Currently
SmartBuyGlasses/VisionDirect:
Get 20% OFF prescription lenses for all sunglasses and glasses at SmartBuyGlasses
20% OFF coupon for prescription lenses for sunglasses and glasses at SmartBuyGlasses
20% OFF prescription lenses for sunglasses and glasses at SmartBuyGlasses – use code DEALRXLENSES
Solstice Sunglasses:
Take an additional $5 off your entire order at SolsticeSunglasses.com!
Save 40% on select designer sunglasses at Solsticesunglasses.com! Enter promo code TAKE1013 to get 40% off the lowest price listed. Valid for a limited time only.
Zennioptical.com:
Fresh eyewear styles for Spring starting at $6.95!
Under $12, stylish Zenni prescription sunglasses for the summer.