- Prescription sunglasses can be expensive, but you can save up to 70 percent on retail prices at some online stores.
- Research your options by doing comparison shopping of prices, shipping fees, and special discounts.
- If you also need a cheap eye exam, look into in-person options at big-box retailers and virtual exams online.
If you wear prescription sunglasses, then chances are you’ve spent more on them in the past than you’d like. But there’s another way to buy prescription sunglasses — online. Online eyeglass retailers are gaining in popularity because they often offer more discounts than traditional in-person retailers. Before buying your next pair of prescription sunglasses, search online to find the best deals.
Additionally, their wider selection of prescription sunglasses means you have more options when it comes to picking the perfect pair that suits your face shape and taste. Check out these ways to save on prescription sunglasses, and start searching to find great deals online.
Buy Prescription Sunglasses Online
Prescription sunglasses make it possible to see clearly and protect your eyes from the sun. However, they can be expensive. Fortunately, you can save significantly on retail prices at some online stores.
Here are a few tips for saving money when you order prescription sunglasses online:
- Comparison Shopping: Compare prices between different retailers before making a purchase. Some retailers mark up their prices more than others, so it pays to do your research.
- Check for Free Shipping: See if the retailer offers free shipping. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you live in a relatively remote area that’s far from the nearest distribution center.
- Discounts and Coupons: Check for discounts and coupon codes before you checkout. An online search can help you find available coupons to apply to your purchase. Also, scan the website for promo codes.
Dragon Images / ShutterstockTake Advantage of Your Vision Insurance Benefits
Do you have vision insurance? If so, you may be able to take advantage of your benefits to get a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Many companies have a yearly or bi-annual allowance for eyeglasses, and prescription sunglasses often count towards this.
So, be sure to check with your insurance provider if you’re in the market for a new pair of shades. You should also look into which retailers are in-network with your insurance. Staying in-network can amount to meaningful savings on both the frames and add-ons like anti-reflective coating.
Vitalii Vodolazskyi / ShutterstockGet a Cheap Eye Exam
There are a couple of ways to get a cheap eye exam without insurance. First, Clark.com says many big-box, warehouse, and discount optical retailers offer comprehensive eye exams for as little as $50. Look into places like Walmart, Costco, or America’s Best, for example.
Second, some online retailers have virtual vision tests that you can take at home for even less. However, these tests aren’t intended to entirely replace comprehensive eye exams since they don’t assess eye health. But they can be helpful when you only need to renew your prescription.
If you do have vision insurance, then look into all of your in-network options. For instance, an optometrist’s office that accepts your insurance is typically an affordable place to get an annual eye exam. Plus, big-box, warehouse, and discount optical stores often accept insurance.
Peakstock / ShutterstockZenni Optical
Now that we’ve explored some tips and tricks for scoring deals on prescription sunglasses, let’s check out a few online retailers to consider. First up: Zenni Optical. At Zenni, you can buy prescription sunglasses for as little as $6.95 — about the price of a fancy coffee.
And you can even virtually try on glasses to find the perfect pair for you. Just use your phone or computer to upload a brief video of your face. Then, try on as many pairs as you want. Ordering online doesn’t mean you have to guess what frames will look like on you.
Delpixel / ShutterstockGlassesUSA
Looking for a steep discount on your next pair of prescription sunglasses? GlassesUSA is another online retailer to check out. With prices up to 70 percent off retail, its clearance section is full of bargains. You can even find designer frames in the clearance section.
Customers can also get a coupon code to save 65 percent on their first set of frames, so you don’t need to limit yourself to clearance options. Plus, standard shipping is free — no order minimum is required. Shipping costs can add up, so free shipping is a definite bonus.
eomgaa / Shutterstock39DollarGlasses
There’s also 39DollarGlasses. As the name suggests, its wide selection of prescription frames starts at just $39. All of the company’s sunglasses are crafted in the States and feature 100 percent UV protection. Be sure to look at its coupon page before you checkout.
Additionally, the company offers free shipping on orders over $99. And it automatically enrolls customers in its loyalty rewards program. So, you earn credit when you buy frames, which you can redeem the next time you make a purchase.
G.MARTYSHEVA / ShutterstockThe Takeaway
Prescription sunglasses don’t have to be a budget buster. You can find great deals by searching online. Before placing your order, do some comparison shopping. And be sure to look for any promo codes or coupons you can use to knock the price down even further.
Online retailers can be a great place to score deals and discounts that aren’t typically available in brick-and-mortar stores. You just need to know where to look. With a little legwork, you can get a pair of prescription sunglasses without breaking the bank.
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