The "To Keep Up" Wiki

A collection of information we find useful

User Tools

Site Tools


eyeglass_labs

This is an old revision of the document!


This page last changed 2025.05.23 13:10 Visits: [14 times today, 1 time yesterday, and 15 total times]

This information obtained in May 2025 using ChatGPT.

Overview Comparison of several on-line eyeglass providers

Feature Zenni Optical Goggles4u GlassesUSA EyeBuyDirect GlassesShop 39DollarGlasses Warby Parker
Price Range $6.95 โ€“ ~$200 $6.95 โ€“ ~$150 $39 โ€“ $500+ $6 โ€“ ~$250 $5.95 โ€“ ~$100+ $39 โ€“ ~$150+ $95 โ€“ $295+
Shipping (US) ~$5.95 (7โ€“14 days) ~$4.95 (2โ€“3 weeks) Free shipping & returns Free over $99, or $5.95 Free over $69; $5.95 otherwise $4.95+ (varies by method) Free shipping & returns
Returns 30-day remake/store credit 15-day returns 14-day full refund/return 14-day fit & style return 30-day return policy 30-day return policy 30-day return policy
Try-On Tools Virtual try-on (photo) Basic try-on Advanced virtual try-on Virtual try-on (photo/video) Virtual try-on (photo) None Virtual try-on & Home Try-On
Prescription Types Single, bifocal, progressives All types incl. high-index All types incl. Rx sunglasses All types incl. blue light Single, bifocal, progressives Single, bifocal, progressives Single, bifocal, progressives
Frames Available 1000+ 1000+ 7000+ 2000+ 1000+ 1000+ 1000+
Lens Options Standard, blue light, photochromic Standard to high-index Transitions, anti-glare, etc. Similar wide selection Standard, blue light, photochromic Standard, blue light, photochromic Standard, blue light, photochromic
Customer Support Email only Email/live chat Phone, chat, email Chat, email, phone Email, phone Email, phone Phone, chat, email
Made Where? China Pakistan/Thailand Varies (some U.S.) U.S./China depending China USA Italy, Vietnam, Japan, China
Spring Hinge Availability โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link โœ… Yes link
Single Vision Lenses Included with frames Included with frames Included with frames Included with frames Included with frames Included with frames Included with frames
Progressive Lenses From $52.95 Varies; discounts available Starting at $129 (before discounts) Starting at $99 (frame + lenses) From $49.95 From $79 Starting at $295
Lens Coatings & Add-ons Anti-reflective: $4.95; Photochromic: varies; Blue light filter: varies Tinting: $10; Other coatings: varies Blue light filter: $29; Transitionsยฎ: varies Blue light filter: $19; Other coatings: varies Anti-reflective, UV protection, scratch-resistant: varies Anti-reflective, UV protection, scratch-resistant: varies Included: Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protection

Notes:

  • Price Range: Reflects the typical cost for frames; lens options and add-ons may increase the total price.
  • Shipping (US): Shipping costs and times may vary based on location and shipping method chosen.
  • Returns: Return policies are subject to change; always check the retailer's website for the most current information.
  • Try-On Tools: Virtual try-on tools may require camera access; Home Try-On programs typically allow you to try frames at home before purchasing.
  • Prescription Types: Availability of prescription types may vary by frame selection.
  • Lens Options: Includes available lens materials and treatments; some options may incur additional costs.
  • Customer Support: Availability of support channels may vary by retailer and time.
  • Made Where?: Indicates the primary manufacturing locations; some retailers may source from multiple countries.
  • Spring Hinge Availability: Indicates whether spring hinge frames are available; selection may vary.
  • Lens Coatings & Add-ons: Prices and availability of coatings and add-ons may vary; some retailers include certain coatings at no extra charge.

๐Ÿ” Detailed Highlights

๐Ÿ”น Zenni Optical

  • Pros:
    • Very affordable.
    • Tons of kid and adult styles.
    • Great for backup/spare glasses.
  • Cons:
    • No refunds (only store credit or 50% remake).
    • Slower shipping.
    • Basic support.
  • Positive Feedback:
    • Affordable pricing with a wide selection of frames.
    • Durable and stylish glasses.
    • High customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Negative Feedback:
    • Some complaints about return process and customer service responsiveness.
  • Best For: Budget buyers, kids, or backup glasses.

๐Ÿ”น Goggles4u

  • Pros:
    • Extremely low prices.
    • Wide frame selection.
    • Good for international orders.
  • Cons:
    • Slower fulfillment/shipping (2โ€“3 weeks).
    • Shorter return window.
    • Build quality is hit-or-miss.
  • Positive Feedback:
    • Extremely low prices.
    • Wide variety of frames.
  • Negative Feedback:
    • Reports of long shipping times.
    • Mixed reviews on product quality and customer service.
  • Best For: Super budget-conscious shoppers willing to wait.

๐Ÿ”น GlassesUSA

  • Pros:
    • Huge selection, including designer brands (Ray-Ban, Oakley, etc.).
    • Advanced virtual try-on with webcam.
    • Easy returns/refunds.
  • Cons:
    • More expensive than budget options.
    • Upsells can add up quickly (coatings, lens types).
  • Positive Feedback:
    • Large selection, including designer brands.
    • Advanced virtual try-on features.
    • Generally positive customer experiences.
  • Negative Feedback:
    • Some customers reported issues with order fulfillment and customer service.
  • Best For: People wanting name-brand glasses or full-service experience.

๐Ÿ”น EyeBuyDirect

  • Pros:
    • Affordable with stylish frames.
    • Frequent sales/promos (BOGO, 20โ€“30% off).
    • Good lens/lens coating options.
  • Cons:
    • Mid-level quality (some say not durable for rough daily use).
    • Refund policy only for style/fit, not Rx issues.
  • Positive Feedback:
    • Affordable and stylish frames.
    • User-friendly website with virtual try-on.
    • Positive customer experiences.
  • Negative Feedback:
    • Occasional reports of frame durability issues.
  • Best For: Style-conscious shoppers on a budget.

GlassesShop

  • Pros
    • Affordable pricing with frequent promotions.
    • Wide selection of over 2,000 frame styles.
    • Offers a 90-day warranty covering manufacturing defects.
    • Virtual try-on feature to assist in frame selection.
    • Free shipping on orders over $69.
    • 30-day return and exchange policy.
    • 365-day frame guarantee.
  • Cons
    • Shipping times can be longer than expected.
    • Customer service not available 24/7.
    • Virtual try-on tool may not accurately represent fit for all face shapes.
    • Some users report fit issues with certain frames.
  • Positive Feedback
    • Customers appreciate the combination of quality and affordability.
    • Easy-to-use website and responsive customer service.
    • Fast shipping experiences reported by many users.
  • Negative Feedback
    • Reports of receiving glasses with incorrect prescriptions.
    • Some customers experienced difficulties with refunds or replacements.
    • Instances of frames breaking shortly after purchase.
  • Best For
    • Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a wide variety of styles.
    • Individuals comfortable with online shopping and virtual try-on tools.
    • Those looking for affordable eyewear with warranty protection.

39DollarGlasses

  • Pros
    • Competitive pricing starting at $39 for basic frames and lenses.
    • Offers a range of lens options, including bifocals, progressives, and photochromic lenses.
    • Fast shipping and reasonable return policies.
    • User-friendly website with straightforward navigation.
  • Cons
    • Quality control issues reported, such as receiving glasses with defects.
    • Customer service experiences vary; some users report unhelpful interactions.
    • Some customers received glasses with incorrect prescriptions.
  • Positive Feedback
    • Many customers satisfied with the affordability and quality of glasses.
    • Appreciation for the variety of lens options available.
    • Quick turnaround times for orders.
  • Negative Feedback
    • Instances of poor quality control leading to defective products.
    • Challenges with customer service when resolving issues.
    • Reports of lenses arriving chipped or scratched.
  • Best For
    • Shoppers seeking affordable eyewear with a variety of lens options.
    • Individuals needing basic prescription glasses without complex requirements.
    • Those prioritizing cost over premium quality.

Warby Parker

  • Pros
    • Stylish frames with a modern aesthetic.
    • Home Try-On program allows customers to try five frames at home for free.
    • Physical retail locations available for in-person assistance.
    • Free shipping and returns on all orders.
    • Offers eye exams and prescription renewals through their app.
    • Social responsibility initiatives, including the โ€œBuy a Pair, Give a Pairโ€ program.
  • Cons
    • Higher price point compared to some online competitors.
    • Limited to Warby Parker's own brand; no third-party designer frames.
    • Virtual try-on feature requires an iOS device.
    • Some customers report issues with lens durability and scratching.
  • Positive Feedback
    • High customer satisfaction with frame styles and quality.
    • Excellent customer service, both online and in-store.
    • Convenient and user-friendly shopping experience.
  • Negative Feedback
    • Reports of lenses scratching easily, even with proper care.
    • Some users experienced delays in order processing and shipping.
    • Challenges with virtual try-on accuracy for certain face shapes.
  • Best For
    • Customers seeking a blend of online convenience and in-person service.
    • Individuals looking for fashionable frames with the option to try before buying.
    • Those interested in supporting socially responsible companies.

๐Ÿ† Summary Recommendations

Use Case Best Option
Budget-Friendly Options Zenni, Goggles4u, GlassesShop, 39DollarGlasses
Designer Frames Selection GlassesUSA, SmartBuyGlasses
Stylish and Affordable EyeBuyDirect
Advanced Virtual Try-On GlassesUSA, EyeBuyDirect
Home Try-on Warby Parker, Liingo Eyewear
Quick Shipping & Returns GlassesUSA
eyeglass_labs.1748031013.txt.gz ยท Last modified: by Steve Isenberg