Urban Optiks Optometry Logo

Why You Shouldn't Buy Your Glasses Online

Your vision is a precious gift, which should be preserved with care. The majority of us live in a highly visual world and our eyesight is essential to our interpretation of that world. Imagine what life would be like without our vision. It is truly a special gift and should be preserved with care, not sacrificed for the sake of saving money.

Ask Yourself These Questions First

How will you choose?


One of the most daunting aspects of acquiring new eyewear is the process of choosing frames. There are many factors to consider; the technical aspects of the fit, the fashion component and what frames will work best for your prescription. Can you really judge how a frame will fit your face and style without actually trying it on in person? Our experienced opticians can help you sort through the many variables and talk you through making the right choice for your needs. For instance, if you have a heavy prescription or are in need of a multifocal lens, there are certain frame shapes that will better accommodate those lens types.


Did you know that glasses are a medical device?


Frames aside, the lens is truly the most important component of the eyewear choice. Lenses are medical devices and as such, should be chosen under the direct supervision of an optometric medical professional. An optician can help you determine the best lens options for your combination of prescription and lifestyle. For instance, if you are on a computer for several hours a day, there are specific lens styles and coatings that an optician can guide you towards, to help with that specific lifestyle need. It is also important to mention that there are newer technologies that are not available from online retailers including the latest advancements in digitally surfaced lenses.


Do you want to trust your eyesight to someone you don’t know?


A study published by the Journal of the American Optometric Association showed that over half of prescription eyeglasses purchased online either failed safety standards or fell below prescription specifications. Vision safety, comfort, and accuracy cannot be confirmed when buying glasses online.


Who will help if you are unhappy with the eyeglasses?


If you are unhappy with the finished product, who can you turn to? So many things can go wrong, and you will be forced to spend countless hours on the phone or emailing the vendor, and the vendor’s capability to troubleshoot your issues will be limited. Not to mention, the costs associated with shipping and the value of your time. 


Did you know you'll actually pay more over the long haul?


Ultimately, the glasses that are available online are typically mass-produced out of the poorest quality of materials. Glasses of that nature typically don’t hold their adjustments, and require more frequent repairs. In addition, the lifespan can be as limited as 6 months to a year which will result in the need to purchase glasses more often.


Read our blog article Think Twice About Buying Online

Black picture frame with close-up picture of a lime green translucent glasses
Black picture frame with slogan inside that reads  Your  Face Is A Masterpiece Frame It Well
Black picture frame with a close-up picture of a blue translucent glasses

We're Here For You

Urban Optiks Optometry cares and can help address all your concerns. We know that picking out glasses can be a challenging process and we are here to help. We truly care about the satisfaction of our patients; how else would we be able to be so highly regarded on Yelp!?


We also know that some of our patients are concerned about the expense of new glasses. While we can’t match online prices, we do have a wide range of prices available for most budgets. In addition, any frame you get from us will come with our guarantee of satisfaction and quality which is backed by up to a two-year warranty on both our frames and lenses.

Share by: