Affordable Prescription Glasses from GlassesUSA

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I must be getting old. I have bifocals. In my 30’s. I’m not ready to admit that I have a hard time reading small print unless my head is cocked at the right angle. I’m also not ready to accept the incredible cost of progressive lenses. We have a crazy high deductible for our vision plan so when GlassesUSA asked me to try ordering my glasses online, I jumped at the chance. I shopped online for affordable prescription glasses at GlassesUSA for both my multi-focal prescription lenses and single-vision prescription sunglasses.

GlassesUSA Karlie Black front

Using the GlassesUSA site was fun and easy. I searched for a frame by style and color but could also specify the size that I needed simply by looking at my current frame measurements. The lens width, bridge width and temple length are all printed right inside my current frames. There’s some discrepancy as the measurement for the bridge, for example, can be dictated by the thickness of the frame itself. I also found the temple length could be off based on where the frame bent around your ear. It was a great tool for sorting out hundreds of frames that would never fit me well. If you do order multi-focal lenses online, you’ll want to ask a local optician to measure your pupil distance or look for an online app to help you do so. You’ll also need a prescription from your doctor which can be entered online or emailed.

GlassesUSA Virtual Optician

GlassesUSA also has an awesome tool that works like a virtual mirror so you can essentially “try on” the frames before you buy. I pulled up an image of myself in my old frames so I could compare how the shape looked on a new frame to what I was used to.

GlassesUSA Karlie Virtual Mirror

I love the shape and fit of my old frames but they’re simply wearing out. I was ready for a change and wanted something fun and bold.

GlassesUSA Karlie Virtual Mirror My Picks

I fell in love with the Tacoma Navy Blue frames. The Tyra Black frames were my runner-up. I could easily select multiple frames and compare them in the “My Picks” area of the site using not only their virtual mirror, but looking at the frame measurements side by side.

GlassesUSA Tacoma Navy Blue

GlassesUSA has three views available for each frame ensuring you see every detail. I Love how bold and fun these frames are! I was able to narrow down the price using their search tool as well. GlassesUSA keeps prices low by cutting out the middle man which allows discounts up to 70% off traditional pricing.

GlassesUSA Tacoma Navy Blue preview

Some frames also have a thumbnail option of either a man or woman wearing the actual frame. If you rollover the image, the view changes from front to side.

I was incredibly disappointed to find that the blue frames I had ordered were too small in the width. They squeezed my temples. I printed a shipping label online and sent them back. GlassesUSA has a pretty awesome return policy:

Should you choose to return your glasses, we’ll even pay for the postage on your return! See below for further information on exercising your rights under our 14 day money back / replacement guarantee. ?Glasses may simply be returned in their unworn, original, merchantable condition, in the original case within 14 days of receipt of your order, for:
• 100% money back guarantee or store credit
• Product exchange of equal or lesser value; GlassesUSA will not refund the difference if the exchange pair is of lesser value than the item returned.

Although I searched the site for alternative blue frames I couldn’t find another pair that would fit me. Next I tried the Tyra Black frames I had as my plan B. Unfortunately as I went to add them to my card they sold out. Nooooooo. I contacted customer service and they were incredibly helpful. They noted an estimated time for restocking and I patiently waited to reorder.

When the Tyra frame finally arrived – they were so tweaked the lens popped out when I removed them from the case to try them on. Customer service apologized for the issues with my order and I once again returned them, free of charge. I used the 110% credit to my account to get yet another frame. By this point I’d spent far far far too much time shopping online and buying/returning glasses.

GlassesUSA Karlie Black

Ultimately I wound up with this trendy Karlie Black frame for my progressive lens prescription glasses. Although I used the measurements from my perfectly fitting old frames to order these they’re still not as comfortable as I’d hoped they’d be. The width and temple length is perfect. Unfortunately the bridge is not. Maybe I’ll get used to them after some wear. I can’t bear another round trying to find an alternative.

GlassesUSA Karlie Black side

I love everything about the look and style of these frames from the classic shape and styling to the transparent inner panel on the front. The shape is a great match to what I was used to with enough variation to make them feel unique and fun.

GlassesUSA Revel Brookings front

I also ordered the Revel Brookings frames from GlassesUSA as single-vision sunglasses which I LOVE. I didn’t have any concerns or returns for these. They arrived, I put them on, they fit me perfectly and I’ve been wearing them ever since. I love how incredibly light they are.

GlassesUSA Sunglasses Tint

I simply selected the sunglasses color tint option at check-out with the polarized option to reduce glare.

GlassesUSA Revel Brookings

These prescription frames work perfectly at the beach, while driving or simply for everyday wear which is awesome for those who wear glasses full-time. I’m always jealous of my friends sporting sunglasses.

GlassesUSA Revel Brookings side

The turquoise temple piece adds a fun pop of interest on the side. They’re also available in full black or a fun variation in blue and green paired. I highly recommend this frame from GlassesUSA and debated getting the solid black as my progressive pair!

Ultimately I’m torn as to whether I’d but glasses online again. My sunglasses were a perfect fit from the start and couldn’t have been easier to shop for and buy. Unfortunately the time invested in getting the progressive frames to work was a nightmare and in the end I still don’t have a frame that fits me perfectly. Although the price of the single-vision lenses was incredibly affordable along with the frames, the addition of any progressive lens is still steep at over $130 added to the cost of the frame. Be sure to check their sales and coupons for discounts as this can often save you a great deal.

For more information and a nice mix of humor, watch their latest video here. How many frames do you think this actor wore in filming?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3 Comments

  1. I need glasses I’ve been surviving on cheap readers, often held together with scotch tape. I love how they have a ‘virtual mirror’ you can try them on – and the ones you picked look great on you. I want to keep this in mind!

  2. I know I need glasses, I cant read small print at all. I need to go get an eye exam. I have never had glasses before but I know they are not cheap. I will have to keep this site in mind.

  3. i love everything about this! soo cool that you can view them on yourself online before buying. My hubby wears glasses and this is deff a site we are going to look into!

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