click before you blink

It’s never been easier to order eyeglasses from the convenience of your home.

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By Brett Ballantini

Test Your Frames

Everyone cares what they look like wearing eyeglasses, so choose a retailer that allows you to upload a photo and virtually “try on” frames you’re interested in. And because a two-dimensional screen shot won’t help you determine whether your new frames will fit comfortably or correctly, some retailers let customers try out a new pair of glasses for up to two weeks.

Details Matter

The terminology and measurements in your prescription can be confusing (what’s an axis, or cylinder, or sphere?), and the details of your prescription must be just right. Lean toward a site that will accept an uploaded image of your prescription to avoid transcription errors.

before ordering. It’s essential that a retailer will redo your eyeglasses in case of error.

Tweak With Caution

It’s possible to adjust your own eyeglass frames for a better fit, but the smarter choice is to stop in at your local eye doctor and have a professional tweak them. (Note: Adjustments could come with a fee.)

Recommended Retailers

Traditionally, buying a new pair of glasses can be a hassle. The good news? Buying online is easier than ever, convenient and often inexpensive. To make the right choice, follow these guidelines:

Surf Smart

Buy only from Better Business Bureaurecommended (Check reports out online at BBB.org.) eyeglass sites, and even then, check user reviews to ensure your retailer produces a quality product with engaged customer service.

Check It Out

In case you have trouble with your new glasses, contact the website to confirm the proper prescription was applied. If it was, you’ll need to see a local eye doctor so the lenses, and your vision, can be re-examined.

Happy Returns

There’s always a chance of something going wrong along the way, so familiarize yourself with a site’s return policy and warranty

Consistently the top-ranked online eyeglass shop, Warby Parker o ers a try-at-home program that allows consumers to test up to five frames at home for five days to aid the decision process. Once you’ve ordered, ship your test frames back for free.

Eye Buy Direct is the best online outpost for quality discount eyeglasses, with frequent BOGO deals and big sales.

Taking prices a step lower, Zenni Optical specializes in stylish plastic frames. In most cases, the glasses look good and don’t cost a car payment to replace if lost or broken.