Buying prescription glasses online has never been easier. With lower prices, thousands of frame styles, and the convenience of shopping from home, more Australians are choosing to order their glasses online instead of visiting a traditional optical store.
If you've never purchased glasses online before, you might be wondering whether it's safe, how to read your prescription, and how to make sure your new glasses fit properly.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Traditional optical stores often have high overhead costs, which can make glasses surprisingly expensive.
Online eyewear retailers can offer the same quality lenses and frames at significantly lower prices because they operate more efficiently and pass those savings on to customers.
Benefits of buying glasses online include:
Many Australians are surprised to discover they can purchase complete prescription glasses online for less than the cost of replacement lenses alone at some traditional retailers.
Before ordering prescription glasses online, you'll need a valid prescription from an optometrist.
In Australia, it's generally recommended that adults have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by their eye care professional.
Your prescription will include information such as:
Most online retailers allow you to enter these values during checkout.
If you don't have a current prescription, book an eye examination before ordering.
Many people receive their prescription and have no idea what the numbers mean.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Measures short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia).
Measures the amount of astigmatism.
Determines the orientation of astigmatism correction.
Additional magnification required for reading in multifocal lenses.
Don't worry if these terms seem confusing. Most online optical stores provide simple prescription forms that guide you through entering the information correctly. To understand this better please click here
Pupillary Distance (PD) is the measurement between the centres of your pupils.
This measurement helps ensure your lenses are positioned correctly within the frame.
Some optometrists include PD on your prescription. If not, you can often:
Accurate PD measurements help maximise comfort and visual clarity.
Not every frame suits every face shape.
As a general guide:
Best suited to:
Best suited to:
Most frame styles work well.
Best suited to:
Choosing a frame that complements your face shape can dramatically improve your overall look.
Frame measurements are usually printed on the inside arm of your existing glasses.
You'll typically see numbers such as:
These represent:
If your current glasses fit well, choosing similar measurements is often the safest option.
One of the biggest advantages of modern online eyewear shopping is virtual try-on technology.
A virtual mirror allows you to:
This makes it much easier to choose frames confidently before placing an order.
The right lenses are just as important as the frame.
Common lens options include:
Suitable for distance or reading correction.
Provide clear vision at multiple distances without changing glasses.
Designed for people who spend long hours on digital devices.
Automatically darken in sunlight and clear indoors.
Combine vision correction with UV protection.
Consider how and where you'll use your glasses before choosing your lenses.
Lens coatings can improve durability and visual comfort.
Popular options include:
Reduces glare and reflections.
Helps protect lenses from everyday wear.
Protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Makes lenses easier to clean.
Many Australians find anti-reflective coating particularly beneficial for driving and computer work.
Before placing your order, double-check:
Taking a few extra minutes can help avoid delays or mistakes.
Yes, Optically is affiliated with Australian private health funds that provide benefits for prescription eyewear under extras cover.
Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim:
Always check your fund's specific coverage and limits.
When buying glasses online, avoid these common errors:
A little preparation can help ensure a smooth experience.
At Optically, we make buying prescription glasses online simple and affordable.
Benefits include:
Whether you're looking for everyday prescription glasses, multifocals, blue light lenses or prescription sunglasses, Optically offers quality eyewear without the traditional retail markup.
Ready to find your next pair?
Browse our collection of affordable prescription glasses and discover why more Australians are making the switch to buying eyewear online.
Shop Prescription Glasses Online at Optically Today.