I used to dread getting new glasses. The appointments felt like a chore. The awkward fitting sessions, where someone hovered while I tried on pair after pair, never felt comfortable. And then there was the sticker shock — you walk in thinking, “I’ll just browse,” and somehow walk out $400 lighter. It always felt rushed, impersonal, and expensive. So when a mate told me he’d bought his specs online for less than half the cost, I was curious. Sceptical, but curious. I figured, what’s the worst that could happen?

Turns out, buying affordable prescription eyeglasses online is not only easier and faster, but surprisingly reliable — that is, if you know what you’re doing. That last part really matters. This guide is for anyone who’s sick of overpriced eyewear and ready to shop smarter, from the couch, coffee in hand, and maybe even in pyjamas. Trust me, it's possible.

Why I gave up on in-store glasses

Honestly, I didn’t plan to switch. I’d always bought my glasses in-store because, well, that’s what you do. But after one too many rushed fittings and price tags that made my eyes water, I started questioning the whole process.

It wasn’t just about saving cash. It was about taking control—having time to explore options, compare styles, and not feel pressured by a salesperson hovering with a clipboard.

Turns out I’m not alone. More Australians are skipping the shop and choosing online glasses stores for a few good reasons:

• You can shop anytime. Middle of the night? No problem.
  
  

• There are more styles, more colours, more lens options.
  
  

• Prices are easier on the wallet. No fancy showroom overheads.
  
  

• It’s on your terms. No pushy upsells or tight appointment slots.
  
  

What you need before clicking “Buy Now”

Before you fill your cart with frames, there are a few essentials you’ll need on hand:

• A valid prescription. Ideally, from the past two years.
  
  

• Your pupillary distance (PD). That’s the space between your pupils, and it matters more than most people realise.
  
  

• Frame size. Not mandatory, but it helps a lot.
  
  

If your optometrist didn’t include your PD, ask. They’re required to give it. Or measure it yourself with a ruler and mirror. I did mine three times before I trusted the number.

As for frame size? Grab your old pair and check the numbers inside the arm. They look something like 52 18 140. Those refer to lens width, bridge width, and temple length. Stick to similar measurements and you’re less likely to get a weird fit.

Finding a store you can trust

Here’s the part where people get nervous. Which store do you trust with your vision?

For me, it came down to five things:

1. Clear lens info. No cryptic “premium bundle” nonsense.
   
   

2. Good return policy. Just in case things go sideways.
   
   

3. Aussie-friendly shipping. Local is better. Faster too.
   
   

4. Real support. If there’s no live chat or helpline, it’s a red flag.
   
   

5. Values. Some brands actually make their own frames locally from recycled plastic. That impressed me.
   
   

I also took a look at eye care tips from health professionals to understand what kind of lens coatings and materials made sense for my eyes. That research paid off when it came time to pick my lenses.

Lenses: What’s worth the money?

This part gets confusing fast. So let me break it down.

Most people will be choosing between:

• Single vision lenses (great for reading or distance)
  
  

• Progressives (if you need help at multiple distances)
  
  

• Blue light filters (if you live on screens like I do)
  
  

Material-wise, there’s standard plastic (cheap and solid), polycarbonate (stronger and thinner), and high-index (super thin but pricier).

Then there’s coatings. I went with anti-reflective and UV protection—no regrets. I also strongly considered blue light filtering. If your days are screen-heavy, those kinds of digital eye strain solutions are well worth a look. 

How to get the right fit online

This was my biggest concern. I have a weirdly wide face. Glasses either pinch or fall off.

Here’s what helped:

• Using my old pair’s measurements as a baseline
  
  

• Filtering search results by frame size and shape
  
  

• Choosing flexible frames that adjust slightly over time

Additionally, the site I used featured a virtual try-on option. Not perfect, but decent. You upload a photo and try on digital frames. It gave me a ballpark idea, which was better than nothing.

My first pair fit surprisingly well. I only needed to tighten the arms a little, which the local optometrist did in two minutes.

Common traps to avoid

Learn from my early mistakes. Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t guess your PD. It’s tempting. Just don’t.
  
  

• Don’t pick frames based only on looks. Size matters.
  
  

• Don’t skip the fine print. Know your return window.
  
  

• Don’t ignore health insurance. Some sites let you claim.
  
  

• Don’t assume the cheapest pair is a good deal. What’s included?
  
  

If you're still unsure, there’s a detailed explainer on how to choose glasses online that covers shapes, colours, and what flatters different face types. Worth a read.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely. My total cost was under $100, including prescription lenses and coatings. The delivery took a week. The fit was solid. And honestly, the freedom to browse at my own pace made the experience way less stressful. I even found a pair of round eyeglasses that suited my face shape better than anything I’d tried in-store.

Would I do it again? Already have. I ordered a second pair a few months later, just for variety. No regrets.

The biggest takeaway? Buying glasses online isn’t risky when you know the process. It’s empowering. And it can be surprisingly enjoyable, especially when you realise you’re spending less and getting exactly what you need.