Skip to main content

5 tips for getting prescription eyeglasses online

March 12, 2022

If you’re like most people, you’ve likely purchased your eyeglasses in the past from optical shops. But now you have the option of buying prescription eyeglasses online. You have your prescription, but the process feels intimidating since you’re not sure what to expect.

No need to worry. Our team at Raphael Opticians is here for you. We custom-make and ship prescription eyeglasses from White Plains, NY, so you can order your new eyewear from the comforts of your home.

Check out our five best tips on how to make buying prescription eyeglasses online easier.

1. Make sure your prescription is updated

Before you buy eyeglasses online, you need to have an up-to-date prescription. If you’re unsure whether your prescription is current, check first with your eye doctor to avoid any mistakes.

A prescription, by standard, is valid for two years for adults and one year for teens and children.

Once you get your prescription, check the following details which you’ll need when ordering your eyeglasses online:

  • Sphere
  • ADD
  • Cylinder
  • Axis

Don’t hesitate to ask your optical shop or eye doctor about these measurements if you’re unsure.

2. Know your pupillary distance

Not all prescriptions include the pupillary distance or the distance between the center of one pupil to the center of your other pupil.

This is important when buying prescription eyeglasses online since your pupillary distance is the basis for ensuring that your frames are centered over your eyes. You wouldn’t want ill-fitting eyeglasses that can cause headaches.

Ideally, ask your optometrist to include your pupillary distance measurements when getting a prescription so you don’t have to worry about having to do it again when making your online order.

3. Select the right frames

Now that you have your prescription and know your pupillary distance, choosing the right frames is the next big consideration when buying your prescription eyeglasses online.

When choosing frames for your eyeglasses, consider your face shape and the look you’re going for. What frame best complements your face shape? Do you want to go for a clean, hipster, or serious look?

How about the frame size? Do you want frames that are a bit oversized, mini, or just the right fit? Decide also on the kind of frame you want. Do you want plastic, wire rims, or steel frames?

At Raffy’s, as we’re fondly called, we use special polymers to design your prescription eyeglasses so that you can have more durable, and more scratch-resistant eyewear while also enjoying better vision.

4. Choose the right lens

Once you’ve decided on your frames, it’s time to choose the right lens for your eyeglasses.

Online retailers offer a variety of lens types depending on your needs and prescription.

Some examples include single vision lens, progressive lens, and bifocal lens.

Depending on your prescription, online retailers also have a prescription index on how thin or thick your lens can be. You can also choose to upgrade your lens by adding an anti-scratch coating, or blue-light blocking, especially if you work in front of a screen most of the time.

5. Know the refund and return policy

Before you purchase your prescription eyeglasses online, check first the refund and return policy of the online retailer.

Know additional charges you might incur, the waiting time, as well as the process when requesting a refund or returning your prescription eyeglasses.

Reading over the online store’s refund and return policy will come in handy if you find that the prescription eyeglasses you bought aren’t right for you. You should be able to do after-sales business with the store without any hassle.

Contact us for your prescription eyeglasses

If you need new prescription eyeglasses, Raphael Opticians is here to provide you with durable and stylish eyeglasses. With over 58 years in business, we have mastered the art of crafting durable and custom prescription eyewear for our customers.

Simply give us a call at 914-949-0575 or fill out our contact form to get started. You can also email us at info@raphaelopticians.com for inquiries.

Elderly lady wearing prescripton eyeglasses