How To Buy Eyeglasses With Insurance Online
So, you’re ready for a new pair of glasses, but you want to shop from the convenience of your home rather than in a store. While there’s certainly a lot to account for when buying glasses online from a Glasses shop, it’s not as complicated as you may think. And, if you're insured, the process is even cheaper. These days, you can buy prescription glasses online with insurance, without having to visit a physical store.
If you’re usually accustomed to shopping directly from your eye doctor or a local optical shop, this step-by-step guide will be your new, digital consultant to navigating the world of online prescriptions!
Step 1: Know Your Prescription
Before you purchase new glasses, you’ll need to know your current prescription. Make an appointment with an optometrist to ensure you’ve got an up-to-date prescription for your eyeglasses Canada or elsewhere. They'll also measure your pupillary distance (PD) and check for eye diseases like glaucoma. When you’ve had your eyes assessed, be sure to have this information readily available to ensure you enter the proper prescription at checkout.
It’s generally recommended you get your eyes tested every two years, unless you notice a decline in your vision. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, you’ll need to schedule an eye exam.
Step 2: Choose A Retailer
Many online vendors offer a host of sturdy and stylish frames. Consult a friend, perform a quick Google search, or join an eyeglasses forum to see where the world is shopping. This will help you make an educated decision in terms of quality, service, and salesmanship.
It’s also important to read the reviews of these popular eyeglass websites. Check Yelp, Google, or Facebook to see what other customers are saying about the company you’re considering.
When shopping around, it’s good practice to ensure your vision insurance is accepted at the specific retailers you’re browsing.
Step 3: Pick Out Frames
Purchasing a new pair of eyeglasses is an entirely personal one, and the most exciting element is the thrill of the shop! Make sure to select a pair you know will be versatile, both in terms of color and style. Remember, your eyeglasses are a statement, so you’ll want to understand how to find frames that suit your face shape and complement you.
It’s important to consider your past frames and what you liked or disliked about them. Were they too wide, or too heavy? What’s your favorite frame style? Are you a fan of the cat-eye, the rimless, or even a horned rim? What color are you interested in? Take this time to peruse your closet, too. Which outfits do you wear regularly that you want to match your new specs?
Step 4: Decision Time
Having a set budget will help eliminate some browsing time, too, as most websites can be filtered by price and brand.
When picking a pair, get a friend or family member to see you in your prospective specs. You could even upload a few to your social media and see what the consensus is if you’re stuck. You’ll find that it’s easier to decide with your loved ones involved.
Some sites even have virtual try-on widgets that use your webcam to show what the glasses would actually look like on your face. No more guessing!
Step 5: The Selection
If you’ve narrowed yourself down to one or two favorites, you’ll want to plug in your prescription and pupillary distances that you’ve collected your optometrist. This will make sure you’re choosing the best glasses for your particular eyesight! For instance, some heavier prescriptions won’t suit light frames.
Then, it’s time to consider upgrades. Most websites will offer some additional options at check-out. These range from blue-light-blocking to anti-scratch, or lenses that darken when basked in sunlight. The options you add are a matter of personal preference, but be sure to check with your optometrist too, in case they have any specific recommendations for your eyes. It’s important to be informed so you choose the best glasses for you.
Step 6: Review
While you may be confident in your current selections, be proactive, and study the return policy and/or terms of sale that each website offers. They’ll vary from retailer to retailer, so having clear expectations about the process is important, just in case you may need to return or exchange them. This way, if anything happens, you’ll have an understanding of the process.
Step 7: Order
Before you hit that big, scary order button, make sure to verify your prescription and the coverage expectations with your insurance company. Then, once you’ve double checked this information, picked your perfect frame style, color, and added any upgrades, you’ll be ready to order! Here, you’ll also note any shipping prices and time estimates, so be sure to take note of when you can expect your new frames, and pick a shipping option that works best for you.
Once you’re comfortable to continue, go ahead and press that ‘submit order’ button with feverous glee! You’ve successfully ordered some stylish new frames and will be well on your way to turning all sorts of heads! All eyes on you!
Conclusion
Ordering glasses online may be new, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. As long as you’re equipped with an up-to-date prescription, research a reputable retailer, ensure your insurance will cover your selection, and pick a style you’re comfortable with, the process is bound to be a breeze.
