Imagine you’re lying down on your couch, looking through some frames for a new pair of prescription glasses. You find one you really like, put in your prescription information and then twelve to twenty-four hours later you are holding those glasses in your hand. Sounds like a concept of the future right? Well, it’s not– It’s a concept of the twenty-first century and it’s only getting more and more popular.
Getting same day glasses can be a real lifesaver, especially during vision emergencies. But even without an emergency, it’s a really convenient option, for when you buy your next pair of prescription glasses. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of ordering same day glasses online.
Stating the Obvious: You Get Your Glasses on the Same Day
Pro: The pro here is pretty obvious, you get your glasses much quicker than you usually would (standard two to three weeks). This option is convenient for many reasons; maybe you are traveling and you lose or break your glasses. In this situation, being able to get same day glasses with your exact prescription is an absolute lifesaver. But even besides emergency situations, it’s just much more convenient to not have to wait two to three weeks to get your new prescription glasses.
Con: The rush service fee. Of course, every rose has its thorn; if you want to be able to get your glasses the next day, you are going to have to pay for it. The rush service fee is usually about $50-60. Although if we consider the fact that glasses tend to be more affordable online, the rush service fee will only bring the price up to standard brick and mortar store prices, so it’s not necessarily the most absurd fee.
Prescription
Pro: Your current prescription is required for a new pair of glasses. If you don’t happen to have yours on hand, a lot of online optical retailers will contact your eye care professional for you. There’s also another option– they can copy the prescription from your current lenses (although this wouldn’t necessarily be an option if the prescription that was used for your current lenses is outdated).
Con: There isn’t any online eye exam or prescription check available. If it so happens that you need a new pair of prescription glasses as soon as possible for whatever reason, and you haven’t had an eye exam in over two years– you are going to need to visit your optometrist for an eye exam, which will definitely lengthen the process. It would be a lot easier if there could be a way to take an eye exam or prescription check online, but that’s something that could definitely be possible in the future.
Frame Catalog
Pro: Online optical shops usually have a huge catalog to choose from, practically guaranteeing that you’ll find the frame that is perfect for you. It’s also really convenient that you can find many different kinds of brands, colors, styles and shapes all in one place, instead of having to go from store to store, trying to find a frame that suits your style. Another really cool thing is that you can filter your searches based on color, brand, size, shape, style, material and face shape, making your search a lot easier and quicker.
Con: Although you have a huge frame catalog to choose from, at most online optical shops contact lenses and eye accessories aren’t available. Online optical shops are mainly only a good option for a new pair of prescription glasses, or lens replacements.
Lens Options
Pro: Online optical shops tend to have more options for lens thickness, coatings and treatments, then standard brick and mortar stores. You can choose between standard polycarbonate lenses, thinner 1,67 high index lenses and Trivex lenses for lens thickness. For lens coatings and treatments, you can add blue light, anti-glare, anti-fatigue, light responsive, anti-scratch, UV protective and more. It’s really convenient to be able to have all of these lens options, especially if you have special vision needs.
Con: Progressive and bifocal lenses usually will take longer to deliver. While the rush service usually means you’ll get your prescription glasses delivered within twelve to twenty-four hours, progressive and bifocal lenses take longer to make, so you would have to wait around three to seven days to receive your prescription glasses. This can be kind of annoying, especially if it’s an emergency and you need your glasses delivered as soon as possible.
There you have it, the pros and cons of ordering same day glasses online. If we take an overall look, it’s pretty safe to say that the pros override the cons. There really are so many advantages, and it’s a really good option especially for people who are busy or on the go. Have fun shopping!