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Eyeglasses
VSP Contributor, 4 Dec 2025

Online vs. In-Store: Where to Buy Your Next Pair of Glasses

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Article Medically Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon

Buying new glasses isn’t just about picking a style you like, it’s also about how you buy them. Today, you can either browse in-person at a store, or in pajamas at home. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on your priorities.

Buying Glasses Online

Shopping for eyewear online is only getting more popular and for good reason! With endless selection and great deals (not to mention the convenience of it all), buying online certainly has its perks.

What are the advantages of shopping for glasses online?

Convenience: If you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s hard to beat the online route. No store hours to worry about, no driving across town. You can just shop whenever and wherever works best. And some websites, like Eyeconic, a VSP Vision company and VSP’s preferred online store, even have virtual tools that let you “try on” frames right from your laptop or phone.
Wider frame selection: There’s no such thing as not enough shelf space online. You can scroll for hours (or days) through styles and sizes you didn’t even know existed—including those unicorn finds: exclusive colorways and limited-edition frames that rarely make it to physical stores.
Cost savings: No overhead equals lower prices. Online retailers don’t need to pay for lighting, floor space, or fancy décor—and those savings usually get passed on to you. Add in frequent sales and bundle deals, and suddenly tossing a “backup pair” into your cart doesn’t feel like such a splurge.

Things to keep in mind when buying glasses online:

Prescription accuracy: If your eye prescription is complicated (like progressives or strong corrections), ordering online can get a little tricky. Online vision tests do not offer a comprehensive examination. Meaning, an accurate presctiption can be hard to provide. Even a small measurement miss can lead to blurry vision, eyestrain, or headaches.

Pupillary distance (PD): Your PD (the distance between your pupils) matters more than you might think. It’s what keeps your lenses properly aligned. Some sites let you measure it yourself, but that’s not always as easy as it sounds. Being just a few millimeters off can really make a difference (and not in a good way).

When buying glasses online makes sense:

You have received a clear prescription from your eye doctor and are in search of a specific style of glasses frame.
You’re confident measuring your PD.
You want a wider selection or lower prices without leaving home.

Buying Glasses in Store

If buying glasses online is all about convenience, buying them in person is all about confidence. There’s just no replacement for trying on frames and getting an expert’s take before you swipe your card. Maybe that’s why 9 out of 10 people still choose to buy their glasses in-store. Here’s why the “old-school” approach still has a lot going for it.

What are the advantages of shopping for glasses in-store?

Professional guidance: In-store, you’ve got an optician right there to steer you away from the “fun” frames that might not actually flatter your face. They’ve seen every face shape under the sun and can usually tell what frames will work best for you, just from a glance. If you’re unsure which frames suit your features, here’s a great guide for choosing the best eyeglasses for your face to look over.
Perfect fit: Leave the guessing games for the internet. In-store, you get to personally test drive every frame you want, and the optician can make sure nothing pinches, slides, or tilts. And if anything is off, most shops will fine-tune your frames for free after purchase.
Immediate service: Need a screw tightened or a frame adjusted? Walk right into a physical store! No shipping, no loading screens, no customer service chatbots. Just real humans with tiny screwdrivers who know how to fix bent frames on the spot.
Insurance made easy: Using vision coverage, like a VSP Individual Vision Plan with lots of in-network locations, can often be simpler in person. In-network locations handle claims directly, saving you the paperwork and reimbursement wait typically associated with online orders from out of network providers.

Things to keep in mind when buying glasses in-store:

Price: Brick and mortar stores have rent, utilities, and staff. That’s all overhead that can make prices a little higher than online.
Frame selection: You’ll get to physically try things on, but the tradeoff is fewer options than the endless scroll of the internet.
Time: Between appointments, travel, and waiting for lenses, the process can take a decent chunk out of your day.

When in-store makes sense:

You have a complex eye prescription (progressives, prism correction, etc.).
You prefer expert help and personalized adjustments.
You like to see and feel your options before buying.

Don’t Forget Your Eye Exam

Now, before you decide to shop online or in-person, make sure to get an eye exam first. Even the most stylish pair of glasses won’t do much if your prescription’s out of date. But an updated eye exam doesn’t just confirm your measurements for corrective lenses; it can also help spot any changes or issues in your eyes.

Once your exam’s done, it’s time to get back to the big decision at hand: where to grab your next great pair of glasses. If you’ve got a VSP Individual Vision Plan, your best move may be sticking with visiting your VSP doctor network. You’ll check off your covered exam, cash in on your savings, and walk out with the perfect pair—all in one go.

Focus on Frames That Fit You

Your glasses are like a daily sidekick, so finding a pair that fits your face and your life is a pretty big deal—regardless of where you buy them. The right frames should feel effortless (no pinching, sliding, or constant readjusting) and should be comfortable enough to wear all day. Otherwise, they could spend more time in their case than on your face.

Make sure to think about how you’ll actually live in your glasses, too. That may help you decide what type of frames to look for— lightweight and flexible, or sturdier options. And don’t forget about lens enhancements. Options like anti-glare and photochromic lenses aren’t just fancy add-ons; they make a real difference in how your glasses feel and function, day in and day out.

Online vs. In-Store Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it safe to buy prescription glasses online?

Yes, buying prescription glasses online is generally safe if you use reputable online retailers. When shopping online, look for sites with strong customer reviews, clear return policies, and secure payment options. Always double-check your prescription details before ordering.

Question: Can I use my vision insurance when buying glasses online?

Some online retailers accept vision insurance, but the process may differ from in-store purchases. Check if your provider is in-network and review how claims are handled.

Question: What should I do before buying new glasses?

Always get an up-to-date eye exam before purchasing new glasses. Getting an eye exam ensures your prescription is current and helps detect any changes in your eye health.

Making the right choice: Buy online or in-store?

In the end, shopping for glasses online or in-store both have their perks. It really comes down to what matters most to you: convenience and a huge selection, or expert guidance and a hands-on fitting experience. Either way, VSP has you covered when you need to buy eyeglasses!

But it all starts with an eye exam. Find a VSP network doctor near you, schedule an appointment, and get ready to find your next favorite pair of glasses. If you’d like to save more with a VSP Individual Vision Plan, you can see available vision plans in your state.

Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon:

Online vs. In-Store: Where to Buy Your Next Pair of Glasses Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.

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