Individual trying on new eyeglasses at Pennridge Opticians

Buying Glasses Online May Be No Bargain

Online shopping touts savings and convenience, but when it comes to making an investment in one’s health, should consumers leave their eyesight up to a few hasty mouse clicks? According to a study, researchers asked 10 individuals to purchase two pairs of eyeglasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from 10 of the most popular online optical vendors. Of the 200 pairs ordered, only 154 pairs were received, and several of those were delivered incorrectly, e.g., single vision instead of bifocals or with/without selected lens treatments. But of those eyeglasses received, the study reported:

  • 44.8% had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues;
  • 29% had at least one lens fail to meet required prescription;
  • 19% of adult lenses failed impact resistance testing; and,
  • 25% of children’s lenses failed impact resistance testing

For more information, please refer to “A Closer Look at Ordering Eyeglasses Online,” a helpful PDF provided by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Download PDF