Online Eyeglasses Retailers Cost Half as Much as In-Store Chains

Shoppers purchasing prescription eyewear online spent a median of $125, while those buying in person paid a median of $220. Consumer Reports released this data in a survey of nearly 60,000 members, revealing a substantial cost difference between the two purchasing methods. The analysis aims to guide the 68 percent of adults who wear prescription glasses toward the most cost-effective options.

For in-store shoppers, warehouse clubs dominated the satisfaction rankings. Costco Optical secured the top spot for overall member satisfaction. Sam's Club Optical and BJ's Optical also received high marks in the evaluation. Members cited convenience, customer service, and price as the primary factors influencing their choice of retailer.

Online retailers also performed well in the study. Payne Glasses and Warby Parker appeared in the top five rankings, earning very good scores for customer service. These digital outlets allow consumers to avoid the higher median price associated with physical storefronts.

Fitting glasses without trying them on presents a challenge. Consumer Reports advises buyers to measure a pair of glasses that already fits well. The bridge width, listed as the middle number of the three figures printed on the inside of the frame, is a key metric for ensuring a proper fit.

The study distinguishes between the cost of the product and the quality of the service. While online stores offer lower median prices, physical locations like Costco Optical lead in overall satisfaction scores. Buyers can use the bridge width measurement from existing frames to select a new pair online that matches their current fit.