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Traditional optometrist offices and glasses retailers tend to overcharge or upsell you on their frames, but it's easier to skirt this awkward and painfully expensive process today. Grab your prescription and go to your laptop or phone instead. There are now many online glasses retailers that can provide a seamless, convenient, and affordable shopping experience. 

As a glasses-wearer, you probably often feel like you're being punished for not having perfect vision, but these retailers let you enjoy shopping for glasses again. They offer a large variety of frames, are able to accommodate all different lens types, and even throw in a nice discount now and then. 

Some other things to take into consideration when shopping online for glasses are whether the retailer accepts insurance and FSA/HSA dollars, offers a virtual try-on option (and if not, whether there's a generous return and exchange policy), and has kids' styles if you want to shop for the whole family. All of the following places either accept insurance or provide you with the info to help you get a reimbursement. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends style products.

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at GlassesUSA.com: 

Why you should shop at GlassesUSA.com: GlassesUSA.com is the largest online eyewear retailer, operating in over 92 countries, and selling both designer and in-house brands. Though prices can run into the hundreds and even thousands because of the designer-leaning selection, it often runs sales and promotions that can help you save on a sleek new pair of glasses. There are multiple ways to give your prescription information: You can fill it out online, upload it, have your doctor send it directly to the site, or use previously saved information. 

Virtual try-on option: Yes. You can use its virtual mirror, and see its guides for how to find your frame size and the best glasses for your face shape. It has a 30-day free return and exchange policy. 

Insurance and other programs: GlassesUSA.com does not accept insurance but can provide you with the information necessary for a reimbursement. It does accept FSA and HSA dollars for prescription eyewear and sunglasses purchases.  

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at YesGlasses:

All glasses start at as low as $29 with prescription lenses but can be customized to include thinner lenses, polarized, or gradient lenses for sunglasses.

Why you should shop at YesGlasses: Unless you're set on having glasses from a specific brand name, YesGlasses is a great place to shop for eyewear. Many of its frames closely resemble popular styles from name-brand designs you're probably looking for — and they're a fraction of the cost. 

Virtual try-on option: YesGlasses has a virtual try-on service that can give you a good idea of what the frames will look like on your face.

Insurance: YesGlasses accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts(FSA) for purchasing prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, as long as your FSA or HSA account is affiliated with a major credit card. For all other insurance, YesGlasses can provide a detailed copy of the invoice so you can request reimbursement through your insurance provider.

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at EyeBuyDirect:

Why you should shop at EyeBuyDirect: Not only are EyeBuyDirect's frames incredibly affordable, but they're also really stylish, so you never feel like you have to decide between your wallet and your look. They're made from metal and premium acetate and hold up well, and since they're so inexpensive, you can get multiple pairs if you tire of wearing the same frames every day. Lenses start at just $7, and available options include single-vision distance, reading lenses, Transition lenses, progressives, and bifocals. 

Virtual try-on option: No. But you can see its guides on how to pick glasses for your face shape and how to take frame measurements. It has a 14-day free exchange and return policy. 

Insurance and other programs: EyeBuyDirect does not accept insurance but can provide you with the information necessary for a reimbursement. It does accept FSA and HSA dollars for prescription eyewear and sunglasses purchases.  

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at Zenni:

Why you should shop at Zenni: Similarly affordable is Zenni Optical, where it's easy to shop by style, face shape, and collection. You can also find specialty frames such as Sports Glasses and Goggles, so the range of options is truly diverse. It's a great place to shop for the whole family because it separates the kids section further into little kid, pre-teen, and teen categories. Its resource library of guides is robust and demystifies all your questions about the costs of wearing glasses, why you might want to consider progressives, and many more topics. 

Virtual try-on option: Yes. Use Zenni's video capture tool to get a 180-degree view of how the frames will look on you. It has a 30-day return policy where you can get 50% back directly or 100% back in store credit. 

Insurance and other programs: Zenni does not accept insurance but can provide you with the information necessary for a reimbursement. It does accept FSA and HSA dollars for prescription eyewear and sunglasses purchases.  

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at Warby Parker: 

Why you should shop at Warby Parker: Most of Warby Parker's frames cost $95 and include the price of the lenses (if you get the classic, non-blue light, and non-light responsive ones). This does make them pricier than other online glasses brands, but you do get the benefit of free Home Try-On, a large variety of on-trend styles to choose from, and the opportunity to visit a physical Warby Parker location near you. In addition, the company distributes a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. 

Virtual try-on option: Yes. Its iOS app features a Virtual Try-On option. It also has a Home Try-On program where you can pick out five frames to have sent to your house for free. You have five days to try them and decide which to keep. Send them all back and Warby will send you a fresh pair. It has a 30-day free return and exchange policy. 

Insurance and other programs: Warby Parker accepts insurance from major providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, etc. If your provider is not listed, you will need to contact your insurance company directly for reimbursement. Check your vision benefits here. 

Warby Parker also accepts FSA and HSA dollars for all prescription eyewear purchases.

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at Felix Gray: 

Why you should shop at Felix Gray: Felix Gray started primarily as a computer glasses company, highlighting the negative effects of our increasingly digital world. All of its glasses contain a blue light filter to provide relief from the harsh light of our computer and phone screens. If you already know you want blue light glasses, Felix Gray is probably the most convenient place to get them since it bundles the feature directly into all its prescription glasses options. 

Virtual try-on option: No. Check Felix Gray's Fit Guide to see which pair will look best. It has a 30-day free return and exchange policy. 

Insurance and other programs: Felix Gray does not accept insurance but can provide you with the information necessary for a reimbursement. It does accept FSA and HSA dollars for prescription eyewear and sunglasses purchases.  

Types of prescription eyewear you can shop at Eyeconic: 

Why you should shop at Eyeconic: Eyeconic is part of VSP Vision Care and thus accepts insurance. It also helps connect you to 38,000 doctors if you need an optometrist, giving you a more convenient and online-centric version of the traditional eye care experience. Like GlassesUSA, it offers designer brands as well as many discounts and promotions — the difference is that Eyeconic is more closely tied to the eye care professional community and insurance companies, plus it has a couple of retail one-stop shops. 

Virtual try-on option: Yes. Use Eyeconic's video capture tool to get a 180-degree view of how the frames will look on you. It has a 30-day free return and exchange policy. 

Insurance and other programs: Accepts insurance from VSP, MetLife, and Cigna Vision. If your provider is not listed, you will need to contact your insurance company directly for reimbursement. 

Eyeconic also accepts FSA and HSA dollars for all prescription eyewear purchases. 

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