Prescription eyeglasses are essential for clear vision and eye health, but with so many options available, choosing the right place to buy them can be overwhelming. Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the hands-on experience of visiting an optical store, this guide will help you find the best places to buy prescription glasses.

Where to Buy Prescription Glasses?

1. Local Optical Stores & Eye Clinics

Optical stores and eye clinics offer a hands-on experience where professionals can assist with frame selection and lens fitting. Many optical stores also provide eye exams, ensuring that your prescription is up-to-date.

Benefits:

  • Personalized service from trained opticians
  • Ability to try on different frames
  • Immediate adjustments and fittings
  • Access to insurance benefits and warranties

Recommended Retailers:

  • LensCrafters
  • Visionworks
  • Walmart Vision Center
  • Local independent optical shops

2. Online Retailers for Prescription Glasses

Online eyewear retailers have revolutionized the industry by offering convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide selection of frames.

Benefits:

  • Lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores
  • Virtual try-on tools to preview glasses on your face
  • Home delivery with hassle-free returns
  • Customization options for lenses (blue light blocking, transitions, anti-glare, etc.)

Top Online Retailers:

  • Warby Parker
  • Zenni Optical
  • EyeBuyDirect
  • GlassesUSA
  • FramesDirect

3. Big-Box Retailers & Pharmacies

Stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target offer in-store optical services at competitive prices, often with discounts for members.

Benefits:

  • Affordable prices and bulk purchase options
  • On-site optometrists for eye exams
  • Convenient one-stop shopping experience

4. Luxury & Designer Boutiques

For those who prefer high-end eyewear, designer boutiques and luxury brands offer exclusive frames with premium craftsmanship.

Popular Brands:

  • Ray-Ban
  • Oakley
  • Prada
  • Gucci
  • Tom Ford

5. Second-Hand & Discount Glasses Retailers

For budget-conscious shoppers, second-hand and discount retailers provide refurbished or clearance frames at significantly reduced prices.

Options:

  • Goodwill and thrift stores
  • Overstock and clearance sales at optical stores
  • Online marketplaces like eBay

What to Consider When Buying Prescription Glasses

1. Frame Material & Style

  • Metal: Durable and lightweight
  • Plastic: Affordable and stylish
  • Titanium: Hypoallergenic and long-lasting
  • Rimless: Minimalist and lightweight

2. Lens Type & Coatings

  • Single Vision: Corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • Bifocal: For both near and distance vision
  • Progressive: No-line bifocals
  • Anti-Reflective Coating: Reduces glare
  • UV Protection: Shields eyes from harmful rays

3. Pricing & Insurance

  • Compare prices across different retailers
  • Check if insurance covers prescription glasses
  • Look for discounts and seasonal sales

Conclusion

Finding the right prescription eyeglasses is a balance of quality, affordability, and personal preference. Whether you buy from an optical store, an online retailer, or a discount outlet, ensure you have the right prescription and a frame that fits comfortably.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry