One nurse I work with has an insane number of glasses, matching every pair of scrubs she owns. I figured she just wore non-prescription glasses to keep stuff from splashing in her eyes. One night I commented on the bright orange frames that she had on and I was shocked to learn that her prescription was as bad as mine. “Haven’t I told you where I get my glasses? I order them online from the best website.” She then showed me the site http://www.zennioptical.com which listed hundreds of prescription glasses priced between $6.95 and $46. This is not the frame price – this is the price for frames, lenses, everything. There is a small charge for bifocals, anti-glare and tinted lenses but the price is still insanely cheap. I had my doubts that the glasses would work as well as my current pair and that the prescription would be exactly right. However, my toddler had bent my current pair and I had some health care saving account money to blow so I figured I would try it out. At this price I could afford to be disappointed.

I uploaded a photo of me (a wedding photo, one of the only days I wasn’t wearing my glasses) and started to virtually try on pairs. It was really fun. I ended up ordering four pairs but I had to hold myself back from ordering more. I didn’t want to get a whole bunch and have them give me headaches. I entered all my prescription information into the form for each pair of glasses. They require a pupil distance which apparently some opthamologists don’t include on the prescription but luckily my guy at Costco did. Otherwise they show you how to measure it.  Shipping was only $4.95 (no limit on how many you can ship for that price). I got three regular glasses and a pair of sunglasses all for $50.

The Verdict

The glasses came after about two weeks or so. The prescription was right on. No problems with switching from pair to pair. No headaches or any other sign that the lens wasn’t made correctly. They all fit well. I am not going to lie, though. I can tell these are not expensive glasses. I ordered at the bottom of the price range. They are stylish and cute but are not going to withstand tons of abuse. However, things might be different when you order the $46 ones. They do look a little more high end. You definitely get more for what you pay for when you compare how much glasses cost at Costco or a private optical store.

I would definitely recommend this site. It is perfect for people who are broke without insurance but need a new pair of glasses or for people who want a different pair for each mood and outfit (I know you are out there).   I plan on ordering a red pair and a few others very soon.

Below are my four picks.  I was having fun with Piknik photo editing on Picasa so pardon the colors.

I love these! I wanted the biggest frames possible as that is the trend. $12.95!!!

This pair is green with red snowflakes on the side. I like the half frames and will likely order more in this style with different colors.

I call these the Rachel Maddow Pair. Super nerdy, like the pair Maddow wears off set. They overwhelm my face a little but are fun for something different

I didn't like this pair at all when I first got them. I didn't think they fit right Now that I am used to them I really like them.