As someone who wears prescription glasses, I understand the struggles of buying glasses from a traditional optician. Not only can it be quite expensive, but it can also be inconvenient. This is why many people have started to turn towards online glasses retailers like Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical. By shopping online, you can browse through thousands of frames, make prescription sunglasses and lenses from the comfort of your own home, and save money.
In this blog post, I will compare these two popular and reputable online retailers in the selection, lens type, pricing, quality, shipping, and customer service. This comparison aims to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision when buying prescription glasses online.
Eyebuydirect and Zenni: The history
Eyebuydirect, founded in 2005, is more than just an online glasses store. It aims to make quality eyewear accessible and affordable for everyone, delivering handcrafted prescription eyeglasses made from various materials such as acetate, plastic, metal, and titanium to millions of customers worldwide. For non-prescription sunglasses, Eyebuydirect also carries heritage designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley and its own premium brand, RFLKT, which features sleek and modern designs.
Zenni Optical was established in 2003 by Tibor Laczay and Julia Zhen, two scientists are driven to offer affordable eyewear to individuals worldwide. Initially known as 19dollareyeglasses.com, the company rebranded to Zenni Optical in 2006, introducing glasses at prices as low as $7 and $8. Zenni Optical operates its own factory and laboratory in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company uses advanced optical materials and technology to produce custom-made glasses shipped directly from its factory to customers.
Selection: Which one has more frames and styles to choose from?
One of the most important factors when buying glasses online is selecting frames progressive lenses, and styles. Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical offer a wide range of frames polarized lenses, and styles, but they also have some differences.
Eyebuydirect
Eyebuydirect has over 1200 frames, including some premium brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
They also have different glasses with special features and collections, such as blue light-blocking lenses as their RFLKT line of premium acetate plastic frames, their EBD Blue line of cheaper pairs of blue light-blocking glasses, and their Alternative Fit line for low-nose bridges.
Zenni Optical
Zenni Optical has over 1500 frames to choose from, but they do not carry plastic frames from any designer brands.
They have their own exclusive collections, with frame styles such as their Blokz line of blue light-blocking glasses, their North Coast line of California-inspired frames, and their Zenni x Cynthia Rowley line of fashionable frames. Zenni Optical also offers unique features in metal frames, like their Trivex 1.53 index lenses, which are lightweight and impact-resistant.
Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical have virtual try-on tools that allow you to see how the frames look on your face before buying them. However, Eyebuydirect’s virtual try-on tool is more realistic and accurate than Zenni Optical’s. Eyebuydirect also offers a Fit & Style Quiz that helps narrow your lens options based on your face shape, style preferences, and prescription needs. Zenni Optical does not have a similar quiz.
In conclusion, Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical have a large and diverse selection of frames basic lenses, and styles. Still, Eyebuydirect has the edge over Zenni Optical regarding brand variety, frame size, style transition lenses, special features, and try-on services.
Price: The bottom line on your wallet
Both companies have occasional discounts and coupons that can help you get a better deal on your glasses. For instance, Zenni has a 10% off coupon for new customers and a referral program that gives you $5 for every friend you invite. Eyebuydirect has a buy one, get one free offer for non-sale items over $15 with a code.
Both companies also include extras or add-ons in their prices, such as anti-scratch lens coating, UV protection, and a case and cleaning cloth.
However, Zenni Optical has lower starting prices than Eyebuydirect on average, with frames starting as low as $6.95, while Eyebuydirectâs cheapest frames start at $13.
Eyebuydirect vs. Zenni: additional factors to consider
When comparing Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical, there are several other factors that you should take into account to ensure you make the best decision for your eyewear needs. These factors include:
Shipping and Delivery Times
Both online retailers offer various shipping options for their customers.
Eyebuydirect’s standard shipping takes 7-14 business days, while their expedited shipping option takes 5-7 business days. Zenni Optical’s standard shipping takes 14-21 business days, and their expedited shipping takes 7-10 business days.
When buying glasses online between Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical, consider the shipping costs and delivery times that best suit your needs. If you require your new glasses sooner, you might prefer Eyebuydirect’s faster shipping options.
Vision Insurance
Eyebuydirect does not directly accept vision insurance but does provide an itemized receipt valid prescription that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Zenni Optical does not directly accept vision insurance, but they provide an itemized receipt for you to submit an out-of-network claim with your insurance company.
Pupillary distance (PD) measurement
Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical provide instructions on measuring your PD at home with regular glasses. However, having your PD measured by an eye doctor during an eye exam is best for the most accurate measurement and lens options.
Customer support and return policies
Eyebuydirect’s customer support can be reached through email, live chat, and phone. They offer a 14-day Fit & Style Guarantee, which means that if you’re not completely satisfied with your new glasses, you can return them within 14 days of delivery for a one-time exchange or a full refund. Additionally, they provide a 365-day Product Guarantee for any manufacturing defects or issues, and they will replace the defective item with a one-time replacement at no cost to the customer.
Zenni Optical’s customer support can be reached through email, live chat, and phone. They offer a 30-day return policy but with a different approach. If you’re dissatisfied with your Zenni glasses within 30 days of receiving them, you can return them for a 100% store credit or a 50% refund to your original payment method. Zenni Optical does not offer full refunds. They also provide a one-year warranty for manufacturing defects, not covering damages caused by accidents or improper care.
When comparing the two retailers, consider which return policy and customer support options you prefer. If you value a longer return window and the option for a full refund, Eyebuydirect might be a better choice. However, Zenni Optical could be more suitable in-store only if you’re more interested in store credit for future purchases.
Online reviews and reputation
Eyebuydirect has received generally positive reviews from customers, with many praising their eyewear quality, affordability, and stylish options. However, some customers have reported issues with shipping delays, poor customer service, and the glasses’ durability.
Zenni Optical has also received mostly positive reviews, with customers highlighting their products’ low prices, wide variety of frames, and decent quality. Some customers have mentioned concerns about the accuracy of prescriptions, slow shipping times, and the quality of the lenses.
Ultimately, the choice between Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical will depend on your eye doctors and individual preferences and requirements for wearing glasses. Always prioritize your eye health and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about wearing glasses.
A final thought from Seebelieve
After evaluating Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical, I can say that both online retailers have their pros and cons. It ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in terms of product selection, pricing, quality, shipping, customer service, vision insurance, PD measurement, return policies, online reputation, virtual try-on features, website navigation, promotions, and community engagement.
If you’re someone who values a wide variety of frames and lens options, then Eyebuydirect may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if affordability is your top priority, then Zenni Optical is the way to go. However, both companies offer similar services when it comes to shipping and customer service.
It’s also important to consider factors such as vision insurance and PD measurement when making your decision. If you have vision insurance, check with both companies to see if they accept it. Additionally, PD measurement is crucial in ensuring that your glasses are properly aligned with your eyes so you know your measurement beforehand.
Lastly, it’s worth considering online reputation, virtual try-on features, website navigation, promotions, and community engagement. Both companies have a strong online presence and offer promotions and virtual try-on features. However, Eyebuydirect has a more active community engagement program.
In conclusion, before making a decision on where to buy your glasses, make sure to evaluate these aspects and prioritize your eye health care. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult your doctor.