Why More Australians Are Buying Prescription Glasses Online

Traditional optical stores often have high overhead costs, which can make glasses surprisingly expensive.

Online eyewear retailers can offer the same quality lenses and frames at significantly lower prices because they operate more efficiently and pass those savings on to customers.

Benefits of buying glasses online include:

  • Lower prices compared to many retail stores
  • Access to hundreds of frame styles
  • Shop from anywhere in Australia
  • Easy comparison of different frame shapes and colours
  • Convenient home delivery
  • Virtual try-on technology

Many Australians are surprised to discover they can purchase complete prescription glasses online for less than the cost of replacement lenses alone at some traditional retailers.

Step 1: Get a Current Eye Test

Before ordering prescription glasses online, you'll need a valid prescription from an optometrist.

In Australia, it's generally recommended that adults have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by their eye care professional.

Your prescription will include information such as:

  • Sphere (SPH)
  • Cylinder (CYL)
  • Axis
  • Addition (ADD) for multifocal lenses

Most online retailers allow you to enter these values during checkout.

If you don't have a current prescription, book an eye examination before ordering.

Step 2: Understand Your Prescription

Many people receive their prescription and have no idea what the numbers mean.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Sphere (SPH)

Measures short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia).

Cylinder (CYL)

Measures the amount of astigmatism.

Axis

Determines the orientation of astigmatism correction.

ADD

Additional magnification required for reading in multifocal lenses.

Don't worry if these terms seem confusing. Most online optical stores provide simple prescription forms that guide you through entering the information correctly. To understand this better please click here

Step 3: Know Your Pupillary Distance (PD)

Pupillary Distance (PD) is the measurement between the centres of your pupils.

This measurement helps ensure your lenses are positioned correctly within the frame.

Some optometrists include PD on your prescription. If not, you can often:

  • Request it from your optometrist
  • Measure it at home using a ruler
  • Use an online PD measurement tool

Accurate PD measurements help maximise comfort and visual clarity.

Step 4: Choose the Right Frame Shape

Not every frame suits every face shape.

As a general guide:

Round Faces

Best suited to:

Square Faces

Best suited to:

Oval Faces

Most frame styles work well.

Heart-Shaped Faces

Best suited to:

  • Oval frames
  • Round frames
  • Rimless styles

Choosing a frame that complements your face shape can dramatically improve your overall look.

Step 5: Check Frame Measurements

Frame measurements are usually printed on the inside arm of your existing glasses.

You'll typically see numbers such as:

52-18-140

These represent:

  • Lens width (52mm)
  • Bridge width (18mm)
  • Temple length (140mm)

If your current glasses fit well, choosing similar measurements is often the safest option.

Step 6: Use a Virtual Try-On Tool

One of the biggest advantages of modern online eyewear shopping is virtual try-on technology.

A virtual mirror allows you to:

  • Upload a photo
  • See frames on your face
  • Compare multiple styles
  • Narrow down your favourites

This makes it much easier to choose frames confidently before placing an order.

Step 7: Select Your Lens Type

The right lenses are just as important as the frame.

Common lens options include:

Single Vision Lenses

Suitable for distance or reading correction.

Multifocal Lenses

Provide clear vision at multiple distances without changing glasses.

Blue Light Lenses

Designed for people who spend long hours on digital devices.

Photochromic Lenses

Automatically darken in sunlight and clear indoors.

Prescription Sunglasses

Combine vision correction with UV protection.

Consider how and where you'll use your glasses before choosing your lenses.

Step 8: Add Lens Coatings

Lens coatings can improve durability and visual comfort.

Popular options include:

Anti-Reflective Coating

Reduces glare and reflections.

Scratch-Resistant Coating

Helps protect lenses from everyday wear.

UV Protection

Protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Water and Smudge Resistance

Makes lenses easier to clean.

Many Australians find anti-reflective coating particularly beneficial for driving and computer work.

Step 9: Verify Your Order Before Checkout

Before placing your order, double-check:

  • Prescription details
  • PD measurement
  • Lens selection
  • Frame colour
  • Frame size
  • Delivery address

Taking a few extra minutes can help avoid delays or mistakes.

Can I Claim Prescription Glasses Through My Health Fund?

Yes, Optically is affiliated with Australian private health funds that provide benefits for prescription eyewear under extras cover.

Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim:

  • Prescription glasses
  • Prescription sunglasses
  • Lens upgrades

Always check your fund's specific coverage and limits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When buying glasses online, avoid these common errors:

  • Using an outdated prescription
  • Entering prescription details incorrectly
  • Guessing your PD measurement
  • Choosing frames that are too large or too small
  • Ignoring return policies

A little preparation can help ensure a smooth experience.

Why Choose Optically?

At Optically, we make buying prescription glasses online simple and affordable.

Benefits include:

  • Prescription glasses from just $19 including lense
  • Hundreds of frame styles
  • Virtual try-on mirror
  • Covered by major Australian health funds
  • Fast Australia-wide delivery
  • Easy 60-day returns

Whether you're looking for everyday prescription glasses, multifocals, blue light lenses or prescription sunglasses, Optically offers quality eyewear without the traditional retail markup.

Shop Prescription Glasses Online From Optically Today

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