The Ultimate Guide to Choosing eyeglass frame suppliers

In a Consumer Reports’ fall survey, the eyeglass and contact lens stores that topped our ratings received high marks for overall satisfaction. Results were based on more than 11,000 members who, collectively, reported on eyeglass purchases at 18 retailers.

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We asked respondents to tell us about a variety of attributes, including product quality, price, selection, fitting, customer service and follow-up service, and more. Out of all the attributes we asked about, product quality was the biggest predictor of a respondent’s overall satisfaction with his or her retailer. That makes sense; after all, your glasses need to do their job of correcting your vision, holding up to daily use, and fitting, feeling, and looking good on your face.

Still, there are plenty of trade-offs to make. For example, retailers that got high marks for service, fitting, and follow-up, including independent retailers and private doctors, also tended to cost more. Some of the least expensive options for online shopping tended to receive somewhat lower scores when it came to product quality. And some of the retailers with the highest Overall Scores, including Costco Optical and Sam’s Club Optical, are only accessible if you’re a member.

The takeaway is that when you’re figuring out where to get eyewear, the option that works best for you is the one that meets your individual needs the best. Our ratings highlight exactly what survey respondents reported each vendor provided—or didn’t. Here are some considerations that may come into play when you’re looking for an eyewear store.

Cost
Whether they’re buying online or at a walk-in store, many CR members told us that cost is one of their chief considerations when choosing an eyewear retailer. The median price respondents paid after insurance for a pair of glasses was $205, but there’s a lot of variance when it comes to eyeglasses. The cheapest stores in our ratings sold glasses for a median of less than $100, while the priciest had a median of more than $300. And a handful of respondents reported they paid as much as $1,000 for a pair of frames.

One cost-saving possibility: Look online. People who found their glasses there paid a median of $111, while those buying in-store paid $215.

Service and Follow-Up
If it’s important to you to get help and information from your eyewear retailer and you don’t mind paying more for a new pair of glasses, it may be worth it to buy from an independent local optical shop or a private doctor’s office, where you’re more likely to get exceptional personal attention.

Convenience
Some people may have plenty of walk-in stores available nearby, while others have few local options. But more and more people are drawn to the convenience of buying glasses online. Even though frames have to fit (and ideally be flattering), online retailers are increasingly coming up with ways to give you a sense of how frames will look on you, from letting you “try” them on an uploaded photo of yourself to allowing you to order and evaluate multiple frames and return the ones you don’t want.

When you’re buying glasses online, the selection is likely to be good, and so are the prices. But both may vary a lot from site to site, so it’s still worth shopping around.

There can also be drawbacks to buying online. You’re taking a chance if you buy frames without having tried them on to see how they look and fit, so you may want to stick with an online retailer that offers a way for you to try them before you buy. It can also be a hassle to return glasses you’ve purchased if there’s an issue. This can be more problematic if you order eyeglass lenses along with your frames, especially if you have a complex prescription. And if your frames need adjusting, you’ll probably have to find a local professional to do it.

All that said, it’s worth noting that satisfaction rates averaged about the same for online retailers as for walk-in retailers overall.

One retailer that strives to give you the best of both worlds is Warby Parker. It sells eyeglasses online and in walk-in stores, which also provide eye exams.  

Where and how you should look for glasses will depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re not fussy about frames, a discount store may be right for you. If money isn’t a primary concern, your ophthalmologist or optometrist (if they sell eyewear) or an independent eyeglass store may be your best choice. But if you’re looking for savings, a great selection of frames, and the personal touch that comes with dealing with a professional in person, you might consider splitting up the process, as we discuss below.

Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If you’re having your eyes examined (which is always a good idea to rule out any underlying eye health conditions, as well as to get an up-to-date prescription), ask the doctor for advice about which lenses are best for you and whether there’s anything you need to consider when buying frames or lenses. For example, if you’d like progressive or other multifocal lenses, a narrow frame might not be able to accommodate your prescription. And rimless and semi-rimless frames may be problematic if you have a strong prescription that requires thicker lenses.

Also discuss add-ons, such as anti-glare coatings and transitional lenses, to find out what your doctor thinks. If your doctor’s office sells frames, try some on to get a sense of what you do and don’t like. And ask the staff for advice about what will work best for you.

If you’re planning to buy your eyewear elsewhere, make sure to ask the doctor to measure your pupillary distance (the distance between the center of each of your pupils) because online vendors will need that information to create your glasses properly. There are some online tools for this, but a professional can do the job more accurately. Note that some offices may charge for this. About a third of respondents in our survey who bought their glasses online but got their pupillary distance at another location had to pay for this service.

Comparison Shop
If you look for frames at your doctor’s office and don’t find anything that you like or think is reasonably priced, try some walk-in stores. Many brands and frames are available from multiple retailers, so write down the brand, model number, and size of the frames you’d consider buying. You’ll find that information marked on the frame’s temples (the pieces that connect the glasses to your ears).

Once you have a few top picks, search the web using those brands and model numbers. There’s a good chance you’ll find the frames you like at a much lower cost. If you plan to buy your lenses online as well as the frames, check the site’s lens prices, too.

Divide and Conquer
You may be able to save some money if you purchase frames online but have the prescription filled at a local discount store. You’ll probably have to pay a little extra to have lenses put in frames you bought elsewhere. The store may be willing to adjust your new frames if needed.

Or Consider One-Stop Shortcuts
If your eye examination is at Costco or Target and you spot a frame you like there, you might not need to look any further for lower prices. A Warby Parker store may be another one-stop option, especially if you only need single-vision lenses, because those are included in the prices of their frames.

Report Any Problems Right Away
After you get your new glasses, alert the retailer immediately to any problems you notice with the frames or lenses. Some retailers will let you exchange frames that you find you don’t like for little or no cost, even if you ordered prescription lenses. If you find defects or just don’t like your glasses, be aware that warranties and store policies vary, so there may be time limits involved.

Choosing glasses frames of eyes is not just about choosing style. It’s about choosing the perfect option between fashion, comfort, and functionality. Because there are so many options in the market, people may feel overwhelmed and stressed about what to choose and how to choose. But you do not have to worry about this.

Read the following comprehensive guide for choosing glasses frames, and make sure you make a well-informed decision that will enhance both your appearance and vision.

1. Face Shape

Your face shape is crucial for judging which eyeglass frame style would look great on your face. Here are the most common tips of choosing glasses frames according to your face shapes and the descriptions of the frame types that go along well with every shape:

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Common Face Shapes and Fitting Frames

• Oval Face Shape

Characteristics: Well-proportioned with a slightly curved jawline and forehead.
Best Frame Types: Most styles work, but frames with strong lines or geometric shapes will provide balance and contrast. To balance features, consider a rectangular or square frame to beautify your face.

• Round-Shaped Face

Characteristics: The width and height are about the same. The face tends to be soft and full; referred to as a curved jawline.
Best Frame Types: Use frames angular in form, such as rectangular or square, providing definition and making the face appear slimmer. Avoid round frames that will make your face look rounder.

• Square Face Shape

Characteristics: Strong jawline, broad forehead, and wide cheekbones.
Best Frame Types: Soothe the angularity with round or oval frames. Frames with curves and softer lines will help balance the strong angles of a square face.

• Heart-Shaped Face

Characteristics: Wider forehead and cheekbones with a narrow chin.
Best Frame Types: Look for wider at-bottom frames to counteract the narrowness of the chin. Cat-eye frames or aviators can look great because of added width and balanced top-heavy features.

• Diamond Face Shape

Characteristics: Narrow forehead and jawline with high cheekbones.
The best shape frames would be oval or rimless; these complement high cheekbones and soften the angles of the face. Avoid highly angular frames, as these might accentuate the width of the cheekbones.

2. How to Choose the Right Frame Material

The material of eyeglass frames affects comfort and durability. Here’s a look at some common frame types for glasses:

Metal Frames

• Pros: Lightweight, adjustable, and durable. Available in different finishes, such as gold, silver, and matte.
• Cons: Tend to bend easily, and metals can cause allergies in some individuals.

Best For Sleek, modern looks, those who want a minimalist look.

Plastic Frames

• Pros: available in different colors and styles, usually much cheaper. Also, be thicker if someone wants a bold look.
• Cons: Not as adjustable and not as strong as metal frames.

Best For Fashionable, colorful options; for those who want a lightweight frame.

Titanium Frames

• Pros: Very lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion.
• Cons: Generally, more expensive.

Best For Individuals requiring a strong, high-quality frame in a modern style.

Wood Frames

• Pros: Unique, ‘green’, and often handcrafted.
• Cons: Generally heavier and require more maintenance.

Best For An eco-conscious, unique look for those who wish to make a statement.

Combination Frames

• Pros: Combine materials such as metal and plastic for a unique style.
• Cons: More expensive and complex in design.

Best For Stylish versatility with combined benefits of each material used.

3. Lifestyle Consideration

A large determinant factor of what type of eyeglass frame style will suit your needs is based on your lifestyle:

• Active Lifestyle : If you are always active or participate in sports, durable and flexible materials such as plastic or titanium frames are more appropriate. Look features, like Rubber nose pads and adjustable temple tips will help secure your eyewear.
• Professional Setting: For a professional environment, one should go for classic styles in neutral colors that can exude a polished and sophisticated image. Metal or good-quality plastic frames will usually work for a refined look.
• Fashion-Forward: If you love being on top of the eyeglass frame trends, get bold colors in unique shapes or statement frames. Acrylic or high-quality plastic frames in trendy stylish glass frame patterns or vibrant colors can express your style.

4. The Fit and Comfort

No frame can be stylish if it doesn’t fit well and isn’t comfortable. Here’s what you should pay attention to:

• Frame Width: The frame width should be in line with the width of your face. Too wide or narrow frames can make you uncomfortable and eventually affect your vision.
• Nose Pads

1. Adjustable nose pads: These must fit to your nostrils for an exact fit, preventing slippage. They need to sit comfortably on your nose and should not cause irritations of any kind.
2. Temple Length: The temples (glasses arms) extend over your ears comfortably. They mustn’t be uncomfortably small or very loose.

• Lens Size and Shape
  The size and shape of the lenses should be appropriate for your prescription and personal preference. Larger lenses can afford a wider field of vision but may be heavier.

5. Prescription Considerations

Prescription eyeglasses wearers must also remember that a frame must be able to support your prescription lenses. For example:

• Lens Type: Determine whether you require single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Additionally, ensure the frame supports the type and thickness of the lenses used.
• Lens Compatibility : Some frames work better with certain types of lenses. Check with your optician that the frame will work well with your prescription.

6. Trying Frames On

The most accurate way to determine your best frame style is to try frames on. Most optical shops have several fitting tools, and many online eyewear retailers now offer virtual try-ons. When trying on frames:

• Check the Fit : Ensure that the eyeglass frames are comfortable on your nose and ears, and the lenses are set correctly in front of your eyes.
• Look and Feel : Check yourself out from various angles and in different lighting. Make sure you like the way the frames look on your face.
• Get a Second Opinion : Ask friends or family their opinions about how the frames look and feel. Sometimes a second opinion may make your decision for you.

7. Budget Considerations

Glass frames vary in price from extremely cheap to very expensive. Be thinking about your budget with one eye on the quality and durability of the frame, too. Often, you get what you pay for; spending a bit more on a good-quality frame can pay off by lasting longer and being more comfortable.

• Budget-Friendly Options
  You can get many stylish yet functional frames at reasonable prices. All you have to do is look for sales or discounts, and you should be able to find a pretty good deal.
• High-End Frames
  Once you’re willing to invest in high-end frames, you’ll see a range of designer options made with superior quality and the work of real craftsmanship.

Conclusion

The eyeglass frame style depends on face shape, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Understanding these factors may take time and patience to choosing glasses frames that fits you well and complements your style. You will ensure that your eyeglasses not only improve your vision but also enhance your physical appearance. Whether you’re into classy elegance or trendy flair, selecting the right glasses frame could make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Are you interested in learning more about personalised eye glasses? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!