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Many online retailers offer glasses for kids in both prescription and non-prescription models. Most have various frames and lens options available.
A quick look at 6 of the best places to buy kids’ glasses online
- Best for affordable glasses: Zenni Optical
- Best for order tracking: EyeBuyDirect
- Best for purchasing name-brand eyewear: LensCrafters
- Best for sport-safety glasses: GlassesUSA
- Best for blue light blocking glasses: Felix Gray
- Best for trying on glasses at home: Warby Parker
This article discusses how to buy glasses for kids online and what to look for. It also offers a list of brands offering kids’ glasses online and covers the relationship between eyewear and vision health.
A person needs an up-to-date prescription to buy most types of corrective glasses online.
People cannot get a prescription from an online retailer. They must get an in-person eye exam first. Whether it is for an adult or a child, the prescription must include pupillary distance. Online retailers need this information to fill a prescription.
Learn about how to interpret an eye prescription here.
Some brands will offer non-prescription eyewear for kids, including sunglasses and blue light glasses. A person does not need a prescription to purchase these, as they will not correct vision.
Many companies allow people to customize their frames and lenses and select add-ons, such as adaptive lenses and accessories.
Not all online retailers accept the same vision insurance plans. A person should check whether or not the retailer accepts their vision plan before placing an order with them.
If in doubt, a person can talk with their insurance provider about whether or not a retailer is out of network.
When purchasing glasses for kids online, making the following considerations may help:
Reputation
Many online retailers sell glasses for kids. A person should try to research customer reviews to gauge the reputation of a company.
Sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau collect and share customer reviews for brands and give them overall ratings.
Company policies
Many retailers that sell prescription glasses for kids do not accept returns. It is important to carefully read through the company’s policies to verify whether or not it will provide exchanges or allow for adjustments if needed.
People should also check whether or not the glasses they want to purchase come with a warranty.
Price
Online retailers usually offer glasses that are cheaper than models sold in brick-and-mortar stores. People can compare the options available to find the best price.
Designer frames tend to cost more than generic options.
Some retailers allow customers to select add-ons, such as different lenses and cases, at an extra cost. Others include accessories as part of a package.
Size
Most retailers separate kids’ glasses into categories according to age range, such as toddlers and teenagers.
Age ranges and corresponding sizes may vary depending on the brand. People should carefully read through the fitting instructions and size charts to ensure that they purchase the right sized frames for their child.
Some brand websites offer virtual try-on services if the person has a smartphone or computer with a camera. This allows customers to see how certain frames would look on their face before purchasing them.
Medical News Today selects products based on the following criteria where possible:
- Age: MNT chooses eyewear brands that cater to children.
- Features: MNT chooses products that come with different features, such as lightweight glasses and glasses that are durable for sports.
- Price: MNT chooses products that fit a range of budgets.
- Returns: MNT chooses products that come with a return guarantee.
There are several brands offering kids’ glasses online.
A child’s eye care professional may also provide a person with the option to purchase their glasses through their online store. This is a growing trend.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for affordable glasses: Zenni Optical
This brand offers a wide variety of glasses for kids, with ranges for toddlers to teenagers. Its glasses are low cost compared with those of other brands.
It offers a wider range of frames and lenses, including photochromatic lenses, glow-in-the-dark frames, and durable options that are impact resistant. All Zenni Optical lenses provide UV protection.
People can add the prescription to their Zenni Optical account, and then proceed with choosing their kids’ glasses.
The website also provides information on how a person can:
- measure their pupillary distance
- measure their frame size
- replace their lenses
- adjust their glasses
Learn more about Zenni Optical here.
Pros
- Zenni Optical has a range of affordable glasses.
- The glasses are suitable for all age groups.
- People can choose from various sizes and colors.
- The website has clear filters, and a person may find it easy to use.
Cons
- Zenni Optical does not accept insurance.
- The company charges a fee for shipping.
Prices vary depending on the frame individuals opt for, but the starting price is $6.95.
Best for order tracking: EyeBuyDirect
This brand offers a range of options for frame styles, and customers can filter models on the website by frame size, shape, rim, material, and more.
It caters to children ages 6 years and over, and there are lightweight, plastic, blue light, and gaming eyeglasses for young wearers.
People can benefit from:
- the virtual-try on experience so they see how the glasses would look
- a 14-day fit and style guarantee
- a 2-day delivery on some products
Learn more about EyeBuyDirect here.
Pros
- The company offers a virtual try-on option.
- EyeBuyDirect offers order tracking.
- The company accepts flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) payments.
Cons
- The glasses are not suitable for children under 6 years old.
- EyeBuyDirect has a shorter returns policy of 14 days in comparison to some of its competitors.
Prices vary but start from $12.
Best for purchasing name-brand eyewear: LensCrafters
This brand offers a range of brand-name glasses, including Vogue Jr, Polo Prep, Oakley Youth, and Ray-Ban Prep.
At the time of writing, the website is offering a 50% off discount for persons who are 14 or under.
The company also offers:
- free ground shipping
- a 30-day happiness guarantee
- vision insurance plans
Learn more about LensCrafters here.
Pros
- LensCrafters has a 30-day returns policy.
- The company has frequent discounts on its products.
- LensCrafters accepts FSA and HSA payments.
- People can choose to purchase from a range of brand-name glasses.
Cons
- LensCrafters’ glasses are more expensive than some of its competitors.
- The company does not offer a virtual try-on feature.
Pricing may vary but starts from $71.
Best for sport-safety glasses: GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA offers a large range of glasses for children ages 2 years and over. There are higher end brand-name glasses alongside lower cost basic models.
Parents can also opt for goggles and sport-safety glasses.
Different frame shapes are also available, such as oval, square, classic wayframe, and round.
Products come with:
- a 100% money-back guarantee
- a 365-day warranty
- free shipping
Learn more about GlassesUSA here.
Pros
- GlassesUSA offers free shipping and returns
- People can choose from a range of lightweight glasses.
- Many glasses are suitable for children who engage in sports activities.
Cons
- GlassesUSA has a shorter returns policy of 14 days.
- This company is online-only, which means a person cannot visit a local store to see and try on the products.
Pricing varies but starts from $48.
Best for blue light blocking glasses: Felix Gray
This company offers blue light blocking glasses for adults and children. Its kids’ range is for ages 4–13 years, and it includes both prescription and non-prescription varieties.
It also provides “sleep glasses,” which the company claims can help people sleep.
Other features that Felix Gray offers include:
- order tracking
- a 30-day return policy
- a 1-year warranty on lenses
Learn more about Felix Gray here.
Pros
- Felix Gray offers a 30-day returns policy.
- People can choose between prescription and non-prescription lenses.
- Felix Gray accepts FSA and HSA payments.
- All of the glasses have blue light filtering technology.
Cons
- Felix Gray is one of the more expensive companies on this list.
- The company may not have as many frame options as its competitors.
Pricing may vary but starts from $95.
Best for trying on glasses at home: Warby Parker
This company allows customers to test different glasses frames at home before committing to a purchase. It has a range of frames in different sizes and offers blue light lenses.
Although adult glasses are available for purchase on the website, kids’ glasses are only available for purchase in-store or by phone.
Customers can benefit from:
- a 30-day return policy
- insurance coverage
- FSA and HSA payments
Learn more about Warby Parker here.
Pros
- Warby Parker offers different frame sizes.
- People can try on the glasses at home before committing to a purchase.
- Warby Parker offers free shipping.
- The company offers a 30-day return policy.
Cons
- People cannot purchase kids’ glasses directly from the website.
- Warby Parker is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Prices may vary but start from $95.
Below we look at this table that shows the different features that the six eyewear brands offer:
| Age groups | Virtual try-on | Return policy | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenni Optical | toddlers and up | yes | 30 days | 30 days on broken frames | from $6.95 |
| EyeBuyDirect | 6 years and over | yes | 14 days | 365 days | from $12 |
| LensCrafters | up to 14 years | no | 30 days | 12 months from $34.99 | from $71 |
| GlassesUSA | 2 years and over | yes | 14 days | 365 days | from $48 |
| Felix Gray | 4-13 years | no | 30 days | 1 year on lenses | from $95 |
| Warby Parker | 4-8 years | no | 30 days | 30 days on broken frames | from $95 |
Kids may require glasses for different reasons. In early childhood, wearing glasses can help ensure that vision develops correctly in kids with vision issues. Untreated vision problems can impact a child’s ability to learn and focus at school.
Parents and caregivers who have any concerns about a child’s vision should take them to an ophthalmologist or optometrist to get an eye exam.
Pediatricians also tend to screen kids for vision issues during regular appointments. However, a vision screening is not the same as a complete eye exam.
Learn about the different types of eye doctors here.
A child may require glasses because of:
Some symptoms that indicate that a child may be struggling with a vision problem include:
- difficulty paying attention
- problems with reading
- rubbing the eye or eyes
- fatigue and discomfort
- head tilting
- complaints of double vision
- visible changes in the eye
Eyewear safety and kids
Some people believe that wearing glasses can have the opposite effect on a kid’s vision. This is not the case. Wearing glasses will help improve vision.
Glasses should fit correctly without needing to bend them. As a child grows, replacement frames or adjustments may be necessary. Their eyes should lie at the center of the lens.
People can donate and recycle old pairs of glasses through local charities or recycling banks.
Polycarbonate lenses are a must for kids’ glasses because they are shatterproof. Accessories such as straps and ear grips can help ensure that glasses stay in place and do not shift throughout the day.
Children should keep their frames in a case to protect them when not in use.
They should also wear their glasses as instructed by their eye doctor. Typically, this means wearing them all the time. Parents and caregivers should talk with teachers and other people in the child’s life to ensure they are wearing their glasses when necessary.
Some older children may prefer to wear contact lenses. Kids who are mature enough may be able to take on the responsibility involved in using these. It is important to teach them to use these lenses correctly to prevent injury and protect eye health.
The
Learn about buying contact lenses online here.
A person can also choose to purchase kids’ glasses from their eye care professional, as this has the added benefit of allowing for in-person adjustments and replacements.
Below find some commonly asked questions about kids’ glasses.
How much do kids’ glasses cost?
Childrens’ glasses are available in a variety of prices.
It is important to consider that extra features, such as blue light filtering and scratch-resistant coating, may increase the price.
When do kids need glasses?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people take their newborns and school-age children to an eye screening exam to check for any changes in vision, such as nearsightedness and longsightedness.
Doctors may check the newborn’s pupil response and perform a comprehensive exam if there is a family history of childhood eye disease. They can also check eye alignment when the child is 6-12 months old.
Furthermore, there are other tests that eye specialists may perform when the child is 12-36 months and 3-5 years. During the exam, they may check if there are any signs of conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, and astigmatism.
How can I fit my child with glasses?
Opticians can provide advice when looking for kids’ glasses, and may suggest which frame size, style, and lens add-ons may best suit each child.
Generally, people should ensure the frame fits the child’s face and opt for adjustments if the frames are too tight or too loose. Some people may also prefer to purchase straps or temple tips to avoid the glasses sliding down the child’s nose.
If a child needs glasses, it is important to find them a comfortable pair that they will enjoy wearing.
There are numerous options available from brands such as Zenni Optical, EyeBuyDirect, and GlassesUSA.
A person should try to compare brands and offerings by investigating online customer reviews and the brands’ return and repair policies.