Buying glasses isn't always an easy task, and retailers usually can't provide a shopping experience that works for all types of people. Although you can try glasses on in a store, you could be met with limited options and a pushy salesperson trying to upsell you on whatever the latest promotion is. Online retailers might have more options and competitive pricing, but for some, the thought of buying glasses sight unseen (no pun intended) is unsettling.
Fortunately, there's Warby Parker, a modern direct-to-consumer eyewear company designed for all types of consumers. By offering an online store and brick-and-mortar stores, Warby Parker combines the strengths of both shopping experiences to make buying glasses simple and easy. It's become one of the best places to buy glasses online using insurance.
A business model that works for everyone
Whether you prefer the convenience of never having to leave home with shopping online, the traditional way of browsing, trying on, and purchasing in-store, or a combination of both, the possibilities are endless with Warby Parker.
You can browse in-store and purchase online, or do home try-on and buy online, whichever works for you. However you go about it, you'll always have the support of Warby Parker stores for adjustments, exchanges, and returns.
Warby Parker has a variety of styles, inclusive frame sizes, and different lens options, so you'll get the glasses you need or want. With prices starting at $95 for prescription glasses, they're a lot more affordable than most other places.
Warby Parker's try-on options
After taking a short quiz about your style preferences, Warby Parker will filter out the frames that don't match up, narrowing down the selection. You can choose from the recommended pairs or browse the full site for other pairs you like. To help you decide which pair is best for you, Warby Parker offers a virtual try-on function on its website. With access to your computer's webcam, you can see how they look on you. Alternatively, you can download the Warby Parker app on the App Store or Google Play Store and access the virtual try-on in the app. Between these two options, I prefer the app because most front-facing smartphone cameras are better than laptop webcams.
Lastly, you can visit one of Warby Parker's many in-store locations to try on their frames in person. Even if you prefer to shop and purchase online, visiting a location near you is worthwhile.
Warby Parker's selection of size-inclusive frames
Size inclusivity is an attribute people usually look for in clothing, but it's equally important for eyewear. All heads, faces, and noses aren't the same size or shape, so it's important to consider this when shopping for yourself. Warby Parker offers a range of extended sizes, including extra-narrow, narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide. They also have a section of low-bridge options for different nose shapes.
A group from the Insider Reviews staff — all with different face sizes and shapes — tested out the extended sizing collection and were happy with how they fit compared to standard one-size-fits-most frames.
Popular frame choices
Available lens options
Lenses are just as important as frames — and Warby Parker has lots to offer including single vision, progressive, readers, and sunglasses. Beyond the basic prescription types, you'll also get to choose additional lens options like blue light blocking, light-responsive, and lens materials like polycarbonate for durable scratch resistance and high index for thinner lenses on stronger prescriptions.
Does Warby Parker take insurance?
Yes, Warby Parker accepts insurance for prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and eye exams.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) that are linked to major credit card companies can also be used to purchase glasses.
Warby Parker accepts insurance from most major eye insurance providers. You can find a list of providers here and specific directions for how to apply for reimbursement.
You won't have to do a lot of digging through the site to submit a reimbursement. Immediately after I placed my order, Warby Parker reminded me that I could use insurance.
Does Warby Parker have sales?
Warby Parker typically doesn't have big sales and promotions. Starting at $95 for prescription eyewear, the glasses are more affordable than most other options at full price. However, you can save 15% on your first order of contacts.
Cons to consider
The only aspect of Warby Parker that some people might consider to be a negative is the lack of other brands. When shopping at Warby Parker, you'll only be able to choose from the brand's in-house line of eyewear. While the quality is higher than in-house brands from other direct-to-consumer eyewear companies, you simply won't have the option to purchase popular and designer brand-name eyewear.
I would also describe Warby Parker's selection of frames as modern and unique. Not every frame is available in a solid black color, so if you like to keep it super simple and basic, you may not find a frame that you like.
However, Warby Parker gives you the opportunity to try on multiple pairs of glasses before committing to one style, which really helped me step out of my comfort zone when it comes to glasses.
The bottom line
Warby Parker has the most flexible and consumer-friendly business model in the eyewear industry. If being able to shop without feeling pressured into a purchase, long-lasting value, and convenience are important to you you, Warby Parker is a great place to find your next pair of glasses. Even if you're comfortable with buying online, you'll always have the option of visiting a Warby Parker store when you need adjustments or other help.
Shop for prescription eyewear at Warby Parker now.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
