Buying a new pair of prescription glasses is no longer limited to your local optician. With the rise of e-commerce, getting glasses online has become not just an alternative—but a growing preference for many people in the UK. But is it really the better choice?
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each approach, helping you decide whether heading to a traditional opticians or shopping at an online Glasses Store is right for your lifestyle, budget, and prescription needs.
The Traditional Approach: Visiting an Optician in Person
There’s something reassuring about being fitted for glasses in person. You can try on frames, speak with trained professionals, and get real-time feedback. High street opticians have long been the go-to for anyone who values hands-on support.
Advantages of Buying In-Store
- Personalised Advice from Trained Staff
Dispensing opticians and assistants can guide you through frame styles that suit your face, explain different lens options, and answer technical questions—whether about varifocals, lens coatings, or blue light filters. - Immediate Try-On
Not sure what suits you? Try before you buy. You can feel the frame materials, assess the weight, and decide on comfort—all within a single visit. - Adjustments and Aftercare
Need a nose pad tightened or a hinge adjusted? Most physical retailers offer free in-store adjustments and basic repairs, sometimes even for the lifetime of your glasses. - Eye Tests and Prescriptions on the Spot
You can often get your eye test and order your glasses in one appointment—no waiting around for results or forms.
Disadvantages of In-Store Shopping
- Limited Stock
Smaller shops may only carry a limited range of brands or styles, especially if you’re looking for specific colours or niche designs. - Higher Prices
With overheads like rent and salaries, brick-and-mortar shops tend to pass these costs onto customers. - Time Investment
Visiting a store takes more time—booking appointments, travelling, waiting to be seen, and sometimes returning later for collection.
The Online Option: Buying Prescription Glasses From Home
Shopping for glasses online has grown rapidly in the UK, especially among people who already know their prescription. You get wider variety, better pricing, and the convenience of ordering from your sofa.
Benefits of Shopping Online
- Broader Choice
Online retailers offer thousands of frames in different sizes, colours, materials, and price points. You can filter by shape, style, or even face shape suggestions. - Competitive Prices
Without the overheads of physical shops, online providers often offer more affordable glasses—including designer frames and custom lenses—at a fraction of the price. - Convenience
Order anytime, anywhere. Upload your prescription, choose your lenses, and get delivery straight to your door—no appointments needed. - Virtual Try-On Tools and Reviews
Most websites now include virtual try-on features using your webcam or photo, plus customer reviews with real photos to help you visualise how frames look in real life.
Drawbacks of Buying Online
- No Physical Try-On
Even with virtual tools, it’s harder to gauge comfort, weight, or fit until your glasses arrive. - Risk of Input Errors
Entering your prescription incorrectly could result in lenses that are unusable. For high prescriptions or complex orders, this is a real concern. - Limited Adjustments
Unless you visit a local optician for tweaking (which may come at a cost), you’re left with what arrives in the post.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | In-Store | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Try Before You Buy | Yes | Virtual only |
| Price Range | Often higher | Typically more affordable |
| Product Range | Varies by store | Thousands of styles available |
| Expert Advice | Immediate, in-person | Online chat or FAQs |
| Adjustments & Repairs | Usually included | Often not provided |
| Convenience | Requires time and travel | Shop anytime from anywhere |
A Combined Solution: The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to choose one over the other. Some online retailers now offer:
- Home Try-On Kits: Receive several frames by post to test before ordering lenses
- Virtual PD (pupillary distance) tools: Or measure your PD in person, then buy online
- Upload your prescription: Or get your eyes tested locally and complete the order digitally
Many customers visit a local optician for the prescription and PD measurement, then place their order online through a trusted Glasses Store.
What Do Opticians Recommend?
For first-time glasses wearers, those with complex prescriptions (such as varifocals), or people with frequent vision changes, many optometrists recommend beginning with an in-store visit. It ensures proper fit, accuracy, and a clear understanding of your vision needs.
However, for those comfortable with their prescription, confident in their lens options, and looking for more variety and savings, buying online is perfectly acceptable—provided the prescription is accurate and up to date.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing where to buy your next pair of glasses. Both online and in-store shopping have advantages, depending on your needs.
- Prefer expert advice and in-person fitting? Go in-store.
- Know your prescription and want choice and value? Buy online.
Just make sure your prescription glasses provide both visual clarity and everyday comfort. Whether you’re shopping for work, screen use, or just a new look, the most important thing is finding a pair that’s specific to your prescription—and your lifestyle.
