Pricing
According to some statistics, the average price for prescription eyeglasses (non-branded) is around $200. I would bet that most of us have a spare on hand, as well as prescription sunglasses. This adds up to some serious bucks.
5th Place9.5 out of 10Warby Parker’s philosophy is affordable and stylish are not mutually exclusive. Their basic price of $95 falls somewhere in the mid-to-high end of what’s offered in the online glasses community.
However, if your eyes are pretty bad and need high-index lenses, check out this table for their current add-ons:
| Additional lenses charges | Price |
| 1.67 high-index lenses | $30 extra |
| 1.74 high-index lenses | $130 extra |
| Progressive glasses | Starting at $295 |
| Progressive sunglasses | Starting at $375 |
| Light-responsive lenses | Starting at $195 |
| Prism correction | Call for pricing |
| Bifocal lenses | Not offered |
To sweeten the deal, Warby Parker adds these features at no additional cost:
- UV-protection with all of their sun lenses blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Scratch-resistant coating with free replacement within a year of purchase if scratches appear
- Anti-reflective coating which eases eye strain caused by reflections and takes away glare from your lenses in photos
- Super-hydrophobic coating which repels moisture to prevent smudging
If your lenses are scratched within the first year, Warby Parker will gladly replace them at no charge. But if your prescription changes, they can replace the lenses for a fee, based on the lenses selected and your prescription.
If you have vision insurance, there’s a good possibility your glasses will be covered. And if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), put those dollars to use for Warby Parker prescription glasses, sunglasses, and eye exams.
List of current insurance providers at Warby Parker. If your carrier is not listed, call them for instructions on reimbursement.
Features
By all means click on Warby Parker’s “Take the Quiz” link. It sounds corny but it helps you streamline your choices. Be prepared to answer questions on fit, shape, color, materials, and date of last eye exam.
When you finally click on a frame, you’re taken to a page that lists its specific features which take the guesswork out of ordering. The following information pops up when you choose a frame:
- Frame fit – narrow, medium wide, low bridge, standard
- Measurements – these three numbers are printed on the inside of the temple arm and refer to the lens width, bridge width, and temple arm length.
- Material – from custom-designed cellulose acetate to ultra-lightweight titanium
- Prescription options – single vision, progressive and they will need your pupillary distance (PD) which is the distance in millimeters between your pupils. They have a cool online tool to measure this yourself and will reimburse you the cost of one optical measurement (up to $50) within 30 days of purchase.
- Lens offerings – clear (standard), light-reflective, high-index, prism correction, polarized
Ease of Use
Warby Parker spent a considerable amount of time developing a user-friendly website. It’s intuitive and guides the visitor through a process which is either order 5 free try-ons or just buy it.
Returns and Exchanges
Warby Parker’s return policy is pretty standard – full refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase. They will also replace scratched lenses for free within 1 year of purchase. However, if your prescription has changed within the year, they will charge you a fee. Just either email or call their toll-free number to get the process started.
Customer Service
Support options include email, chat, phone, and text. Their FAQ is pretty extensive and they have an informative “Eyeware A to Z” which contains a nifty glossary of terms. Look under “P” if you’re still confused what a “progressive lens” is.
At the footer of the website, there are interesting links under “Education”. Click on “How our glasses are made” or “How to get a prescription” for additional information.
What's the Verdict on Warby Parker?
Warby Parker 2019 – Conclusion
If you’re budget-conscious and are looking to buy the cheapest glasses online, you’re better off at another website Comparakeet reviewed. Warby Parker doesn’t claim to be the discount warrior of online glasses stores. They provide a well-made, fashion-forward product with features and customer service rivaling those found in walk-in optical stores.
The company is forward-thinking in re-defining retail as we know it. They are opening up more brick-and-mortar outlets throughout the country – filling in the gap between the digital and the physical. And in 2019, Warby Parker opened the Optical Lab, a factory about an hour’s drive outside of Manhattan dealing with lens finishing and assembly. Taking control of their supply chain translates to faster turnaround times, better quality and lower return rates. Kudos to them and woohoo for us!
Check back with us for updates on Warby Parker. Especially if their IPO becomes a reality and how it will affect the world of online glasses!
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