5 Myths About Where to Buy Non-Prescription Glasses That Cost Me $200

I once believed these myths myself, and they cost me hundreds of dollars because I stuck to the traditional way of buying glasses. Every time I needed a basic correction—like finished myopia sunglasses (SPH -4.0)—I’d head to an expensive local store. That turned out to be a costly mistake.

Here’s the truth the industry doesn’t want you to know about where to buy non-prescription glasses—or more accurately, pre-made prescription glasses that cut out the middleman.

When you shop smart, you gain significant advantages:

• You save a substantial amount of money (up to 75% on each pair).
• You can access high-quality lenses and frames.
• You often receive your glasses in about the same timeframe as buying locally.

Myth #1: All Glasses Are Custom-Made and Unique

The biggest misconception is that every pair of glasses must be custom-ground just for you. This is why local optometrists often charge $300 or more for basic plastic lenses.

The Myth: If you require any vision correction, your lenses must be 100% custom-made from scratch following a doctor’s appointment.

The Truth: For individuals with low to moderate nearsightedness (such as -1.0 to -4.0 diopters), many glasses are “finished spectacles.” These are mass-produced with common, fixed powers. Think of them like reading glasses, but designed for distance vision instead. The SUMONDY SPH finished glasses are a perfect example.

They come ready to wear. They aren’t custom. They are simply affordable, mass-produced lenses set into a frame.

Verdict: If your prescription is straightforward (with no significant astigmatism) and under -4.0, it’s safe to look for pre-made finished glasses online. You don’t need to pay for custom grinding.

Myth #2: Online Quality is Always Poor

Many people worry that if a product costs a quarter of the price, the quality must be terrible. While this can be true for some extremely cheap sellers, it doesn’t apply to reputable ones.

The Myth: If you buy glasses online for $20, the frames will break and the lenses will scratch immediately. They’re just flimsy plastic junk.

The Low-Rating Reality: Quality control can sometimes fail. As one buyer pointed out: “I’ve used this company numerous times; they’re really hit or miss. If they make a mistake, you have to wait another 2 to 3 weeks for them to fix your order.” This highlights that shipping delays and errors do occur, which can feel like poor service.

The Truth: High quality is absolutely achievable online. You’re paying less because you’re cutting out expenses like office rent, sales staff, and the doctor’s substantial markup. You’re essentially paying only for materials and shipping.

The High-Rating Reality: Another customer shared: “Great experience. High-quality eyeglasses that were a quarter of the price of my local optometrist. Delivered in about the same time as buying them locally.”

Verdict: Check the product descriptions for quality details. Look for durable frame materials and proper lens coatings. The lower price usually reflects the business model, not inferior components.

Myth #3: You Must Buy Glasses Where You Get Your Eye Exam

Optometrists often suggest that their specific frames and lenses are necessary for optimal vision. This is typically just a sales tactic.

The Myth: Only the place that conducted your eye exam has the expertise to fill your prescription correctly.

The Truth: Your prescription is portable information. You can take it anywhere. This is especially true for finished spectacles, which don’t require a doctor’s final approval. If you’re looking for simple readers or basic myopia correction, knowing where to buy non-prescription glasses means expanding your search well beyond the clinic.

While many people still prefer knowing where to buy prescription glasses near me, the savings online are undeniable for standard finished lenses.

The local office relies on you being too hesitant or too busy to shop around.

Verdict: Get your prescription, then shop online. Don’t feel obligated to buy from your eye doctor.

Myth #4: Cheap Glasses Never Fit My Face

The concern is that you can’t try them on beforehand. You worry you’ll end up with frames that pinch your head or constantly slide down your nose.

The Myth: Since you can’t physically try on the glasses before purchasing, they’ll inevitably look awkward or feel uncomfortable.

The Truth: Reputable online retailers provide detailed measurements in millimeters (mm). You can measure your current glasses and compare. This includes lens width, bridge width, and arm length.

In fact, some online shopping experiences can surpass quick local service.

The High-Rating Reality: “Alex was great. He was very patient and helped me find a few extra pairs of glasses that fit my face perfectly.” This shows that excellent customer service can compensate for the inability to try glasses on in person.

Action Step for Fit:

• Step 1: Find the three numbers stamped on your current frames (e.g., 52-18-140).
• Step 2: Look for those numbers on the online product listing.
• Step 3: If they match, the fit will be very similar.

Verdict: Stop guessing about fit. Start measuring in millimeters.

Myth #5: If They Make a Mistake, Getting It Fixed is Impossible

The hassle of returns is often the final obstacle that drives buyers back to local stores.

The Myth: If the online store ships the wrong prescription (say, -3.0 instead of -4.0), you have no recourse and will lose your money.

The Truth: Reputable online companies will fix errors. However, it takes time. That’s the one genuine drawback of buying your non-prescription glasses online.

The Low-Rating Reality: One user noted: “My suggestion is to buy locally, even though their prices are so much better.” This is because the wait time for a correction—shipping the mistake back, waiting for a remake, and receiving the new pair—can leave you without proper vision for 2 to 3 weeks.

The risk is time, not money.

Verdict: If you need your vision corrected immediately, buy locally. If you have a backup pair and can handle a potential 3-week delay for a fix, buy online and save $150 or more.

The Real Deal: Stop Overpaying for Basic Vision

Finished myopia glasses, like the SUMONDY collection, have disrupted the old model. These products are high quality, affordable, and readily available for people with standard nearsightedness.

The savings are substantial—often 75% or more compared to what a local optical shop charges for the exact same lens power.

Don’t let fear of perceived low quality or slower service cost you an extra $200. Learn the facts, check the millimeter measurements, and be prepared for a possible wait if an order needs correction.

Don’t Believe the Lies

The industry profits by making the buying process seem intimidating and complicated. For basic vision needs, it isn’t. You now know exactly how to bypass high markups and confidently purchase high-quality finished glasses online.

Start shopping smart and keep that extra $200 in your pocket.