What information do I need to order prescription glasses online?

You usually need a current prescription, your pupillary distance, frame measurements that fit you and the lens options required for your prescription. Confirm the retailer's eligibility rules and returns before ordering.

Should I compare glasses by frame price alone?

No. Compare the total configured price after prescription strength, lens index, coatings, shipping and any return costs are included.

Online glasses, brought into focus

Prescription glasses guide Australia

Q: What is pupillary distance?

Pupillary distance, or PD, is the distance between the centres of your pupils in millimetres. It helps position the optical centre of each lens.

Q: Can this site replace advice from an optometrist?

No. GlassesGuide explains shopping terminology and comparison factors. Eye health, prescription suitability and clinical questions should be discussed with a qualified eye-care professional.

Start with fit and prescription accuracy—not the discount. Compare frame dimensions, lens requirements, the configured checkout total and the return policy before you order.

Check what you need Compare retailers

Shopping guidance only. Eye health and prescription questions belong with a qualified eye-care professional.

FRAME CHECK04 inputs

Rxcurrent prescription
PDpupillary distance
FITframe dimensions
TERMSreturns + remake rules

Calibrate your frame size

QUICK ANSWER A lower frame price is not necessarily a lower final price. Configure the same prescription and lens options at each retailer, then compare the delivered total and return conditions.

Use the four-check method

Choose the right starting point

What are you solving today?

Read a prescription

Understand SPH, CYL, AXIS and ADD before copying values into an order form.

Find your PD

Learn what the number represents and why single and dual measurements differ.

FIT

Match frame dimensions

Use a pair that already fits to compare lens width, bridge and temple length.

Pre-checkout calibration

The four-check method

Use the same sequence for every retailer. It prevents a headline offer from hiding the details that determine fit, vision and total cost.

How we compare retailers →

01
Prescription eligibility
Confirm that your prescription type and strength are supported, including any prism or multifocal requirements.
02
Physical fit
Compare frame width, lens width, bridge and temple length with glasses that already feel comfortable.
03
Configured total
Add the required lens index, coatings, delivery and taxes. Compare this total—not the frame-only price.
04
Remake and return terms
Check the time window, prescription exceptions, postage responsibility and whether a remake differs from a refund.

Guide map

Go deeper where the decision changes

Each guide is organised around one real purchasing decision.

01 / LENSES

High-index lenses

When thinner material may matter for stronger prescriptions.

02 / VISION

Progressive lenses

What to ask about corridor design, measurements and adaptation.

03 / OPTIONS

Lens coatings

Separate useful features from optional upgrades you may not need.

04 / LIGHT

Photochromic lenses

Understand activation conditions, tint limits and driving trade-offs.

05 / USE

Glasses for driving

Questions to take to your optometrist and retailer.

06 / FAMILY

Glasses for kids

Fit, durability and professional guidance for growing wearers.

Retailers and specialist guides

Continue with the closest decision

Use a retailer checklist when comparing a specific seller, or open a specialist guide for a lens, use case or budget question.

Retailer checklists

Compare the listing, configured quote and current policy

Zenni OpticalCost, lenses and policy questions EyeBuyDirectListings, promotions and returns Warby ParkerFrames, services and location limits SpecsaversListings, offers and local services Bailey NelsonQuote and policy checklist Oscar WyleeLens quote and service questions DresdenFrame system and policy checklist Vision DirectBrand, lens and returns checklist

Buying and use-case guides

Resolve the next fit, lens or cost question

Cheap glasses in AustraliaCompare delivered quotes fairly Reading glassesTerms, fit and buying questions Computer glassesDigital eye-strain claims and options Sports glassesFit, impact resistance and fogging Prescription sunglassesTint, polarisation and lens choices Glasses vs contactsCost, convenience and eye care Blue-light glassesEvidence, coatings and screen habits How we compareEvidence and editorial boundaries

Clear evidence labels

What we compare

SOURCE

Retailer-published facts

Product eligibility, listed lens choices, delivery information and policy text are attributed to the relevant retailer.

CALCULATION

Like-for-like totals

A meaningful price comparison uses the same prescription and options. Promotions are not treated as permanent prices.

BOUNDARY

No invented testing

We do not claim orders, wear tests, clinical expertise or live prices without a current evidence record.

Retailer terms can change. Verify the final configuration and policy before payment. Read the editorial policy →

Frequently asked

Before you order glasses online

What information do I need?

You usually need a current prescription, your PD, frame measurements that fit you and the lens options required for the prescription. Check the retailer's own eligibility and return rules.

What is pupillary distance?

PD is the distance between the centres of your pupils in millimetres. It helps position the optical centre of each lens.

Should I compare the frame price?

Compare the configured total after lens index, coatings, delivery and any other required charges. The frame-only price can be a small part of the order.

Can this guide replace an optometrist?

No. This site explains shopping terminology and comparison factors. Eye health, prescription suitability and clinical questions require a qualified eye-care professional.