5 Mistakes I Made Buying Designer Prescription Glasses (So You Don't Have To)

I understand the appeal of ordering prescription glasses online. The prices are often much lower than what you’d find at a local optometrist. You see a stylish frame, like the Reven Jate D006 Optical Eyeglasses Frame, and think, "How hard can this be?"

I thought the same thing—and I was wrong. I ended up spending three months battling a company that sent me the wrong prescription, refused to accept a return, and essentially took my money. I made these mistakes so you can avoid the same frustration. Learn from my experience; these oversights can turn a seemingly good deal into a major headache.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option for an Essential Item

I was determined to save every dollar possible, so I went with the absolute lowest price I could find. I assumed glasses were just glasses—how different could they be? That was a big mistake. When you buy inexpensive glasses online, you’re not just compromising on frame quality; you’re risking the entire fulfillment process.

When prices are rock-bottom, companies have almost no room for error. They cut corners everywhere, including prescription verification and quality control.

"This company is a fraud & disappointing to email my prescription but then never receiving the correct prescription; Glasses USA sent me someone else’s thick prescription glasses... It took over 3 months to get my glasses to only be the wrong glasses." — Audrey P.

I paid $181 for someone else’s thick prescription lenses and lost three months of waiting time. Trying to save $30 upfront ended up costing me far more in stress, time, and eventual replacement costs.

Verdict: Don’t repeat my error. Inexpensive frames are fine if you’re only concerned with style. But if you need actual vision correction, reliability matters more than the lowest price.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Material Quality and Frame Specifications

When buying frames like the Reven Jate D006, the material is crucial. I focused only on how the frame looked in pictures and ignored the technical details. This oversight affects durability significantly.

Cheap plastic can snap easily, and cheap metal tends to bend or break near the screws. If a product listing doesn’t clearly state what the frame is made of, assume it’s low quality.

What to look for:

• TR90 Plastic: A lightweight, flexible plastic that resists bending and breaking better than standard plastics.
• Titanium or Stainless Steel (316L): Strong metals that resist rust and corrosion from sweat and skin oils.
• Spring Hinges: These allow the arms to flex outward without snapping if you accidentally fall asleep wearing your glasses.

If the material is listed only as "Alloy" or "Plastic," you’re likely buying a frame that will fail within six months. Spending a few extra dollars for better quality is worth it to ensure your designer glasses last.

Verdict: Always check the listed materials. If it doesn’t specify TR90 or a durable metal, move on.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Reviews for Customer Service Issues

I glanced at the overall star rating and made my purchase—a huge oversight. You must read the one-star reviews. The lowest ratings reveal exactly what happens when things go wrong.

My biggest issue wasn’t just receiving the wrong product; it was that the company made it impossible to correct their mistake.

"I sent in my Rx but received the wrong prescription glasses and after I contacted the virtual attendant 4 times, I was told that I’d receive a return label... I requested a return twice and was never provided the opportunity to return the glasses... The other two times I reached out, I was unsuccessful in reaching a live person to discuss the matter." — Audrey P.

I was stuck in a customer service black hole, spending weeks emailing and chatting with bots. I could never reach a real person to get the return label they promised. This pattern—poor fulfillment followed by nonexistent support—is a major red flag I missed.

Verdict: Read the negative reviews. If people complain about returns, nondelivery, or unreachable staff, avoid that vendor.

Mistake #4: Falling for Misleading Lens Descriptions

I ordered simple, thin "Readers" with UV protection but received thick, heavy lenses meant for someone with a much stronger prescription.

Online ads often make all lenses look thin and perfect. However, if you have anything more than a minor prescription, lens thickness is a real concern. Thicker lenses are less attractive, weigh more—causing frames to slide down your nose—and are harder to remove and replace if the company makes an error.

"All I asked for is 'Readers' w/UV protection and they sent a thick, thick glass prescription that I never asked for... I will now have to pay another company to take out the wrong Rx lenses and replace it with Readers because you all did not do what I paid a $181 dollars to have done." — Audrey P.

Don’t assume lens quality. If you have a strong prescription, you need a high-index lens (like 1.67 or 1.74) to keep them thin. If the site doesn’t clearly offer and confirm the index you need, they might simply use the thickest, cheapest lens available.

Verdict: Verify the lens index (for thinness) and all specific coatings (like UV protection and anti-glare) in your order confirmation. If they send the wrong index, request a full refund immediately.

Mistake #5: Skipping Essential Measurements (PD and Frame Dimensions)

I knew my prescription but ignored other key measurements—a foolish move. If your frames look great but sit too high, too low, or pinch your head, you’ll never wear them. This is common with stylish universal frames like the Reven Jate style.

The two numbers you can’t skip are:

1. Pupillary Distance (PD): This measures the distance between the centers of your pupils. If it’s incorrect, you’ll get headaches because the optical center of the lens won’t align with your eyes.
2. Frame Dimensions (e.g., 54-18-140): These three numbers (Lens Width, Bridge Width, Temple Arm Length) determine how the glasses fit your face.

Before buying, take a comfortable pair of glasses you already own. Look for the tiny numbers stamped inside the arm and compare them to the new frames you’re considering. If they’re significantly different, the fit will be off.

Verdict: Get your PD from your eye doctor. Compare the millimeter width of the new frame to a comfortable pair you already have.

What I Should Have Done: Prioritized Accuracy Over Price

I should have prioritized companies known for accurate fulfillment and easy returns. The process of buying designer prescription glasses should be straightforward, not a battle.

Look at the success stories. Ordering glasses online can be hassle-free:

"It was easy to order new glasses online. They are lightweight, good looking and the correct trifocal prescription. Couldn’t be easier."

This is the experience I paid for but never received. A company that handles complex prescriptions—like trifocals or high-power lenses—correctly demonstrates solid quality control.

To ensure you choose a frame that matches your personal style and lens needs, it’s wise to check guides on sub_category choices before ordering.

Lessons Learned: A Simple Checklist Before You Buy

If you’re considering an online deal, pause and use this checklist to protect your time and money. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.

Before hitting "Buy":

• Step 1: Verify Rx and PD. Have your exact prescription and Pupillary Distance ready. Don’t rely on estimates.
• Step 2: Check Fulfillment Reviews. Read the one-star reviews. Look for complaints about wrong prescriptions, shipping delays, or difficulty with returns.
• Step 3: Confirm Materials. Ensure the frame material is specified (TR90, titanium, 316L stainless steel) for durability.
• Step 4: Confirm Lens Index. If your prescription is strong, confirm they’re providing the necessary high-index lens (e.g., 1.67) to avoid thick, heavy lenses.
• Step 5: Compare Measurements. Check the frame’s millimeter dimensions against a comfortable pair you already own.

Spending five minutes on research can save you three months of fighting a frustrating situation and paying someone else to fix the company’s mistakes.