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

I understand the urge. You need new glasses quickly and want to save some cash. I felt the same way when I spotted a deal on those trendy Square Black White frames—a classic style often used for modern **oval prescription glasses**. I thought I was being clever. I thought I'd found a bargain.

I was mistaken. I made these errors so you can avoid weeks of blurry vision waiting for a package that never shows up. Learn from my experience:

• Stop being fooled by fake "express shipping" offers.
• Understand why the lowest price often leads to the highest stress.
• Know exactly what to verify before clicking 'Buy' on any online eyewear site.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option (The False Economy)

The low price tag on the frame and the total cost being much lower than my local optician's seemed like a win. That was a big error. When you opt for the absolute cheapest choice, you're not just paying less for the frame; you're paying less for everything else: customer support, production speed, and quality control.

I was in a bind because my old pair broke. I needed glasses right away. The budget site promised a quick solution, but the price reflected a company with zero motivation to rush my order or care about my urgent situation.

Real User Feedback: “Stop giving terrible companies your money. Let them fade away because they clearly don't care about their customers. I'm telling all my bespectacled friends to avoid this place. Terrible, terrible, terrible.”

I thought I saved $50. In reality, I paid $50 for 19 days of unnecessary stress and no functional vision. The rock-bottom price often signals a business model focused on volume, not reliable delivery or customer service.

Verdict: If the price seems too good to be true compared to established brands, assume the company cuts corners on production time and support.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Frame Material Durability

When buying inexpensive **oval prescription glasses**, the frame material is often the first casualty. Even if they look fantastic in the photo—like the sharp black and white square style I chose—the actual plastic can be flimsy, brittle, or have low-quality hinges.

While I waited 19 days for a delivery that never came, I worried that if they did arrive, they might snap within a month. Cheap plastic frames scratch easily and lose their screws quickly. I should have looked for specific details.

You need durable materials. Don't settle for generic descriptions like "plastic" or "acetate." Look for:

• TR90: A lightweight, flexible nylon that resists bending and breaking.
• High-Quality Acetate: Superior to standard plastic, typically thicker and more robust.
• Spring Hinges: These allow the temple arms to flex outward slightly, reducing stress when you put them on and take them off.

If the product description doesn't clearly list the material and hinge type, assume it's the cheapest plastic available. Learn from me: Cheap frames break, meaning you buy replacements sooner and spend more overall.

Verdict: Always check the material specifications. If they only say "plastic," look elsewhere.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Recent Production and Shipping Reviews

This was my most significant blunder. I skimmed a few old five-star reviews and ignored the clear red flags buried in recent feedback. When buying complex items like prescription glasses, production time is everything.

My old glasses were broken. I told myself, "It'll be fine, I paid for express shipping!" But express shipping only covers the carrier's speed, not how long the lab takes to actually make your lenses.

Real User Feedback: “Ordered glasses on March 30th and paid for 3-5 day express shipping because my old ones broke. Day 5 comes around and they're still in production, day 10 and still in production. On day 11, I called to ask for a shipping refund... Day 19 and still no glasses!!!”

Read the recent reviews. If multiple people complain that their order sat in "production" for 10 or 12 days, yours will too. The company simply can't keep its promises.

Verdict: Look for reviews less than six months old that specifically mention current delivery times and customer support responsiveness.

Mistake #4: Falling for the "Express Shipping" Scam

I wasted $10 on "express shipping." The company was happy to take my money, even though they knew my order was stuck in their lab for nearly three weeks. They later refunded the shipping cost, which felt like a tiny consolation prize for wasting my time and risking my eyesight.

Don't repeat my error. Express shipping is meaningless when the company itself is dysfunctional. If production takes 15 days, saving two days on transit is irrelevant.

When I confronted them on Day 11, the customer service representative knew exactly how to process a shipping refund. Why? Because they do it constantly. They know their express promises are empty.

Real User Feedback: “On day 11, I called to ask for a shipping refund. They seemed like they do it all the time based on her response. So I got my $10 back, but these glasses are STILL six days out from delivery.”

Action Step: Before buying, check the estimated production time separately from the shipping time. If production is listed as "7-10 business days," paying for 2-day shipping is pointless.

Mistake #5: Skipping Detailed Measurements and Fit Checks

The Square Black White frame style is popular, but looks are only half the battle. Prescription glasses must fit perfectly, especially for complex prescriptions or progressive lenses.

When you buy cheaply online, they often provide only basic frame width. They don't give you enough information about the critical fitting metrics. You need the full three numbers (Eye Size - Bridge Width - Temple Length) in millimeters (mm).

Even worse, they might not ask for your Pupillary Distance (PD). This is the distance between the centers of your pupils. If this measurement is off by even 2 or 3 mm, your vision will be distorted. Trying to return ill-fitting **oval prescription glasses** is a nightmare.

Steps to avoid a bad fit:

1. Get your PD measured accurately by an eye doctor (don't rely on phone apps).
2. Compare the frame’s listed bridge width (usually the second number, like 50-18-140) to your old, comfortable glasses.
3. Be skeptical of "one size fits all" claims.

Verdict: Always prioritize accurate measurements over price. A poor fit causes headaches and blurred vision.

What I Should Have Done: Choosing Reliability Over Price

Instead of chasing the lowest price from an unknown company, I should have focused on reliability, warranty, and proven customer service. I should have realized that getting a prescription item right the first time saves money in the long run.

I should have chosen a company that handles the process professionally, as described by this reviewer:

Real User Feedback: “Easily the best place to get glasses. The in-store customer service is phenomenal—very professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. I love the selection of frames and the affordability. The warranty is great too... Especially since they offer direct home shipping, which others don't.”

A trustworthy company provides professionalism and resolves issues promptly. They have knowledgeable staff who can advise on the best frame materials and fit, and they stand behind their product with a solid warranty. I learned that you must approach buying glasses as a medical purchase, not just a fashion accessory. Instead of clicking the cheapest link, I should have sought professional guidance. Choosing a reliable provider means better service and dependable delivery. I should have looked for proper optical care, like that offered by Cinily Eye Care, rather than just the cheapest deal.

Action: Look for companies known for customer care and strong warranties, not just the lowest price.

Lessons Learned: Your New Buying Checklist

The experience of waiting 19 days for glasses that never arrived was painful and unnecessary. I will never fall for a super-cheap, poorly-supported online vendor again. The lesson is simple: value your time and vision more than a temporary discount.

Here is the four-step plan I now follow for any new pair of **oval prescription glasses**:

1. Verify Production Speed: Check recent reviews for current production timelines (not just shipping estimates). Is it truly 3 days, or is it 10 days stuck in limbo?
2. Demand Quality Material: Look for TR90 or high-quality acetate and confirmed spring hinges. Generic plastic is a recipe for disaster.
3. Ignore Express Shipping: Only pay for faster shipping if the company guarantees the lenses will be made and ready to ship within 48 hours.
4. Measure Everything: Have your PD and full fitting measurements ready before you start shopping.

Don't fall victim to fake express shipping and nonexistent customer service. Spend a little more upfront to save yourself weeks of frustration later.