If you need new glasses and don’t have time to wait weeks for them, there are a few things you can do to get your hands on a new pair quickly. In this post, we’ll outline some of the best ways to get glasses fast, without having to go through a lot of hassle. Keep reading for more information!
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First Things First
Before you can get a new pair of prescription glasses, you’ll need your glasses prescription (obviously). If you don’t have a copy of your prescription, you can usually get one from your eye doctor’s office. Just give them a call and ask – they should be able to email it to you within a day or two.
Otherwise, you’ll need to get an eye exam. If you can’t get a quick appointment with your eye doctor, here are a few options:
1. Call around to different eye doctor offices in your area and see if anyone has an opening for a same-day or next-day appointment. Last-minute cancellations happen all the time, so you might be able to snag an opening.
2. Visit a vision center at a big box store like Costco or Walmart, or an optical retailer like LensCrafters or VisionWorks, that offers routine eye exams by optometrists. These can often be booked within days instead of weeks, and they’re usually more affordable than going to your regular eye doctor. You might even be able to get an appointment same day if you’re lucky.
Prescription Glasses with 2-Day Delivery
3. Take an online vision test. These won’t be as comprehensive as a traditional eye exam, but they can give you an updated prescription if you’re in a pinch. Online eye exams are reviewed by a licensed optometrist in your state, so you can still get a valid prescription. The test is quick and easy, and you can get an updated prescription within 24 hours.
4. Use A Prescription Scanner. If you have a pair of glasses with your current prescription, you can find out what your Rx is by downloading a free prescription scanner app on your smartphone. Many online retailers including GlassesUSA, Liingo Eyewear, and SmartBuyGlasses offer this service – and there’s no obligation to buy glasses from them.
How to Get Prescription Glasses Fast
There are a couple different ways you can get your hands on a new pair of glasses in anywhere from one hour to a few days:
Buy Prescription Glasses Online
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get new glasses is to order them online from a retailer like EyeBuyDirect, Zenni Optical, or Overnight Glasses.
The great thing about ordering glasses online is that you can usually have them shipped to your door within a few business days (or even overnight in some cases).
Plus, you’ll have a much wider selection of frames to choose from than you would if you were shopping at a brick-and-mortar store.
Both EyeBuyDirect and Zenni Optical have 2-day shipping options available, while Overnight Glasses offers overnight service (hence their name) on select frames. All of these options are for single-vision prescriptions only.
Besides quick service and delivery, you’ll usually get the best price on glasses by ordering them online. For example, a basic pair of single-vision glasses from Zenni Optical starts at just $6.95 plus shipping. (Which is perfect if you decide to purchase a backup pair so you don’t find yourself stuck without glasses again.)
Additionally, you can often get new glasses with an expired prescription, which you wouldn’t be able to do at a brick-and-mortar store.
Fastest Places To Buy Rx Glasses Online
Visit a Retail Optical With Same-Day Service
If you need your glasses immediately (like today), your best bet is to head to a retail optical store at most malls and shopping centers. LensCrafters is well-known for offering same-day or even one-hour service on most prescription glasses orders.
In some cases, you may even be able to get your glasses made while you wait. Some regional chains such as Cohen’s Fashion Optical or local opticians may offer similar services.
While you won’t have as many frame choices as you would if you ordered online, you’ll be able to walk out of the store with your new glasses in hand – which is a big plus.
Additionally, many insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of your glasses if you purchase them from a retail optical store. So, if you have vision insurance, this may be the best option for you.