Zenni Optical FAQ

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Buying prescription eyeglasses online can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never done it before. Getting Rx glasses for less than $20 all-in might even make you suspicious. Zenni sells frames for as low as $6.95, which makes it a tempting place to try ordering some new specs. But you’ve got questions!

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered in our Zenni Optical FAQ.

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Cost/Payment Options
Ordering Process
Shipping/Returns
Products/Selection

Cost/Payment Options

Q: How much does an average pair of glasses and lenses from Zenni Optical cost?

Depending on the frame and lens options you choose, you can generally expect to spend between $15-$25 for a pair of single-vision prescription glasses. Zenni offers frames from the dirt cheap price of $6.95 up to $45.95, with multiple options in between. Standard 1.50 or 1.57-index lenses are included for no additional charge, but any special coatings like anti-glare or anti-fog are extra.

Q: Does Zenni offer any kind of special discounts or sales?

You betcha! Despite having some of the cheapest glasses around, Zenni also offers an additional 10% off orders for active military members/spouses and veterans, first responders/medical professionals, students, and teachers. Or, if you don’t fall into any of those categories, get 10% off when you sign up for their newsletter.

Q. Does Zenni Optical accept vision insurance?

They do not. You can, however, pay for your glasses with an FSA or HSA account debit/credit card, or get an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance provider if you are eligible for out-of-network reimbursement benefits.

Q. Does Zenni work with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)?

Yup. You can easily pay for your Rx glasses or Rx sunglasses with your FSA/HSA debit card directly, or pay with a regular credit card and get an itemized receipt for reimbursement. Remember, FSA funds do not rollover at the end of each year. If you have any unused funds sitting around, getting a backup pair of prescription glasses or even eyewear care accessories like cleaning cloths, lens sprays, or repair kits are a great way to use those funds up.

Q: What payment methods does Zenni accept?

Zenni accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Discover), Amazon Pay, PayPal Express, and FSA/HSA account cards.

Ordering Process

Q: What is required to order a pair of prescription glasses from Zenni?

First and foremost, you’ll need a valid glasses prescription from your eye doctor or optometrist. Contact lens prescriptions do not count.

Second, you’ll also need your pupillary distance (PD), which is the distance between your pupils as measured in millimeters. This is necessary so Zenni can ensure you’re looking through the optical center of each lens. The best way to get this measured is by asking for it when you have your eye exam. Otherwise, you can also measure it yourself.

Q: What if my prescription is expired?

Zenni doesn’t ask for your eye doctor’s contact info when placing an order. It’s better to have an up-to-date, unexpired prescription, but you can still order Rx glasses as long as you enter the appropriate values into the fields when placing an order.

Q: How do I enter my prescription when ordering?

Once you’ve chosen a frame, you’ll be prompted to select a prescription type. You can choose from Single (distance or reading), Bifocal, or Progressive lenses, and will need to enter your PD (see above). Below that, you’ll need to refer to your prescription to enter the values indicated for correcting your vision.

Q: How do I know if a frame I like will fit me?

Check inside the temple arms of your current pair of glasses for two 2-digit and one 3-digit number, for example, 52 18 135. These measurements correspond to your lens width (52), bridge width (18), and temple arm length (135) in millimeters.

On each product page, you’ll find the frame measurements in the Details section below the image. As long as your current frame specs are within 2-3mm of your current measurements, you should be fine.

For additional info, check out their tips on frame size and measurements.

Q: How strong a prescription can Zenni Optical fill?

Zenni can fill a large range of prescription strengths from -20.00 (nearsighted) to +12.00 (farsighted) in single-vision lenses. They can also correct for astigmatism if that’s listed on your prescription.

Q: Can I try Zenni frames on before purchasing?

Zenni doesn’t offer a home try-on before purchase like some other places, but they do have a virtual try-on feature that allows you to superimpose a frame on your face to see what it will look like on you. You’ll need to use the camera on your laptop or mobile phone to get started.

Q: What if I have trouble entering my prescription or placing an order online? Can I place an order over the phone?

Zenni doesn’t accept orders over the phone, only online through their website or app (best bet is to just use their website, their Google Play and iOS apps have some issues). If you run into problems entering your prescription, need assistance choosing a frame, or are wondering which lens type to choose, you can get in touch with them at (800) 211-2105, via 24/7 live chat, or email at [email protected].

You can also check out their help page for more info.

Shipping/Returns

Q: Does Zenni charge for shipping? Can you get free shipping with a minimum order amount?

Within the U.S. (all 50 states), standard shipping costs $4.95 for delivery between 14-21 days. If you want your glasses sooner, you can upgrade to priority shipping ($8.45) for delivery within 10-16 days, or express shipping ($18.95) for delivery between 7-12 days.

There is no free shipping offer outside of occasional promotions Zenni may run.

Q: Can Zenni overnight my glasses?

No, the fastest delivery Zenni has is express shipping (see above), which takes between 7-12 days.

Q: Does Zenni ship outside the U.S.?

Indeed they do. Zenni Optical ships to all U.S. Territories as well as most major foreign countries:

Q: Does Zenni accept returns or exchanges if I don’t like my glasses?

Zenni has a 30-day return policy if you decide you don’t want the glasses you ordered. You’re responsible for return shipping, and can get either 100% store credit or a 50% refund to your initial form of payment. If there’s a manufacturing defect, you may also return the glasses for inspection within the first 30 days of receipt.

Zenni will remake the glasses at no charge if they concur that a manufacturing error occurred.

Products/Selection

Q: What kinds of glasses does Zenni have?

Zenni Optical has a huge selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses in all shapes, materials, sizes, and colors. You can get full-rim plastic, semi-rimless or rimless, metal wireframes, in addition to safety glasses, sports glasses, goggles, and even kids glasses.

Q: What types of lenses does Zenni offer?

Zenni has several lens types to choose from. The included, no extra charge options are the CR-39 1.50-index or the 1.57 mid-index lens. These work well for lower prescription strengths and in full-rim plastic or metal frames.

They also have higher-index lenses for stronger prescriptions, which are thinner and lighter. The 1.61-index is 20% thinner than the CR-39, 1.67-index is 30% thinner, and the 1.74-index is up to 40% thinner.

Lastly, Zenni also has impact-resistant lenses that are great for kids or sports glasses. Check out their lens guide for more info.

Q: Can I get blue-light prescription glasses without a yellowish tint?

Absolutely. Zenni offers clear, blue-light blocking lenses called Blokz that you can wear all day, indoors and out. You can select Blokz lenses for an additional charge (starting at $16.95) when choosing your lens type and options.

Q: Does Zenni sell Transitions® lenses?

Yes, Zenni can make glasses for you with Transitions® lenses. Otherwise known as photochromic lenses, these lenses turn dark when exposed to sunlight and return to clear when you’re no longer outside.

Q: Can I just buy a pair of glasses without lenses?

Yes, there’s an option to select “Frame Only” when choosing your lens type. You can also get non-prescription lenses.

Check out our Zenni Optical Review