Here’s where to buy glasses online in Canada (2024)

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As someone who has worn glasses daily for most of my life, I’m happy to report things have changed a lot in the 20+ years since I was fitted for my first pair in my optometrist’s office. Thanks to online retailers, purchasing a new pair of glasses is much more convenient – not to mention more affordable.

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Depending on your prescription, it’s possible to pick up some new prescription lenses for as little as $9. However, just because you’re getting a deal, you still want to make sure that your new glasses will actually help improve your vision.

Read our guide to buying glasses online.

Summary of where to buy glasses online

Most affordable:Zenni
Most variety: Clearly
Best home try-on:Warby Parker
Best for basics:Dresden
Best return and exchange policy: KITS
Most stylish:Bailey Nelson
Best collaborations: Bonlook
Best for reading glasses:Amazon

What to know before buying glasses online

Though it’s possible to buy your next pair of prescription lenses without ever leaving home, there are a few things that you should know before you start shopping:

1. Your prescription: In Canada, prescriptions are only valid for a period of up to two years. Before shopping online, be sure to visit your optometrist for an eye exam and an updated prescription.
2. Facial measurements: Inside every pair of glasses, you’ll find a three-digit code (the pair I’m currently wearing is 49-20-140) that represents the size of the glasses’ eye, bridge and temple measurements. Before heading online to shop, I recommend checking out your nearest optical to try on a few pairs of glasses in person. That way, you can take note of the fit and compare the measurements to glasses you like online.
3. Pupillary distance: Your pupillary distance, or PD, is the distance between the centre of your right and left pupils. Having the correct PD is important because it ensures that your glasses focus at the right point on each eye. There are guides for how to measure pupillary distance yourself, but I’ve tried it in the past and found the best way to get an accurate number is to have a professional measure it for you in person.

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Best places to buy glasses online in Canada

Once you’re armed with all the info above, then comes the fun part – shopping for frames. I’ve included some of my favourite retailers to buy glasses online, as well as some that are new to me but are top choices among Canadian shoppers.

Prices for frames listed below are accurate at time of publication and include the cost of standard lenses. Additional fees may apply for higher prescriptions or bifocals.

KITS

KITS is a Canadian company, with all lenses crafted at their Vancouver lab. The brand’s virtual try-on makes shopping for frames easy, as it provides you with precise measurements of your pupillary distance and your face dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit. Shop KITS-exclusive frames as well as eyewear from brands like Prada, Oakley and more.

Price range: $28 – $446
Trial policy and returns: KITS offers a free 30-day return policy and free 365-day exchanges. Glasses are covered under a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Clearly

Clearly is your one-stop shop for ordering glasses as well as contacts online. Glasses start at just $9, although you’ll also find higher-end brands like Versace and Ray-Ban mixed in among the hundreds of available styles.

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Price range: $9 – $534
Trial policy and returns: Clearly accepts glasses and sunglasses returns within 30 days of the delivery date while their warranty covers manufacturer’s defects on frames and lenses within one year.

Read our full Clearly review.

Zenni

Like Clearly, Zenni has thousands of styles to choose from with some of the most affordable prices around. Since prices start at $10 a pair, Zenni is a great choice for those who are prone to accidents or want to build out a full wardrobe of fun eyewear.

Price range: $10 – $80
Trial policy and returns: You’ll have 14 days to receive a full refund on Zenni glasses or 30 days to exchange for store credit. Glasses are also covered by a 30-day warranty.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker has been simplifying the process of shopping for glasses since its launch in 2010. The brand also has a one-for-one program and has distributed more than 15 million pairs of glasses to date through its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.

Price range: $150 – $295
Trial policy and returns: Warby Parker’s Home Try-On program lets you choose five frames to test out for free before making a purchase. It also offers a 30-day, free exchange or return policy and a six-month, no-scratch guarantee for prescription eyeglasses and sunglass lenses.

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Read our full Warby Parker review.

Bonlook

Bonlook’s in-house design team in Montreal creates all of the brand’s on-trend and timeless glasses styles. Because of that, Bonlook often collaborates with Canadian style stars including previous collections with Tessa Virtue and Sarah-Maude Beauchesne.

Price range: $99 – $249
Trial policy and returns: Bonlook offers a 30-day return or exchange policy for all products and a one-year warranty for any manufacturing defects and lens inaccuracies.

Bailey Nelson

Those who aren’t afraid of bold styles or colourful frames will enjoy Bailey Nelson’s eclectic mix of glasses for women, men and kids. And if you’re unsure about which style to choose, there’s a Virtual Try-On feature to experiment with frames from the comfort of your home.

Price range: $189 – $299
Trial policy and returns: At Bailey Nelson, all custom prescription products are final sale. However, for any issues with lenses, they can be remade up until 30 days from purchase. Glasses are covered under a one-year warranty.

Learn more about the newest Bailey Nelson location in Toronto.

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Dresden

Dresden offers a single frame style in a rainbow of colours, so you can easily customize your look by swapping out the interchangeable arms. The frames are manufactured using 100 per cent recyclable or recycled materials and come in sizes XS – L to suit a range of face shapes.

Price range: $75 – $130
Trial policy and returns: Dresden offers a 10-year warranty on their glasses. You’ll also get 30 days to return or exchange if you’re not happy with your new frames.

Amazon

If you’re just looking for a pair of cheap and cheerful reading glasses, it’s worth taking a look at Amazon’s selection. There you’ll find bulk packages of glasses – perfect for the forgetful reader.

Price range: From $20
Trial policy and returns: Like most Amazon products, glasses purchased are eligible for return or exchange within 30 days of delivery.

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kmendonca@postmedia.com

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