How to Order Glasses Online: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide (with pictures)
Ordering glasses online can sound intimidating if you’ve never done it before. We get it – for years, many of us have been trained to believe you have to buy your glasses from the same place you get your eyes tested.
The truth? Ordering glasses online is simple, affordable, and gives you far more choice. Once you know how it works, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
This guide walks you through exactly how to order glasses online, including how to get your prescription, and a step-by-step breakdown of adding lenses to your favourite frames.
Step 1: Get a Copy of Your Prescription (Yes, You’re Allowed To)
One of the biggest reasons people think ordering glasses online is difficult is because they don’t realise they’re entitled to their prescription.
If you’ve had an eye test at an optometrist – including large chains like Specsavers – you can request a printed or digital copy of your prescription for free.
Here’s what many people don’t know:
- Your prescription belongs to you
- Optometrists are obligated to provide it upon request
- There’s no extra charge for a printed copy
- Staff are usually more than happy to help
If you didn’t receive a copy at your appointment, simply pop back in or call and say something like:
“Hi, I had an eye test recently and I was just wondering if I could get a copy of my prescription, please?”
That’s it. No awkwardness, no pressure, no explanation required.
Tip: If you’re visiting in person, they can often print it on the spot.
Step 2: Understand Your Prescription (It’s Simpler Than It Looks)
At first glance, a glasses prescription can look a little technical – but you don’t need to understand every number to order glasses online.
Most prescriptions include:
- SPH (Sphere): How strong your lenses need to be
- CYL & AXIS: Only relevant if you have astigmatism
- ADD: For multifocal or reading support
On our website, you’ll be guided through entering this information step by step – and if something isn’t clear, our help guides are always there to walk you through it.
Not confident typing it in? No problem.
If you’re unsure about any part of your prescription, you can simply upload a photo of your prescription instead of entering the details manually. Our team will read it for you and make sure everything is entered correctly.
Whether you type it in yourself or upload a photo, the end result is the same – accurately made lenses, tailored to you.
Step 3: Choose Your Frames
This is the fun part.
Browse through our frame collections and choose a style you love – whether you’re after everyday glasses, statement frames, or something lightweight and minimal.
Once you’ve found your perfect pair, click Select Lenses to begin the lens selection process.
Step 4: Add Your Prescription Lenses (Step by Step)
Our lens flow is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Here’s how it works:
1. Select Your Prescription Type
Choose which prescription type best matches your prescription:
- Single Vision: One prescription strength for distance or reading
- Progressive: For prescriptions with an ADD value (sometimes called multifocal) – seamless distance, intermediate, and near vision in one lens
- Reading: Typically lower-strength prescriptions intended mainly for close-up work
- Non-prescription: No vision correction required
Not sure which one to pick?
- If your prescription includes an ADD value → choose Progressive
- If it only lists SPH (and possibly CYL/AXIS) with no ADD → choose Single Vision
- If you’re buying purely for style → choose Non-prescription
2. Enter Your Prescription Details
Carefully enter the numbers from your prescription exactly as shown or upload a photo of your prescription.
3. Choose Your Lens Type
Next, choose the type of lenses you’d like:
- Standard clear lenses (with optional blue light filtering)
- Photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight
- Tinted lenses in a range of colours
- Polarised lenses for reduced glare and improved clarity (multiple colour options)
Turn Any Frame Into Sunglasses
Love a frame but want it as sunglasses? You can turn any pair of glasses into sunglasses during this step.
Simply choose a tinted or polarised lens option in your preferred colour – perfect for everyday wear, driving, or time outdoors.
4. Choose Your Lens Thickness
Lens thickness affects how thin and lightweight your lenses will be.
Available options may include:
- 1.56 index (standard thickness)
- 1.61 index (thin)
- 1.67 index (extra thin)
- 1.74 index (thinnest and lightest)
Step 5: Checkout & We’ll Take Care of the Rest
Once your lenses are added, simply head to checkout.
From there:
- Your lenses are custom-made to your prescription
- Your glasses are carefully assembled and quality checked
- Your finished pair is delivered straight to your door
No follow-up appointments. No upselling. No pressure.
Still Not Sure? That’s Totally Normal
Ordering glasses online for the first time can feel like a big step – but thousands of people do it every day, and once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature.
If you’re ever unsure:
- Our guides are available throughout the process
- You can always reach out for help before placing your order
Great vision shouldn’t be complicated – or overpriced.
A Quick Note on Prescription Updates
For the clearest, most comfortable vision, it’s recommended to have your eyes tested every two years. Prescriptions can change gradually over time, and keeping yours up to date ensures your glasses are doing their job properly.
Final Thought
You already have more control than you think. Once you have your prescription, you’re free to choose where and how you buy your glasses.
Ordering online puts that choice back in your hands – with more styles, clearer pricing, and a process designed to be easy from start to finish.
