Finding designer glasses that look great and work for your prescription takes a little more than spotting a familiar name. You’ll want to consider frame construction, lens materials, fitting services and how you prefer to shop. Here’s what to look for and the best retailers where you can find Oakley, Ray-Ban, Prada and other designer prescription glasses.
What to Look for in Quality Designer Frames
A designer’s name can tell you something about the style, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how a pair will perform day after day. Start by looking closely at the frame construction. Lightweight plastic frames can be comfortable and flexible, making them suitable for everyday wear. Metal frames can offer a more structured feel and may be a better fit if you prefer a sturdier frame. Pay attention to the hinges, too. They should open and close smoothly and sit level when placed on a flat surface.
It’s also important to pick the right material for the lenses. Plastic lenses are lighter and more flexible than glass and less likely to shatter. Many plastic lenses also provide some UV protection. However, if you do sports or other activities where your glasses could take a hit, choose impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate lenses.
Top 5 Retailers for Designer Glasses
From places to buy Oakley eyeglasses to retailers that carry Ray-Ban and other designer labels, these companies offer different combinations of style, lens choices, convenience and optical services.
1. Eyemart Express
Eyemart Express is a practical option when you want designer eyewear on a tight timeline since it combines a large store network with local in-house labs. With more than 250 locations across more than 40 states, you can access in-person frame guidance and optical services in many areas.
Skilled Lab Specialists fulfill more than 80% of prescriptions the same day, so you could have new glasses before your coffee gets cold. You can also arrange eye exams through local optometrist partnerships. Eyemart Express is also one of the best places to buy Oakley prescription glasses, as well as a wide range of other name-brand frames.
2. LensCrafters
LensCrafters offers a broad selection of designer labels, including Oakley, Ray-Ban, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Tiffany and Persol. You can browse online or visit one of its over 1,000 stores, which offer prescription lenses and specialized treatments.
Its digital tools make the selection process easier, including a virtual try-on feature and a frame advisor that analyzes facial features. You can use the Opthy app to measure your pupillary distance, too. Participating locations offer independent optometrists and digital eye exam technology for more detailed vision assessments.
3. GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA features a large online selection of designer frames, including Oakley, Ray-Ban and Gucci, as well as its own labels. You can customize designer frames with prescription lenses and choose options such as progressives, anti-reflective coatings, blue-light filtering and Transitions lenses.
The store’s virtual try-on lets you see frames on your face before ordering, while the Pairfect Match tool can suggest styles based on your features and preferences. You can also use its prescription scanner to capture prescription information through your existing lenses. Most orders are assembled at its optical lab in Atlanta, Georgia.
4. EyeBuyDirect
EyeBuyDirect focuses on online eyewear with a large selection of frames you can customize with prescription lenses and tinted options. Through its virtual try-on tool, you can upload your photo and compare different styles on your face as you browse.
The retailer also offers its own prescription sunglasses, with the design and manufacturing handled in-house. You can choose from four types of blue-light glasses, as well as prescription eyewear and sunglasses. Insurance, HSA and FSA payment options are available, giving you additional ways to manage your eyewear purchase.
5. FramesDirect.com
FramesDirect.com has specialized in online eyewear since 1996 and carries more than 200 brands, including Oakley, Ray-Ban, Versace, Prada and Gucci. Its large catalog includes over 100,000 styles across the colors and sizes offered by each brand. You can also get assistance from trained opticians during the ordering process, including help with prescription details, frame sizing and lens selection.
Moreover, it uses Essilor lenses and subjects completed eyewear to a six-step quality inspection. Its selection also includes high-index 1.74 lenses for strong prescriptions and BlueReflect lenses.
Find Your Perfect Pair
The right retailer can make shopping for designer eyewear a lot simpler. Think about what’s most important to you, such as the available brands and styles, lens customization, fitting support and the flexibility to order online or in person. With those priorities in mind, you can narrow down the options and find frames that suit both your prescription and personal style.
