Where to Buy Cheap Glasses Online and in Store: Frames as Low as $6

Cheap glasses are a must if you, like me, were not blessed with naturally good eyesight. I mean seriously, it’s so unfair that some people can see for free. Especially when you consider that some eyewear can cost upwards of $300. And don’t even get me started on how expensive other goods like eye drops, contacts, and contact solution can be.

We have a few hacks for saving money on eye care, but this time we set out to find the best online and in-store retailers for cheap glasses — whether you’re looking for frames, lenses, or both. And trust me, the deals never looked so good.

Text HACKS to 57299 or download the Krazy Coupon Lady app and be the first to know about the hottest deals each day.

 

1. Zenni Optical’s prices are already cheap, but you can stack a 10% student or teacher discount on top of that.

Take a look at Zenni Optical, the online glasses brand that has been taking the Internet by storm. Zenni’s goal is to make glasses that are both fashionable and affordable. While the former is subjective, we were pleasantly surprised by the prices. They’re able to offer cheap glasses because they don’t have to pay for a physical storefront and they make each pair custom.

Zenni Optical currently offers men’s, women’s, and children’s glasses and sunglasses, both prescription and nonprescription blue-light blocking. All lenses come with Anti-Scratch Coating and UV Protection Coating, plus options for extra add-ons.

Here’s how to get the best deals:

• On top of prices that are significantly below market values, Zenni offers a 10% discount for teachers, first responders and healthcare workers, military, and students.
• You can also join the loyalty rewards program for perks like 10% off, free shipping, and a 15% – 20% birthday discount. Though the benefits vary based on how much you spend, it’s totally worth it if you’re ordering multiple frames or glasses for the whole family.

 

Related: 9 Sneaky Ways Your Optometrist Is Overcharging You for Glasses

 

2. Walmart tends to run glasses sales in early August, just in time for the back-to-school season.

Walmart offers glasses in-store and online, but their in-store experience has more options and provides a more streamlined experience.

Here’s how to get even lower prices:

• Now for a limited time, when you buy one pair of prescription glasses and one pair of prescription sunglasses at Walmart, you can take 35% off your lowest-priced pair. Visit your nearest Walmart Vision Center to inquire about the deal. We expect this offer to expire by the end of August.
• Get free shipping instantly when you make your purchase through Walmart Vision Center. And if you need contacts, you can get the same deal when ordering through WalmartContacts.com.
• Shop basic readers on Walmart.com to save even more. Sometimes, you can find a 3-pack bundle deal where three pairs of glasses come out to just $8.97.

RELATED: 32 Student Discounts That’ll Save You Big Bucks

 

3. EyeBuyDirect sells glasses for as little as $6.

This online eyewear retailer aims to make glasses more accessible to everyone. The business model is similar to Zenni’s in that they’re able to offer lower prices by taking out the middleman and not paying for a brick-and-mortar location. As a result, you can find frames for as little as $6.

Here’s how to get even lower prices:

• Sign up for their email newsletter. You can instantly get 30% off, plus free shipping, for a limited time.
• You can use their official coupons on their site for deals like 20% off orders of $75 or more and $30 off purchases. These don’t stack with other discounts and have order minimums, so they aren’t the best option in my opinion.
• Use their military discount for 20% off purchases of $15+. They also have first responder and medical professional discounts of 20%. Just use ID.me at checkout.
• Look into their loyalty program. There are three tiers based on how much you spend. Tier 1 perks include 15% discounts annually, a birthday BOGO discount, and 30% off sitewide quarterly. If you anticipate spending over $75, it’s worth signing up for the loyalty program.
• There’s a student discount through Student Beans. You can save 20% – 30% depending on how much you spend. While 30% off purchases of $60 or more is nice, the veterans’ discount seems to be the best option.

 

4. Sam’s Club runs glasses promotions for kids from late July to mid-August.

Sam’s Club Optical is available in over 600 warehouse locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Eye exams cost around $61, even if you’re not a Sam’s Club member.

Here’s how to get even lower prices:

• Now through August 20, shoppers can take advantage of a special BOGO deal for youth glasses. Both pairs must be for the same prescription and patient, and the free pair will be the cheaper option of the two.
• If you have a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you’ll get special optical discounts like 20% off lenses and free shipping on most items.

 

5. GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA‘s vision is to provide a wide range of frame styles and lenses at an affordable price, making them more accessible to the visually impaired. They sell contacts, sunglasses, eyeglasses, and designer frames. But what if you don’t have a current prescription? You can get your glasses prescription updated without seeing an optometrist through their free app.

Here’s how to save more:

• Check out their official coupons and sales page. Current offerings include 50% off all lens upgrades, 40% off designer brand frames, and 30% off eyeglasses and sunglasses.
• They accept a number of vision plans. Use your insurance if you have it.
• Get a 50% off coupon and free shipping when you sign up for emails. This doesn’t include premium or sale items.
• Military, students, healthcare workers, and first responders who verify their identity through ID.me can receive a $10 off coupon that stacks with other discounts and promotions.

 

6. Payne Glasses

Payne Glasses aims to help folks who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford eyewear. Cheap glasses start at $5.95, the least expensive frames we’ve seen. It’s important to note that prices shown on their site are for the frames, with costs climbing as you add prescription lenses, coatings, and more. If you already have lenses, we recommend just buying the frames and having your optometrist swap the lenses in.

They offer sunglasses, prescription glasses, nonprescription glasses, blue light glasses, and accessories. These are available for men, women, and children.

Get the best deals by:

• Paying attention to their rotating deals in their promotions tab. From July 11 – 17, 2023, they offered BOGO 40% off on blue light-blocking glasses over $10.
• Apply for the People Helping People program. Select applicants can get free prescription glasses.

 

7. Warby Parker

While the frames at Warby Parker are a bit more expensive, starting at $95, they’re still cheaper than a lot of traditional eyewear retailers. They have a wide variety of men’s and women’s frames, though none for children.

What really sets Warby Parker apart from other online stores is that they allow you to try on up to five frames at home for free. Sure, they also have virtual try-ons like many others, but you never truly know how a pair will look until you put them on. It’s also better to try on frames IRL if you have sensory processing difficulties. Because is there anything worse than spending money on a pair of glasses online only to find that the material or weight distribution is triggering? Nope.

Here’s how to get a better deal:

• Use your vision insurance if you have it.
• They offer 15% discounts if you order two pairs. No promo or coupon codes are required.
• Get a $50 off code for glasses after you purchase a year’s worth of contacts on their site.