Online glasses can work well for some people, but they leave out a few important steps that an in-person eye test with an optometrist includes. Whether they're "just as good" depends on what you actually need from your glasses.
What online glasses get right
Online retailers are often cheaper and more convenient, especially if you already have a recent, accurate prescription and just need a straightforward pair of single-vision glasses in a simple frame.
What they can miss
A prescription number alone doesn't capture everything that goes into a comfortable, well-fitting pair of glasses:
- Pupillary distance (PD) and frame fit — measured in person, this affects how well your lenses align with your eyes. Get it wrong and you can end up with eye strain or headaches, even with a correct prescription.
- Lens customisation for your frame shape — larger or unusually shaped frames need adjustments an online order won't account for.
- A broader eye health check — a comprehensive eye test doesn't just check your prescription. At Eye Squared, we also use OCT retinal imaging and visual field testing to look at the overall health of your eyes, which an online glasses order doesn't include at all.
- Adjustments after the fact — if the fit isn't quite right, an in-person optometrist can adjust the frame on the spot. That's not possible with a pair ordered online.
So, are they "just as good"?
For a simple, low-prescription pair with a frame you already know fits you well, online glasses can be a reasonable option. For anything more complex — higher prescriptions, multifocals, an unusual frame fit, or if it's been a while since your last full eye health check — an in-person test picks up details an online order simply can't.
Eye Squared offers Medicare-billed comprehensive eye tests in Fairfield Heights, including OCT retinal imaging as an optional add-on. Book an appointment to get a complete picture of your eye health, not just a prescription number.