The real cost of glasses and contacts

Prescription Glasses Online

FramesDirect vs LensCrafters for buying titanium frames online

FramesDirect vs LensCrafters for titanium frames: same EssilorLuxottica parent, compared on price, high-index lenses, fitting, returns, and insurance.

All-in priceFree PD tool14-day returns

Target Optical vs Eyeconic for using vision benefits on glasses

Target Optical vs Eyeconic for glasses with vision benefits: how each applies your plan, what you'll really pay, and which fits your shopping style.

Cost vs drugstoreSubscriptionNot medical advice

Eye Health Essentials

Are CorneaCare dry-eye products worth it for contact lens wearers?

A research-based review of whether CorneaCare's dry-eye subscription is worth it for contact wearers, versus drugstore drops and better lenses.

How to buy glasses online with VSP insurance without a claim form

Shop in-network and your VSP allowance applies at checkout - no claim form. Here's the step-by-step, plus the in-network vs out-of-network dollar gap.

Real markupAuthenticityReturn window

Designer & Sunglasses

Sunglass Hut vs Glasses.com for prescription Ray-Bans

Sunglass Hut vs Glasses.com for genuine prescription Ray-Bans: where the lenses, vision insurance, virtual try-on, and returns actually differ.

Per-box priceAuto-reorderVision insurance

Contact Lenses Online

Best place to buy daily disposable contacts online for sensitive eyes

Where to buy gentle daily disposable contacts online for dry, sensitive eyes — silicone hydrogel picks, annual-supply cost, and a comfort add-on, compared.

Measure PDRead your scriptRetailer picks

Buying Guides & Tools

How to read your eyeglass prescription before buying glasses online

Decode OD/OS, SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD and PD so you can enter your prescription correctly at any online glasses retailer, plus where to buy by need.

VSP Individual Vision Plans review: is buying your own vision insurance worth it?

An honest, research-based look at whether a self-purchased VSP individual vision plan pays for itself in a year — with break-even math and who should pay cash.

Real markupAuthenticityReturn window

Designer & Sunglasses

Are Garrett Leight glasses worth it compared to buying frames online elsewhere?

An honest, research-based look at whether Garrett Leight frames are worth the premium versus a lookalike, and how to add prescription lenses without overpaying.

Updated today10 min read

Eyeconic vs EyeBuyDirect: insurance allowance vs lowest sticker price

Does running a frame through your vision allowance at Eyeconic actually beat EyeBuyDirect's rock-bottom cash price? Worked examples both ways, plus the tipping point.