Buying Your First Pair of Glasses Online with Eyeconic: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

• Step 1: Get your updated prescription ready or renew it online.
• Step 2: Connect your VSP vision benefits to unlock instant savings.
• Step 3: Use our Virtual Try-On and face shape guide to find flattering frames.
• Step 4: Select your lenses, review your final costs, and enjoy free returns. 

Buying your first pair of glasses online can feel like a big step—especially if you’re used to trying frames on in person or leaning on an optician for guidance. The good news? With the right tools and a little preparation, it is incredibly simple, convenient, and confidence‑boosting to buy glasses online.

If you’re new to shopping for prescription eyeglasses online, this guide walks you through what to expect—from getting your prescription ready to choosing frames and lenses on eyeconic.com.
 

Step 1: How Do I Get My Prescription Ready?

Before shopping for glasses online, make sure your prescription is current. Glasses prescriptions typically expire every one to two years, depending on your state.

Your prescription includes details like sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), axis, addition (ADD), and pupillary distance (PD).  If you’re not sure what those numbers mean or when you’ll need them, we break it down here in our online glasses buying guide.

If you think your prescription might have expired and don’t have time to make it to the eye doctor, you might qualify for Visibly, our online prescription renewal tool.
 

Step 2: How Can I Apply My VSP Vision Benefits? 

Eyeconic® is the in‑network online store for VSP® members, which means eligible benefits are applied in real time as you shop.  As a member, you can save up to $300 on glasses, sunglasses, or contacts when you connect your insurance!

Once you connect your benefits, you can:

• See your frame and lens allowances
• View your estimated out‑of‑pocket cost before buying
• Apply savings automatically at checkout

 

Step 3: How Do I Choose the Right Frames Online?

Choosing frames online doesn’t mean guessing. Eyeconic offers tools to help first‑time shoppers feel confident in their selection.
 

Try Frames Virtually

Eyeconic’s Virtual Try‑On tool lets you see how frames look on your face using your camera—so you can narrow down styles before committing. And if you're already wearing glasses, the tool can swap them out in real time and replace them with the ones you’re trying out!
 

Check Frame Measurements

Every frame listing includes measurements like lens width, bridge size, and temple length. If you already own non-prescription sunglasses or reading glasses that fit well, you can compare those numbers to find your glasses size for a similar fit.
 

Figure Out Your Face Shape

One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of finding a frame that looks good on you is figuring out your face shape. Not sure what yours is? We can help with that. Even better: once you know your face shape, you can browse Eyeconic’s glasses by face shape.
 

Step 4: Which Lenses Should I Choose?

Once you’ve selected frames, Eyeconic guides you through lens options based on your prescription and how you use your glasses day to day.

Depending on your needs, you may choose:

• Single‑vision or progressive lenses
• Anti‑reflective coating to reduce glare
• Blue light filtering lenses for heavy screen time
• Light‑reactive lenses that adapt to the sun

If you have no idea what any of these words mean, we have a guide on prescription lenses to help you through the process.

Since you’ve already applied your benefits, prescription lenses are included in the listed price, so you can see your total cost as you build your glasses.
 

Step 5: What Will My Final Cost Be? 

Before checking out, Eyeconic shows a complete cost breakdown, including:

• Frame price
• Lens selections
• Insurance savings (if applicable)
• Final out‑of‑pocket total

This transparency is especially helpful when shopping for prescription eyeglasses online for the first time, ensuring you know exactly what you are paying before placing your order.
 

Step 6: What if My New Glasses Don’t Fit? 

Once your glasses arrive, you can try them on at home and see how they feel in your everyday routine. Eyeconic offers free shipping and free returns, so if something isn’t quite right, you have flexibility.

VSP members can also visit a VSP network eye doctor for a complimentary frame adjustment if needed.
 

Your First Pair—Made Simple 

Buying your first pair of glasses online doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With built‑in insurance support, virtual tools, and step‑by‑step guidance, Eyeconic helps take the uncertainty out of the process.


Frequently Asked Questions
 

Is it safe to buy prescription eyeglasses online?

Yes, it is completely safe and secure! Reputable, in-network retailers like Eyeconic ensure your prescription is properly verified and use the exact same high-quality lenses you would get at your eye doctor's office. Plus, with features like Virtual Try-On, you can shop with total confidence.
 

Can I use my VSP vision benefits to buy glasses online?

Absolutely! Eyeconic is the official in-network online retailer for VSP. When you link your account, you can seamlessly apply your VSP vision benefits directly to your purchase. Your allowances and exclusive member discounts are automatically calculated and applied to your cart at checkout.
 

How do I know what frames will look good on me?

When you buy glasses online, you never have to guess. You can use our Virtual Try-On tool to see how different frame styles look on your face in real time. We also recommend checking our face shape guide to easily discover which frame shapes will be the most flattering for your unique features.
 

What happens if my new glasses don’t fit right?

If your new frames feel a little loose or tight behind the ears, don't worry. You can take them to a participating VSP network eye doctor for a completely free frame adjustment. If you decide the style just isn't for you, Eyeconic offers free returns and exchanges.
 

Do I need a physical copy of my prescription to shop?

While having a physical copy is helpful so you can manually enter your numbers (like your sphere, cylinder, and pupillary distance), it isn't strictly required. You can simply provide your eye doctor’s contact information during checkout, and we will reach out to verify your active prescription for you. It's just one more way we make shopping for prescription eyeglasses online completely hassle-free.