Warby Parker is a major eyewear retailer in the U.S. Since 2010, Warby Parker has been selling quality eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and other accessories to people nationwide.
In addition to offering eye exams and connecting you with qualified eye doctors, Warby Parker designs, manufactures, sells, and distributes all its products in-house.
The brand has a competitive edge because it offers high-quality products, lower pricing, and a Home Try-On Program that makes it easy to shop for eyeglasses.1
In this article, we look at:
- Warby Parker eye exams
- Online and virtual vision tests
- How to book your appointment online
- Cost of eye exams
How Much Does a Warby Parker Eye Exam Cost?
The cost of a Warby Parker eye exam will vary depending on the location and whether or not you have insurance coverage.
Eye Exam Cost Without Insurance
The cost of Warby Parker’s eye health exam starts at $85 without insurance. This is way below the national average of about $200.4
If you need glasses after the exam, the signature frames may cost you $95, including prescription lenses. The cost may increase depending on your circumstances and factors, such as lens technology.
Eye Exam Cost With Insurance
Having vision insurance will significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You may only be liable for a co-pay of $10 to $40 if your insurance doesn’t cover that already.
Warby Parker is an in-network provider for several vision insurance companies. They are also an out-of-network provider for others.
In-network providers:
- UnitedHealthcare
- FEP Vision
- Guardian Vision
- CareFirst
- DavisVision
- Spectera
Out-of-network providers:
- VSP
- EyeMed
- Cigna
- Humana
- Anthem
- Aetna
- NVA
If your provider is not listed above, we recommend contacting them for more information on how to apply for reimbursement. Warby Parker also accepts flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA).5
Warby Parker Eye Exams
Let’s look at the types of eye exams done at Warby Parker.
In-Person Eye Exams at Warby Parker
Warby Parker has more than 200 retail stores nationwide where you can go for an eye exam. Using the online store finder, you can locate a Warby Parker store near you.2
We recommend booking comprehensive eye exams so your optometrist can check your visual acuity and eye health on a routine basis.
Expect the following once you visit any Warby Parker store:
- Eye health examination
- Glasses prescription
- Contact lens exam and prescription
- Dilation (whenever necessary)
- Treatment for eye diseases and disorders
- Screening for other general health issues
- Time to ask your doctor any eye-care questions
Like any medical appointment, you must prepare for your eye exam at Warby Parker. Do the following:
- Book your appointment early to avoid any inconvenience
- Note all the vision-related issues you may be experiencing or have experienced recently
- Note all medications you’re taking (including non-prescription medications)
- Have your vision insurance handy, if applicable
- Prepare any questions you’ll need your doctor to answer
- Rest your eyes well before the exam day
On the eye exam day, remember to bring any glasses or contacts you currently use (even if they’re expired). Your optometrist will need them to compare changes in your vision and update the prescription.
Comprehensive Eye Exams vs. Prescription Checks
A comprehensive eye exam checks for visual acuity, refraction, dilation, eye conditions, and overall eye health. Examining your eye health periodically will help your eye doctor identify any developing issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.3
Most doctors recommend a full eye exam once every two years. However, you may increase the frequency if you have eye health concerns. This exam takes about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your circumstances.
On the other hand, a prescription check only involves a visual acuity assessment and prescription updates. Your doctor will use an eye (Snellen) chart to monitor your ability to see clearly and determine what prescription glasses or contacts work best for you.
Prescription checks are quick (take less than 30 minutes). These are also recommended every one to two years.
How Does the Warby Parker Vision Test Work?
Let’s look at the online vision tests conducted at Warby Parker, including the process and requirements.
Warby Parker’s Online Prescription Check
Warby Parker’s online prescription checks enable customers to get their prescriptions assessed in the comfort of their homes.6 The prescription renewal app, compatible with your iPhone, can administer the test and transmit results.
It uses a unique algorithm alongside Apple’s Vision Framework to measure real-time distance. This guarantees the accuracy of test results. The entire process may take about 10 minutes.
The virtual test is ideal for you if you:
- Have clear vision with your current glasses or contacts
- Have a single-vision distance prescription
- Have no eye health issues
- Are between 18 and 65 years old
- Reside in an eligible state
You’ll need the following to get started with the app:
- Your current prescription information
- Your current glasses or contacts
- An iPhone 6s or above
- Around 10 feet of space
- A quiet, well-lit place
Below is the process of Warby Parker’s online prescription check:
- Answer a few questions about your health and more to determine your eligibility.
- If your eligibility is approved, you take the 5-minute vision test (do this while wearing the prescription you intend to wear).
- The online assessment involves reading an eye chart like the one at the optometrist’s office.
- The results are submitted to Warby Parker.
- Results are reviewed by an optometrist, who will then determine the status of your prescription.
- You’ll get the results within 48 hours.
- If you need to renew your prescription, you’ll be charged $15.
- Your doctor may recommend a comprehensive eye exam if more tests are required.
Limitations of Warby Parker Virtual Vision Test
Although there is no significant difference between the user experience on the Warby Parker website and the app, the Virtual Vision Test has its limitations:
- Not available in all states
- The app is available for iPhone users only.
- Privacy concerns over the app’s data use and storage
A Virtual Vision Test is not meant to replace visits to your eye doctor. We recommend having your eyes examined regularly, even if you have no apparent vision problems.
What are Customers Saying?
Most customers appreciate the technological advancements made by Warby Parker, with most reviews noting how virtual prescription and vision checks have impacted their lives.
According to one online reviewer:
“First-time shopper and couldn’t be more pleased with the selection, quality, speed of delivery, and level of customer care! Really, what more could anyone expect?”
Another review says:
“As a person who has had to go to the eye doctor every year for 30 years just to get the same prescription, this is a game changer. Telehealth is one hell of a disrupter.”
The At-Home Try-on program has also received much praise. Having watched my wife use it to order her renewed prescription, I was impressed by the amazing selections and the convenience this program offers. One internet review on this said:
“My favorite glasses brand. I love that you can try them at home and take your time to see what you like. I have two pairs, and they’ve definitely stood the test of time. I do wish they had more ‘narrow’ options, though.”
These are just but a few positive remarks that present Warby Parker as a favorite eyewear retailer for many.
Do You Need a Prescription for Warby Parker Glasses?
You need a valid prescription when ordering your new or replacement glasses from Warby Parker. An updated prescription ensures you get glasses or contacts that serve your needs. Just upload a photo of your prescription and add your pupillary distance (PD).7
Suppose you don’t have the actual eye prescription. In that case, you can share information with your doctor, such as recommended brand, the power, your pupillary distance, etc.8 You can share your doctor’s information with Warby Parker. If necessary, they can be contacted to confirm your prescription information.
You can obtain your prescription from a Warby Parker optometrist by booking an online or in-store prescription check. Virtual tests are quick and hassle-free since you don’t have to drive to your doctor. Your prescription glasses are also shipped to you.
How to Book an Eye Exam Appointment with Warby Parker
Let’s look at how to book your eye exam appointment:
Booking In-Person Eye Exams
To book an in-person eye exam at Warby Parker, do the following:
- Select “Schedule an Eye Exam”
- Find a location near you using their online store locator (view the store details, including visiting hours before booking)
- Proceed to book your eye exam by providing your basic information
- Select your exam type and desired visit date
- Submit your appointment form
Booking the Warby Parker Online Eye Exam
Download the vision test app and take the eligibility quiz to set up the online exam. You’ll be ready to take the test if proven eligible to use the app.
Warby Parker Eye Exams vs. Competitors
Unlike some competitors, Warby Parker designs and manufactures eyewear in-house. This results in higher quality and better-looking products sold at a lower price. Warby Parker’s main competitive advantage lies in its online technology, low prices, and excellent customer service.
The Free Home Try-on Program
Warby Parker allows customers to order up to five frames with non-prescription lenses to try on at home. Just take a short quiz about your eyewear style, and get suggestions on some great-looking frames to try.
The Award-Winning Virtual Try-On Feature
Their virtual try-on feature enables customers to try new frames online. Paying for your selection has also been made easy through Apple Pay. Unlike competitors like Zenni Optical, whose virtual try-on apps are compatible across many devices, Warby Parker’s Virtual Try-On app is available only on iPhone X and above.
Shipping Times
Once you place your order, expect to wait 7 to 10 business days for your new prescription glasses or contacts to arrive. However, quicker turnaround times are possible with expedited shipping. Expect the Home Try-On order to take 5 to 7 days.
Return Policy
Warby Parker has a free 30-day exchange or returns policy for all products. There’s also a six-month, no-scratch guarantee for prescription lenses.
Summary
- Warby Parker has been selling quality eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and other accessories in the U.S. since 2010.
- Warby Parker has more than 200 retail stores across the country where you can visit for a routine or complete eye exam.
- The cost of Warby Parker’s eye exams starts at $85 without insurance.
- You need a valid prescription when ordering your new or replacement glasses from Warby Parker.
- Warby Parker’s online prescription checks enable customers to get their prescriptions checked and assessed in the comfort of their homes.
- Having vision insurance will significantly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost.
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