7 Best Places to Buy Kids’ Glasses Online

As a parent, a good pair of glasses is one of the most important purchases for your child. But with so many options, buying kids’ glasses online can be overwhelming.

That’s why we put together a list of seven fantastic stores that offer an incredible selection at affordable prices. From special kids’ frames with adjustable nose pieces to lens coatings that help boost comfort and clarity, these retailers have everything you could want in children’s eyewear.

We recommend the following eyeglasses brands for kids because they offer superior quality, durability, and style. Most (if not all) of them come with a satisfaction guarantee and good customer reviews.

7 Best Places to Buy Kids’ Glasses Online

Shopping for your kid’s glasses online can provide several benefits, such as convenience, price discounts, and access to a more extensive selection. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider, such as being unable to ensure a good fit and the need to pay for shipping.

So to help make the process an exciting experience for you—and a comfortable one for your child—here are the seven best places to purchase kids’ glasses online.

1. Best Overall: Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical is top of this list because it offers toddlers and pre-teens a full home-based buying experience. It has a 4.6 rating on TrustPilot.

Using the website’s 3D Try-On tool, Zenni Frame Fit ®, you can take a video of your child’s face and get a recommendation of what to buy. They also have a guide for measuring pupillary distance (PD), which is essential for determining lens measurements.

Zenni Optical stands out for its award-winning customer service and various frame styles, colors, and prices. The frames are kid-tested and have a high class, comfort, and durability score. For as low as $16.95, you can add Blokz® lenses to protect young eyes against blue light.

When it comes to affordability, Zenni Optical glasses are pocket-friendly. They retail at about one-tenth of the price of optical retail.

Pros

Wide range of affordable glasses
Suitable for all age groups, including toddlers (0 to 3 years old)
Available in various sizes and colors
Free 30-day return policy
The website is easy to navigate, enabling shopping by category
Great deals, including glasses under $10
HSA and FSA eligible

Cons

Doesn’t accept insurance
There’s a shipping fee

What Customers Are Saying

As part of our research for this article, we sifted through countless reviews to see what customers say about Zenni Optical. Here are a few of the reoccurring themes we found:

Customers love their superior product quality, unbeatable pricing, user-friendly website, and amazing virtual try-on feature.
However, customers also say there could be minor sizing issues, limited customization options, and confusion during the ordering process.

2. Best for Blue-Light Blocking: Felix Gray

Felix Gray comes in at two because of their popularity for “computer glasses,” lenses that block blue light. This prevents eye fatigue and other harmful effects of LED lighting.⁴ Plus, the lenses contain an anti-glare coating to protect your child’s eyes.

According to the company, the lenses target the blue light affecting melatonin secretion. Melatonin is a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle between night and day.⁵

The kids’ glasses are available in small sizes (for ages 4 to 8) and large sizes (for ages 9 to 13). They come in various colors (green, amber, tortoise, and black) and include prescription and non-prescription.

The Felix Gray Nash Kids Sleep Glasses are slightly more expensive and are designed to improve sleep.

Pros

The website allows for order tracking
A 30-day return policy
A 1-year warranty on lenses
Accessories such as cleaning kits are available
UV and blue light glasses are available
Accepts vision insurance
Accepts FSA/HSA payments

Cons

Expensive lenses
Limited frame options

3. Best for Sports: A Sight for Sport Eyes

A Sight for Sport Eyes has been around since 1996. Since then, they’ve become a reliable online platform for ASTM safety-rated kids’ glasses and prescription goggles.

The website allows shopping by brand and activity—shoppers can navigate the website based on their sport. Available sports glasses for kids include:

Motorcycle glasses
Basketball glasses
Running glasses
Soccer glasses
Cycling and biking glasses
Prescription swimming glasses

Most A Sight for Sport Eyes products have at least a 1-year or 2-year warranty. However, some brands, such as Gargoyles, Zeal, Smith, Rec-Specs, and LX Polarized, have a lifetime warranty. It’s a good idea to check the warranty information for each product before purchasing.

Pros

Free shipping on orders over $60 (USA buyers only)
Discounted prices for international purchases
45 days for an exchange on non-prescription glasses
45-day return and refund policy on non-prescription products
Fast shipping (2 to 7 days)
A buy, try, and return option
Accepts vision insurance and FSA/HSA funding

Cons

Only partial refunds on prescriptions
No virtual try-on system

4. Best for Toddlers: GlassesUSA.com

GlassesUSA is also a leading online eyewear retailer, offering the best eyeglasses and sunglasses for toddlers, juniors, teens, and adults. The website has a 4.5 (excellent) rating on Trustpilot.

Parents of toddlers can shop based on gender, shape, size, color, and desired brand. Like Zenni Optical, GlassessUSA’s website has a virtual try-on tool to allow 3D visualization before purchase.

The glasses are made from polycarbonateCR-39, a lightweight and durable material suited for the rough and tumble world that toddlers live in.

With more than 200 varieties of frames starting from as low as $29, there’s something for every toddler. You’ll also enjoy discounts on clearance sales, deals, coupons, and 50% off all lens upgrades.

Pros

They offer a 365-day warranty
100% money-back guarantee on all products
Free shipping on prescription lenses, coatings, and upgrades
Online order tracking is possible
Includes sporting glasses for toddlers
Accepts vision insurance and FSA/HSA funding
24/7 customer support

Cons

Short return policy (less than 14 days)
No in-store purchases for kids’ glasses

What Customers Are Saying

After combing through hundreds of reviews, we’ve compiled the most common feedback from GlassesUSA customers:

People love their extensive range of styles and options to choose from, website navigation, return policy, and customer service.
Unfortunately, they dislike their confusing checkout procedure, absence of direct customer support, and slow shipping and delivery.

5. Best Store for Those on a Budget: DiscountGlasses.com

DiscountGlasses.com stands out as the best place to purchase toddler, junior, and pre-teen glasses at a discounted price. They have free shipping and a free return policy, with glasses available for about $35 to $40 per pair.

DiscountGlasses.com’s website offers an outstanding shopping experience. Like our top four stores, shoppers can filter through different products based on gender, price, shape, color, size, and type, enabling quicker checkouts.

DiscountedGlasses.com includes several named brands, such as Disney, Converse, and even Picklez, famous for its Kid-Proof Warranty. You can select from prescription lenses to non-prescription, single vision, reading, or progressive.

You can also choose your lens material. Standard lenses are free. You’ll pay for add-ons like transition coatings, tints, and blue light filters and films.

Pros

Quick turnaround (9 to 14 days)
365-day return policy
Order tracking available
Kid-proof warranty
Offer an online vision test
Free delivery and return shipping
Accepts HSA/FSA funding

Cons

Insurance not accepted

6. Best For All Face Shapes: Jonas Paul

Jonas Paul exclusively sells kids’ glasses designed for durability and comfort. The website is easy to navigate as all kid’s glasses are organized by age and gender, enabling shoppers to narrow their search to a specific category.

Jonas Paul stands out for its variety of styles and colors (as many as 11 colors), providing plenty of options for children of all face shapes and tastes.

Once you buy the frame, they will add the basic prescription or non-prescription lens for free. However, you may have to pay some amount for upgrades like polarized, light-responsive, and blue-light filtering lenses.

One thing that stands out about this store is its at-home try-on kit, which allows you to do a week-long test with seven frames at only $1. A virtual try-on system is also available, although we recommend the kit more.

Pros

1-year normal-use warranty on lenses
6-month warranty on frames
50% off when you buy a second pair
Fast turnaround time (8 to 12 business days with expedited shipping options available)
30-day warranty for non-prescription glasses or frames
HSA and FSA eligible

Cons

All prescription eyewear is non-returnable

What Customers Are Saying

Per usual, our team scoured the web for Jonas Paul’s customer reviews. Check out the positives and drawbacks that continuously caught our attention:

People highlight their excellent customer service, top-notch quality products, and overall positive experience.
Surprisingly, we didn’t find any recurring cons!

7. Best Store for Designer Glasses: Framesdirect.com

FramesDirect.com has an excellent score (4.5) on Trustpilot and was the first company to sell progressive lenses online. For kids who like to rock designer brands, FramesDirect.com sells glasses by brands like:

Gucci
Versace
Prada
Michael Kors
Guess
Ray-Ban

The glasses come in different types, colors, frame shapes, materials, and prices. Luckily, the website has a filter function to select your desired features.

This filter saves time and creates a great customer experience. The “Find My Size” tool allows you to filter the inventory using accurate pupillary distance measurements.

FramesDirect.com makes shopping easy because they accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). They also accept Flex Spending/HSA debit cards, PayPal, and Klarna (pay in 4).

Pros

A wide variety of kids’ glasses
60% off all lenses
Free shipping available
Order tracking available
Quick turnaround time (3 to 11 days)
A 30-day return and exchange policy
1-year warranty
Accepts vision insurance

Cons

Free shipping excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories and international orders
No virtual try-on feature

What to Consider When Buying Kids’ Glasses

Prescription and non-prescription glasses for kids are available at your family optician, online stores, and other physical stores.

When buying a pair of glasses for kids, consider the following:

Purpose

Kids wear glasses for various reasons, including improving vision or protecting against harmful sun rays.¹ Sometimes, it may just be for cosmetic purposes. Buying with intention will ensure your kids get the full benefits of your purchase.

Brand Reputation

There are many brands selling kids’ eyeglasses, and the quality varies. For this reason, it’s essential to purchase from a trusted brand. Before buying, research each brand by checking online reviews or seeking third-party opinions.

Online sites such as TrustPilot, ConsumerReports, and Better Business Bureau are useful when you want trustworthy ratings, including ratings by real customers.

Size

Kids’ glasses come in small, medium, or large. Some retailers categorize them according to different age ranges, such as toddlers, juniors, and teenagers. The correct size will ensure a comfortable fit and provide the best vision correction.

To choose the correct size of glasses for your child, read through the fitting instructions and size charts. Some retailers have incorporated a Frame Size Finder tool on their websites. This recommends the best fit once you enter your kid’s current frame size.

Durability

Durability is essential when buying kids’ glasses. After all, they’re very active and don’t always take care of their belongings. Most durable frames are made of polycarbonate lenses, plastic frames, or flexible frames.

Polycarbonates are shock-resistant. Meanwhile, flexible frames offer excellent comfort with a hint of style. Some frames also come with adjustable nose pieces to ensure a more secure fit.

Lens material

The best children’s glasses are made of trivex or polycarbonate lenses. These are higher-index lenses designed for greater safety and lighter comfort than regular plastic lenses.²

Experts recommend against glass lenses for kids because they’re more prone to cracking or shattering.

Price

Consider buying kids’ glasses from online stores if you’re on a budget. They’re more affordable because online retailers, like physical stores and third-party manufacturers, eliminate middlemen.

However, prices may vary depending on brand quality, availability, and accompanying accessories. The best designer kids’ glasses are also higher priced compared to generic ones.

Retailers sometimes allow add-ons, such as custom cases or colored lenses, at an extra cost. It’s a good idea to compare different options before deciding to purchase.

Many vision insurance companies offer coverage for vision treatment. Although not all online stores accept vision insurance or funds from flexible spending or health savings accounts (FSA or HSA), most do.³

Check with your insurance company and eye care provider to confirm eligibility or availability of out-of-network benefits.

Purchase Policies

Each brand has its policies on purchases, shipping, and returns. For example, some stores don’t allow free returns, while others do within a given time. Similarly, some retailers allow for free adjustments, while others will do it for a fee.

Reading through the purchase policy to know what you’re signing up for is essential. Also, check if the glasses have a warranty to cover you in case of loss or damage.

Based on personal preference, secondary considerations include frame color, tint color, frame shape, and lens type. These provisions also vary from one retailer to another.

Additional Features for Kids’ Glasses

Apart from the general considerations, there are additional important factors to consider when buying kids’ glasses. Some of these include:

Anti-scratch coating: This coat on the lenses helps reduce scratches and keep your child’s vision clear without needing frequent replacements.
Nose pads: These provide extra comfort for kids who wear glasses frequently. They also help prevent slipping and are adjustable for a perfect fit.
Photochromic lenses: Such lenses darken under the UV rays of sunlight, protecting against glare and UV damage.
Blue light blockers: This feature helps reduce your child’s exposure to blue light from digital devices like phones and computers.
UV protection: Most lenses are coated with UV-protective layers that shield eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Anti-reflective coating: This prevents reflections from getting in the way of your child’s view. It also reduces eyestrain and eye fatigue when using digital devices.

Choosing Frames for Kids

Choosing the right frame depends on your child’s face shape and size. For example, oval or round faces need frames contrasting their features to bring out the best. Meanwhile, kids with square or rectangular faces need glasses that soften their shape.

Generally speaking, frames should be proportional to the face size. Smaller faces need smaller frames, while larger ones require bigger frames.

Kids are also more likely to wear frames they like. So, try to get something that appeals to them. Talk to your child about what colors, shapes, and styles of glasses they like.

Before committing to a purchase, you can try out frames on a virtual mirror in the comfort of your home. Most online retailers offer this service, allowing you to explore various options before deciding on the ideal frame for your child.

Why are Glasses Essential for a Child’s Eye Health?

Glasses are essential for children’s eye health, especially if they need corrective lenses. Regular eye exams will help determine whether a child needs a pair and what type of frames best suit their vision.

Pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in children’s eye care. They can help you choose the right frames for small faces instead of adult-sized glasses, which can be too large and uncomfortable.

Additionally, digital devices can cause eye strain in children who don’t have the correct prescription. The right glasses will help them avoid discomfort and maintain better vision.

Finally, many kids benefit from having multiple pairs of glasses. For example, prescription sunglasses are great for outdoor activities, and recreational reading glasses can help with close-up tasks such as writing or using digital devices.

Below are reasons why glasses positively impact a child’s eye health.

Glasses Improve Vision

Glasses improve and strengthen vision in children with conditions such as:

Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Astigmatism
Anisometropia (refractive error differs between the two eyes)

They can also improve the position of their eyes if they’re crossed or misaligned. These conditions can worsen over time and, if not rectified through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery, may affect a child’s quality of life.

If high myopia isn’t treated, associated complications can cause blindness.⁶

Glasses Protect Against Harmful Rays

Ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun can cause significant damage to the eye and can lead to blindness. Similarly, high energy visible (HEV) blue light radiation from computer monitors, smartphones, TV, and fluorescent bulbs can hurt kids’ eyes.⁷

Kids are particularly at risk because their eyes are yet to develop fully. They’re also unlikely to know the danger of looking directly at the sun.

Choose glasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays to protect kids’ eyes outdoors. Blue light-blocking glasses will protect their eyes during screen time.

Glasses Protect Eyes from Eye Trauma

Kids can be rough during play, increasing the potential for eye trauma. Some sports are also dangerous if played without eye protection. However, basic glasses cannot offer adequate protection against eye trauma. They can shatter and endanger your child’s eyes.

Glasses with sturdier and more durable sports lenses can protect the child’s eyes during dangerous physical activity, enable them to see better, and enhance their performance.

Glasses Prevent Eye Infections

Kids’ eyes encounter dust, water, allergens, and other debris that can cause or worsen allergic, bacterial, or viral infections (conjunctivitis).

Fortunately, prescription glasses with side protection and anti-fog coatings can keep these elements off children’s eyes.⁸ However, ensure the glasses are clean as they can act as a reservoir for infection-causing agents.

How to Know If a Child Needs Glasses

Regular eye exams should be enough to monitor and detect any issue with a child’s eyes. However, consult your eye doctor if you notice the following signs:⁹

Squinting to see clearly
Covering one eye or tilting their head to see better
Sitting too close to the television
Excessive rubbing of the eyes
Eye pain accompanied by headaches
Difficulty concentrating at school

Summary

When buying glasses for kids, you must consider the purpose, brand reputation, size, price, and company policy.
There are many sellers of kids’ glasses, with online sellers among the best in service and product quality.
The best place to buy glasses for kids is Zenni Optical, which has a 4.6 rating on TrustPilot for its excellent buying experience, including a 3D Try-On tool and search by relevance feature.
Other notable sellers include GlassesUSA.com, A Sight for Sport Eyes, Felix Gray, Jonas Paul, and DiscountGlasses.com.
Buy kids’ glasses as soon as necessary; glasses improve vision and protect the eyes against trauma, harmful sun rays, and infection-causing bacteria and viruses.

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