Should I Buy Kids Glasses Online?

How do you know if the glasses you buy online are safe for your child? With so many retailers offering stylish frames at lower prices, it’s tempting to skip the visit to an optometrist and order from the comfort of home. But is convenience worth the risk?

I’m Minh Van Tran, the Principal Optometrist at VisionPro Optometrists, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when children wear poorly fitted or incorrectly prescribed glasses. A study by the American Optometric Association found that nearly 45% of prescription glasses bought online had incorrect prescriptions or failed basic safety standards. Even more worrying, 29% of children’s glasses didn’t pass impact resistance testing. That means a significant number of kids are wearing glasses that could break too easily or strain their vision.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Online glasses can be more affordable and offer a wider range of styles. Many retailers provide lower prices, bulk discounts, and access to unique frames that may not be available in local stores.
• Measuring a child’s prescription and pupillary distance (PD) at home can lead to errors. Even a small mistake in measurement can result in blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty adjusting to new glasses.
• Poorly fitted glasses can slip, cause discomfort, or fail to provide proper vision correction. Without in-person adjustments, frames may sit too loose or too tight, affecting both comfort and effectiveness.
• Some online glasses lack impact resistance, putting active children at risk. If a child falls or gets hit while playing, weak frames and lenses can break, increasing the chance of eye injuries.
• For young children or those with strong prescriptions, in-person fittings are crucial. High-prescription lenses, astigmatism correction, and specialised treatments require precise adjustments that online retailers can’t offer.

Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Benefits of Buying Kids’ Glasses Online

Online retailers make buying kids’ glasses easier and often more affordable, which is why many parents consider this option. Lower prices, a wider selection, and the convenience of ordering from home are major selling points. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits carefully before making a decision.

• Lower Prices and Discounts: Online stores typically offer glasses at lower prices than in-person optometrists. Many also provide bulk discounts, seasonal sales, and promotions, making it easier for families to save—especially when purchasing for multiple children.
• More Frame Choices: Parents can find a greater variety of styles, colours, and designs online, including frames not available locally. Some retailers also offer international brands, giving children more options to match their personality and preferences.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Online shopping removes the need for store visits, allowing parents to order anytime. Virtual try-on tools help with frame selection, and direct-to-door delivery saves time, making the process easier for busy families.

Online stores have some clear advantages, but price and selection aren’t the only factors to consider. It’s important to understand the potential challenges ensures that children receive the right fit, prescription, and protection for their vision needs.

Challenges of Buying Kids’ Glasses Online

When you order kids’ glasses online, you risk comfort, vision quality, and safety. While online retailers offer convenience, certain factors require professional attention to ensure proper fit and durability.

• Accuracy Issues: Pupillary distance (literally the distance between the pupil of both eyes) is often missing from prescriptions, yet it’s essential for aligning lenses correctly. Measuring PD at home can be inaccurate, leading to headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision.
• Fit and Comfort Problems: A frame that looks perfect online may not fit well in person. Poorly fitted glasses may slip constantly, press too tightly, or fail to provide the necessary vision correction.
• Quality and Safety Concerns: Some online retailers use low-quality materials, resulting in weak frames or easily scratched lenses. Without proper safety standards, impact resistance and UV protection may be compromised, putting a child’s eyes at risk.

Precision matters when it comes to children’s eyewear. Ensure the right fit and prescription to prevent long-term vision issues and discomfort.

When Online Glasses Might Be a Good Option

Are there times when buying kids’ glasses online makes sense? In some cases, yes. If your child has a mild prescription and only needs single-vision lenses, the risks are lower. Simple prescriptions don’t require the same level of precision as complex ones, making small errors in measurements less noticeable. For children with minimal vision correction needs, online glasses can be a practical and cost-effective solution.

Online retailers can also be useful for purchasing backup pairs. Kids are known for losing or breaking their glasses, and having a spare set can be a lifesaver. Some websites even offer buy-one-get-one-free deals, making it easy to keep an extra pair in a school bag or at a grandparent’s house. While these backup glasses may not replace a primary pair fitted by an optometrist, they can still serve a useful purpose in everyday life.

Older children and teenagers often adapt better to online purchases. With more experience wearing glasses, they can provide feedback on fit and comfort. They’re also less likely to require constant adjustments, making online ordering a more viable option for families with independent young wearers.

For further explanation of the pros and cons of buying glasses online, watch the following video from Dr Joseph Allen on the Doctor Eye Health Youtube channel.

 

 

When to Avoid Buying Kids’ Glasses Online

Some children need more than a basic prescription to ensure proper vision correction. In certain cases, buying glasses online can lead to poor fit, discomfort, or even ineffective treatment. When precision and professional adjustments are essential, online options may not be the best choice.

• High Prescriptions and Specialised Lenses: Stronger prescriptions require exact lens placement to avoid strain, headaches, or distorted vision. Conditions like astigmatism, progressive lenses, and anti-fatigue lenses demand professional adjustments that online retailers cannot provide.
• Young Children and First-Time Wearers: Kids under five rely on well-fitted glasses to support vision development. If frames slip, press too tightly, or sit incorrectly, they can discourage consistent wear and fail to correct vision properly.
• Complex Eye Conditions: Strabismus (eye misalignment) and amblyopia (lazy eye) require precise lens positioning to be effective. Special coatings or prism lenses need expert guidance to ensure they function as intended.

For these cases, professional fittings aren’t just helpful—they are essential. An in-person consultation ensures children receive glasses that fit well, feel comfortable, and provide the correction they need.

How to Reduce Risks When Buying Kids’ Glasses Online

Is there a way to reduce the problems of purchasing children’s glasses online? The first step is getting an accurate prescription and pupillary distance measurement. Double-checking all prescription details before ordering reduces the risk of getting lenses that cause discomfort or strain.

Choose a trusted online retailer. Look for stores with strong customer reviews, satisfaction guarantees, and clear return policies. Some retailers even offer free adjustments or exchanges, which can be a lifesaver if the glasses don’t fit properly. Check for certifications on lens quality and safety standards to help ensure the glasses meet necessary protection levels.

Durability and comfort should always be priorities. Flexible, impact-resistant frames are ideal for active kids, while scratch-resistant lenses with UV protection provide better long-term wear. Lightweight designs help prevent pressure points that could make glasses uncomfortable.

For parents who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid approach can work well. Buy frames online and get lenses fitted by a local optometrist to ensure a precise prescription without sacrificing cost savings. You should check with your local optometrist first, to make sure they can fit lenses to your frames, because not all optometry practices have the necessary equipment to do that. Also, not all frames are suitable for all types of lenses.

 

 

FAQ About Pupillary Distance (PD) Measurement

What is the meaning of pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement, in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils. It ensures that your lenses are properly aligned with your eyes so you can see clearly and comfortably.

Is it advisable to measure PD yourself?
Measuring your PD yourself can work in a pinch, but it’s always best to get it measured by a professional for the most accurate results. If you have a low prescription, a self-measured PD that’s off by a millimeter or two might not cause major issues. However, for stronger prescriptions, progressive lenses, or multifocals, even small errors can lead to discomfort, eye strain, or blurry vision.

What is the normal range for pupillary distance?
For adults, PD typically falls between 54mm and 74mm. For children, it’s usually between 43mm and 58mm.

Why is my PD not on my prescription?
Some eye doctors don’t include PD on prescriptions because it’s primarily needed for ordering glasses, not for assessing eye health. You can request it, though, and they should provide it.

Is PD printed on the frames?
No, pupillary distance (PD) is not printed on eyeglass frames. PD is a personal measurement specific to your eyes, not the frame itself. However, you might see numbers on the inside of the temple arms, which indicate the frame’s size—lens width, bridge width, and temple length—but these are unrelated to PD.

Final Thoughts

Ordering kids’ glasses online may seem like an easy and affordable option, but accuracy, fit, and safety matter just as much as price. A poorly measured prescription or low-quality lenses can cause discomfort, strain, or even put a child at risk of injury. While online glasses can work for mild prescriptions or backup pairs, in-person fittings provide the best results—especially for young children or those with complex vision needs.

Nothing replaces professional eye care when it comes to protecting your child’s eyesight. Let’s ensure they get glasses that fit well, feel comfortable, and support healthy vision.

At VisionPro we stock Rayban, Spencer Wilson, Burberry, Emporio Armani in their children’s glasses range. We make sure you have plenty of quality styles to select from.

Click on the “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” button OR call either our St. Albans (03) 9364 5509 or Footscray (03) 9687 8787 optometry practices.