How can we charge such low prices?
We'd like to say it was all due to overhead savings, no retail rent, etc. but we can't because that isn't where the real savings are. The reason our prices are so low is that the retail mark-up on eyewear borders on outrageous. Guess what, those designer frames, which were likely made in China, don't cost very much. In fact, they are downright cheap. And grinding a basic prescription isn't all that costly, either. The fact is, the folks in those fancy white coats, (see picture on our homepage) are charging for those white coats!

But what about quality?
First, and most importantly, we are not selling knock-offs. These are the EXACT same glasses being sold for hundreds more in optical centers. And our lenses are ground in the U.S. by the finest optical technicians (yes, some even wear white coats). The labs that make our glasses also make the glasses for thousands of US eye care providers, eyewear centers, and chain stores. Finally, if you haven't already read our guarantee, here it is again, you may return any purchase for 365 days from the date of purchase for a refund or replacement, no questions asked!

Do I need my prescription?
Yes. If you don't have it, just call your optician or eye doctor. They are required by law to provide it to you if you paid for it. That's why it's called, your prescription! They can't say it expired, since eyeglass prescriptions do not expire.

By the way, contact lens prescriptions will not work when ordering glasses and of course if you are ordering non-prescription sunglasses or magnifiers you don't need a prescription. If you don't know your magnification, go to your local pharmacy and take the self test, and then return to our site to order.

How do I read my prescription?
It's not as difficult as it may seem. Since you have two eyes, eyeglass prescriptions are written out on two lines, the OD (right eye) and the OS (left eye). For each eye (or line) there are anywhere from 1 to 4 numbers. Regardless of what form your doctor uses to fill out your prescription (see examples) the numbers are always in the same order from left to right. They are Sphere (Red on the illustrations), Cylinder (or Cyl Blue on the illustrations), Axis (Green on the illustrations), and in some cases Add (Orange on the illustrations). Very often the Add power is written once since in most cases the same number is applied to both the left and right eyes. The sign preceding the Add power is insignificant since it is always plus.

Most eyeglass prescriptions have a "Sphere" number or it will say pl or plano, which means 0.00. Fewer prescriptions will have the Cylinder power, and Axis will only be written if there is a Cylinder power. Add is only used to make reading eyeglasses out of distance prescriptions, or to make bifocals and progressives. In other words if it's blank or letters on your prescription, it is blank or 0.00 on the order form.

When filling out the prescription information on the form keep a close eye on the signs (Pink on the illustrations) preceding each of the numbers. For clarification please see the illustrations. If you are unsure about how to fill out the prescription information or have questions regarding it you can scan it in and email it to us (customerservice@1800specs.com) referencing your order number in the subject line.

What happens if I fill in my prescription incorrectly?
You will be punished. Not quite. Just send us an email at, customerservice@1800specs.com ASAP so we may make the correction. Make sure to include your order number.

Can you verify that my prescription is entered correctly?
Absolutely. Our objective is to make eyeglasses for you that you will love and use. When ordering you may email us a scan of your prescription to verify against your order, or you can email us your doctor's name, address, and phone number, and we will contact them for verification. Please reference your order number and last name in the subject of any correspondence.

What does PD (pupillary distance) mean and how do I enter it?
Pupillary Distance (PD) refers to the distance, in millimeters, from one pupil to the other. It is one of the measurements used in fabricating glasses. If you know your PD enter it under the PD drop down menu on the prescription page. If you don't know it you can measure it, but remember to measure from the center of one pupil to the center of the other and record your measurement in millimeters. You may also call your optician who made your last pair of eyeglasses, and they should provide it to you. If you don't know you PD and don't wish to measure it, don't worry, we can use the default PD of 63 which will work in most cases.

What is the difference between the various "lens materials" offered?

1. CR39 (1.49 index)
   · Standard plastic lenses.
   · Good for low powered lenses.
   · Tints well.
2. Mid-index (1.56 index)
   · Will provide a thinner appearance to lenses than regular CR39.
   · Tints well.
3. Polycarbonate (1.59 index)
   · Thinner in appearance than regular CR39
   · More impact resistant
   · Can be used with confidence in drill mount frames and semi-rimless
   · Recommended for children
   · UV blocking material
   · Does not tint well
   · Has more distortion than other "plastic" lenses
4. Trivex (1.53 Index)
   · Less distortion than other plastic and polycarbonate lenses
   · Thinner than regular plastic
   · Extremely light weight
   · Can be used with confidence in drill mount frames and semi-rimless
   · Tints consistant and dark.
5. Hi-Index (1.6 or Greater)
   · Thinnest lenses available
   · Reduced quality of clarity
   · Tint well
   · Can be used in drill mounts and semi-rimless
   · Not necessary for most prescriptions

How long will it take to receive my glasses?
Your order should ship 7-14 days after being placed. To check on the status of an order go to "track my order" on the homepage.

Do you have any retail stores?
No, we do not, and you won't want to spend time going to a store, when you can get the perfect pair right from the comfort of your home!

What if my glasses need adjustment?
Most optical centers will assist you in adjusting your frames at no charge.

What if I wish to return the glasses?
Our guarantee is simple; you have 365 days from the date of purchase to return your glasses for a full refund or replacement. Simply contact us via e-mail at customerservice@1800specs.com.

Can I order just frames, without lenses?
Yes. The price listed for all prescription frames is for either the frame only or with standard single vision lenses. Just leave the prescription information blank. After selecting your frames, go to the prescription page and click on the frames only box. You will be directed how to complete the order.

What if I want prescription sunglasses?
No problem, just select frames and enter your prescription. You will be asked if you wish to have the glasses tinted. Select the color and degree of tint and voila you have prescription sunglasses!

What if I want glasses that adjust to light?
These are called “Light-Sensitive” lenses and we offer them as an option. They will darken outdoors and lighten when you go inside.


Do you offer Bifocal or Progressive lenses?
Yes, each frame is marked indicating if they are appropriate for such lenses. A checkmark next to the appropriate word indicates suitability.

What other options are available for my lenses?
We have a full line of lens materials and treatments available to you. After you've selected your frame and entered your prescription, our proprietary system will analyze this information and give you our recommended lens material choices. Consider it your virtual optician.

We also have anti-reflective coating, lens polishing, and Polarized lens options available. Additional product information can be found by moving your mouse pointer over the information bubbles on the website.

What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal.

How can I be sure that my personal information is protected?
All personal information is stored on secure servers and is never shared with anyone.

What shipping services do you offer?
We use USPS for all shipments. Order processing is a flat rate of $6.95 for 1 pair of eyeglasses, and $7.95 for two or more. Make the most of your order processing dollars by purchasing spare pairs.

What prescription limitations are there to ordering eyeglasses?
We can fill prescription of up to +/- 8.00 sphere, +/-3.00 cylinder, and add powers up to +3.00.