Zenni Optical Review - All About Vision (2024)

HomeGlassesBuying Glasses | Zenni Optical review

By Allie Johnson

Zenni Optical Review - All About Vision (1)

You’ve set your sights on a new pair of glasses, and you want affordability, style and clear vision. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Zenni glasses so you can decide if they’re right for you.

Zenni Optical is a company that sells eyeglasses online. It was founded in 2003 in the San Francisco area with a mission: Offer affordable, stylish glasses online. Zenni Optical’s founders wanted to make it easy to order glasses online while providing high-quality optical lenses and offering excellent customer support.

Zenni sells prescription glasses, blue-light glasses and sunglasses with a variety of lens options. You can order Zenni eyeglasses by choosing frames, lenses and add-ons from the company website. Once you make your purchase, your glasses are made to order in the Zenni Optical factory. The glasses are then shipped directly from the factory to you in about two weeks.

Our Zenni Optical review will answer your questions about this online glasses seller. We’ll cover how Zenni works, what kinds of glasses they offer, how much their glasses cost, ways to shop their website and what happens if you decide you don’t like your Zenni glasses.

SEE RELATED: Prescription eyeglasses lenses and frames

How does Zenni Optical work?

Ordering glasses from Zenni is pretty straightforward. Before you start shopping, make sure you have your:

  • Eyeglasses prescription – You’ll need to get a comprehensive eye exam and ask your eye doctor for a written prescription.

  • Pupillary distance (PD) – You can measure your pupillary distance yourself, but it’s best to get it from your eye doctor during your exam.

Once you have this information in hand, here’s how to order Zenni glasses:

  1. Choose frames – It’s a good idea to check customer reviews for frames that interest you. Be sure to use the Zenni virtual try-on tool to get an idea of how the frames may look on you.

  2. Enter your prescription information – You’ll need to type in the information from your prescription. Be sure to double-check to avoid mistakes.

  3. Pick your lenses – Zenni will recommend lenses for you, but you can also choose from various lens options, including tinted lenses, photochromic lenses and blue-light-blocking lenses.

  4. Add extras – You can add any “extras” you want, such as lens coatings or engraving.

Once you make all your choices, you’ll need to add your glasses to your cart. Check to make sure everything is right, then create an account or log in and purchase your glasses.

Are Zenni glasses right for me?

Zenni glasses may work fine for some patients and not so well for others. Whether Zenni Optical is right for you depends on your glasses prescription, lifestyle and shopping preferences.

Zenni glasses may be right for you if you:

  • Have a simple glasses prescription.

  • Don’t wear glasses very often.

  • Frequently lose or break your glasses.

  • Want a pair of cheap glasses.

Zenni glasses may not be right for you if you:

  • Have a complicated glasses prescription.

  • Prefer to try on glasses in person before you buy.

  • Want professional help choosing and fitting frames.

  • Are looking for glasses made in the United States.

Ways to shop Zenni Optical

It’s easy to shop the Zenni Optical website based on your own needs, preferences and priorities. For example, you can shop by:

  • Cost – Shop for glasses “under $10” or “under $20.”

  • Face shape – Take a face shape quiz and shop frames that flatter your face shape (heart, oval, round, diamond, square or pear).

  • Color or pattern – You can shop for frames in your favorite color (blue, pink, lilac, rose gold, rainbow, etc.) or pattern (tortoiseshell, floral, polka dot, etc.).

  • Frame shape – Browse frames by shape or style (aviator, browline, cat-eye, rectangle, rimless, round, square and more).

  • Designer – Select from collections by your favorite glasses designer (Coco + Breezy, Cynthia Rowley, Timo Weiland).

It can be overwhelming to have so many options when buying glasses online. These Zenni Optical shopping options make it easier to sift through all the available frames and make a final choice more quickly.

How much do Zenni glasses cost?

The price of Zenni glasses ranges from $6.95 to $49.95 for single-vision prescription glasses. The cost goes up to $100 or more if you have a complicated prescription or add “extras.”

Zenni sunglasses start at $12, and blue-light-blocking prescription glasses start at $24.

Zenni doesn’t have free shipping, so you’ll need to add shipping to these prices. How much? You can choose:

  • Standard shipping for $4.95 with delivery in 14 to 21 days.

  • Priority shipping for $8.45 with delivery in 10 to 16 days.

  • Express shipping for $18.95 with delivery in 8 to 12 days.

The factors that affect the cost of Zenni glasses include:

  • Frames

  • Glasses prescription (for example, bifocals or progressive lenses)

  • Type of lenses (blue-light blocking, photochromic, etc.)

  • Extras (anti-scratch coating, for example)

  • Shipping (standard, priority or express)

It’s easy to get very low-cost Zenni glasses if you have a simple prescription, you choose the least expensive frames and lenses available, and select standard shipping. For designer frames, more complicated prescriptions and multiple extras, Zenni may not be much cheaper than getting glasses from a local optician.

Why are Zenni glasses so cheap?

There are various reasons why Zenni Optical is able to keep the cost of its eyeglasses low. Zenni glasses are made at a dedicated factory and shipped directly to the consumer. Also, because Zenni sells its glasses online, they don’t pay for brick-and-mortar retail space.

Zenni claims that their “factory-direct, online model” allows them to sell glasses at one-tenth of the price of buying glasses at a local optical shop.

How to save money on Zenni Optical glasses

You can save even more on Zenni glasses by looking for a deal. Here are three ways to save money on Zenni eyeglasses:

  1. Promo code – The best way to save money on Zenni glasses is to look for a Zenni Optical promo code on the website. Zenni features the latest promo codes at the top of the home page. For example, a recent Zenni promo code would get you $10 off orders of $65 and up or $20 off orders of $85 and up.

  2. Zenni’s “hero discount” – Zenni Optical also offers 10% military, first responder and medical worker discounts. To get your discount, you click the corresponding button in the shopping cart and get your medical or military ID verified by ID.me.

  3. Refer-a-friend program – When you refer a friend to Zenni, you can give your friend $5 off and also get $5 off your own pair of glasses.

It’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to score a special deal so you can save as much as possible on your glasses.

Are Zenni glasses made in the U.S.A.?

Zenni Optical is a U.S. company, but Zenni glasses are made in China. The Zenni Optical headquarters is located in San Francisco, and the one-million-square-foot Zenni Optical factory and eyewear laboratories are located in Danyang, China.

How long does it take to get glasses from Zenni Optical?

It generally takes about two weeks from the date of your order to get your Zenni eyeglasses. But it can take as little as one to as much as three weeks, depending on the shipping speed you choose when you check out.

Making a decision: Look at Zenni Optical reviews

Still not sure if you should get Zenni eyeglasses? It’s a good idea to check out Zenni Optical reviews to see what other customers have to say.

Look at a variety of sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get a range of perspectives on Zenni glasses. One example: The New York Times consumer reviews site Wirecutter offers a review of Zenni Optical in its article on the best places to buy glasses online. It names EyeBuyDirect the best place to buy glasses but highlights Zenni Optical as a good budget option.

What happens if I don’t like my Zenni glasses?

You’re not stuck with Zenni eyeglasses you don’t like, but you will lose some money getting them replaced.

You have two choices:

  • Return them for a one-time, full-store credit (minus shipping costs).

  • Return them for a 50% refund (minus shipping costs) to the form of payment you used to buy them.

You must contact Zenni for a return authorization number within 30 days to return your glasses for any reason.

If Zenni made a mistake while making your glasses, they will remake them for free. However, you will need to return the glasses for an inspection, and Zenni must determine that they were made incorrectly.

Our thoughts on Zenni Optical glasses

It is tempting to buy cheap eyeglasses online, and Zenni Optical is a convenient, budget-friendly option with a nice selection to choose from. However, there are also benefits to buying eyeglasses through your eye doctor’s office or a local optician.

Eye doctors sell quality brand-name glasses and may offer a wider selection of designer frames. And shopping with your eye doctor may give you peace of mind. You’ll know you’re getting a quality pair of glasses with free adjustment to ensure a good fit.

You’ll need to visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and glasses prescription anyway, so consider pricing glasses while you’re there. Compare glasses from your eye doctor to Zenni glasses in terms of cost, fit and quality.READ NEXT: SmartBuyGlasses review

About Zenni Optical. Zenni Optical. Accessed April 2021.

Zenni Optical home page. Zenni Optical. Accessed April 2021.

Zenni Optical marks 15th anniversary by selling 20 millionth pair of glasses. Business Wire. April 2018.

The best places to buy glasses online. Wirecutter. March 2021.

Page published on Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Zenni Optical Review - All About Vision (2024)

FAQs

Why are glasses from Zenni so cheap? ›

Zenni Optical offers a wide range of frames and lenses at prices that are significantly lower than traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. This is because Zenni Optical cuts out the middleman and sells directly to consumers, allowing them to offer lower prices without sacrificing quality.

Are Zenni glasses shipped from China? ›

How Zenni works. Zenni Optical owns a production facility in China. Once you place your order, it goes straight to the factory where all the frames and lenses are made, according to the company.

How long does it take to get glasses from zenni optical? ›

Get Eyeglasses Fast With 3-5 Day Rush Delivery.

Can you return Zenni glasses if you don't like them? ›

Please note the following conditions for returns:

Glasses must be sent back using the prepaid return label within 14 days of receiving the order to qualify for a refund or within 30 days for store credit. Any refund returns sent back to us beyond 14 days will receive store credit if received within 30 days.

Is Zenni high quality? ›

“Ever since discovering Zenni Optical, I haven't ordered glasses from anywhere else and I've ordered six pairs of glasses from them,” she says. “The quality is great and the prices are even better!” During the initial 30-day period, broken frames can be replaced at no charge.

What are the pitfalls of buying glasses online? ›

8 Reasons To Avoid Online Glasses
  • Know what's being cut to offer lower prices. ...
  • Beware of claims of “same top quality.” ...
  • A bigger selection often isn't a better selection — it's just more confusing. ...
  • Virtual and home try-ons can't insure satisfaction. ...
  • Cheap sunglasses can do more harm than good.

Who owns Zenni eyewear? ›

Zenni Optical was founded in 2003 by Tibor Laczay and Julia Zhen.

Does Zenni use Varilux lenses? ›

I consulted with a Zenni customer care rep who told me that Zenni uses free-form progressive lenses, which keep costs down as they are less expensive to manufacture than, say, Varilux lenses.

What state does Zenni ship from? ›

To ensure speedy delivery, Zenni has set up an advanced optical lab in Ohio. With top-notch technology and a skilled team, this facility helps Zenni process orders quickly and get them to you fast. This commitment to quality and efficiency makes Zenni stand out among online eyewear retailers.

What happens if PD is wrong on glasses? ›

Glasses with incorrect PD measurements can make it harder to see fine details, read small print or recognize faces from a distance. Your eyes usually need a few days to adjust to your new glasses. During this period, it is normal to experience some eye strain, slightly blurred vision or dizziness.

Does Zenni accept insurance? ›

Do you accept insurance? We do not accept insurance. However, some insurance companies will accept an invoice copy for reimbursem*nt.

Is my PD written on my glasses? ›

You won't usually find your PD written (or etched) on your glasses. The numbers you see inside your frame's arms are the measurements for the frame itself, but not your personal pupillary distance. An eye care professional should provide a PD number on your vision prescription in the corresponding section.

Does Zenni actually check your prescription? ›

Yes, you will need a valid, unexpired contact lens prescription to purchase contact lenses, including colored lenses without vision correction. A prescription is required to ensure that you receive the correct type of contact lenses for your eyes and that they fit properly.

Can I order glasses with an expired prescription Zenni? ›

Can I use an expired prescription to order glasses from Zenni? We strongly advise against using an expired prescription. An outdated prescription may not provide the best vision. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining your eye health and visual clarity.

Will Zenni put lenses in old frames? ›

Replacement Lens Services

We understand wanting to freshen up your favorite frames with new lenses. While we don't provide lens replacement services, we suggest checking with your local optical shops to explore this option.

Does insurance cover glasses from Zenni? ›

Do you accept insurance? We do not accept insurance. However, some insurance companies will accept an invoice copy for reimbursem*nt. Check with your insurance company, and if they do, you can request an emailed invoice copy from our Customer Service department.

Is it safe to buy cheap glasses? ›

Cheap metal frames often contain nickel alloys that can cause skin irritation; others can discolor your skin. Also (and more disturbing), cheap eyeglass frames and cheap sunglasses occasionally are recalled and removed from the market because they contain lead paint or other toxic substances.

What are the disadvantages of cheap glasses? ›

Cheap eyeglasses are manufactured with very little quality control. This means that the lenses may not be able to correct your vision problems adequately. Even the smallest mistake in your lenses such as a slightly-off focal point or too-strong magnification can cause problems such as: Eye strain.

Are Zenni glasses guaranteed? ›

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. As set forth in Zenni's Return Policy, Zenni warrants that its glasses will be free of manufacturing defects for a period of 30 days.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6339

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.