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How to buy glasses online with your prescription
Buying glasses online in the UK has never been easier, or better value.
Published by Direct Sight | Buying Guide
This buying glasses online guide walks you through every stage of the process, from choosing the right frames and lenses to providing your prescription and placing your order with confidence.
Everything you need to know
If you have never ordered prescription glasses online before, it may seem like a really complex process. We have put together this page to help you understand the process and make buying your glasses here at Direct Sight as simple as possible.
Online glasses ordering - what you need before you start
Before browsing frames, have these three things to hand. Don't worry if you're missing one, we explain exactly what to do in each case.
Valid Glasses Prescription
Adult prescriptions are valid for two years
Your pupillary distance (PD)
The distance in millimetres between the centres of your pupils
Current frame size
You can use these in our Fit Finder to filter frames by size.
How to Order Prescription Glasses Online, five Steps
Have your prescription and want to order glasses online? Step-by-step guide, how to enter your Rx safely and get perfectly made prescription glasses.
Step 1 Choose Your Frame
Choosing a frame is the most personal part of the process. The key considerations are shape, size and material, with colour as the finishing touch.
Frame shape
It is important to consider how the shape of the frame will compliment your features and not emphasise any aspects you don't like. Choosing the best frame for your face is simple with our face shape guide. When choosing a frame it is also important to consider if the shape of the frame will be suitable for the lens type that you wish to have fitted into the glasses. For example, Varifocal Glasses will require a frame with a larger lens depth that does not cut off any part of the focal points. You can use our shape filter to display all of the frames that you wish to view.
Frame size
Will the frame fit? This is often one of the main concerns when buying glasses online. You need your frame to fit snug, but comfortably on your face. If a frame is too large it may slip down your nose and too narrow may pinch at your temples. All frames come with their measurement printed on the inside of the arm. If you have an old pair of glasses you will be able to use the frame measurements in our fit finder to filter all of the frames of the same size.
Frame colour
The colour of a frame can dramatically change the way that the glasses look. It is important to consider the style and look that you are hoping to achieve with your new eyewear when deciding on the colour. Most of the frames we offer at Direct Sight come in a range of colour options, you can use our filters to shop by colour.
Frame material and style
Acetate frames are lightweight and are available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Metal frames are typically thinner and more minimal in appearance. Many frames combine both materials. We stock thousands of frames, use our filters for shape, size, material and colour to narrow your options.
Step 2 Choose Your Lenses
Once you have selected a frame, you will customise the lenses to match your prescription and how you plan to use your glasses. Your optician will have advised if you require single vision or multifocal lenses.
| Lens type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single vision | One prescription for a single distance, distance, reading, or computer use. Most common and most affordable. |
| Varifocal (Progressive) | Three prescriptions in one lens: distance, intermediate, and reading. No visible line. All lenses are freeform digital. |
| Bifocal | Distance and reading in one lens with a visible dividing line. An alternative to varifocals for some wearers. |
| Reading glasses | Single vision lenses for close-up tasks only. A simpler, lower-cost option for near correction. |
| Computer/Office | Optimised for screen and desk use, with a wider intermediate zone than standard varifocals. |
| Non-prescription | Clear lenses with no correction. Available with coatings such as blue light filter, anti-reflective, or sunglasses tint. |
Lens coatings and upgrades
Anti-reflective
Reduces glare from screens and artificial light. Recommended for most wearers.
Blue light filter
Reduces high-energy blue light from screens and LED lighting. Available on all lens types.
Tinted lenses
Standard grey, brown or green tint for sunglasses use. Full prescription tints available.
Polarised
Eliminates glare from reflective surfaces. Recommended for driving and outdoor use.
Photochromic (Adaptions)
Darkens in sunlight; returns to clear indoors. One pair for all conditions.
High index (1.6 / 1.67)
Thinner, lighter lenses for stronger prescriptions above approximately ±4.00 SPH.
Step 3 Add Your Prescription
When you have chosen your frame and lenses, you will add your prescription.
Upload
Photograph or scan your prescription and upload it. Our team checks every value before making your lenses.
Enter Manually
Type your prescription values directly into the checkout form, including the + or − sign and exact AXIS number.
Send Later
Complete your order and email your prescription to help@directsight.co.uk before we begin making your
Step 4 Review and Pay
Once you are happy with how you have customised the glasses and have double checked the details to ensure you are happy with the frame, lenses and coatings, you can proceed to the secure Direct Sight checkout. Then all you need to do is sit back and wait for your new glasses to arrive.
Step 5 What Happens After You Order
Once your order is placed and your prescription confirmed, here is what happens:
- Your order is received in our Amersham laboratory. Where our optical technicians cut and fit your lenses to your exact specification.
- Every order passes a seven-point quality check. This covers lens accuracy, centration, edge finish, coating integrity, scratch resistance, fit to frame and tint consistency where applicable.
- Your completed glasses are inspected by a qualified dispensing optician before dispatch.
- You receive a dispatch notification by email with your Royal Mail tracked delivery details.
Still unsure?
If you have any questions please call us on 01494 307 345 or click on our live help.
Browse our frames & order today
With secure online ordering and UK based customer service for help and support.
How to order glasses online UK, complete guide
Ordering glasses online provides a simple and convenient way to find the perfect eyewear without leaving home. With a wide range of styles and options to choose from, you can easily browse frames, customise lenses, and enter your prescription, all in just a few clicks.
We have a range of ‘How to’ buying guides that make sure every process is explained making it straightforward and user-friendly to order with Direct Sight.
Competitive pricing and fast shipping make ordering prescription glasses online cost-effective and time-saving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy glasses online in the UK?
Yes. Buying prescription glasses online in the UK is safe, as long as you choose a reputable online retailer.
At Direct Sight every pair of glasses is made in our own UK laboratory. A qualified dispensing optician inspects each pair before dispatch.
Our checkout is fully encrypted and we do not store card details. Every order is backed by a 365 day guarantee, 12-month scratch guarantee and 30 day returns. We have over 40,000 Trustpilot reviews.
Our step by step order glasses uk online guide should help with any query you may have.
Do I need a prescription to order glasses online?
You need a valid glasses prescription from a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist to order prescription lenses. In the UK, adult prescriptions are valid for two years. This is to ensure optimum eye health.
If yours has expired, you will need a new eye test before ordering prescription lenses. You can order non-prescription frames or non-prescription clear lenses without a prescription.
What is a PD and do I need it?
PD stands for pupillary distance. This is the distance in millimetres between the centres of your pupils.
It is used to position the optical centre of each lens correctly in your frame. It may or may not appear on your written prescription. You can measure it yourself at home using our PD guide.
For reglaze orders we can take an accurate measurement from your existing glasses when your frames arrive.
What if I do not understand my prescription?
Do not worry! This is the most common concern for first-time online buyers.
At Direct Sight we offer several options to provide your prescription details. You can upload a photograph or scan of your prescription at checkout. Our team will then input every value for you before making your lenses.
You can call us on 01494 307 345 or email help@directsight.co.uk. A member of our team will talk you through your prescription before you order.
You can select the option to send your prescription later at checkout. You can then email over a copy of your prescription and our experienced team will enter the details for you.
Our Understanding Your Prescription guide also explains every term and value in plain English.
How do I choose between single vision and varifocal lenses?
Your optician should tell you which lens type you need after you have your eye test.
Single vision lenses correct one distance, distance, reading or computer use. Varifocal lenses correct distance, intermediate and reading vision in one lens with no visible line between zones.
If your prescription includes an ADD value (a reading addition), you need either varifocal, bifocal or reading lenses. If you are unsure, call us on 01494 307 345 and we will confirm the right choice from your prescription.
How long does it take to receive my glasses?
Delivery timescales depend on the lens type and any coatings selected. Our production and delivery page shows current timescales.
A pair of frames with standard single vision lenses is typically faster than varifocal or orders with high-index lens options. Most of our orders are dispatched within 2-5 working days. If you need glasses urgently, our Next Day Express service dispatches the same working day for orders placed before 3pm. You receive a dispatch confirmation by email with Royal Mail tracked delivery details.
Can I return my glasses if they are not right?
Yes. We offer 30 day returns. If your glasses are not right for any reason, return them within 30 days for a replacement or refund.
When buying online, every order is also covered with our 365 day guarantee and 12-month scratch guarantee. If the prescription is incorrect or the lenses are faulty, we will remake them at no charge. Contact us on 01494 307 345 or help@directsight.co.uk and we will resolve it.
Can I get varifocal glasses online?
Yes. We offer a full range of varifocal glasses made to your exact prescription in our Amersham laboratory.
All our varifocal lenses are freeform digital lenses. The same technology used by high-street opticians, at a significantly lower price. Use our varifocal frame filter to see only frames with sufficient lens depth to accommodate varifocal lenses. If you are new to varifocals, our adjusting to varifocal glasses guide explains what to expect.
Can I use an NHS optical voucher with Direct Sight?
We are currently unable to accept NHS optical vouchers as method of payment. Our glasses start from £9.00 complete with prescription lenses. Which may be comparable to or lower than the voucher value for standard single vision lenses. Contact us to discuss your options on 01494 307 345 or help@directsight.co.uk.
What lens options are available when buying glasses online?
Here at Direct Sight we offer a wide range of lens options and extras. From single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses you can customise with high index thinner lenses, lens coatings, blue light blocking, Adaptions® options and tints.
How do I amend or cancel my order?
You can cancel or amend your order up until the point the glasses have begun production. To cancel your order please call our customer service team on 01494 307 345.
Can you reglaze my own glasses frame?
Yes. We offer a reglaze service where we can fit new lenses into your existing frames. The frames will be inspected upon receipt, there maybe cases where the frame is deemed unable to be reglazed e.g if damage is likely to occur, if the frame is too old, or if the frame does not meet optical standards.
Can I use my contact lens prescription to order glasses online?
Unfortunately contact lens prescriptions can not be used to order prescription glasses. Contact lenses work differently to glasses and the prescriptions will vary. It is important to provide an up to date prescription when ordering glasses with Direct Sight to avoid any problems with your glasses.