What LensCrafters is and how to use it
LensCrafters is an optical retailer owned by EssilorLuxottica that sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses at physical store locations across the United States. You walk in, get your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist on staff, choose frames, and have lenses made in the store lab — usually within an hour or two. You can also order online and pick up in a store, or have items shipped to your home.
The company operates roughly 900 stores in the U.S. and also runs LensCrafters.com for remote shopping. If you already have a current prescription from another eye doctor, you can bring it in and skip the exam. If your prescription is expired or you need a new one, you pay for the exam separately from the glasses or sunglasses themselves.
LensCrafters is not a vision insurance provider — it is a place where you buy eyewear. If you have vision insurance through your employer or a plan you purchased, you may be able to use your benefits there, but you will need to check your plan's details or call the store to confirm they accept your specific insurance.
Key Takeaways
- LensCrafters performs eye exams on-site and makes glasses in-store, so you can often leave with finished eyewear the same day.
- You pay separately for the eye exam and for the frames and lenses — the exam cost does not include eyewear.
- If you have vision insurance, check whether your plan covers LensCrafters before you go, because coverage and in-network status vary by plan.
- You can bring a current prescription from another eye doctor and skip the exam if you only want to buy frames and lenses.
- LensCrafters offers online ordering with in-store pickup or home delivery as alternatives to shopping in person.
How the eye exam works and what it costs
When you arrive for an eye exam at LensCrafters, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will test your vision, check your eye pressure, and examine the health of your eyes. The exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. At the end, you receive a written prescription that shows your lens power for distance and reading, your astigmatism correction if you need one, and your pupillary distance (the measurement between your pupils).
The exam fee is separate from the cost of glasses or sunglasses and is not waived if you buy eyewear at LensCrafters. Exam prices vary by location and whether you have insurance, but you can call your local store or check LensCrafters.com to see the cost before you go. Some vision insurance plans cover the exam in full or in part; others require you to pay out of pocket.
If your prescription is current (usually valid for one to two years, depending on your state), you do not need a new exam. You can bring your existing prescription from any eye doctor and use it to order glasses or sunglasses at LensCrafters without paying for another exam.
Choosing frames and paying for lenses
LensCrafters carries frames under its own house brand and also stocks designer and name-brand frames from companies like Ray-Ban, Coach, and Oakley. Frame prices range widely — from under $100 for basic styles to several hundred dollars for designer options. Once you choose frames, you then select lens options: single vision (one power throughout), progressive (no-line bifocals), or other specialty lenses.
Lens costs depend on the type of lens, the strength of your prescription, and any add-ons you choose. Anti-reflective coating, blue light filtering, and photochromic lenses (which darken in sunlight) all add to the base lens price. LensCrafters will show you the total cost before you commit. If you have vision insurance, the store can explore your benefits at checkout — typically a set allowance toward frames and a separate allowance toward lenses.
Most eyeglasses are made in the store lab within one to two hours, though complex prescriptions or special orders may take longer. You can ask about the timeline when you order. If you order online, you can choose in-store pickup or home delivery; pickup is usually faster.
Using vision insurance at LensCrafters
LensCrafters accepts many vision insurance plans, but not all. Before you go, contact your insurance company or check your plan documents to confirm that LensCrafters is in-network and what your coverage includes. In-network status affects how much you pay out of pocket — using an in-network provider typically costs less than using an out-of-network one.
Most vision plans cover an eye exam and provide an allowance (often $100 to $200) toward frames and lenses once per year or every two years. Some plans have a copay for the exam instead of full coverage. Bring your insurance card to your appointment so the store can verify your benefits and explore them at checkout.
If you do not have vision insurance, LensCrafters offers a rewards program called the LensCrafters Club that gives you discounts on future purchases. You can also ask about promotional pricing, which changes seasonally.
Ordering online and other shopping options
On LensCrafters.com, you can browse frames, enter your prescription details, and choose lens options without visiting a store. You will need your current prescription, including your pupillary distance, to complete an online order. If you do not have your pupillary distance, you can visit a store or call to have it measured.
Online orders can be picked up at a store location (usually within a few business days) or shipped to your home. Shipping times vary, but standard delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can also use the website to schedule an eye exam at a nearby store if you need one.
If you prefer to shop in person, you can visit any LensCrafters location to browse frames, get an exam, and pick up finished glasses the same day. The store locator on LensCrafters.com shows hours, services, and whether appointments are available.
What to bring and how to prepare
If you are getting an eye exam, bring a photo ID and your insurance card (if you have vision coverage). If you already have a prescription from another eye doctor, bring the written copy — do not rely on memory or a photo of it, as the store will need the original document to verify the details.
If you are ordering online, have your prescription handy, including the pupillary distance. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, consider getting a new exam first, especially if your vision has changed or you have not had your eyes checked recently.
Common things to know before you buy
LensCrafters offers a return and exchange policy, but the terms vary. Most stores allow returns or exchanges within a set timeframe (typically 30 days) if the glasses do not fit or if there is a defect. Ask about the specific policy at your location or check the website before you buy.
If you need adjustments or repairs after you leave the store, you can return to any LensCrafters location. Basic adjustments (like tightening screws or adjusting the fit) are usually free. Repairs or replacements of damaged parts may have a cost depending on what needs to be fixed.
Prescription changes happen — if your vision shifts and your glasses no longer feel right, you can get a new exam and have new lenses made. The cost depends on whether your frames can be reused or whether you need new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my vision insurance at LensCrafters?
Many plans are accepted, but not all. Call your insurance company or check your plan documents to confirm LensCrafters is in-network and what your coverage includes. Bring your insurance card to your appointment so the store can verify your benefits.
How long does it take to get glasses after I order them?
In-store orders are usually ready within one to two hours. Online orders picked up in-store typically arrive within a few business days. Home delivery takes one to two weeks depending on your location and the shipping method you choose.
Do I have to get an eye exam at LensCrafters to buy glasses there?
No. If you have a current prescription from another eye doctor, you can bring it in and skip the exam. You only pay for the frames and lenses. If your prescription is expired or you need a new one, you will need an exam.
What if my glasses do not fit right after I pick them up?
LensCrafters offers adjustments and repairs at any store location. Basic adjustments like tightening or bending frames are usually free. Ask about the return or exchange policy at your location if the fit issue is significant.
Can I order glasses online if I do not have my pupillary distance?
You will need your pupillary distance to complete an online order. You can visit a store to have it measured, call a location to ask about getting it, or contact your eye doctor's office to request it.