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Comment by nomel | Hacker News Reader

> Why aren't people using them?

I've converted several people, but not being able to touch them and try them on first appears to be a significant problem.

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Actually, you need to be able to try them on to ensure that you get your OC (optical center) correct.

This isn't a problem for people with relatively low prescriptions, but the stronger your prescription, the more important it is to get this right.

Some online stores will try to get it from a photo, but your OC actually changes by how/where you wear your glasses along the bridge of your nose, and that in turn changes with the frame you wear.

So if you've got a low prescription, why not just go to the local pharmacy? They sell prescriptions as strong as +/- 3.5 over the counter for $15.

You get it measured by your eye doctor, then Zenni has a box for it.

They also give you a ruler with your first order, but it's crap, just have your doctor do it.

Lens and coating options are very poor at a local pharmacy. The styles will be extremely limited compared to the selection that the online retailers carry.

I'd pay a fee to "borrow" the empty frames of 3-5 selections from Zenni and then return them prior to ordering. I've had mixed success on fitment from Zenni.

I tried this. They wouldn't take the return of empty frames. In any case, the cost was cheap enough to try. The frame quality is good enough for the price.

Eyebuydirect will return/exchange any glasses within 14 days, lens included. Since they are owned by Essilor, the lens quality is comparable to retail stores. Some of their frames are good quality clones of designer eyewear costing 10x up.

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