Where Can I Get New Lenses for My Glasses?
Need new lenses for your glasses? You may not need to buy a completely new pair. Prescription lenses can often be installed in frames you already wear or in new frames purchased online or from another store.
You can get new lenses through an online lens replacement service, an independent optical store, a national optical chain, or a warehouse vision center. The best choice depends on your frames, prescription, preferred lens options, budget, and whether you want to order online or visit a store.
I Have Frames and Need Prescription Lenses
If you already have frames and need lenses, RenewLens can replace the old lenses in glasses you currently wear or add new prescription lenses to compatible frames purchased elsewhere. You can choose your lenses online and send us your frames using free prepaid shipping.
This option allows you to keep frames that already fit comfortably or use new frames you found online without having to purchase another complete pair of glasses.
Where Can I Get Prescription Lenses for My Frames?
There are four main ways to get prescription lenses for frames you already own:
1. Online Lens Replacement Services
Online lens replacement allows you to select prescription lenses from home and mail in your frames. This is useful for customers who want replacement lenses for glasses without visiting an optical store.
RenewLens offers single vision, progressive, Transitions®, polarized, computer, high-index, and prescription sunglass lenses for compatible new and existing frames.
2. Independent Optical Stores
Some independent optical stores install prescription lenses in customer-supplied frames. Frame acceptance, pricing, processing time, and frame-handling policies vary, so confirm the details directly with the optical store.
3. National Optical Chains
Some national optical chains may install new lenses in frames you already own. Approval can depend on the frame’s condition, age, construction, prescription, and the type of lenses selected. Individual locations may apply different procedures or frame-liability policies.
4. Warehouse and Retail Vision Centers
Warehouse clubs and retail vision centers sell prescription glasses and lenses. Certain services may require an in-person visit, membership, or the purchase of frames from that retailer. Contact the specific location before visiting to confirm whether customer-supplied frames are accepted.
Can I Use My Own Frames for New Lenses?
Yes, in many cases you can use your own frames for new prescription lenses. The frames may already contain old prescription lenses, or they may be new frames with temporary demonstration lenses.
Before new lenses are produced, the frame should be reviewed for its condition, construction, size, shape, and compatibility with your prescription.
Can I Add Prescription Lenses to Frames Bought Online?
Prescription lenses can often be added to frames purchased online, provided the frames are designed to accept prescription lenses and are compatible with your prescription.
Send new frames with their temporary or demonstration lenses still installed. RenewLens will review the frame before preparing and installing your prescription lenses.
Can Prescription Lenses Be Put in Any Frame?
Not every frame is compatible with every prescription or lens design. Frame suitability can be affected by:
- Frame condition and structural stability
- Frame size, shape, and lens depth
- Plastic, metal, rimless, or semi-rimless construction
- Prescription strength and required lens thickness
- Progressive or multifocal measurement requirements
- Frame curvature and wrap
Older, damaged, brittle, extremely curved, or unusually constructed frames may require additional review. If a submitted frame is unsuitable, RenewLens will contact you before lens production.
Online Lens Replacement vs. Visiting an Optical Store
| Consideration | Online Lens Replacement | Optical Store |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering process | Choose lenses online and mail your frames | Usually requires visiting a location |
| Using your frames | A primary part of the service | Acceptance and policies vary |
| Convenience | Complete the order from home | In-person assistance may be available |
| Frame inspection | Completed after the frames arrive | May be completed during the store visit |
| Pricing | Usually displayed during online selection | May require an in-store quotation |
| Best for | Customers who want to keep their frames and order remotely | Customers who prefer face-to-face assistance |
Do LensCrafters and Other Optical Stores Replace Lenses?
Some LensCrafters locations and other optical retailers may consider installing prescription lenses in customer-supplied frames. Acceptance may depend on the frame’s condition, age, construction, prescription, selected lenses, and the individual location’s current policies.
Optical retailers and vision centers you may wish to contact include:
- LensCrafters
- Pearle Vision
- Target Optical
- Visionworks
- America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
- Cohen’s Fashion Optical
- Sterling Optical
- Walmart Vision Center
- Costco Optical
- Sam’s Club Optical
- BJ’s Optical
- Local independent optical stores
Services, frame-acceptance requirements, prices, processing times, and policies may vary by company and individual location. Contact the specific provider directly before visiting to confirm whether it currently accepts customer-supplied frames.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Lens Provider
- Will you install lenses in frames purchased elsewhere?
- Do you accept both new and previously worn frames?
- Will you inspect my frames before placing the order?
- What happens if the frames are damaged during production?
- What is the total price for the lenses and coatings?
- Is shipping or an in-store visit required?
- How long will the lens replacement process take?
- What remake, adjustment, or satisfaction policy is included?
What Types of New Prescription Lenses Can I Get?
Depending on your prescription and frames, available options may include:
- Single vision prescription lenses
- Progressive lenses
- Computer lenses
- Prescription sunglass lenses
- High-index lenses for stronger prescriptions
- Transitions® light-adaptive lenses
- Polarized prescription lenses
- Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant options
How to Get New Lenses from RenewLens
- Choose the lens type that fits your prescription and needs.
- Upload your prescription or submit it after ordering.
- Use your own box or request a free shipping kit.
- Send your new or existing frames using the prepaid shipping label.
- Your frames are inspected and your new lenses are prepared.
- Your completed glasses are shipped back to you.
Most lens replacement orders are completed within 3–7 business days after RenewLens receives your frames and valid prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy prescription lenses without buying new frames?
Yes. RenewLens sells prescription lenses for compatible frames you already own, so you do not need to purchase another frame.
Who will put prescription lenses in my frames?
Online lens replacement services, some independent opticians, and some national optical stores may install prescription lenses in customer-supplied frames. Acceptance policies vary by provider.
Can I send new empty frames for prescription lenses?
Yes. Compatible new frames purchased online or from another store can be sent to RenewLens for new prescription lenses.
Can I replace scratched lenses and keep my frames?
Yes, provided the frames remain suitable for lens replacement. The old lenses can be removed and new prescription lenses installed.
Do I need a valid eyeglass prescription?
Yes. Prescription lens orders require a valid prescription from a licensed eye-care professional before production.
Is shipping included?
Yes. RenewLens provides free prepaid shipping to send your frames and free return shipping after your new lenses are completed.
Get New Prescription Lenses for Your Frames
Keep the frames you already wear or send us new frames purchased elsewhere. Choose your prescription lenses online and ship your frames free.
Select Your LensesRenewLens is an independent lens-replacement provider and is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or sponsored by LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, Visionworks, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Cohen’s Fashion Optical, Sterling Optical, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or any other retailer referenced on this page. All company names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Services, frame-acceptance requirements, prices, and policies may vary by location and may change. Contact the applicable provider directly for current information.