You already own the frames that fit your face perfectly. Maybe they're vintage. Maybe they're expensive designer frames you're not ready to give up. Maybe your prescription just changed and everything else about your glasses is fine. The good news: you don't have to buy new glasses. You can send us your frames and we'll cut fresh prescription lenses for them.
That's the entire LensOnUs service. We're a Utah optical lab that specializes in re-lensing existing frames. Ship in what you have, get it back with brand-new lenses inside — usually within a week and typically for 40–60% less than what a retail optical shop charges.
How the process actually works
There are only three steps on your end:
- Configure your lenses online. Pick single vision, progressive, bifocal, or readers. Add coatings — anti-reflective, blue light, photochromic, polarized. Enter your prescription (or upload a photo of the paper one).
- Ship us your frames. We email you a prepaid, insured shipping label. Drop the frames in any box with some padding and hand them to USPS. Insurance covers them the entire way.
- We do the rest. An optician inspects your frames on arrival. We cut and edge your new lenses in-house, fit them into your frames, quality-check the fit and prescription, and ship them back — also insured, also on us.
What "Rx-compatible" means (and why it matters)
Some frames aren't built to hold prescription lenses — they're molded around fashion sunglass lenses that can't be swapped out, or they're too thin at the rim to hold a corrective lens without cracking. Roughly 95% of eyewear brands ship Rx-compatible frames, but before you order, take a quick look:
- The lens groove (the channel that holds the lens in place) should be visible if you look at the frame edge-on.
- Frames with metal or acetate rims almost always work.
- Rimless and semi-rimless frames work too — they just need slightly different cutting.
- Molded plastic sunglasses (like some cheaper fashion frames) sometimes can't accept new lenses. When in doubt, send us a photo before ordering.
What you can order
Any lens type you'd get at an optical shop:
- Single vision — one focal point (near, intermediate, or distance). Starts at $79.
- Progressives — smooth transition from distance through intermediate to near. $199 for our standard digital free-form; premium options available.
- Readers — magnification only, no distance correction.
- Bifocals — we make these but rarely recommend them; progressives are almost always the better modern choice.
- Sun lenses — polarized, tinted, or photochromic (Transitions). Turn any pair of frames into prescription sunglasses.
Standard on every order: anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant hard coat, 100% UV protection, and free prepaid return shipping. Strong prescriptions automatically get bumped to a thinner high-index lens at no extra cost.
How LensOnUs helps
We're not a middleman. Every lens is cut, edged, and fit in our own Utah lab by opticians with 20+ years of experience each. That's why the pricing works — no reseller markup, no chain-store overhead, no outsourcing to a third party. Just the lab, doing the work. If something goes wrong, our 30-day satisfaction guarantee covers it: we'll re-cut your lenses or refund you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really keep any pair of frames?
Almost. If your frames are Rx-compatible (built to hold prescription lenses), we can re-lens them. Frames from Ray-Ban, Oakley, Warby Parker, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford, and virtually every optical brand work. If you're unsure, email us a photo and we'll confirm before you ship.
What if my frames get damaged in the lab?
Every package is insured both directions. Before we cut anything, an optician inspects your frames. If we spot a crack, a loose hinge, or a stressed lens groove, we call you before proceeding. In the rare case a frame breaks during lens fitting, we replace or reimburse it up to its declared value.
How long does the whole process take?
Most orders ship back within 5–7 business days of arriving at our lab. Progressives with specialty coatings can take 7–10. You'll get email updates when your frames arrive, when your lenses are cut, and when they're on the way home.
Do I need to include my prescription?
Yes — an unexpired prescription (typically under 1–2 years old, depending on your state). You can type it in at checkout, upload a photo, or have us email your doctor's office directly.
How much does it cost compared to buying new glasses?
New lenses start at $79 for single vision. Progressives are $199. Comparable jobs at retail optical shops routinely run $250–$500+ for the same materials and coatings. Free shipping both ways is included.
