Buying Glasses at Home vs. Locally: What’s Better for Asians Abroad?

Why Choosing the Right Way to Buy Glasses Matters

For Asians living abroad, getting prescription glasses isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s also about fit, quality, and convenience. Many people debate whether to:

1. Buy glasses from their home country (e.g., China, Korea, Japan) and ship them abroad.

2. Buy locally online from trusted retailers like NextPair.

3. Go to a local store like Costco, LensCrafters, or Walmart for glasses.

While ordering from home may seem cheaper and familiar, it comes with hidden costs, delays, and fit issues. Local optical stores may be convenient, but their frames are rarely designed for Asian face shapes. Buying online from NextPair gives you the best of both worlds—fast service and frames built for comfort.

Let’s compare the three options to help you decide what’s best for your vision needs!

Option 1: Buying Glasses from Your Home Country and Shipping

Many Asians abroad consider ordering glasses from their home country because local optical shops are familiar, and prices may be lower. However, the reality is often more complicated.

✅ Pros of Buying from Home:

✔️ Lower Prices on Frames & Lenses – Optical stores in China, Korea, or Japan may offer lower prices than Western stores.
✔️ Familiar Shopping Experience – You can visit trusted stores, check frame styles in person, and try them on.
✔️ More Local Styles & Brands – You may find designs tailored to Asian preferences more easily.

❌ Cons of Buying from Home:

🚢 Long Shipping Times – Standard international shipping can take weeks. Even with express shipping, delays at customs can happen.
💰 Hidden Costs – Import duties, taxes, and shipping fees can add up quickly, making your "cheap" purchase not so cheap.
🔄 Difficult Returns & Adjustments – If there’s an issue with the prescription, frame fit, or lens quality, returning the glasses is often impossible or expensive.
📏 Risk of Incorrect PD (Pupillary Distance) – Many home-country opticians don’t provide an accurate PD measurement, which can affect vision clarity.

🟡 Pro Tip: If you order from home, ask the optician for your exact PD measurement and full prescription details to avoid vision discomfort.

Option 2: Buying Locally Online (e.g., NextPair)

With online eyewear retailers like NextPair, you can get high-quality Asian fit glasses, premium lenses, and fast shipping—all without international delays or extra fees.

✅ Pros of Buying Locally Online:

✔️ Fast & Reliable Shipping – Your glasses arrive within days, not weeks. No customs delays or extra import costs.
✔️ Designed for Asians – Asian fit frames offer a better nose bridge fit and improved comfort.
✔️ Easy Returns & Adjustments – NextPair offers free shipping and free returns for 30 days—so if something doesn’t feel right, you can exchange them easily.
✔️ High-Quality Prescription Lenses – Thinner, high-index lenses are available for stronger prescriptions, reducing thickness and weight.
✔️ Vision Insurance Eligibility – You may be able to get reimbursed by your local health insurance, making it more cost-effective.

❌ Cons of Buying Locally Online:

💰 Slightly Higher Cost Upfront – Some people find online retailers more expensive than home-country stores, but no hidden shipping or customs fees makes up for it.
🔄 Must Check for Insurance Coverage – Some vision insurance plans don’t cover online purchases, so you may need to claim reimbursement manually.

🟡 Pro Tip: NextPair offers a 30-day free try-on policy, allowing you to test your frames risk-free before committing!

Option 3: Buying Glasses from a Local Retailer (e.g., Costco, Walmart, LensCrafters)

Many people go to big retail stores like Costco or Walmart for prescription glasses because it seems quick and convenient. However, while these stores have affordable lenses and frame options, they are not ideal for Asians due to poor frame fit.

✅ Pros of Buying from a Local Retailer:

✔️ In-Person Service – You can get your prescription checked and try on frames in-store.
✔️ Same-Day or Fast Pickup – Some retailers offer same-day glasses or 1-hour service.
✔️ Insurance Coverage – If you have vision insurance, it may be easier to use at a physical location.

❌ Cons of Buying from a Local Retailer:

🚫 Poor Fit for Asians – Most stores don’t carry Asian fit frames, meaning glasses may slip down your nose or feel uncomfortable.
💰 Higher Prices for Quality Lenses – Many retail stores charge extra for thin, high-index lenses.
🔄 Limited Frame Selection – Costco, Walmart, and similar stores don’t have much variety in styles for Asians.

🟡 Pro Tip: If you shop in-store, ask if they carry Asian fit frames. If they don’t, NextPair is a better option for comfort and fit.

Comparing the Three Options: Home, Online, or Local Store

Final Thoughts: Which Option is Best?

✔️ Want the lowest price and don’t mind long shipping times? → Buy from home.
✔️ Need the best fit, convenience, and premium lenses? → Buy from NextPair.
✔️ Prefer in-store service but don’t need Asian fit frames? → Go to Costco, Walmart, or LensCrafters.

NextPair offers:
🟡 Fast shipping without customs hassle.
🟡 Asian fit frames for superior comfort.
🟡 Free returns & exchanges within 30 days.

👓 For Asians living abroad, NextPair ensures the best fit, premium lenses, and a hassle-free experience!

Products featured - Asian fit glasses, Asian fit sunglasses