MICHAEL / Eyewear Answers & Calculators
How much do prescription glasses actually cost online (without hidden fees)?
Direct answer:A complete pair of 1.56 single-vision prescription glasses with standard green anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings starts at US$26.90 before shipping (US$16.90 Everyday Picks frame + US$10 lenses, or US$31.90 delivered across the 48 contiguous US states and DC), with US$0 astigmatism surcharge down to -6.00 D.
Complete Online Eyewear Price Breakdown by Frame Series
Every order at MICHAEL Optical adds three published numbers: your flat-priced frame series, your lens pair package (Function Base + Refractive Index Fee, or an all-inclusive Driving rate), and flat US$5 contiguous US shipping.
| Frame Series | Frame Only | With 1.56 Reading (+US$5) | With 1.56 Single Vision (+US$10) | With 1.50 Driving (+US$32) | With 1.56 Progressive (+US$60) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Picks & SSBC-T (30 models) | US$16.90 | US$21.90 | US$26.90 | US$48.90 | US$76.90 |
| EM Acetate & TR90 (17 models) | US$25.70 | US$30.70 | US$35.70 | US$57.70 | US$85.70 |
| ZA Metal & Acetate (438 models) | US$38.90 | US$43.90 | US$48.90 | US$70.90 | US$98.90 |
Which Fees Are US$0 at Checkout?
- Astigmatism (CYL) correction: US$0 extra down to
-6.00 Don Standard Clear, Blue-Light and Colored Sun packages (and-4.00 Don Photochromic, Polarized and Driving packages). - Standard base coatings: Ordinary green anti-reflective film, super-hard scratch protection and everyday wear treatment are included in every lens pair price.
- Progressive corridor tiers & sun tint shades: Standard, Upgrade, Advanced and Office progressive designs add US$0 tier fee; Classic and Custom sun tint shades also add US$0 inside sun or photochromic packages.
Follow-Up Questions Buyers Ask
Why do some $19 online glasses turn into $150 at checkout elsewhere?
Many budget eyewear sites charge separate add-on fees for anti-reflective coating ($15 to $35), high-cylinder astigmatism ($15 to $39), and progressive corridor upgrades ($40 to $80). At MICHAEL Optical, base anti-reflective/scratch coatings, astigmatism correction down to -6.00 D, and progressive corridor tiers are all US$0 extra.
How much does US shipping add to the calculator subtotal?
Standard delivery adds a flat US$5.00 per order to street addresses across the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C. Custom optical lab preparation takes 3 to 5 business days, followed by an estimated 9 to 14 days in transit.
What if my prescription needs prism correction or 1.56 lined bifocals?
Online self-service checkout covers Single Vision, Progressive, Reading, Driving, Non-Prescription and Frame-Only orders. Email michael.optical.csr@gmail.com before ordering if you want to check 1.56 Round-Top/Flat-Top bifocal pricing; prism prescriptions and mail-in re-lensing of customer frames are not offered online.
Clinical & Regulatory References
- 16 CFR Part 456: Federal Eyeglass Rule (Consumer Prescription Portability) ↗ (U.S. Federal Trade Commission (eCFR)) Protects consumers’ right to obtain their prescription at zero fee and compare complete frame-and-lens pricing online.
- Eyeglasses: What You Need to Know About Lenses & Coatings ↗ (American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)) Independent clinical overview of single-vision, multifocal, high-index and anti-reflective eyeglass options.