How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost?

How much do glasses cost? I get asked this almost every day. And honestly—it depends.

I’ve been a licensed optician for years. I run Not Another Eye Store, a small optical boutique in Calgary. I’ve helped people with simple prescriptions and complex ones, tight budgets and premium tastes.

So I want to give you the truth. No fluff. Just what I’ve learned from real clients and my own day-to-day experience.

1. The Average Cost Isn’t So Average

You’ll read online that lots of Canadians spend $99 or less out-of-pocket on glasses. That’s technically true—but that number is after insurance, and it includes online and in-store purchases.

Here’s what I’ve actually seen:
Most people—when they’re not fully covered—pay anywhere from $240 to $1,000 for a complete pair.

That includes:

Your frame
Your lenses (whether they’re single vision, progressive, or bifocal)
Coatings like anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protective
And whether or not you’re getting high index lenses for stronger prescriptions

At my shop, I carry a lot of local designer brands. Not because it sounds nice—but because they’re honestly better built than most mass-market frames I’ve seen. More comfortable. Longer-lasting. And they don’t all cost a fortune.

If you’re just starting out, check out our single vision or progressive lenses pages to get a sense of what might fit your needs.

2. Online Glasses Work… Sometimes

If your prescription is mild—say around -1.00 or +1.00—you might be okay with a pair from an online site. Some of my clients have gotten a decent pair for as low as $40.

But here’s what they don’t always realize until later:

You’re getting stock lenses, usually with basic coatings
The frames are mass-produced and often flimsy
You don’t get to try them on and know how they look or fit
The measurements—like your PD—might be off
And you don’t get anyone to adjust them if they don’t sit right

Only about 13% of Canadians buy online. 87% still go in-store—probably because they know that vision isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Stores like Costco and Walmart offer conventional lenses that are better than what you get online, but still not fully customized.

If you already have a frame you love, don’t toss it. We do lens replacement. You’ll keep your style and get lenses that actually work for you.

3. Stock vs Premium Lenses: It’s Not Just Hype

I’ve worn both stock lenses and premium HD lenses. I can tell you first-hand—there’s a difference.

Stock lenses are pre-made. They work, but they’re not tailored.

Premium lenses? Those are built for your exact prescription and facial measurements. They’re custom ground, and the coatings aren’t just sprayed on—they’re oilophobic dipped, which makes them repel oil and smudges better.

It’s kind of like comparing an HD TV to a 4K screen.

I’m -8.00 in both eyes. At around 20 meters, I start to notice the difference between a stock lens and a premium one. The clarity. The sharpness. The peripheral focus. It’s subtle at first—then it becomes obvious.

But if your prescription is minor, you might not notice that much difference in clarity. Where you’ll feel it is in comfort, weight, coatings, and visual fatigue.

And if you’re spending a lot of time at a screen, I also recommend blue light lenses. They really do help, especially at night. We also do prescription sunglasses for full outdoor protection.

4. Progressive Lenses: Where Price Actually Matters

This is the lens type where I’ve seen the most frustration—and the biggest payoff.

If you’ve worn progressives, you know they take time to adapt. Cheap ones? They distort more. The viewing zones are smaller. And the sweet spot feels like it’s constantly shifting.

I’ve had clients try the cheapest progressives from Costco or Superstore and come back saying, “I can’t get used to them.” That’s not their fault. The lens design just isn’t good enough.

Premium progressives are different:

Wider, more usable fields of view
Less distortion around the edges
Smoother transitions between distance, intermediate, and near

Yes, they cost more. But for a lot of people, they’re the difference between loving and hating your glasses.

You’ll find these at the big names like IRIS and LensCrafters. Or you can get them through smaller shops like mine. We also carry bifocal lenses and transition lenses if those are better for how you live.

5. Brand Name Lenses Aren’t Always Better

I’ve worked with lenses from Nikon, Zeiss, Hoya, and now I work almost exclusively with Riverside Optical Lab—a Canadian company that’s been around for decades.

Let me be honest:

Nikon and Zeiss make excellent lenses—but you’re paying for the name
Hoya has great tech, but I’ve had issues with their coatings
Riverside offers the same visual quality, better warranty, and more consistent performance—for less

A lot of my clients who used to wear Zeiss or Nikon have switched to Riverside without any issue. Some even say the field of view feels wider. The only people who struggle? Longtime wearers who’ve only used one brand for 10, 15, even 20 years. But even they usually adapt with time.

That’s why I trust Riverside. I wear their lenses. I fit them for my own family.

The Bottom Line on Eyeglass Costs

These 5 surprising truths about how much glasses cost should give you a clear sense of what matters—and what doesn’t.

If your prescription is low and you just need something basic, online or big box glasses might be good enough. But be honest with yourself—what are you giving up?

If you want sharper vision, better comfort, and lenses that don’t get in your way—especially for progressives—you’ll want to invest in something better.

Now, after your eye exam, you’re legally entitled to your written prescription—but not your PD (pupillary distance). In Alberta, clinics aren’t required to provide it. Some charge for it. Some refuse entirely. It’s a common tactic to keep you from shopping elsewhere.

At Not Another Eye Store, you bring in your valid prescription, and we’ll take care of the rest. We do your PD measurements and all the fitting measurements you need—for free. Because if you’re trusting us with your vision, we’re going to get it right.

Visit us in Calgary. Let’s help you spend smart, see better, and get glasses that actually fit your life.

FAQ

How much do prescription glasses cost in Canada?

Without insurance, prescription glasses in Canada typically cost between $240 and $1,000 depending on the lens type, coatings, frame material, and where you buy them. Cheaper options exist online or at big box stores, but quality, fit, and service vary.

Source: Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology & The Vision Council Canada Survey

How can you tell if glasses are good quality?

Look for:

Smooth hinge movement and durable frame material (acetate, titanium)
Custom lens fitting done by a licensed optician
Premium coatings (anti-reflective, oilophobic, UV)
Clear, distortion-free vision through all zones of the lens

High-quality glasses also come with proper measurements like PD and fitting height, not just the prescription.

How much does an average pair of glasses cost at Costco?

Costco optical typically charges $150 to $300 for a complete pair with basic lenses and frames. Progressive lenses or coatings will increase the price.

Costco uses stock or conventional lenses, which work for many, but lack the customization of premium options.

Source: Costco Canada Optical Centre & verified member experiences

What is the most expensive part of prescription glasses?

The lenses are almost always the most expensive part—especially if they’re:

Progressive or multifocal
High index or ultra-thin
Include premium coatings or custom digital surfacing

Frames can add to the cost, but lenses drive the total price—especially for complex prescriptions.

5 Surprising Truths About How Much Glasses Cost