Aoolia Glasses Review: Real Prices, Lenses and Returns
Aoolia glasses start from a few dollars, but lenses, coatings and returns change the sums. We check real frame prices, prescriptions and policies.
A pair of prescription glasses from a high-street optician can easily cost more than a weekend away. Online retailers promise the same thing for a fraction of the price, and Aoolia is one of the cheaper names. It sells prescription glasses, sunglasses and reading glasses through US and UK storefronts, with frames listed from $6.95. The headline prices are real, but they are frame prices. What you finally pay for Aoolia glasses depends on your prescription, your lens choices and whether you get the order right first time.
What do Aoolia glasses actually cost?
Most frames we checked cost between about $10 and $100, though designer styles run past $250. The Elfin Red Cat Eye Glasses are $24.95 (£23.95 on the UK store), in lightweight TR90 plastic with spring hinges, weighing 32g. The Helen Purple Round Glasses, a metal frame with adjustable nose pads, are $19.95 (£18.95). At the top of that range, the Polly Black Square Glasses in acetate cost $68.95 (£64.95) and have 4.85 stars from 30 reviews on the site.
Nearly every frame is shown next to a crossed-out price about twice as high: Polly appears as “$135.95”, Elfin as “$47.95”. We found this on every product we checked, so treat the lower figure as the normal price, not a sale. A banner also offers 50% off a second pair, but it links to the eyeglasses category without any terms. The FAQ says only one discount applies per order, so check the basket before paying.
How does ordering prescription lenses work?
You pick a frame, click “Select lenses” and choose single vision, progressive, bifocal, reading or non-prescription. You then type in your prescription: sphere, cylinder and axis for each eye, plus ADD for varifocals and prism if you have it. You also need your pupillary distance (PD), which UK opticians do not always write on the prescription, so ask for it at your eye test. The store says its opticians check every order before the lenses are cut.
Lens costs are added on top of the frame. Progressive lenses start at $37.95, and coating upgrades add $5 to $15. Thinner high-index lenses cost more, and the site suggests one based on your prescription. Aoolia’s own lens guide notes that its basic 1.50 and 1.56 lenses block only 85–90% of UV light. Full UV protection starts at the 1.591 polycarbonate option. Progressives and bifocals need a frame at least 30mm deep, so check lens height in the specifications. Many frames offer AR Try-On, which uses your camera to show the frame on your face, and every listing gives the lens width, bridge and temple measurements. Compare them with a pair you already own.
Aoolia does not work with insurers. It will provide an itemised invoice so you can claim money back yourself.
Are the sunglasses worth a look?
Most frames can be ordered with tinted lenses, including progressives. There is also a ready-made range. The Matthew Blue Square Sunglasses are $42.95 (£39.95) and have an acetate frame with polarised, UV400 lenses, weighing 37.4g. At that price they are a reasonable alternative to fashion-brand sunglasses, though the listing has only 17 reviews.
What are the delivery, returns and warranty terms?
All glasses are made to order. Popular styles can ship within 24 hours, but custom lenses take five to 12 working days before shipping. US standard delivery costs $9.90 and is free over $79 (one table on the same page says $99). It then takes seven to 12 working days. UK standard delivery is free over £69.
Returns need the most attention. You get 30 days from delivery and one return or exchange per order. If Aoolia makes a mistake, such as the wrong prescription, it remakes the glasses and gives up to $10 (or £10) in store credit towards return postage. If you made the mistake, or simply dislike the frame, you pay the return postage. A refund also excludes the original shipping and the cost of the custom lenses, so you may get back little more than the frame price. On an exchange, lenses are offered at 50% off instead. Cancelling is free within six hours. After that, cancelling a prescription order costs 30% of the order value.
The 90-day warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but you pay for tracked postage to send the glasses back.
Who should buy Aoolia glasses?
Aoolia makes most sense for people with a straightforward single-vision prescription. It also suits anyone who wants a spare pair, prescription sunglasses or a bold frame without spending optician prices. Have your prescription and PD to hand, check the frame measurements and the lens options, and read the returns rules before ordering. If you have a complex prescription or are new to varifocals, a fitting in person is still the safer option. For everyone else, Aoolia offers low-cost glasses as long as you know the true price.
This article contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you buy through them. Prices are as listed on aoolia.com (US dollars) and uk.aoolia.com (pounds) on 29 October 2026, exclude lenses unless stated and may change.
