Zenni Optical Frequently Asked Questions
Why are your prices so low?
- The better question is, why have you been paying so much? There's no magic in what we do, it's just good business. We run a very efficient operation. We use the latest in modern eyeglass manufacturing equipment and materials, which reduces defects and remakes. And, we sell direct to you, the consumer! With Zenni Optical, there's no expensive retail overhead costs or commissioned sales people. You are truly buying direct from the manufacturer.
Are these glasses as good as I get from my doctor?
- Yes! Skeptics may think that because of our super low prices that our glasses can't possibly be as good as what you get in the mall, but that's definitely not the case. You'll find that the quality of glasses from us are as good or better as a pair from your optometrist's office or a big chain retailer.
How long will my order take?
- Most U.S. orders will be delivered in about 7-10 business days. Orders that require extra or custom lab work like progressives, bi-focals, custom tints, or extra strength prescriptions can take three to six days extra. If you have any questions about your order please contact us at service@zennioptical.com or call us at 800-211-2105. Shipping to addresses outside the U.S. can take longer.
How do I measure my PD?
- http://www.zennioptical.com/measuring-pd
- While an optometrist's PD value is always recommended, you can determine the measurement with a friend or family member's help. Have your assistant hold a ruler just below your eyes and measure the distance in millimeters from pupil center to pupil center. Focus straight ahead at a distant object, and keep your eyes steady. Take a few measurements for consistency. If you do not own a ruler, or must measure your PD yourself, one can be downloaded from our website at: http://www.zennioptical.com/media/Zenni-Optical-PD-Ruler.pdf
What index should I choose for my lens?
- This depends on the strength of your prescription. Generally, the higher (stronger) your prescription, the higher the index is required for your lenses. Selecting a higher index lens will ensure your lenses are as light and thin as possible. Ultimately, this will improve the look (being thinner) and comfort (being lighter) of your eyeglasses if you are considerably nearsighted or farsighted. However, for lower (weaker) prescriptions, the difference in lens thickness may not be noticeable. During orders, your prescription is analyzed and we try to recommend the optimal lens for you, though you may choose another.
How do I get prescription sunglasses?
- Tint can be applied to all lenses except: 1.59 PC Polycarbonate, all Photochromic lenses and all Polarized lenses. Tints are permanent and do NOT automatically darken when you go outside. Many tints are purely cosmetic. Dark greys and browns are useful as sunglass tints. Yellows and oranges are good for low light applications. Simply choose the color of your choice and the density or darkness (percentage) found on the Order page.
- Instead of adding a tint, you can choose one of our photochromic auto-tinting lenses, or the pre-tinted polarized lenses. Please note that photochromic lenses will not darken inside a car, because the glass blocks the UV light needed to trigger the change. The tinted polarized lenses are always tinted, and do not have this issue.
- Another option is to add clip-on sunglasses. You can either choose our sunshade models, which come with magnetic clip-onsunglasses, or add more convential clip-on sunglasses to almost any other pair for only $3.95
Can I get reading glasses?
- Yes, any of our glasses offered can be made into reading glasses. To turn a progressive or bifocal prescription into reading glasses, follow these steps:
- On the order form, select Single Vision for the Type of Glasses.
- Because when you are reading your eyes will naturally move inward, you will need to narrow your distance vision PD by 3mm, and enter that as your PD value. If your doctor has already provided a near vision or reading PD, enter that instead.
- Combine the ADD and SPH numbers together located on your prescription for each eye. The result creates the new SPH value for each eye. Input the new SPH value in the SPH field on the order form for each eye. In the case of a Positive Add and a Negative Sph, net the difference. The new number becomes the Sph. If your Sph is already positive, you simply combine the positive Sph and the Add number, using it for the new Sph.
- Always enter CYL and AXS values for both eyes exactly as they are on your prescription - these values are not changed in any way.
What is the difference between the regular Anti-Reflective (AR) coating and Hydrophobic or Oleophobic AR?
- Anti-reflective coating (also called AR coating or anti-glare coating) improves both your vision through your lenses and the appearance of your eyeglasses. Both benefits are due to AR coating's ability to eliminate reflections of light from the front and back surface of eyeglass lenses.
- Hydrophobic and Oleophobic coating include a layer that repels water and grease, making them easier to keep clean. Hydrophobic technology allows water to run off your lenses without unwanted water spots. Oleophobic are oil-resistent, which reduces smudges from fingerprints, sweat, and dirt. Hydrophobic and oleophobic properties also dramatically increase the scratch resistance of an anti-reflective coating.
What is a photochromic lens?
- Photochromic lenses are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken automatically in response to sunlight outdoors. They also protect your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV). One limitation of photochromic lenses is that they don't darken adequately inside a vehicle for driving in sunny conditions. This is because they require exposure to the sun's invisible UV rays to activate the darkening process, and most car and truck windshields block UV radiation.
Why can't the frames I want take my PD or prescription?
- The combination of PD and prescription determines the center point of where the eyeglass prescription is made in your lenses. If your PD is too wide or narrow for the lenses that fit your frame, that means the points on the lenses where the prescription is centered is too close to the edges of the lenses, and cannot be made correctly.
Can I send in my prescription?
- Yes, you can fax, scan, email, or mail your prescription to us. Our fax number is 415-883-7020. To scan and email service@zennioptical.com or to mail: Zenni Optical, 448 Ignacio Blvd #332, Novato CA 94949.
What comes with my order?
- Each eyeglass order comes with:
- A minimum of 1.50 or 1.57 index lenses
- High quality eyeglass frame
- Protective eyeglass case
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Anti-scratch coating
- UV Protection
Can I get glasses without a prescription for fashion or costume use?
- Yes, simply start by selecting the frame of your choice and click Order. On the Order page, set the “Type of Glasses” option to Non-Prescription. Your eyeglasses will arrive with optical quality lenses, without the prescription.




















