About Pair Eyewear
You’re due for a new pair of glasses, but they are just so expensive. Luckily, Pair Eyewear has you covered.
A primarily online retailer of prescription and non-prescription glasses, Pair Eyewear brings customizable and affordable specs straight to your door. The company offers a substantial selection of base frames that can be worn alone or with Pair Eyewear’s signature, a magnetized top that snaps into place to give your frames a new look for every mood.
Pair Eyewear eye glasses are designed to fit a wide range of face shapes, for both adults and kids, and can accommodate a variety of prescriptions and eyewear needs. With lens options from blue light filtering to light-responsive transitions, this brand has a great range of choices, creating affordable and stylish glasses to help you see more clearly.
But does the company actually deliver on promises of inexpensive and fashionable prescription eyewear? This Pair Eyewear review will take you through all the details about the company, assess their products, and delve into what real customers are saying, to help you decide if the brand is right for you.
Overview of Pair Eyewear
Founded by Nathan Kondamuri and Sophia Edelstein in 2017, Pair Eyewear was born from the need for not only more affordable eyewear, but for glasses that could be stylish and reflect their wearer’s identity.
Pair Eyewear points out that glasses bought through traditional channels can come at inflated prices. This is especially frustrating because, as wearers know, glasses aren’t just an accessory, they’re a necessity.
Nathan himself had been wearing glasses since he was eight and always felt the desire for more interesting frames. He was tired of the same bulky and boring shape, especially when options were limited and overpriced for children, and he learned that many other kids and parents felt the same.
After Nathan and Sophia met at Stanford University, the duo decided to start Pair Eyewear to solve this problem. They sought to stray away from unfair and unnecessary pricing, and instead produce glasses that make people feel like themselves without breaking the bank.
In tandem with developing customizable and attainably priced glasses, Pair Eyewear also partners with The Eyelliance to ensure children in developing countries are provided and fitted with proper eyewear.
Seeing potential in Pair Eyewear, Shark Tank invested in the brand in 2020 and helped raise their profile, despite the tough year ahead. Now, with 60k followers on Instagram and over 65k likes on Facebook, the company has an established customer base and only continues to grow.
Before we dive into the details about the products, customer comments, and deciding if this company is worth the hype, this Pair Eyewear review will take a broad look at the pros and cons of the brand.
Pros
- Affordable glasses at $60 for the base frame
- Endless style options available
- Frames for children and adults
- Free 30-day trial: You can return your glasses if you’re not satisfied
- Free shipping and returns
- Different lenses available, including blue light filter, UV protecting, and bifocal lenses
- Shipping to Canada available
- Pair Eyewear accepts HSA or FSA dollars
- If you have an out-of-network benefit for vision insurance, you can submit your Pair Eyewear receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement
Cons
- Progressive glasses are available, but at a much higher price of $260
- No bifocal lenses
- If your prescription falls outside of particular SPH values, an additional $49 charge may be applied for lenses
- Fewer options for children than adults
- 3-day guarantee on shipping is an additional $30
- No international shipping beyond Canada
- Not affiliated with any vision insurance providers
- No mockups of how the frames would look on you or virtual try-on tech
- To replace scratched or broken base frames or lenses, users have to purchase PAIRCare, Pair Eyewear’s protection insurance, at a cost of $40
- No replacement of lost or stolen glasses or top frames
Pair Eyewear Review
Pair Eyewear is an up-and-coming brand, but it does already have a range of products. While there are a few more frames for adults than for children, the company is consistently growing their options.
Pair Eyewear’s lenses are one of the brand’s strong points. Standard adult and children’s glasses use the same lenses, which promise to be:
- Water-resistant
- Anti-reflective
- Scratch-resistant
That’s because their single vision lenses are made from polycarbonate, designed for wear and tear – a major selling point for Pair Eyewear kids prescription glasses. Their lenses are also available in a variety of other styles for more specific needs, from ultra-thin to prism.
In order to manufacture your personalized pair, your prescription information needs to be submitted to Pair Eyewear – pupillary distance, SPH, CYL, etc. – when you buy your glasses. That’s how they ensure you’ll receive a product perfectly manufactured to your taste (and sight!).
The brand offers more than just standard prescription lenses. Non-prescription Pair Eyewear magnetic sunglasses, which anyone can wear, are also a popular seller. You also can purchase any pair of glasses without prescription lenses, or have Pair create reading glasses. Best of all, Pair Eyewear makes magnetic Sun Tops for their prescription glasses, which instantly convert your specs from indoor to outdoor use.
Sun Tops come in a range of colours and are available for different frame shapes for $30. These are non-prescription and 100% polarized to block harmful UV rays, and you can easily snap them on and off. For just $30, they save you the hassle and expense of buying extra sunglasses.
Having considered the pros and cons of the brand and its selling points, this Pair Eyewear Review will take a closer look at a few of their featured best-selling items.
Pair Eyewear Eyeglasses Review
While Pair Eyewear kids’ prescription glasses are most popular, we will also take a look at adult frames, specifically The Larkin paired with The Galaxy top. Though we’re only looking at two in this Pair Eyewear review, the brand offers a really extensive line of frame shapes for you to choose from and even more complimentary designs to top them off!
Pair Eyewear The Larkin Review
The Larkin is a classic frame, giving wearers a sleek, simple, and professional look. It’s a narrower fit, and the most versatile design of the bunch, it is also suitable for children and adults with extended nose pads.
The frame width is 133 mm and the lens height is 35.2 mm, which is flattering on most faces. If you still aren’t sure about the fit, you can always chat with a virtual assistant for more info.
This Pair Eyewear review loves that an understated frame like The Larkin can be totally transformed just by snapping on a new design top. With a substantial range of aesthetic options for both adults and kids, including stripes, plaid, and dip-dyes, you can constantly change your look without ever having to change your glasses.
If you really want to expand your options, the frames are also available in a range of colours, so you can get The Larkin in a standard black, or push the boundaries in a clear pink or tortoiseshell. Can’t choose? At $60 a pair, try all three!
Pair Eyewear The Galaxy Review
At Pair Eyewear, you’re never restricted to just one look. While there is a consistent collection of tops, there are also ever-changing lines and collabs. Right now, Harry Potter fans rejoice because there is a Harry Potter collection with Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff designs.
Pair Eyewear has also had themed collections like Let’s Flamingle and Love Wins, and is currently featuring a few winter Holiday lines and The Sparkle Collection.
The first top suggested for The Larkin is The Galaxy. It’s a trendy but subtle topper in a swirling deep purple and blue print, echoing just enough ’90s nostalgia. While it looks especially great on The Larkin, it’s also available for most base options.
Browsing the huge selection can be overwhelming at first, but Pair Eyewear’s website makes it easy to see which tops and frames work together. Just select the frame shape and the site will filter through the designs available for your chosen base. This Pair Eyewear review loved The Galaxy and pink Larkin combo, but at $25 per top (with some special editions at $30), you don’t have to choose a favourite.
Pair Eyewear Kids Prescription Glasses Review
If a visit to the optometrist told you that your child needs glasses, Pair Eyewear prescription glasses can take the stress out of the process, with inexpensive eyeglasses that still bring a smile to your child’s face.
Since options for children are usually limited in stores, as the co-founder Nathan experienced in his childhood, Pair Eyewear offers a wide range of colours and tops for your child to customize their frames to whatever their heart desires.
This Pair Eyewear review will give you a closer look at the Polka-Dot and the Hulk Smash, two of the most popular tops for children.
Pair Eyewear The Polka-Dot Review
In a pattern of bold blush pink and petite sky blue dots against a white background, the Polka-Dot is definitely a fan-favorite for a reason. The Polka-Dot is a fun, simple, cute design, perfect for making your child feel a little more themselves in a new pair of glasses.
Available for the Serra frame at $25, this top is definitely affordable and a lovely addition to your child’s glasses.
Pair Eyewear The Hulk Smash Review
Inspired by timeless Marvel superhero The Hulk, the Hulk Smash top is perfect for any fan of the green giant. The top is Hulk green in color, with two subtle Hulk fists and black cracks at the corners.
This design is both simple and intricate, and you’ll instantly recognize its heroic inspiration. If you want a design with a little more Hulk flash, you could also opt for the Hulk Camo top.
Right now, the most popular offering in the Marvel x Pair Eyewear line is the Spiderman Collection, which comes with six different top options, including some pastels unique for superhero colour palettes. But we can’t resist the clever, subtle Hulk Smash design that appeals to a wide age range.
Like all branded and specialty collections sold by Pair Eyewear, all Marvel tops cost $30.
Who Is Pair Eyewear For?
If you need glasses, but find the ones sold at eyewear stores or your optometrist’s office too run-of-the-mill and expensive for what they are, Pair Eyewear presents a great solution for you.
They offer inexpensive yet stylish eyeglasses that can easily be customized to suit you or your child’s taste, so you’ll never get bored or stuck in one look. Also, since Pair Eyewear includes different lens types like the blue light filter, and allows you to select your specific prescription, they can suit most vision needs.
Pair Eyewear Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
From customer comments to blog posts, this Pair Eyewear review considered many different sites to give you a general picture of how customers feel about the brand. While there are plenty of positive comments about the style and options, there are also some concerning criticisms.
On Pair Eyewear’s website, there is a list of positive customer testimonials. Most comments gush about the colours and designs and there are many happy parents sharing their thoughts.
Rachel H. described her daughter’s love for the eyewear: “My daughter loves the Cedro frames, there are so many fun colors and patterns and she loves matching them to her mood and outfit of the day. Wish these were around when I was a kid.”
Customers also enjoy the low prices, especially when glasses typically cost hundreds of dollars. Some are huge fans of being able to buy non-prescription versions just for the fashion, while others are thrilled that Pair Eyewear sells their frames without lenses, so you can use your own.
Amy Weir, a blogger for GeekDad, wrote: “Oh, and if you, like me, think glasses should be considered a true fashion accessory and not just a medical aid, and you know a kid who would love this kind of adjustable flair even though they have perfect vision, Pair Eyewear will also sell you frames with non-prescription lenses or sunglasses instead.”
Onee enthusiastic BBB reviewer named Gwendalyn P. offered up her experience: “I really love my pair eyewear. I got my new pair today and it came with a cleaning cloth and free case. Theh fit perfectly and I love the changeable frame cover. It took a few weeks to get here with the free shipping so be patient but otherwise they are awesome.”
Is Pair Eyewear Worth It?
Customers seem generally polarized about Pair Eyewear. On one hand, their unique model for providing frames and customizable tops is enjoyed by adults, parents and kids alike, but their long shipping times might cause some frustration.
Pair Eyewear emphasizes their accessible price point. There’s no question you’re getting tons of versatility and fashion for your money, and reviews suggest the products are of good quality, but the costs can add up.
After buying frames and tops, they’re still nearly $100. If you want to take advantage of the interchangeability, you could easily spend a lot more. While the price is good, they are still an investment and should be treated as such by the brand.
Ultimately, this Pair Eyewear review finds that Pair Eyewear holds up to their promise on affordability and customizability. If you’re not in a time crunch and really want customizable glasses, Pair Eyewear is a great choice.
Pair Eyewear Promotions & Discounts
Besides free shipping and returns, Pair Eyewear also has 10% off your first order with the code FALL10. If you sign up with your email, you can even get your first pair for $54.
Where to Buy Pair Eyewear
You can buy Pair Eyewear products from their website and three in-person locations:
- Farkas Kassalow Resnick Optometrists: 30 E. 60th St. #201, New York, NY 10065
- Pink Chicken New York: 1223 Madison Ave (at E 88th St) New York, NY 10128
- Pink Chicken Santa Monica: 1524 Montana Ave (at 16th St) Santa Monica, CA 90403
FAQ
Who owns Pair Eyewear?
Pair Eyewear is owned by co-founders Nathan Kondamuri and Sophia Edelstein. Fun fact: Sophia is now a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree. The company was launched after raising $4.5 million from Norwest Venture Partners, Precursor Ventures, Bolt and Alpaca VC. Now, the brand has licensing deals with Marvel, the NBA, and Harry Potter, among others, so it will only continue to grow.
Where is Pair Eyewear located?
This Pair Eyewear review found the company is headquartered in New York City, at 251 W 87th St, Apt 66, New York, NY 10024.
Where is Pair Eyewear made?
The company does not say where their products are manufactured.
What is Pair Eyewear’s Shipping Policy?
There is free standard shipping and returns on all orders, but if your lenses fall outside of the SPH values indicated in their FAQ, you will need to pay an additional $49.
Shipping times are highly dependent on the glasses you’re ordering. It usually takes between 5 to 7 business days to make single vision lenses and an additional 5 to 7 business days for the order to ship. If you want lenses with add-ons, this would take 6 to 8 business days to manufacture, or possibly more for a complex order.
Pair Eyewear does have expedited delivery. For a three-day delivery guarantee, you would need to pay an additional $30. For next-day shipping, you’d pay an additional $60.
What is Pair Eyewear’s Return Policy?
This Pair Eyewear review found that you have 30 days after your purchase is delivered for a free return or exchange, no questions asked. It’s a great option for a tricky order like a first pair of Pair Eyewear kids prescription glasses. If you need a return beyond that time, you should contact Pair Eyewear’s customer service.
Pair Eyewear makes 30 day returns incredibly easy. Just follow these steps:
- Enter your order number here.
- Print out the free return shipping label.
- Send it over to Pair Eyewear. Done!
How to Contact Pair Eyewear
You can give Pair Eyewear a call at 646-389-9692 from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. You can also email them at hello@paireyewear.com at any time.
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