For years, I threw money away on cheap reading glasses. Each time, I convinced myself I’d found a bargain. I fell for the marketing hype and assumed a low price meant great value. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
These budget companies sell products with impressive-sounding names—like Photochromic Anti Blue Light Presbyopic Glasses—but they fail at the fundamentals. I learned this the hard way. Here’s the real story of what happens when you try to cut corners on something as important as your eyesight.
This is the first deception you’ll encounter. They promise fast delivery if you pay an extra $15 or $20. You expect your bifocal readers to arrive within a week. Then you start checking the tracking number. And you keep checking.
Here’s what actual customers who believed this myth experienced:
The Truth: Inexpensive online sellers often generate a shipping label immediately. This tricks you into thinking the item has shipped. In reality, the package may sit in a warehouse for a week or more. When the first tracking number expires or fails, they issue a new one. This cycle repeats until they finally mail the product. You paid extra just for confusion.
Verdict: Avoid paying for expedited shipping unless you’re certain the seller is trustworthy. First, check customer reviews for shipping complaints. If you see multiple reports of fake tracking numbers, shop elsewhere.

If they send the wrong item or your package gets lost, you assume you can simply call and speak to someone. You expect a supervisor to step in and help—that’s how reputable companies operate. These discount glasses companies don’t work that way.
Here’s what typically happens when something goes wrong:
The Truth: A company selling $15 bifocal readers doesn’t invest in quality customer support. Staff are overworked and lack the authority to resolve issues like refunds or locating lost shipments. They simply follow a script, and your problem disappears into a black hole.
Verdict: Test customer service before making a purchase. If you can’t find a clear phone number or email address, steer clear. If the chat system feels automated and unhelpful, take your business elsewhere.