I‘ve always been a bit of a glasses snob. Fashion is my passion, and I believe the eyewear you choose has the power to make or break your entire look. So when it comes to buying frames, I refuse to settle for anything less than the best designer styles—even if it means shelling out hundreds of dollars.
At least, that used to be my philosophy. Everything changed when I discovered Designer Optics, an online retailer specializing in authentic luxury eyewear at a fraction of the usual price. I was intrigued, but hesitant. Could Designer Optics really live up to my high standards for style and quality? I placed an order to find out.
Spoiler alert: Designer Optics blew me away, and I‘ve never looked back. Now I‘m spilling all the details in this tell-all Designer Optics review. I‘ll give you an inside look at the brand‘s history, bestselling frames, customer reviews, and more.
By the end of this post, you‘ll learn:
- If Designer Optics glasses are legit or too good to be true
- How the prices and quality compare to luxury retailers and other online shops
- What the ordering and delivery process is really like
- Honest opinions from myself and other verified customers
- My expert tips for choosing the perfect frames and saving even more $$
Trust me, if you‘re as picky about eyewear as I am, you‘ll want to keep reading. Your perfect pair of designer glasses is just a click away.
How I Found Designer Optics (and Fell in Love)
I‘ll admit, I was a bit of a designer glasses virgin before finding this brand. For years, I assumed the only way to score authentic luxury frames was to pay an arm and a leg at a fancy optical shop or department store. But after one too many $500+ receipts for a single pair of glasses, I knew my wallet couldn‘t keep up with my eyes (or style).
That‘s when I turned to Google for a better solution. A few searches later, I discovered Designer Optics—an online mecca for real designer eyewear at hard-to-believe prices. The website instantly drew me in with its wide selection of frames from top luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. But of course, I had my doubts.
Were these glasses actually designer? Would the quality be up to par? And what if they didn‘t fit right? I scoured the site for more info and assurance.
Right away, I was impressed by Designer Optics‘ transparency. The company has an entire page dedicated to its authenticity guarantee, along with detailed FAQs, customer testimonials, and thousands of 5-star reviews. Every frame comes with a certificate of authenticity from the brand and a best-price guarantee.
So I decided to take the plunge and order my first pair: some gorgeous oversized Prada sunglasses I‘d been eyeing for months (but couldn‘t justify the $400 retail price). The checkout process was quick and easy. I loved that I could add my prescription right then and there—no need to fax over documents like some sites require.
My Pradas arrived in just 2 business days (thanks, free shipping!) and I was absolutely giddy opening up the box. The glasses were even more beautiful in person, with the same sturdy construction and luxe details I‘d expect from a designer product. I couldn‘t find a single difference from the pairs I‘ve purchased directly from Prada in the past.
Needless to say, I was hooked. Over the past 2 years, I‘ve ordered 7 more pairs of designer sunglasses and glasses from Designer Optics—and saved literally thousands of dollars in the process. The quality has been outstanding every single time, and the compliments just keep rolling in.
What Makes Designer Optics Different?
I know what you‘re thinking: What‘s the catch? How are these prices so low? Is this some kind of knockoff situation? I wondered the same things before ordering from Designer Optics. But with a bit of research (and now first-hand experience), I can confidently say this company is the real deal.
Here‘s what sets Designer Optics apart from the competition:
Authentic Designer Eyewear (Not Fakes)
Designer Optics only sells authentic, brand-name eyewear straight from the source. Every frame comes directly from the brand‘s authorized distributors and includes a certificate of authenticity. The company has zero tolerance for counterfeit products.
Unbeatable Prices
I know, the prices seem suspicious at first. But here‘s the deal: Designer Optics cuts out the middleman and works directly with brands and suppliers to get the lowest possible prices. They also keep overhead costs low by operating entirely online (no brick-and-mortar stores).
The result? You get the same designer glasses for up to 70% off retail. I‘m talking $500 Guccis for $200, $400 Pradas for $150, and so on.
Premium Prescription Lenses Included
Designer Optics is one of the only online glasses stores to include premium prescription lenses with every frame—at no extra cost. That means you‘re getting high-quality, custom-made lenses with all the bells and whistles (anti-glare, scratch-resistant, UV-protective coatings) for free.
Massive Selection
This isn‘t your typical optical shop with a few measly designer frames tucked in the back. Designer Optics carries thousands of styles from over 100 luxury eyewear brands, with new arrivals added every month. You could spend hours browsing all the options (trust me, I have).
Top-Notch Customer Service
No automated bots or hour-long holds here. Designer Optics has a dedicated team of real human beings ready to help you every step of the way. They offer virtual try-on tools, frame fit guides, and a 24/7 customer service line to answer all your questions.
Plus, the company offers free shipping, free returns within 30 days, and a 24-month warranty on all frames and lenses. If anything goes wrong, they‘ll make it right.
Designer Optics Review: My Favorite Finds
Now for the fun part: a peek inside my Designer Optics collection! I‘ve tried tons of different brands and styles from this retailer, but these four frames are my absolute favorites.
1. Prada 0PR 16RS Sunglasses
Remember those boxy Prada sunglasses I mentioned before? They‘re the 0PR 16RS model, and they‘ve become my everyday staple. The chunky black acetate frames are bold and glamorous, with a subtle cateye shape that‘s universally flattering. Tiny silver Prada logos on the temples add a little extra luxury.
I love how sturdy and substantial these sunglasses feel—they definitely don‘t look or feel cheap. The black gradient lenses are dark enough for bright summer days, and have held up flawlessly to daily wear and tear.
Original retail price: $405
Designer Optics price: $197
Savings: 51%
2. Gucci GG0516O Eyeglasses
Elegance meets edge in these statement-making Gucci glasses. The GG0516O frames feature an oversized square silhouette in a shiny black acetate, adorned with dainty crystals and pearls on the temples. It‘s giving very much "rich auntie at the opera", and I‘m here for it.
My favorite thing about these frames (aside from the incredible deal) is how comfortable they are. The acetate is lightweight and the nose pads are super soft and adjustable. I can wear them all day without any pinching or sliding.
Original retail price: $980
Designer Optics price: $347
Savings: 64%
3. Versace 2140 Eyeglasses
If you‘re looking for the perfect balance between classic and trendy, check out the Versace 2140 glasses. These unisex frames have a slight round shape with a keyhole metal bridge and the iconic Medusa head logo on the temples. I snagged mine in a tortoise print, but they also come in plain black and havana.
The great thing about these eyeglasses is how versatile they are. The shape is flattering on almost any face, and the colorways are neutral enough to match everything in your closet. I‘ve worn mine to meetings, happy hours, and even a wedding—and received tons of compliments every time.
Original retail price: $295
Designer Optics price: $150
Savings: 49%
4. Dior Stellaire01 Sunglasses
Last but not least, we have my holy grail luxury sunglasses: the Dior Stellaire01. These sunnies are a splurge even by Designer Optics standards, but trust me when I say they‘re worth every penny. The oversized square frames are crafted in a shiny gold metal with open wire temples and the "Christian Dior" logo in raised lettering. Paired with brown gradient lenses, they‘re the epitome of jet-set chic.
I love how confident and put-together I feel every time I wear my Stellaire01 sunglasses. They instantly elevate even the most basic outfits, and the quality is truly impeccable. I‘ve had mine for almost a year now and they‘re still in perfect condition (no tarnishing or loose screws). For designer sunnies I can wear for years, I‘m happy to invest a little more.
Original retail price: $495
Designer Optics price: $387
Savings: 22%
The Verdict: Is Designer Optics Legit?
By now, I‘m sure you can guess my answer. Designer Optics isn‘t just legit—they‘re the best kept secret in online eyewear. I‘ve been blown away by the quality, prices, and service every time I‘ve ordered from this company. And judging by the thousands of glowing reviews from other customers, I‘m not alone.
Of course, no brand is perfect. The only real downside I‘ve encountered is that Designer Optics doesn‘t accept insurance, so you‘ll likely have to pay out of pocket (unless you have a flexible spending account). But considering the money you‘ll save regardless, I think it‘s a small price to pay. I‘d also love to see them expand their selection even more, especially in the contemporary designer category. Brands like Celine and Bottega Veneta would be amazing additions.
At the end of the day, though, I really can‘t recommend Designer Optics enough. If you‘re tired of paying an arm and a leg for glasses, want more variety than the usual optical shop, and don‘t want to sacrifice quality or style—Designer Optics is the move. I‘ve saved literally thousands of dollars on authentic designer eyewear that makes me look and feel my best, without ever having to step foot in a store. For a fashion-obsessed, four-eyed diva on a budget, it doesn‘t get any better than that.
So go ahead, treat yourself to those Tom Fords or Guccis you‘ve been eyeing. With Designer Optics, you can finally have the designer glasses collection of your dreams—guilt free. Just don‘t blame me when you get hooked.
Your friend in frugal fashion,
Jae
P.S. Want to save even more $$ on your first Designer Optics order? Use my exclusive code JAEG10 for an extra 10% off any frames (including sale styles). You‘re welcome.