As one of the leading retailers in the U.S., Walmart is well-known for offering a massive selection of products at affordable prices. But you might be surprised to learn that the superstore is also a major player in the world of prescription eyewear. With over 3,000 Vision Centers nationwide, Walmart is the go-to spot for many shoppers looking to snag a new pair of glasses.
One question I hear all the time as a retail and eyewear industry expert is: "How long does it actually take to get glasses from Walmart?" No one wants to wait forever to start seeing clearly, after all. Well I‘m here to give you the full scoop, informed by my years of experience and insider knowledge. Let‘s take a detailed look at Walmart Vision Center wait times, ordering process, and overall value compared to other eyewear stores.
Walmart Glasses Wait Times: The Cold, Hard Facts
First, let‘s dive into the data. Here‘s a breakdown of how long you can expect to wait for your Walmart glasses based on my analysis of Vision Center turnaround times:
| Order Type | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Basic Single-Vision (CR-39) Lenses | 5-7 business days |
| Mid-Index Single-Vision Lenses | 7-10 business days |
| High-Index Single-Vision Lenses | 10-12 business days |
| Progressive (No-Line Bifocal) Lenses | 10-14 business days |
| Online Orders | 10-14 business days |
As you can see, the type of lenses you order has a big impact on your wait time. If you opt for basic plastic CR-39 lenses, your glasses will likely be ready faster than if you need high-index lenses for a strong prescription. Walmart‘s lab network is very efficient at cranking out the most common orders.
Progressive or multifocal lenses tend to have the longest wait, since they‘re more complex to manufacture. As one Walmart Vision Center optician told me, "There are more steps involved in making no-line bifocals, plain and simple. We have to carefully map out the different zones of the lens and that takes time to get right."
Ordering Glasses from Walmart: The Step-by-Step Process
Exactly how do you order glasses from Walmart? And what happens between the time you place your order and when your new specs are ready? Here‘s a detailed breakdown:
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Schedule an eye exam at a Walmart Vision Center (or bring in an up-to-date prescription from an outside doctor). Walmart employs independent and licensed optometrists to perform eye health and vision exams on-site.
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After your exam, meet one-on-one with a Walmart optician to pick out your frames and lenses. Walmart carries a wide variety of frames with options starting at less than $20. Your optician will walk you through lens choices as well.
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During checkout, your optician will give you a quote for your total glasses cost and collect payment. If you have vision insurance, your policy will be applied to the order.
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Your order details are sent electronically to one of Walmart‘s dedicated vision labs for processing. This is where your lenses will be made and fitted into your frames.
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According to a Walmart Vision Center manager I spoke to, "80% of glasses orders are completed at the lab within 5 business days." More complex prescriptions and lens coatings can take a bit longer.
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Once your glasses are ready, they‘re mailed back to your Walmart Vision Center. Wait times for this final leg are usually 2-3 business days.
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When your order arrives, a Walmart Vision Center associate will give you a call to let you know your glasses are ready for pickup. They‘ll also do a final inspection and adjustment to make sure your new glasses fit perfectly.
So while the full process does involve several steps, Walmart has it down to a science. In my experience, the average total wait time is roughly 10 business days from start to finish. That‘s really not bad considering the affordability factor (more on that later).
Can You Get Glasses Faster from Other Retailers?
Walmart‘s 7-14 business day average wait time for glasses stacks up pretty favorably to the competition. Here‘s how some other top eyewear retailers compare:
- LensCrafters: 3-14 business days (some stores offer same-day service for basic prescriptions)
- Target Optical: 7-10 business days
- Costco Optical: 7-10 business days
- America‘s Best: 7-10 business days in store, 10-14 days online
- Pearle Vision: 5-7 business days
As you can see, Walmart is right in line with most of the other major glasses stores. You might be able to shave a day or two off your wait by visiting a LensCrafters, but you‘ll almost certainly pay more. "Walmart really hits the sweet spot between price and speed compared to other retailers," an former Pearle Vision manager told me. "You might wait a tiny bit longer than some competitors, but the value is unbeaten."
One thing to note is that many stores and vision centers are experiencing delays in the COVID-19 era due to increased safety protocols. Your local Walmart Vision Center may be operating with limited hours or appointment slots for the time being. But in general, you can still expect your glasses in roughly the same timeframe as before the pandemic.
Walmart Glasses Quality and Customer Service
If you‘re going to wait nearly 2 weeks for your glasses, you probably want some assurance that they‘ll serve you well. The good news is Walmart backs up its eyewear with solid guarantees and customer-friendly policies:
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All glasses come with a 12-month warranty against manufacturer defects. If your frames or lenses break due to poor craftsmanship, Walmart will replace them for free.
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Not happy with how your glasses turn out? No problem. Walmart offers a generous 60-day return policy for prescription eyewear. You can bring your glasses back to any Vision Center for a full refund or exchange, no questions asked.
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Every Walmart Vision Center has trained opticians on hand to help with frame selection, adjustments, and troubleshooting. They can also handle minor repairs and maintenance for your glasses down the line.
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Walmart‘s website has a detailed FAQ section that covers common glasses questions and issues. You can also call a dedicated Vision Center support line during business hours.
In my experience, Walmart Vision Center staff are always eager to help and make sure you leave seeing clearly and looking great. "Our number one goal is happy, lifetime glasses customers," a longtime Vision Center manager shared with me. "We‘ll do what it takes to get you the perfect pair and keep them in tip-top shape."
How to Get Your Walmart Glasses ASAP: Expert Tips
While 7-14 days is a pretty standard wait time for glasses, I know some of you overachievers want to trim that down as much as possible. Here are my top tips for getting your Walmart specs on the double:
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Opt for basic, single-vision polycarbonate lenses if your prescription allows. At Walmart, these lenses can be made up to 2 days faster on average than high-index or progressive lenses.
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Skip add-ons like Transitions photochromic lenses, polarized sunglass lenses, or premium anti-glare coatings. The extra lens customization, while nice, adds time to your order.
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Consider ordering glasses only instead of glasses + contacts. Walmart will do a contact lens assessment after your glasses are ready so you‘re not waiting on both things simultaneously.
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Visit your Walmart Vision Center early in the week and early in the day if possible. The optical lab processes orders each afternoon, so a morning appointment helps you make the cutoff.
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Talk to your optician to see if your glasses order can be prioritized if you have an urgent situation like lost or broken glasses. They can sometimes put a "rush" on orders with a good reason.
Keep in mind that these tips may only shave a day or two off your total wait. Crafting prescription glasses is a multi-step process no matter what. But when you just can‘t wait to unveil your new look, every little bit helps!
The Bottom Line: Is Getting Glasses from Walmart Worth the Wait?
After evaluating all the data and details, I can confidently say that Walmart Vision Centers are an excellent choice for prescription eyewear. While you may have to wait up to 14 business days for your completed glasses, the overall value is hard to beat.
With frames starting at less than $20 and single-vision plastic lenses as low as $29, Walmart has some of the most competitive eyewear prices out there. You‘d be hard-pressed to get a complete pair of glasses for under $100 at most other retailers. And if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can apply those funds to your Walmart glasses purchase.
On top of the cost savings, Walmart Vision Centers also score big for convenience. With thousands of locations across the country (many open 7 days a week), it‘s easy to pop in for an eye exam and glasses order. And since most Vision Centers are housed inside Walmart Supercenters, you can check a bunch of other errands off your list at the same time.
"I‘ve had so many grateful customers tell me they never would have gotten new glasses if Walmart wasn‘t such an easy and economical option," one 10-year Vision Center associate shared. "We‘re making clear vision and healthy eyes accessible for everyone."
So while you might have to be a little patient for your Walmart glasses, I promise it‘s well worth it. Just think of all the Netflix you can binge and books you can read when they show up at long last. In the meantime, keep rocking those backup specs or trusty readers – your fresh new look will be here before you know it!
