How to Get Glasses in China? A Step-by-Step Guide
From walking into the eyewear market to leaving with your new glasses. A plain-language guide to the glasses-fitting process in China: from the eye exam and lens selection to processing time and picking up your new glasses.
1. Eye Exam Guide
Most shops in the eyewear market offer free eye exams (it is recommended to confirm before entering the shop). A complete eye exam takes 15-30 minutes, including computerized optometry, phoropter verification, and pupillary distance measurement.
With over a hundred shops in the eyewear market, here are some suggestions:
- Choose a larger shop with a dedicated eye exam area; the equipment is more complete.
- Check whether the optometrist is certified; a professional optometrist is more reliable.
- Prioritize shops with brand authorization certificates; authentic products are guaranteed.
- Before entering, ask clearly: "Is the eye exam free, and is lens processing charged separately?" to avoid hidden costs.
- Don't be led away by people soliciting customers at the door; compare 2-3 shops before deciding.
Consultation & Medical History
The optometrist will ask about your age, occupation, daily screen time, driving habits, and existing vision problems. Clearly express your visual needs - this is the most important factor in getting comfortable glasses.
About 5 minutesComputerized Eye Exam (Autorefractor)
You place your chin on the rest and watch a moving landscape image inside the machine. In about 30 seconds, you get a preliminary prescription estimate. This is not the final prescription - it must be verified manually.
If the store only does a computerized eye exam and then asks you to choose frames, be sure to request a manual refraction with a phoropter. A 30-second computerized exam is not enough to get an accurate prescription.
Manual Verification with the Phoropter
You look through a large device (phoropter) while the optometrist flips lenses and asks, "Which is clearer, 1 or 2?" This fine-tunes the sphere (distance vision), cylinder (astigmatism), and axis. This is the most important step - take your time and don't rush.
About 2-3 minutesRed-Green Balance and Binocular Balance
The optometrist uses red-green filters to fine-tune the prescription, then balances both eyes to ensure no overcorrection. This can prevent dizziness and eye strain.
About 3-5 minutesPupillary Distance (PD) Measurement
Measure the distance between the centers of your pupils - this determines the optical center position of each lens. If you are getting progressive lenses, your pupil height will also be measured. Be sure to get a written record of both values.
Before leaving the eye exam area, be sure to get a written prescription. It should include: Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), Axis (AXIS), and Pupillary Distance (PD); for progressive lenses, also include: Pupil Height. Take a photo and save it.
Trial Frame Adaptation Test
You will wear a trial frame with the new prescription for 5-10 minutes. Walk around, look at distant objects, and read your phone screen. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or notice visual distortion, tell the optometrist immediately-they can adjust the prescription. This step is very important; do not rush to skip it.
About 5-10 minutes2. Frames and Lenses
Thousands of frame styles and a wide range of lens options. Understanding the various parameters can ensure you buy the right product at a reasonable price. Below is a detailed comparison of lens refractive indices and frame materials.
Lens Refractive Index Comparison
| Refractive Index | Thickness | Weight | Best Suited Prescription | Shanghai Reference Price (Lenses Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.56 Standard | Thickest | Heaviest | Low myopia (-2.00 or lower) | RMB 80–150（USD 11.89–22.30 / GBP 8.83–16.55） |
| 1.60 Thin | Thinner | Lighter | Moderate myopia (-2.00 to -4.00) | RMB 120–250（USD 17.84–37.16 / GBP 13.24–27.59） |
| 1.67 Ultra-Thin | Very Thin | Very Light | High myopia (-4.00 to -6.00) | RMB 200–400（USD 29.73–59.46 / GBP 22.07–44.15） |
| 1.74 Super Ultra-Thin | Thinnest | Lightest | Very high myopia (-6.00 or higher) | RMB 350–700（USD 52.03–104.06 / GBP 38.63–77.26） |
Frame Material Comparison
Acetate (Cellulose Acetate)
Classic and durable, with a rich selection of colors and patterns. Heavier than metal but very sturdy. Suitable for medium to large face shapes. Reference price: RMB 50–200（USD 7.43–29.73 / GBP 5.52–22.07）.
Alloy (Metal Alloy)
Lightweight, affordable, and flexible. Most common in low-priced frames. May cause skin discomfort for those with nickel allergies. Reference price: RMB 30–100（USD 4.46–14.87 / GBP 3.31–11.04）.
Pure Titanium
Ultra-light, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant. A premium choice for all-day comfort. Reference price: RMB 150–400（USD 22.30–59.46 / GBP 16.55–44.15）.
Beta Titanium (β-Titanium)
More flexible than pure titanium, very durable, excellent shape memory. Suitable for active people. Reference price: RMB 200–500（USD 29.73–74.33 / GBP 22.07–55.18）.
TR90 (memory plastic)
Ultra-light, highly flexible, and almost impossible to damage. Very suitable for children and sports scenarios. Affordable. Reference price: RMB 30–80（USD 4.46–11.89 / GBP 3.31–8.83）.
Brand-name Frames
Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, etc. Some brand frames are manufactured or assembled in China. Be sure to verify authenticity through brand authorization certificates. Reference price: RMB 300–1,500（USD 44.60–222.99 / GBP 33.11–165.55）.
Payment Methods and Bargaining Tips
When shopping in China's eyewear market, understanding payment methods and bargaining rules can help you save more money while avoiding disputes.
Cash
Most stalls accept cash. It is recommended to bring enough RMB cash (RMB 500–2,000（USD 74.33–297.32 / GBP 55.18–220.73）), as some small stalls do not support card payments or foreign cards. Cash payments can sometimes help you get a lower price.
WeChat / Alipay
The vast majority of stores support QR code payment via WeChat and Alipay. Foreign visitors can pay with WeChat or Alipay by linking an overseas bank card (Visa/Mastercard). The per-transaction limit is usually RMB 5,000（USD 743.30 / GBP 551.83）. This is the most convenient payment method.
• Single transaction ≤ RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07）: The platform subsidizes it, so consumers pay no extra fee.
• Single transaction > RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07）: WeChat/Alipay charges the consumer 3%, which is deducted together from the linked foreign card and is called an "international card processing/service fee".
• Refund in the same proportion: If a refund is issued, the 3% fee will also be returned.
Visa / Mastercard
Only large chain optical shops or stores inside shopping malls may accept Visa/Mastercard. Most individual stalls in the eyewear market do not support foreign credit cards. If you need to pay by card, please confirm in advance.
Bargaining Tips
Prices at the glasses city usually have room for negotiation:
- First ask for the "all-inclusive price" (frame + lenses + processing), avoid itemized markups.
- Compare 2-3 stores to understand the market and have a clear idea.
- Do not show strong buying interest, stay calm.
- Paying in cash can get a 5-10% discount, merchants like cash.
- Buying multiple pairs (2 or more) usually gets a bulk discount, and you can negotiate them together.
Request Documentation
After payment, be sure to request the following documents:
- Written receipt: list the frame model, lens brand, prescription, and total price.
- Lens packaging bag: for verifying the parameters, keep the original packaging.
- Brand warranty card: if provided, be sure to request it and fill it out completely.
These are important documents for protecting your rights if problems arise after you return home.
Payment Note
It is recommended to pay a partial deposit (30-50%) first, and pay the remaining balance after verifying the glasses are correct upon pickup. Do not pay the full amount before receiving the glasses. If the store requires full payment, be sure to confirm the store's credibility and after-sales policy.
Same-Day Pickup vs Custom Orders
Most single-vision glasses can be picked up within 20-60 minutes. Progressive lenses, high prescriptions, and special coatings may take 1-2 days. It is recommended to get glasses on the first day of your trip and allow enough time.
| Lens Type | Eye Exam | Frame Selection | Processing | Total | Same-Day Pickup? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard single vision (below -4.00) | 15 min | 20 min | 20–40 min | 55–75 min | ✅ Yes |
| High prescription (-4.00 to -8.00) | 20 min | 30 min | 1–2 hours | 2–3 hours | ✅ Usually yes (if in stock) |
| High astigmatism (above -2.00) | 25 min | 30 min | 2–4 hours | 3–5 hours | ⚠️ Depends on stock |
| Progressive multifocal | 30 min | 40 min | 1–2 days | 1–2 days | ❌ No |
| Photochromic lenses | 20 min | 30 min | 2–4 hours | 3–5 hours | ⚠️ Depends on stock |
| Custom brand lenses (Zeiss/Essilor) | 20 min | 30 min | 3–7 days | 3–7 days | ❌ No |
Be sure to schedule your eyeglass fitting on the first day of your trip. This way, if the lenses need to be remade, you have enough buffer time and can pick them up the next day. Never wait until the day you leave China to get glasses.
Real Costs
Complete price breakdown with no hidden costs. The following prices are reference prices for the Shanghai eyewear market - Danyang is usually 30-50% lower.
| Package | Frame | Lenses | Eye Exam | Total Price (Shanghai) | US Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Alloy / TR90 | 1.56 Standard Anti-radiation | Free | USD 22.3–37.2 (RMB 150–250（USD 22.30–37.16 / GBP 16.55–27.59）) | USD 150–300（GBP 111.36–222.72） |
| Standard | Acetate / Alloy | 1.60 Anti-radiation Coated | Free | USD 37.2–59.6 (RMB 250–400（USD 37.16–59.46 / GBP 27.59–44.15）) | USD 250–450（GBP 185.60–334.08） |
| Premium | Pure Titanium | 1.67 Anti-radiation + Blue Light Blocking | Free | USD 59.6–104.3 (RMB 400–700（USD 59.46–104.06 / GBP 44.15–77.26）) | USD 400–800（GBP 296.96–593.92） |
| Progressive Multifocal | Pure Titanium | 1.56 Progressive Anti-radiation (Domestic) | Free | USD 74.5–134.1 (RMB 500–900（USD 74.33–133.79 / GBP 55.18–99.33）) | USD 500–1,500（GBP 371.20–1,113.60） |
| Brand Lenses | Titanium Frame | Zeiss/Essilor 1.67 | Free | USD 119.2–223.4 (RMB 800–1,500（USD 118.93–222.99 / GBP 88.29–165.55）) | USD 800–2,000（GBP 593.92–1,484.80） |
Always ask for the total price including frames, lenses, coating, and processing fees. Some shops first quote a low price for the frame, then add on a "lens processing fee" (+RMB 50–100（USD 7.43–14.87 / GBP 5.52–11.04）), "coating fee" (+RMB 50（USD 7.43 / GBP 5.52）), or "rush fee" (+RMB 30（USD 4.46 / GBP 3.31）). Before paying, always get a written all-inclusive price.
5. Pickup Inspection Checklist
Before leaving the store with your new glasses, please check this list item by item.Once you leave China, adjustments exchanges and returns will become very difficult.
1. Distance Visual Acuity
Cover the left and right eyes separately, and look at the eye chart 5 meters away. Both eyes should be clearly legible.
2. Near vision
Read a phone screen at a distance of 30 cm. The text should be clear and sharp, without needing to squint.
3. No dizziness
Walk around for 5 minutes, and go up and down stairs. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, it may mean the prescription is overcorrected; ask for a readjustment.
4. No Distortion
Observe straight-line objects (door frames, floor tiles). If lines appear curved or distorted, the astigmatism axis may be incorrect; request a recheck.
5. PD Alignment
Your pupils should align with the optical center of each lens. A PD deviation can cause eye strain and headaches. You can look in a mirror to check whether your pupils are positioned at the center of the lenses.
6. Frame Comfort
The nose pads should not pinch your nose, the temples should not press behind your ears, and the frame should not slide down. If you feel any discomfort, immediately ask the staff to adjust them.
7. Verify Lens Parameters
Check the lens packaging: brand, refractive index, and prescription (sphere SPH/cylinder CYL/axis AXIS) must match your order. Keep the packaging.
8. Lens Appearance
Carefully inspect under strong light: no scratches, bubbles, coating defects, or edge chips.
9. Brand authenticity verification
Brand lenses can be verified by scratching off the anti-counterfeit code and scanning it. Confirm that it shows "First query". If it shows multiple queries, the product may be counterfeit. (Only brand lenses have anti-counterfeit codes.)
10. Warranty Card
Request the official brand warranty card and confirm that the store stamp, date, and lens serial number have been completely filled in.
11. Itemized Receipt
The receipt must list: frame model, lens brand/refractive index/prescription, total price, store name, and date. This is an important proof for protecting your rights.
12. After-Sales Commitment
Ask and confirm the after-sales policy: "Free adjustments within 30 days, free remake if the prescription is wrong." Policies vary by store; it is recommended to request written confirmation or have it noted on the receipt.