Can You Replace the Lenses in Designer or Vintage Frames?

I've been making lenses for 17 years. Here's what to know before you replace the lenses in a designer or vintage frame.

Short answer: often, yes. If the frame is made to hold prescription lenses and it's in sound condition, we can usually fit new lenses to it. The lab reviews your frame photos before production. We trace the actual frame you send, so you don't need a model number.

Single vision lenses are $99, all in: polycarbonate, standard anti-reflective coating, the mailer with a prepaid return label, free doorstep pickup where available (or drop-off with the carrier), return shipping and one free remake within 30 days. Progressive and bifocal lenses are $149, all in.

Why replace the lenses instead of the frame?

• You keep a frame you like, or one you can't buy again.
• You pay for lenses, not a new frame.
• A new prescription or scratched lenses don't mean the frame has to go. See Can scratched lenses be fixed?

Which frames are a good fit?

• Plastic and acetate full-rim
• Metal full-rim
• Semi-rimless
• Rimless
• Sport and wrap with prescription-ready curves

The brand doesn't decide it. The frame's design, its condition and your prescription do.

Send us a photo of your frames and the lab reviews it before production.

What's different about vintage frames?

• Materials age. Old frames can have hidden stress cracks, brittle parts or corrosion that a photo won't show.
• Past repairs matter. Glued, soldered or modified frames are more fragile during fitting.
• Parts may be gone. Parts for discontinued frames may not exist.

A photo review doesn't guarantee a vintage frame will survive lens fitting. Please read our frame condition and shipping policy before sending an older pair.

What should I do before sending a valuable pair?

• Know the coverage. Shipping includes coverage up to $100. That's not full-value insurance.
• Ask us first before shipping a frame worth more, or one that's irreplaceable or sentimental. Get in touch or schedule a call.
• Wait until any extra arrangement is confirmed in writing.
• Photograph it from several angles, with close-ups of hinges and joints.
• Tell us about cracks, loose parts, glue or past repairs.
• Keep records of what you paid or what it's worth.

What if something goes wrong with my frame?

• If we spot a problem during inspection, we contact you before going further.
• We won't charge for a replacement frame or extra services without your approval.
• If Lenshaus is legally responsible for damage to or loss of your frame, the policy provides, at our election, a repair, a comparable replacement, or the frame's documented fair market value immediately before the incident.
• Fair market value means the value of a comparable used frame of similar age and condition. It is not automatically the original retail price or the price of a new frame. Sentimental value is excluded where permitted by law. These terms apply when you accept the policy before payment, so please read it first.

Full terms: frame condition and shipping policy.

Will my new lenses look like the originals?

• We trace your frame and cut the lenses to fit it.
• Choose clear, tinted, polarized, mirror or light-adaptive lenses in the builder. Polarized and mirror finishes are available on progressive lenses too. See lens options.
• We never put the original brand's logo on replacement lenses. That logo is the brand's trademark. We don't offer custom logo etching.
• Want progressives in an older frame? Read Can you put progressive lenses in existing frames?

Will it affect the brand's warranty?

We can't answer for the frame maker. If the frame is still under a brand warranty, check the brand's terms before sending it.

How does it work?

1. Order online in the lens builder.
2. We mail you a protective kit with a prepaid return label and a note with a QR code. The QR code opens your private pickup page.
3. Pack your frame and put the prepaid return label on the package. Where doorstep pickup is available, scan the QR code and wait for our confirmation before you leave the package out. Or drop it off with the carrier shown on your label.
4. The lab traces your frame, makes the lenses and fits them.
5. Your frame comes home with new lenses. Return shipping is included.

Lab time is 5 to 7 business days after your frames arrive, plus shipping. Need it faster? Expedited lab processing is $24.95 per order, covers every pair, and takes 3 to 4 business days in the lab. Details: How It Works.

What if the lenses aren't right?

• Lenses made wrong: manufacturing errors are corrected separately at no charge, including necessary shipping, and don't use up your free remake.
• Prescription doesn't feel right, or you can't adapt: every pair, prescription or not, includes one free remake within 30 days. Contact us first. Approved remakes include prepaid ground shipping both ways. Drop your securely packed glasses with the carrier shown on your label. There's no pickup or mailer charge for this benefit.
• The free remake doesn't cover scratches, accidental damage, loss, theft, frame repairs, changes of preference or lens upgrades. Optional Lens Care covers lens scratches and accidental damage, not frames: $15 per pair for one year or $25 per pair for two years. A new mailer is paid separately for each Lens Care claim.
• Terms: returns, remakes and warranty.

Ready to keep the frame you love?

Send a photo of your frames first, or go straight to the lens builder.