How Much Are Prescription Sunglasses? Your Guide to the Right Pair Without Breaking the Bank

Prescription sunglasses in Australia can set you back anywhere from $100 to over a grand! But don’t let the price tags spook you.

Once you fully understand what you’re paying for, it's easier to pick a pair that suits your needs, your style, and your budget.

Ever strolled into an optometrist, checked the price on a pair of designer prescription sunglasses, and thought, “Crikey! That’s more than my weekly rent!”

You’re not the only one...

Prescription sunnies can feel like a splurge – but are they really? And what’s behind the price?

At SafeStyle, we think it’s important for you to understand exactly what you’re paying for and where you’re getting value for money.

This guide will break it all down for you. We'll cover:

• The cost of prescription sunglasses in Australia

• What makes them expensive (or affordable!)

• How to get value for money without compromising quality

Step into the sun with stylish prescription sunglasses tailored to your vision and lifestyle.

INDEX

Overview of How Much Prescription Sunglasses Cost in Australia

What Affects the Price of Prescription Sunglasses?

How to Save Money on Prescription Sunglasses

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth the Cost?

Why Choose Safestyle?

Get the Good Gear Without Going Broke

Let’s break down the costs so you can see clearly, and find the right pair for you without breaking the bank.

Overview of How Much Prescription Sunglasses Cost in Australia

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Budget-friendly: $100 - $250

• Basic frames, single-vision lenses, limited coatings, and limited quality.

Mid-range: $250 - $500

• Fashion-friendly frames, high-quality prescription lenses, and some premium coatings.

High-end & Designer: $500 - $1,000+

• Luxury brands and designer labels, custom lenses, all the fancy coatings and tints you can imagine!

So what drives these price differences? Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting for your money in each tier.

What Affects the Price of Prescription Sunglasses?

1. Lens type and material

The lenses are the star of the show when it comes to prescription sunglasses. 

Standard plastic lenses are cheaper (but don’t last as long), while high-tech and protective materials like polycarbonate or Trivex are more expensive. These premium materials are lighter, more durable, offer safety protection, and are built to last. 

SafeStyle pairs are made from elite safety materials like polycarbonate and TR XE.

2. Lens coatings and treatments

Want scratch-resistant, anti-fog, or blue-light blocking lenses? 

All these options are extra coatings that are applied to the lenses to improve the performance of your sunnies.  But they also increase the price.

Polarised lenses, which block glare and reflections, are great for prescription sunglasses, but they are also more expensive. 

If you wear prescription sunglasses while driving, working, or out on the water, polarised lenses are an awesome choice and are worth the money. You’ll really notice the difference.

3. Frame material and style

Sunglasses frames come in endless styles and designs, and can be made from a many different plastics and metals.

Basically, if your sunnies are made from an expensive material, you’re going to have to pay a little more for them.

Or, if they’re a premium design, again, it adds to the cost.

However, good-quality materials are a worthwhile investment. Cheap and nasty plastics, for example, aren’t going to last long. They’re likely to snap, and you'll soon be looking for a new pair again! 

4. Brand names

Big-name brands charge a premium for their brand name, reputation, and designs. 

Plain and simple, these designer sunnies brands charge a huge premium for prescription sunnies.

A lot of the time, the extra features on designer sunnies are purely cosmetic. They might look a bit flashier, but the lenses won’t offer you any better sun protection, they won’t feel more comfortable and they won't have any extra features that make a difference to how the prescription sunglasses perform.

Crucially, this is what can make prescription sunglasses feel expensive and hit you hard in the wallet.

At SafeStyle, we believe in charging our customers a fair price for their sunnies, without the huge markup that comes from designer labels.

Find the balance of fashion, function, and safety with prescription sunglasses that offer protection, functionality and value for money.

Additional Costs to Consider

Aside from the base price of your prescription sunglasses, there are a few extra costs that you should be aware...  before they sneak up on you:

Eye tests & prescription updates

If your prescription isn’t up to date, it’s best to have an eye exam to check exactly what prescription you need. 

This can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.

Shipping fees

If you’re buying online, factor in delivery costs, which can range from $10 to $30 unless free shipping is offered.

SafeStyle offers free shipping on all prescription glasses.

How to Save Money on Prescription Sunglasses

At SafeStyle, we offer affordable, stylish, and high-quality prescription sunglasses. Our safety prescription glasses start at $300.

Skip the Designer Labels

Big-name brands charge extra for the logo. 

This absolutely does not mean better quality. 

Quality Over Quantity

SafeStyle pairs are designed to stand up to the toughest Aussie worksites.

This means they’re truly engineered to last.

Designer prescription sunnies are designed to look cool when you try them on at the Optometrist. They’re not designed to last for years.

On average, SafeStyle prescription sunglasses last 7 times longer than the standard prescription safety sunglasses you get given on site.

Choose quality over quantity, and it’ll be better for your wallet too.

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth the Cost?

Prescription sunglasses are absolutely worth the cost because they provide essential vision correction and protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

In Australia, those two things are an absolute must!

Photochromic lenses (commonly called ‘transitions’) are UV-activated, which means they won’t darken inside the car.

Plus, sometimes photochromic lenses don’t tint as dark as polarised lenses.

Put simply, it’s worth spending the money on a quality pair of prescription sunglasses to properly protect your eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV can do serious damage to your eyes. Make sure your eyes are protected!

Why Choose Safestyle?

SafeStyle offers prescription sunglasses that are high quality, affordable, and stylish - without breaking the bank. 

All SafeStyle prescription sunglasses are AS/NZS 1337.1 certified.

Originally created as stylish safety glasses for the worksite, they also look good enough to rock at the weekends. SafeStyle pairs provide elite eye protection - something that standard prescription sunglasses simply can’t match.

Ditch the designer sunnies, choose a pair of SafeStyles that offer elite eye protection, last 7 times longer, and look good.

Here’s why Aussies love shopping with SafeStyle:

• Affordable prices without compromising quality. Get high-performance prescription sunglasses that aren't as expensive as designer labels.

• 99.9% UV protection.  Protect your eyes from harmful rays and annoying glare with SafeStyle’s high-quality lenses.

• Designed for durability. Built for adventure, work, and everyday wear, SafeStyle frames and lenses are engineered to last.

• Australian-owned & trusted. Support a WA brand that understands tough Aussie conditions and delivers top-notch eyewear.

• Easy online shopping & fast delivery. Skip the hassle of in-store shopping and get your prescription sunnies delivered straight to your door.

• Available in Optometrists across Australia. Head to your local SafeStyle stocking Optom, get your eyes tested, and pick up a pair of SafeStyles.

FAQs

How do I order SafeStyle prescription safety glasses?

To order online:

1. Choose a frame style from the SafeStyle Prescription Safety Glasses collection.

2. Select your preferred frame colour.

3. Choose your preferred lens type.

4. Enter your prescription details.

5. Checkout.

For multifocal, progressive or vocational lenses, visit a SafeStyle prescription stockist for personalised assistance and expertise.

Is it possible to use a contact lens prescription to purchase prescription safety glasses?

No, contact lens prescriptions differ from eyeglass prescriptions. Please obtain a valid eyeglass prescription from your optometrist before ordering.

How can I accurately measure my Pupillary Distance (PD)?

Your PD refers to the distance between your pupils. You can request this measurement from your optometrist during an eye exam.

What is the difference between single vision distance and near lenses?

• Single Vision Distance Lenses: Correct distance vision for seeing far away.

• Single Vision Near Lenses: Correct near vision for up-close tasks.

Consult your optometrist to determine which type suits your needs.

How long does it take to receive my prescription safety glasses?

Prescription orders are custom-made and typically delivered within 18 days.

How often should I replace my SafeStyle prescription safety glasses?

Replace your glasses if they show signs of damage, such as large scratches, cracks, or decreased clarity, to maintain optimal protection.

Do you offer replacement lenses or frames?

No, replacement lenses or frames are not offered, as altering the original product may void its safety certifications.

Will my prescription safety glasses protect my eyes from UV radiation?

Yes, all SafeStyle protective eyewear provides 99.9% UV light absorption, offering protection from harmful UV radiation.

What lens coatings are available for prescription safety glasses?

SafeStyle offers multiple lens coatings, including:

• Super Hard Coat

• Anti-Reflective Coating

• UV Coating

These coatings enhance durability and visual clarity.

Get Good Gear Without Going Broke

Prescription sunglasses don’t have to be a luxury purchase. Whether you need them for work, weekend adventures, or everyday driving, it’s all about finding the right pair that fits your lifestyle and budget.

If you’re after quality frames, clear vision, and serious sun protection - without the designer price tag - get SafeStyle!