How to Get Prescription Sunglass Lenses in Your Own Frames

Close-up of eyeglasses on a clean workbench, soft light, subtle Canadian maple leaf accent

Can You Turn Your Existing Glasses Into Prescription Sunglasses?

Eyeglasses being transformed into prescription sunglasses

Yes, you absolutely can turn your favourite everyday glasses into prescription sunglass lenses. This process is called reglazing. You keep the frames you already love and trust. We then fit them with brand-new prescription sunglass lenses. It’s a smart way to get the sun protection you need without sacrificing style.

The simple answer: Yes, through reglazing

Reglazing means replacing the lenses in your existing eyewear. It’s the core service LensFixers offers. We specialize in putting new prescription lenses into frames you already own. This includes transforming your regular prescription glasses into custom prescription sunglasses. You don't need to buy a whole new pair of glasses just to see clearly in the sun.

Why keep your favorite frames for sunwear

You likely chose your current frames because they fit your face perfectly. They match your style and you feel confident wearing them. Why start from scratch? Keeping your frames means keeping that comfort and familiarity. It’s also a more sustainable choice. You’re giving your beloved eyewear a second life with new functionality.

How LensFixers handles the conversion process

LensFixers makes converting your glasses to sunglasses simple. You order online, specifying your desired sunglass lens options. We provide a free, prepaid, insured shipping label. You mail your frames to our Canadian lab. Our licensed opticians carefully fit your new prescription sunglass lenses. We then ship them back to you, ready to wear.

Can you use frames you bought somewhere else?

Yes — the frame's origin doesn't matter to us. Whether your frames came from an optical shop, a department store, an online retailer, or a designer boutique years ago, we work with the frame itself, not where it was bought. LensFixers is an independent lens-replacement lab, not tied to any frame brand or retailer, so there's no requirement that your frames came from us or from anywhere in particular. The only thing that matters is the frame's physical condition: our licensed opticians check that it's structurally sound enough to hold new prescription sunglass lenses before we cut anything.

Choosing the Right Prescription Sunglass Lenses for Your Frames

Close-up of polarized and tinted sunglass lenses

Selecting the right sunglass lenses involves more than just a tint. Consider how and where you’ll wear them. LensFixers offers various options to suit your lifestyle and frame type. We help you find the perfect balance of vision correction, sun protection, and style.

Polarized lenses vs. tinted lenses

Tinted lenses simply reduce the overall brightness of light. They come in many colours. Polarized lenses, however, offer superior glare reduction. They work by filtering out intense horizontal light reflections. This is ideal for driving, fishing, or any activity near water or snow. Polarized lenses significantly enhance visual comfort and clarity.

Photochromic (Transitions) for versatile wear

Photochromic lenses, often known by the brand name Transitions, offer a unique advantage. They automatically darken in sunlight and become clear indoors. This makes them incredibly versatile. You can wear them all day without switching glasses. They provide UV protection in both clear and dark states.

Selecting the right lens material for your frame type

The material of your lenses matters, especially for durability and weight. For rimless or semi-rimless frames, impact-resistant polycarbonate is usually recommended; it takes polarized, polarized mirror and Transitions lenses, but not solid or gradient tints. For full-rim frames, high-index materials make stronger prescriptions thinner and usually lighter, and for sunglass lenses 1.67 is the thinnest option. Our opticians ensure the chosen material is compatible with your specific frames.

How to Reglaze Designer Frames for Sun

Optician working on designer sunglasses

Your designer frames are an investment in style. Turning them into prescription sunglasses preserves that investment while adding new function. LensFixers understands the value you place on these pieces. We treat every pair with the care and precision they deserve.

Working with high-end brands: Ray-Ban, Oakley, and more

LensFixers expertly fits new prescription sunglass lenses into many popular designer brands. This includes Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and others. We handle the specific requirements of these frames. Our goal is to maintain the original integrity and aesthetic of your luxury eyewear.

Handling vintage or discontinued designer frames

Finding replacement lenses for vintage or discontinued designer frames can be challenging. These styles are often irreplaceable. We can often source or perfectly cut new lenses to fit these unique frames. This allows you to continue enjoying eyewear that holds sentimental or unique value.

Ensuring a precision fit in luxury eyewear

A precise fit is crucial for both comfort and appearance, especially with premium eyewear. Our licensed opticians use advanced cutting technology. They meticulously measure and edge each lens. This ensures a seamless integration into your designer frames, maintaining their original look and feel.

The Benefits of Mail-In Lens Replacement in Canada

Canadian mail-in package for eyewear service

Choosing a mail-in service like LensFixers offers distinct advantages. It’s designed for convenience and value. You get expert service without leaving your home. This is especially true for Canadians looking for quality prescription sunglass lenses.

Cost savings: New sun lenses vs. buying a whole new pair

Replacing lenses is significantly more affordable than buying a completely new pair of prescription sunglasses. Our prescription sunglass lenses start at $114 CAD in single vision: $79 for the lenses plus $35 for a solid or gradient tint. This is often a fraction of the cost of a new frame-and-lens combination from an optical store. You save money while keeping the frames you love.

Convenience of free insured shipping across Canada

LensFixers provides a free, prepaid, and insured shipping label. This covers the entire journey from your door to our Canadian lab and back. You can drop them off at any Canada Post location. Your frames are insured every step of the way, offering complete peace of mind.

The peace of mind of a licensed Canadian optician

Every order is reviewed, measured, and inspected by a licensed optician. This ensures accuracy and quality. Our Canadian lab adheres to high standards. You are not dealing with an algorithm or overseas facility. You are trusting experienced optical professionals with your eyewear.

What to Expect: The LensFixers Process

Licensed optician inspecting eyeglasses in a Canadian lab

Our process is designed to be straightforward and efficient. We aim to make getting new prescription sunglass lenses as easy as possible. From the moment you decide to order to when your glasses return, we keep you informed.

Ordering and mailing your frames

Start by ordering your prescription sunglass lenses on our website. Select your desired lens options, including tint and polarization. You can often provide your prescription later. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive your prepaid, insured shipping label via email. Simply package your frames securely and mail them.

The role of our Canadian lab in precision cutting

Upon arrival at our Canadian lab, your frames are inspected. A licensed optician verifies your prescription and frame condition. Advanced equipment precisely cuts your new sunglass lenses. They are then carefully fitted into your frames by hand. Quality control checks are performed before shipping.

Turnaround times and the 30-day free remake guarantee

Your glasses are shipped back 7–10 business days after we've received everything we need — your frames, prescription and measurements. We also offer a 30-day free remake guarantee. If your new lenses don't feel right, we'll remake them at no extra charge.

Common Questions About Prescription Sunglass Lenses

We understand you might have questions about transforming your glasses into prescription sunglasses. Here are answers to some common queries. We aim to provide clarity and confidence in our service.

Can you put sun lenses in rimless or semi-rimless frames?

Yes, LensFixers can fit prescription sunglass lenses into most rimless and semi-rimless frames. We use precise cutting techniques to ensure a secure and clean fit. Our opticians will assess your frames to confirm suitability before proceeding.

Do I need a new prescription for sunglasses?

Generally, if your current eyeglass prescription is up-to-date and accurate, you can use it for prescription sunglasses. However, your vision needs can change. If it's been over a year since your last eye exam, it's best to get an updated prescription. This ensures your new sunglasses provide optimal vision correction.

How to use your vision insurance or HSA for lens replacement

LensFixers provides a claim-ready, itemized receipt with your order. You can submit this receipt to your vision insurance provider or use it for your Health Spending Account (HSA). While we don't bill insurers directly, our receipt contains all the necessary information for reimbursement.

Ready to enjoy clear vision in the sun with your favourite frames? Get prescription lenses for my sunglasses today and transform your eyewear.

author
Yukta Patel
Licensed Optician/Founder
author https://lensfixers.ca

I started LensFixers after almost ten years working in the optical industry, most of it spent behind the counter watching people fall in love with frames they didn't want to give up. I'm a licensed optician, so when I write about how to read a prescription, whether a scratch is actually fixable, or what to expect from lens replacement, it comes from fitting lenses for a living — not from research alone. Today our team of licensed opticians reviews and inspects every order that comes through our Canadian lab, and I'm also one of a growing number of women running independent optical businesses in Canada.