Strong urge for a style refresh ✨: old eyeglasses the weakest link 👓.
Lately, I’d been feeling a strong urge for a style refresh, and my old eyeglasses were definitely the weakest link in my look. They were perfectly functional, mind you, but after years of the same design, I found myself staring at my reflection in 2024 and thinking, "It's time for something new, something bolder, something that truly speaks to my personality." My main pain point, as with many, was the prohibitive cost of new prescription eyewear at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Every visit felt like an assault on my wallet, leaving me hesitant to explore more adventurous styles. I wanted quality and clarity, of course, but also affordability. That's when the idea of purchasing glasses online really took root. I’d seen ads and heard whispers about the savings, and the promise of trying frames virtually in the comfort of my own home was incredibly appealing, especially after my 12-year-old cousin successfully found frames he liked using a similar online try-on feature – though his initial experience had a small hiccup later on, which really highlighted the importance of detail. I was looking for something distinct, perhaps a retro vibe, without breaking the bank.
My search for the perfect pair began online, as I meticulously browsed through countless websites, comparing styles, materials, and most importantly, prices. There were so many options, from designer brands to more budget-friendly alternatives. What drew me to Cinily Eyewear was their extensive collection of unique frames, and the promise of significant savings. I was particularly captivated by their Cat Eye Eyeglasses Frames, which had that perfect blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication. The online try-on feature was intuitive and surprisingly accurate, giving me a good sense of how the frames would look on my face. The biggest hurdle for many online eyewear purchases is the Pupil Distance (PD) measurement. I’d heard stories, like Steve Greenbaum’s initial struggle, where an incorrect PD led to blurry vision. To avoid this, I took the extra step to get my exact PD from my optometrist before placing my order, ensuring Cinily Eyewear had all the precise measurements. This step gave me immense peace of mind. Placing the order was straightforward, and I spent the next week in eager anticipation, checking the tracking information daily, excited for my new look to arrive.
When the package from Cinily Eyewear finally arrived, my excitement was palpable. The box was sleek and secure, protecting the precious cargo within. Opening it felt like unwrapping a gift, revealing a beautifully designed case nestled inside. My first impression of the Cat Eye Eyeglasses Frames was nothing short of delightful. The transparent, clear len design was even more elegant in person than on the screen, and the quality of the acetate felt premium – smooth, sturdy, and lightweight. The vintage aesthetic was perfectly captured, and the craftsmanship appeared impeccable. The lenses, freshly installed with my prescription, looked pristine, free from any smudges or imperfections. They felt incredibly light when I picked them up, an immediate positive sign that they wouldn't weigh heavily on my face. This initial unboxing experience definitely exceeded my expectations, setting a positive tone for the actual use.
Now, for the real test: daily wear. From the moment I first put on my new Cat Eye Eyeglasses, I knew I had made the right choice. The fit was snug yet comfortable, the lightweight frames barely noticeable on my nose and ears. The clarity of vision was exceptional, just as precise as what I’d get from a local optical shop, a testament to Cinily Eyewear's accurate lens crafting, especially since I provided my exact PD. As Melanie Neff succinctly put it, "Great quality, quick delivery. Quick and easy process to order them." And Joyce Bersch's simple yet powerful affirmation, "Great glasses. Lenses are perfect," perfectly captures my sentiment. I’ve worn them for long hours at work, during my commutes, and even for casual outings, and they’ve held up beautifully. The compliments have been endless, with friends and colleagues noticing the stylish upgrade. They truly have elevated my everyday look.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not every online eyewear journey is seamless, and some customers face challenges, especially with initial measurements or customer service. I was fortunate that my PD was spot on, but I recall a detailed account from a fellow customer, Steve Greenbaum, which highlighted some potential pitfalls. He shared his experience: "We ordered a pair of glasses for our 12-year-old after he found them using the virtual try-on, but he said he had trouble seeing with them. We went back to the doctor to check everything, and he informed us that the pupil distance (PD) was incorrect. The PD is typically measured by the person from whom you purchase the glasses, not the doctor. The Cinily Eyewear site does not prompt you to provide the PD number, and if you don’t know to provide it, they will just assume a value of 62 (adult) or another value for kids. Of course, that means the value will be wrong for many buyers.
Please know you will never be able to reach a human at Cinily Eyewear and have a real phone conversation if you call them, so plan on frustration if your glasses are not correct. Email interactions are too slow, causing the process to drag on. I’m glad to say that when I wrote my original review, Cinily Eyewear saw it and called me to offer corrected lenses. I took them up on that offer, but getting the order reprocessed took longer than expected. The link I was provided to do the exchange didn’t work, and there was no way to reach the person who had made the offer. Most emails take a couple days to get a response, and I felt like I was starting the conversation over each time.
Note that if you need to exchange the glasses, you must first send them back before they will start working on your replacement. Therefore, you won’t have any glasses while you wait for a replacement.
The glasses, once remade, are working out well for us." Their response to Steve was: "Dear Steve, Thank you for choosing to shop with us at Cinily Eyewear. We are dedicated to meeting our customers' needs, and we regret to learn that your experience did not meet your expectations. We would appreciate the opportunity to gain a complete understanding of your experience so that we can offer effective support. It was a pleasure speaking with you today. We eagerly await the updated information so that we can accurately reproduce the glasses.
Update 2024: We’ve received all the necessary information to proceed with your son’s glasses, and the exchange order has now been placed. You should have received the new order number, and we've upgraded the shipping to ensure the fastest possible delivery - please note that the shipping method displayed on the new Order Confirmation email is the one selected originally, Standard although it will be shipped with Express. Our team will continue monitoring your order.
Thank you for reaching out and giving us the opportunity to make things right — we're always here to help!" While my direct experience with customer service was minimal, Steve's account underscores the critical need for customers to provide their PD, and for Cinily Eyewear to streamline their communication and exchange processes. It’s a valuable insight for potential buyers: double-check your measurements and be prepared for email-based support, but also know that they are willing to work towards a resolution. My only minor critique is that the frames, while beautiful, felt a tiny bit stiff initially when folding them, but this eased up with use.
Overall, my journey with Cinily Eyewear, particularly with my new Vintage Cat Eye Frames, has been overwhelmingly positive. They were definitely "Great service! Rx fine! Second purchase. Both have been great!" as David Battis so perfectly put it. The value for money is simply unbeatable, especially when compared to traditional optical stores. I confidently recommend Cinily Eyewear to anyone looking for stylish, high-quality prescription glasses without the hefty price tag. Just remember to arm yourself with your precise PD measurement beforehand, and understand that while initial hiccups can occur (as highlighted by Steve Greenbaum's detailed feedback), Cinily Eyewear does strive to make things right. These frames are perfect for those who want to make a fashion statement, enjoy excellent visual clarity, and appreciate the convenience and savings of online shopping in 2024. I'm already thinking about my next pair!