While Roka prescription eyewear can be worn by anyone, what sets this brand apart is that its line of proprietary frames are designed to be durable, extremely lightweight, provide a secure fit, and offer all day comfort. The company provides a large selection of its own frames in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials (including nylon, titanium, and mixed material). Not only does the Roka website allow you to preview each pair of frames using detailed on-screen images when shopping online, but you can take advantage of the website’s virtual try-on feature or Roka’s new Home Tryout Program.
Once you obtain a current eyeglass prescription from your optometrist or ophthalmologist, Roka allows you to choose your frame design, size, and color, and then customize your prescription lens options. Between the extensive frame and prescription lens options, it’s easy to select eyewear that looks great and fits perfectly. Due to the lightweight and durable design of the frames, they can be worn during high-action activities, but the designs are equally suitable to be worn in a professional or casual setting.
I started my eyeglass selection process by choosing four frames to try on at home by taking advantage of the Roka Home Tryout Program. I then ordered a pair of Roka Falcon Fusion frames (in gunmetal/drown) with prescription progressive lenses. Roka provided me with these glasses for review. Keep reading to learn more about my experience choosing, ordering, and wearing the Roka prescription glasses that I ordered from the company’s website.
Specifications
- Eyeglass Frame Prices: $175 to $350 (with single vision prescription lenses included).
- Progressive Lenses: Add $225.
- Included Lens Material: Polycarbonate.
- Trivex Lenses: Add $75.
- High Index Lenses: Add: $95.
- Lens Coating Options: Clear (Included), Blue Light Protection (Add $65), Photochromic (Add $110), Polarized Lenses (Add $25).
- Virtual Try-On: Yes.
- Home Try-On: Yes.
- Return Policy: 30 Days ($5 Return Fee).
- Vision Insurance Accepted: Not directly, but “out-of-network reimbursement” may be available.
- HSA / FHA Accepted: Yes.
- Warranty Period: 1,000 Days. .
- Average Production Time: 5 to 10 Business Days.
Pros
- Large selection of Roka eyeglass frames for active men and women.
- All frames are lightweight and extra durable.
- Three nose pad sizes are provided to ensure a perfect fit.
- Choose from nylon, titanium, or mixed material frames.
- Readers, single vision, progressive, photochromic, and sunglass lens options are available.
- All lenses provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Polarized lenses cost extra.
Cons
- The cost of optional lens upgrades adds up.
- Frames are extremely lightweight and durable, but at first glance seem cheaply made.
Who Should Buy Prescription Eyewear from Roka?
After browsing the Roka website, I quickly discovered the company offers its own line of eyeglass and sunglass frames that are exclusive. Most frames are offered in a variety of colors and sizes, and range in price between $175 and $350 – which includes single vision, polycarbonate lenses.
All frames and lenses will appeal to active people. They offer a patented design that allows each pair of frames to provide durability and a customizable fit that comfortably stays in place while they’re being worn.
You don’t have to be an athletic or extremely active person to enjoy wearing Roka prescription eyewear, however, as most of the frames provide a contemporary and stylish design that’s suitable for everyday wear at home, the office, or that complement a casual or formal outfit. Not only does Roka design and manufacture its own frames, the company also operates its own lab for custom crafting prescription lenses.
What Roka Offers
In a nutshell, what Roka offers is highly customizable eyewear, with options offered on an a la carte basis. After selecting frames, choose between single vision, reader, or progressives lenses, and a variety of optional lens filters and enhancements. For example, you get a choice of lens materials (polycarbonate, Trivex, or High Index), a blue light filter option, and can select between clear, photochromic, or sunglass lenses.
Keep in mind, each option costs extra, so if you start with higher priced frames, such as the Roka Falcon Fusion ($340), add the progressive lens option (add $225), and then choose the Ultimate lens upgrade (add $110), High Index upgrade (add $95), and photochromic lens upgrade (add $110), the cost of the complete pair of prescription eyewear jumps to $880. Free ground shipping is provided. That said, there are plenty of frame and lens combos that cost less, but offer the same high quality craftsmanship.
The Roka Eyeglass Online Ordering Process Is Straight Forward
To order prescription eyewear from Roka, a current eyeglass prescription is required. I then suggest visiting the Roka website and choosing between eyeglass styles for men or women. Keep in mind, Roka also offers more specialized frames for prescription protective eyewear and prescription snow goggles.
As you’re browsing frame options, use the filters displayed on the left side of the browser windows to narrow down your options based on frame shape, face shape, size, lens technology, prescription type, frame color, lens color, activity, and frame material. If you have extra time, you can skip the filters and browse the entire collection.
When you click on any frame style, you can view detailed photos of that frame, and see the size and color options offered. At this point, simply click on the Virtual Try On button to take advantage of the camera built into your computer or mobile device to see how those frames will look on your face. This is a feature most online eyewear companies now offer.
What fewer companies offer, however, is a Home Tryout Program. If you opt to participate, you can choose any four frames with clear lenses and have them sent to you for a flat $30 fee (which is refunded if you purchase a pair of prescription eyewear). You can then try on and wear the selected frames at home to decide which you like the best. A prepaid return label is provided to return the frames after the five day trial period.
After choosing the frames that match your personality, personal style, and lifestyle, it’s time to select customized prescription lenses. The website walks you through this process, explains each upgrade option, and lists the cost of each optional upgrade or lens filter. Upon completing this process – which takes less than five minutes – provide your payment and shipping details to complete your order. Your lenses will be crafted in the Roka lab, fitted into the selected frames, and shipped to you within five to 10 business days.
Each pair of prescription eyewear comes with a 30-day return policy (with a $5 restocking fee), plus a 1,000-day warranty. At any time during the ordering process, assistance is available via online chat, email, or telephone (during business hours). Each pair of glasses includes the company’s proprietary GEKO nose pads (designed to keep the frames firmly in place), the lightest possible frames available, and precision-tuned spring hinges (that provide a more comfortable fit, additional flex, and shock absorption).
After trying on several of the company’s titanium, nylon, and mixed material frames, I discovered the frame arms are more flexible than most, and all of the frames were lighter than what many competitors offer. At first, I mistakenly thought the weight and thinness of the frames (particularly those made from titanium) were cheaply made. However, this was not the case at all. Roka has designed frames using surprisingly high-quality materials and craftsmanship to provide eyewear that people with an active lifestyle will truly appreciate. All Roka frames are also stylish. Most offer an impressive timeless and minimalistic design which I truly appreciate.
My Final Thoughts: Is Roka Prescription Eyewear Worth It?
The prescription glasses I ordered from Roka exceeded my expectations in terms of quality, comfort, and style. While the frames themselves look great, it’s the unique design of the frame’s arms and nosepads that make them comfortable and allow them to stay firmly in place. Between the quality and craftsmanship of the eyeglass frames and lenses, and the vast selection of frame styles, sizes, and colors, I am confident you too will quickly find eyewear that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Roka
All Roka eyewear offers premium quality and design, which is priced accordingly and fairly (but not cheaply). If you’re someone who takes pride in the eyeglasses you wear, instead of seeking out ultra low-cost options, I highly recommend checking out what Roka offers. And a discount is offered to military, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
However, if you’re seeking out more generic and budget-friendly prescription eyewear options, check out what’s offered by companies like GlassesUSA or Zenni Optical. For high-quality, everyday wear prescription glasses that are stylish, but not necessarily designed for people with an active lifestyle, check out what’s offered by Warby Parker and Felix Gray.
