FAQ
Questions? We've got answers.
Can't find what you're looking for? Email [email protected]. We reply within 2 business days.
How it works
Choose your framePick a frame and colour. Standard prescription lenses are already in the price.
Add your prescriptionEnter it in the lens step, or send it after checkout.
Our optician checks itUsually within 1 business day. We only take payment once it's approved.
Made in Burnaby, shipped to youA Burnaby lens lab makes and fits your lenses, then Canada Post delivers with tracking.
Lenses & pricing
Are prescription lenses really included?
Yep. Every frame comes with standard 1.56 prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating, for prescriptions up to ±4.00. The price you see on the frame already covers them.
What does “up to ±4.00” mean?
We add the strength of your sphere (SPH) and cylinder (CYL) together, ignoring the plus or minus signs. If that total is 4.00 or less, the standard lens is included. If it's higher, the lens step only offers the options that suit your prescription, and pre-selects the most affordable one.
What if I need thinner lenses?
We offer three thinner options for stronger prescriptions: Thin 1.60 for up to ±6.00, Ultra-thin 1.67 for up to ±8.00, and Thinnest 1.74 for up to ±10.00. You'll see the exact price in the lens step, before you pay.
My prescription is stronger than ±10.00. Can you help?
Email us your prescription at [email protected] and our optician will let you know what's possible.
Do you offer progressive lenses?
Yes, digital free-form progressives, which give you distance, intermediate and near vision in one lens. You'll see the price in the lens step. If you've never worn progressives before, they can take a little getting used to, which is what our 90-day lens remake is for.
Are blue-light lenses worth it?
Honest answer: some people find them more comfortable on screens, but research hasn't shown that they prevent eye strain. If you're not sure whether it's worth it for you, ask our optician.
Can I buy just the frame?
Yes. Choose “Frame only” in the lens step.
Prescriptions & the optician check
What do I need to order?
Your current glasses prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can enter it in the lens step, or choose to send it after checkout.
How old can my prescription be?
No more than 2 years old. If yours is older, get a new eye exam first, since your eyes may have changed.
Who checks my prescription?
Our licensed optician checks every prescription, usually within 1 business day of receiving it. If anything needs confirming, we'll email you before your lenses are made. Your card is only on hold until it's approved.
My prescription doesn't show my PD (pupillary distance). What do I do?
Ask the eye doctor who examined you; they often have it on file even when it isn't printed. Or choose to send your prescription after checkout, and we'll contact you for what's missing before your lenses are made.
Do you do eye exams?
Not yet. For now, bring us a prescription from any eye doctor.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
Anywhere in British Columbia. Checkout only accepts BC addresses for now, and we'll update this when we deliver further.
How much is shipping?
Free on orders of $120 or more (after any discount), and $20 below that. You'll see the shipping cost before you pay.
How long will it take?
Glasses with prescription lenses usually ship within 4 weeks, and frames on their own usually within 3 weeks. Every order ships by Canada Post Expedited with tracking, which takes 1 to 4 business days within BC. We'll email you tracking when it ships, and if anything might delay your order, we'll tell you right away.
What if my order doesn't arrive?
If it hasn't arrived within 30 days of the delivery date we gave you, you can cancel for a full refund. Just email us.
Returns, remakes & warranty
What's your return policy?
Return your glasses within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, prescription lenses included. They just need to come back in their original condition (not damaged, scratched or adjusted by someone else) with the case and anything else that was in the box.
How do I return them?
Email [email protected] with your order number within 30 days of delivery. We'll send you a prepaid Canada Post label, so return postage is free. Pack the glasses in their case and drop them at any post office. We refund your original payment method within 5 business days of receiving them.
Do I get my shipping cost back?
Only if the glasses were faulty or we sent the wrong ones. Otherwise we refund the glasses, lenses and their tax.
Can I exchange for a different frame?
Return the first pair for a refund and place a new order for the one you want.
What if I can't get used to my new lenses?
New lenses can take a week or two to settle in. If you still can't adapt after that, or your eye doctor changes your prescription, we'll remake the lenses for free within 90 days of delivery, once per pair. We send a prepaid label, remake the lenses in the same frame and post them back for free. (Switching to a thinner lens or adding an option costs the difference.)
What does the warranty cover?
For 12 months from delivery, we repair or replace frames and lenses that fail because of a manufacturing defect, like a hinge or weld that breaks in normal use, or a coating that peels. If we can't repair or replace them, we refund what you paid for that pair. Scratches, accidents, loss and normal wear aren't covered. This is on top of your rights under consumer law.
My glasses arrived damaged or wrong. What now?
Sorry about that! Email us within 30 days of delivery, with a photo if you can. We'll send a prepaid label and remake, replace or refund them, whichever you prefer, including your shipping charge.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, any time before it ships. Email us your order number. If your card was only on hold, the hold is released; if you were charged, we refund you in full, shipping included.
Vision benefits
Can I use my insurance?
Most vision plans reimburse prescription glasses. We email you an itemized receipt to submit to your insurer; our Use your benefits page explains how.
Do you bill my insurer directly?
Not yet. You pay us, then claim it back from your plan.
About GRAEL
Who's behind GRAEL?
We're a small, independent eyewear shop in Burnaby, BC, and every order is checked by our licensed optician.
Are the frames your own designs?
No, and we think you should know that. Every frame keeps its manufacturer's brand. We choose them for fit, finish and value.
How do I get in touch?
Email [email protected] with your order number if you have one. We reply within 2 business days.
The full details are on our Shipping & Returns page. Claiming on a vision plan? Use your benefits. More about us: Our Story and Our promises.