I’ve been buying frames on eBay for several years now, and then mailing the frames and my prescription off to various online providers to get lenses put in — works just fine. Ebay sellers are pretty good about listing all the measurements, and they can’t be beat for selection … lots of name-brands, past-season, dirt cheap.

AND — if you are ever lucky enough to go to Japan, you have to visit this eyeglass chain called ZOFF. They have frames in every possible color, and lots of shapes. They read your prescription off your current glasses and make you new ones in forty-five minutes. For (depending on the frames you choose) about $50, $70, or $90. Last time I was there I bought three pairs for less than $200.