NY Fifth Avenue FAQs – Reading Glasses
General Information & Contact
Do you have retail store locations?
No. NY Fifth Avenue is an online‑based retailer and does not operate physical stores.
Do you offer bulk or wholesale orders?
Yes. Wholesale orders begin at a $250 minimum. You can apply at MajesticEyewear.com with a business licence and tax ID; wholesale pricing appears once your cart reaches $250 after discounts.
Do you have active discount codes or promotions?
Yes. We list current coupons and promotions on our Coupons Page. Check there for the latest offers.
How can I contact customer service?
You can reach us by:
Mail: NY Fifth Avenue, 124 Little John Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115
Email: Hello@NYFifthAvenue.com
Phone/Text: +1 214‑995‑8812
Fax: +1 972‑488‑1001
We’re available Mon–Fri, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Understanding Reading Glasses & Prescriptions
What are OTC reading glasses?
Over‑the‑counter (OTC) reading glasses are FDA‑regulated, non‑prescription glasses designed for presbyopia (age‑related near‑vision loss). They have a plus sphere magnification to help focus on close work but no cylinder correction for astigmatism. They don’t require a doctor’s prescription, making them an easy and affordable solution for reading.
What is a Sphere in a glasses prescription?
Sphere (SPH) measures the lens’s power in diopters (D). A positive sphere indicates magnifying lenses for farsightedness or presbyopia. Reading glasses typically use a positive sphere to help you focus on close objects.
What is a Cylinder in a glasses prescription?
Cylinder (CYL) measures the lens power needed to correct astigmatism, an irregularity in the cornea that causes blurred vision. OTC reading glasses do not include cylinder correction; if you have significant astigmatism you should get custom prescription lenses.
Why do OTC reading glasses only have a plus sphere and no cylinder correction?
OTC reading glasses focus on near‑vision magnification and are mass‑produced for affordability. Leaving out cylinder correction simplifies manufacturing and lets the glasses be sold without a prescription. People with significant astigmatism need custom prescription glasses.
What strengths do OTC reading glasses come in?
They are commonly available in magnifications from +1.00 D to +3.50 D, usually in increments of 0.25 D or 0.50 D. Always choose the lowest strength that allows you to read comfortably.
What are bifocal reading glasses?
Bifocal reading glasses have two optical powers. The upper portion is clear or very low power, allowing distance or intermediate vision; the lower segment provides magnification for reading. These OTC lenses are available in standard strengths and a variety of frame styles.
What are progressive reading glasses?
Progressive reading glasses provide a gradual increase in magnification from top to bottom without visible lens lines. They allow distance viewing at the top and stronger reading power at the bottom, making them comfortable for reading, computer work and interacting at different distances.
What’s the difference between reading glasses, magnifying glasses and prescription reading glasses?
Reading glasses: Provide magnification (usually +0.50 D to +6.00 D) to help focus on close work; they focus your eyes but don’t enlarge objects.
Magnifying glasses (loupes): Enlarge small objects like insects and details; the level of magnification depends on the lens power and distance.
Prescription reading glasses: Correct your refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and then add magnification for near vision; these must be prescribed by an eye‑care professional.
Are OTC reading glasses a replacement for a prescription?
No. They are intended for temporary near‑vision tasks and do not replace regular eye exams or customized prescriptions. Annual check‑ups are important to monitor eye health.
Do OTC readers correct astigmatism?
No. OTC reading glasses only provide spherical magnification and cannot correct astigmatism. Prescription lenses are required to correct both sphere and cylinder.
How do I figure out what reading power (strength) I need?
You can use our printable diopter chart to match your reading strength up to +3.25. Hold the chart about 14 inches from your eyes and read the smallest line you can see clearly; the diopter printed on that line is your recommended strength. For powers above +3.25 or if you have vision concerns, consult your eye doctor.
Face Shape & Frame Selection
How can I choose frames that suit my face shape?
Selecting the right frame can flatter your features. Use this face‑shape guide to choose complementary styles:
- Round Face: Full cheeks and soft angles. Angular frames add definition. Try rectangular, square or cat‑eye shapes; avoid small round frames.
- Square Face: Strong jawline and broad forehead. Round or oval frames soften sharp angles. Cat‑eye styles add elegance; avoid very boxy rectangular frames.
- Oval Face: Balanced proportions. Most shapes work—rectangular, square, round, oval or cat‑eye frames accentuate your features.
- Heart‑Shaped Face: Wide forehead, high cheekbones and narrow chin. Choose round, oval, cat‑eye or half‑moon/low‑nose frames; avoid heavy rectangulars.
- Diamond Face: Narrow forehead and chin with broad cheekbones. Round, oval and cat‑eye frames broaden the forehead/chin and soften cheekbones.
- Oblong/Rectangle Face: Long face with straight cheek lines. Choose square or tall rectangular frames to add width and depth; cat‑eye styles add height and lift.
Frame Shape Quick Match:
Cat‑Eye → round, oval, heart, diamond faces
Half‑Moon/Lower‑Nose → heart and oval faces
Round → square, heart, diamond faces
Rectangular → round, oblong faces
Square → round, oval, oblong faces
Oval → square, heart, diamond, oval faces.
Returns & Refunds
What is the return policy?
You have 30 days from delivery to return items for a one‑time replacement or refund. Items must be in original condition with all packaging; no restocking fee applies. If you use our prepaid return label, a shipping cost applies (see below). If you ship the item yourself, there is no fee. Customized lenses or custom orders cannot be returned.
Is there a fee for returns?
If you request a prepaid USPS return label, the cost is $5 for 1–2 items plus $3 for each additional item. This cost is deducted from your refund. If you provide your own shipping, there is no return fee.
How do I return an order?
Use our Return Center, request a return through your account, email Hello@NYFifthAvenue.com, text +1 214‑995‑8812, or use live chat. You’ll receive instructions and a return label.
What is the return address?
NY Fifth Avenue
124 Little John Drive
DeSoto, Texas 75115
Can international customers return items?
Yes. International customers may return items within 30 days at their own shipping cost. Products must be in original condition with all packaging.
What items cannot be returned?
Customized lenses or any custom orders are non‑returnable and non‑refundable.
What is the refund process?
We credit your original payment method after receiving and inspecting the return. Refunds usually process within 3–4 business days.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. We provide a 180‑day warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Major scratches or signs of abuse void the warranty, but we can assist with repairs.
What happens if I make excessive returns?
If returns exceed 25 % of your total purchases within 90 days, we may limit or refuse future returns. Accounts showing abuse may be restricted.
Are there exceptions to return label fees?
“Laddering” (ordering a series of incremental strengths of the same style) does not qualify for reduced label costs. Return label fees start at $8 plus $3 per additional item.
What condition must returns be in?
Items must be unused, with original cases and packaging. Missing cases or packaging may result in a restocking fee.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you offer express shipping?
Yes! We ship via USPS (Priority Mail & Express Mail), UPS (2nd Day, 3rd Day, Overnight) and DHL (international) for faster delivery.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to most countries worldwide via DHL.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. We offer free shipping to all 50 states via USPS Ground Advantage on orders of 3 items or more.
How long does it take to ship my order?
Every pair is hand‑embellished and lenses are customized in‑house. We typically process orders in 3–5 business days before shipping.
How can I track my order?
Use our track your order page. You’ll receive a tracking email once your order ships.
What shipping methods do you offer and how long do they take?
USPS Ground Advantage (3–5 business days): Free to all 50 states.
USPS Priority Mail (2–3 business days): About $9.99.
USPS Priority Mail Express (1–2 business days): Rate based on weight and destination.
UPS: Ground, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air—priced at checkout.
International: DHL – rates and times vary.
Note: processing and transit may take longer during holidays.
How long will shipping take after my lenses are ready?
Orders ship within 1 business day after lenses are completed. Standard delivery in the U.S. is 3–5 business days (longer during high‑volume periods).
When will I receive tracking info, and what if my tracking says “delivered” but I haven’t received my package?
We send tracking details once your order ships. Tracking updates may take up to 48 hours. If tracking shows “delivered” and you haven’t received it, wait for the full delivery window, then contact your local post office. We’ll file a claim for lost packages if needed.
Lens Customization & Options
Can I customize lenses for my reading glasses or sunglasses?
Yes. Any pair of glasses can be customized. Add “Lens Customization” to your order. If ordering multiple pairs, email us at Hello@NYFifthAvenue.com so we know which frame to customize.
What lens customization options are available?
We offer a wide range of lens options:
- Sun Readers: Single‑vision or bifocal, grey or brown tint, +1.00 to +4.00 powers.
- Different strengths for each eye: We can make lenses with different powers for each eye (additional $5).
- Clear No‑Magnification: +0.00 lenses for fashion wear.
- Blue Light Blockers: 40 %, 60 % or 80 % blue‑light filtration (with or without magnification) for digital eye strain.
- Bifocal Readers: Line or line‑free progressive style.
- Oversized Clear Reading Lenses: For bigger frames.
- Photochromic (Transitions): Grey or brown lenses that darken in sunlight and remain clear indoors.
- Tinted or Gradient Lenses: Choose grey or brown for outdoor reading.
If you need a combination not listed, email us for custom options.
Can I order different strengths for each eye?
Yes. We can customize lenses with different magnifications for each eye. There is a $5 fee for different powers.
Do I need a prescription to order customized lenses?
No. For ready‑made readers you can order non‑prescription options (e.g., blue‑light blockers, tinted or clear lenses) without a prescription. Prescription lenses require a valid prescription.
Which lens is best for heavy computer use?
Choose Blue Light Blocker lenses (40 %, 60 % or 80 %) to reduce digital eye strain. For tinted lenses or prescription options, email us for advice.
Which lens is best for outdoor reading?
Sun Readers or Photochromic (Transitions) lenses are ideal for reading outdoors; grey or brown tints reduce glare and protect your eyes.
Which lens should I choose if I drive often?
For frequent driving, we recommend single‑vision or progressive lenses with tinted options (grey or brown) to reduce glare from headlights and sunlight. Progressive lenses allow seamless vision at all distances.
Prescription Lenses
Can I get prescription lenses for my glasses?
Yes. We offer prescription lenses for most frames. Provide your prescription, and we’ll help you select suitable frames.
What types of prescription lenses do you offer?
We provide Single Vision and Progressive/Multi‑Focal lenses.
Single Vision lenses start at $40 (CR‑39) and can be upgraded to Polycarbonate, High Index, Blue Blockers, tinted or Photochromic.
Progressive lenses start at $120; they include scratch‑resistant and UV coatings, with optional upgrades.
How long does it take to make prescription lenses?
Single Vision: 3–5 business days.
Progressive/Multi‑Focal: 7–10 business days.
Do you offer discounts on prescription lenses?
Yes. We offer a 35 % discount on your second pair of prescription lenses when ordering a second pair at the same time.
How do I send my prescription?
Email your prescription to Hello@NYFifthAvenue.com. If your prescription doesn’t include PD (pupillary distance), measure it with the GlassesON app or follow our instructions on YouTube.
How do I calculate the correct strength for prescription reading glasses?
Use the formula: Reader Strength = SPH + ADD. For example, if SPH is +1.25 and ADD is +1.00, your reader strength is +2.25. Cylinder and axis values remain unchanged for prescription lenses.
What happens if my prescription is out of range?
Out‑of‑range prescriptions carry an additional fee and may require 5–7 extra business days. We’ll confirm the cost before processing.
How do I know if my frame can fit progressive lenses?
Progressive lenses require a minimum frame height of 28 mm. If you’re unsure, email us the frame name before ordering.
What are Progressive Readers and Line Bifocals?
Progressive Readers: No‑line lenses with distance vision at the top and reading vision at the bottom.
Line Bifocals (FT28): A visible line separates the reading segment at the bottom from the clear top.
What’s the difference between Progressive RX lenses and Progressive Readers?
Progressive Readers: Provide continuous near vision for reading (no distance correction).
Progressive RX lenses: Correct distance, mid‑range and reading vision in a single lens.
Lens Materials & Coatings
Which high‑index lens should I choose for my prescription?
Use these guidelines based on the sphere (SPH) power:
0 to ±2.00 D → 1.50 index (standard plastic)
±2.00 to ±4.00 D → 1.56 index (slightly thinner)
±4.00 to ±6.00 D → 1.60 index
±6.00 to ±9.00 D → 1.67 index
Greater than ±9.00 D → 1.74 index
If your cylinder (astigmatism) is −2.00 or more, choose the next higher index for comfort.
What’s the difference between CR‑39, Trivex and Polycarbonate lenses?
CR‑39: Highest clarity (Abbe 58), durable and chemical‑resistant.
Trivex: Very clear (Abbe 45), lightweight and impact‑resistant.
Polycarbonate: Impact‑resistant and thinner, but slightly less clear (Abbe 32).
Choose CR‑39 for clarity, Trivex or Polycarbonate for impact resistance.
What are anti‑reflective lenses?
Anti‑reflective (AR) lenses have a coating that reduces glare from lights and screens, improving clarity and making lenses appear clearer. While many customers choose AR coatings, our stock lens options feature scratch‑resistant coatings. (AR coatings can be ordered separately with prescription lenses).
What are Photochromic or Transitions lenses?
Photochromic lenses darken outdoors in sunlight and return to clear indoors. Transitions® is a premium brand of photochromic lenses that darken quickly and maintain a more consistent color.
What’s the difference between Photochromic and Transitions?
Photochromic is the generic technology; Transitions® is a brand with proprietary technology for faster, more consistent darkening and clearing.
Do customized lenses come with scratch resistance?
Yes. All progressive lenses include scratch‑resistant and UV‑protection coatings. Single‑vision lenses can be upgraded with scratch resistance; scratch‑resistant coatings help protect your lenses and prolong their life.
Are high‑index lenses more fragile?
Higher‑index lenses are thinner and lighter but can be slightly more brittle. Adding scratch‑resistant coatings helps improve durability.
Orders & Changes
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Once submitted, orders cannot be modified or cancelled because we begin processing immediately. If your order hasn’t shipped yet, email us and we’ll try to cancel it. Otherwise, you can return the item(s) for a refund once you receive them.
Payment & Insurance
Do you accept vision insurance?
We don’t bill insurance directly. We can provide an itemised invoice you can submit to your provider for reimbursement.
Can I use HSA or FSA cards to pay for my order?
Yes. Prescription eyeglass lenses are an eligible medical expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), so you can pay with your HSA or FSA debit card at checkout.
Can customized lenses be returned or refunded?
Customized and prescription lenses are non‑refundable because they are made to order. If there is an error on our part, we will remake them at no cost.
Warranty & Damage
What if my items arrive damaged or defective?
Damaged or defective products are covered under our limited warranty. Contact us as soon as you receive your order and we’ll arrange a replacement or repair.
Miscellaneous
What is a Prop 65 warning I sometimes see at checkout?
California’s Proposition 65 requires warnings about chemicals, like nickel or BPA, that may be present in products. These warnings inform you that the product contains substances known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm.
How do I figure out what reading power (strength) I need?
A: Use our printable diopter chart to match your reading needs up to +3.25. If higher power is required, we recommend consulting your eye doctor. 
This comprehensive FAQ aims to answer all common questions about NY Fifth Avenue’s products, lenses, shipping, returns and customization options. If you have other questions, contact us at :Hello@NYFifthAvenue.com