As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m at that age where I need to schedule a yearly eye exam. I’ve worn glasses since my junior year of high school and contacts since my first year of college.

Even though that’s almost half my life, I still get major anxiety when I go to the eye doctor. I don’t know what it is, but I think it’s a control thing. Unlike my dental hygiene, for example, I can’t control my worsening vision—that’s mostly due to genetics.

Nevertheless, after skipping my exam for over 2 years, I decided last month it was time to schedule an appointment (I was on my last pair of contacts!). Somehow, by the grace of the optical gods, my vision was the exact same as last time! Hooray!

In a moment of serendipity, I was contacted a couple weeks later by a representative at Firmoo to see if I’d be interested in trying out a pair of their glasses.

Of course I said yes.

Firmoo is a web-based optical shop that offers a variety of fashionable, affordable glasses—much less expensive than the specs I’ve purchased from my local eyeglass shop.

I’ve ordered from a similar website before (in fact, the glasses I’ve been regularly wearing for the past 2+ years were ordered online), so I knew what to expect.

First, you browse the options available. If you’re unsure of a style or size, you can upload a photograph and virtually “try on” the styles you like.

Since I’m still satisfied with my “regular” glasses, I opted to try something a bit edgier. While I love the bigger, “hipster” glasses, I just don’t think they work for my small frame and face.

After wavering between a few tortoise shell frames and some colorful ones, I ultimately chose these purple ones (which, unfortunately, are being phased out).

Placing my order could not have been easier. I chose my frames, entered my prescription (provided by my eye doctor) and pupilary distance, selected the type of lenses and any other features, and added my address and shipping preference. Easy as pie!

I received my order confirmation immediately. UPS processed my order 2 days later, and it arrived at my doorstep—from China—8 days after I placed my order.

So—how were the glasses? 

I honestly love them. They’re light-weight and extremely comfortable. Even though I didn’t try them on virtually, I think they’re incredibly flattering (even if this pajama selfie is not!).

I’ve worn them to work a few times and haven’t gotten that pain above my ear I usually get from my other frames. They also stay up on my nose quite well.

As for the quality, they do seem a bit more fragile than your expensive designer frames. But for less than $50, I think they’re worth the price (they also come with a nice travel case, cloth pouch, cleaning cloth, and screwdriver).

I’m not certain how the frames would stand up to daily wear—especially if you’re rough on your frames—but I think they’ll be perfect for wearing a few times a week and in the evenings as I normally do.

Interested in your own pair of glasses? Click here to save 50% on your first order.

**I received a pair of Firmoo eyeglasses free of charge in exchange for a review. I was not compensated for this blog post, and all opinions are my own.**