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Oscar Wylee vs The Optical Co Glasses and Eyewear
Published on August 1st, 2025
Oscar Wylee is an Australian founded eyewear company that first launched online in 2012 as an e-commerce store. Oscar Wylee then branched into physical stores, with its first store opening in 2015 in Sydney, Australia. Oscar Wylee eventually expanded to New Zealand in 2019 and Canada in 2021, becoming known for a wide variety of solely in-house designed eyewear. The Optical Co is an Australian eyewear and eyecare company founded in 2006 initially established by registered optometrist Colin Kangisser. In 2020 The Optical Company joined Healthia Limited, an Australian leading allied Health Care Group. Read on for a comparison of the similarities, differences and defining characteristics of both notable Australian eyewear companies.
What Are The Distinctions Between Oscar Wylee and The Optical Co?
Some distinctive characteristics of Oscar Wylee compared to The Optical Co are their solely in-house designed eyewear, international market and international students eye test initiative. Oscar Wylee sells glasses that are solely designed in-house and are hand-checked, ensuring a high standard of care is given to each frame. This provides Oscar Wylee with a distinct individuality in their glasses range with eyewear that covers a variety of stylistic preferences. Oscar Wylee has stores in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. This allows for Oscar Wylee to have a more international presence compared to The Optical Co which is solely based in Australia. Both The Optical Co and Oscar Wylee accept bulk billing from Medicare and private health insurance for eye tests. Oscar Wylee extends extra assistance to international students in Australia and New Zealand. If students buy a pair of Oscar Wylee glasses, then they can receive a free eye test on the same day.
Some distinctive characteristics of The Optical Co compared to Oscar Wylee are their range of branded eyewear, eyewear selection for the workforce and its affiliated network partners. The Optical Co has a range of branded eyewear in its glasses and sunglasses selection. Ray-Bans, Kate Spade, Tiffany and Co, Prada and Oroton are examples of the brands that are offered at The Optical co The Optical co has a separate web page dedicated to workplace safety glasses. The Optical Co Eye Safety collection has Prescription Safety Glasses and Non-Prescription Safety Glasses for occupations such as carpenters, laboratory workers, and electricians. The Optical Co is a part of an affiliated network of partner optical retail brands across Australia. These brands include The Eye Place, Kevin Paisley Optometrists, Optical Warehouse and Vision Eye Health, among others.
What Eyewear Styles Does Oscar Wylee Offer Compared to The Optical Co?
Some eyewear styles Oscar Wylee offers include Micah, Serge, Jorja and Thomas. Oscar Wylee offers a variety of glasses in different shapes and materials. Read more about some of the eyewear options at Oscar Wylee listed below.
- Micah: The Oscar Wylee Micah glasses are a stainless steel, round frame for a charming, intriguing look.
- Serge: The Oscar Wylee Serge frame is an iconic thick acetate frame in a variety of colourways perfect for making a statement.
- Jorja: The Oscar Wylee Jorja frame is a feminine frame made from bio-acetate, a bio-plastic made mainly from plant matter for a more eco-conscious accessory.
- Thomas: The Oscar Wylee Thomas frame is an acetate frame with a pronounced metal bridge and multiple fun colourways for a playful aesthetic.
Why Choose Oscar Wylee or The Optical Co for Specialised Lenses?
Oscar Wylee and The Optical Co both have specialised lens options to customise their glasses so customers can purchase eyewear that accommodates their everyday needs.
Oscar Wylee Specialised Lenses
Oscar Wylee provides both prescription and non-prescription lenses. Oscar Wylee specialised lenses include extra thin, super thin and ultimate thin lens options alongside their standard lens to accommodate stronger prescriptions. These Oscar Wylee thin lenses come with a complimentary Basic Anti-Reflective coating. Oscar Wylee has a range of sunglasses for UV protection. Oscar Wylee also has a Premium Anti-Reflective Lens Coating add-on that is also anti-static, scratch, and smudge resistant, while the BLULite Filter reduces potentially harmful blue light from digital screens. Oscar Wylee also has Transitions® GEN S™ lenses available in store that automatically darken in the sun and return to clear indoors.
The Optical Co Specialised Lenses
The Optical co does prescription and non-prescription frames. The Optical Co offers Slim & Light lenses that accommodate strong prescriptions alongside their standard lenses. They have Occupational Work Lenses for close desk work to reduce eye strain, Safety Lenses for occupations that require better eye protection, and Blue Comfort to help block or filter blue light from digital screens. The Optical Co has a Crystal Clear coating which reduces the glare from your lenses, and a Crystal Clear Plus coating which does this, and offers optimal vision in all lighting and weather conditions. The Optical Co does polarised lenses for sunglasses, which block some of the light as it passes through the lenses for easier outdoor vision, and light adaptive lenses which transition from clear to dark based on exposure to UV light.
Why Choose Oscar Wylee or The Optical Co For Blue Light Blocking Lenses?
Both Oscar Wylee and The Optical co offer blue light-blocking lenses for customers to add to their glasses. Oscar Wylee provides blue light protection glasses. Customers simply have to add a blue light filter to any optical prescription up to a 1.67 index, or non-prescription glasses. Oscar Wylee’s BLULite Filter product also includes a basic anti-reflective coating. The Optical co has blue light lenses called Blue Comfort, which helps filter blue light. This coating can be added to your desired glasses in-store.
Do Oscar Wylee or The Optical Co Provide Repairs, Adjustments, or Warranty Services?
Yes, Oscar Wylee offers repairs, adjustments or warranty adjustments for glasses. Oscar Wylee customers can head into the store and be assisted by a retail member to repair their glasses. Oscar Wylee has a warranty period of 12 months. If there are production faults, such as material issues, defective frames or damage from the product's manufacturing, Oscar Wylee offers replacement or repair of your purchase, completely free of charge. However, this excludes damage caused by misuse or accidental breakage.
Yes, The Optical Co offers repairs, adjustments or warranty adjustments for glasses. If your Optical Co eyewear breaks due to a product defect within 12 months of your purchase, it will be replaced or repaired for free. The Optical Co provides a lifetime of free cleaning and adjustment for purchased glasses. The Optical Co products fall under the guarantees outlined under Australian Consumer Law.
How Long Have Oscar Wylee and The Optical Co Been in Business?
Oscar Wylee has been in business since 2012, beginning as an E-commerce store. Oscar Wylee's first physical store opened in Chatswood Interchange in Sydney, Australia, in 2015. The Optical Co was founded in 2006 by Colin Kangisser and joined Healthia Limited, an Australian leading allied Health Care Group in 2020.
What Products and Services Does Oscar Wylee Offer?
Oscar Wylee provides prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses, and sunglasses. The services at Oscar Wylee include bulk billed eye tests and a lifetime guarantee of adjustments or professional cleaning for Oscar Wylee glasses.
Does Oscar Wylee Have In-House Optometrists or Eye Specialists?
No, Oscar Wylee does not have in-house eye care specialists such as ophthalmologists. However, Oscar Wylee does have optometrists who conduct extensive eye tests, diagnose eye problems and write prescriptions. These Oscar Wylee optometrists can refer you to an ophthalmologist for more serious eye issues. Oscar Wylee also has retail staff at their stores that provide stylistic assistance and advice to customers so they can pick out fashionable glasses that complement their face.
Can You Order Prescription Glasses Online From Oscar Wylee?
Yes, you can order prescription glasses online from Oscar Wylee in Australia, New Zealand and Canada This can be done directly on the Oscar Wylee website during checkout. You can provide them with your optometrist's contact information, and Oscar Wylee will get in touch with them, or you can upload a prescription copy, or click "send later" and send Oscar Wylee a copy via email. These can be delivered to your doorstep or collected in-store.
How to Book An Eye Test With Oscar Wylee In Australia?
To find an Oscar Wylee Optometrist in Australia is simple. On the website, click the ‘Book an Eye Test’ button, select a store, select a date and time and provide your contact details. Read more on these steps on how to book an eye test with Oscar Wylee in Australia below.
- Click the ‘Book An Eye Test’ Button: Click the ‘Book An Eye Test’ button on the Oscar Wylee website. This can be found at the top right of the website or at the footer under the heading 'Eye Test.'
- Select a Store: Select an Oscar Wylee store that is most convenient for you. To make this easier, enter your postcode in the search bar to find the nearest Oscar Wylee optometrist to your home or desired location.
- Select a Date and Time: Select the date and time you would like your eye test to be.
- Provide Your Contact Details: Provide your contact details so the store can contact you closer to the appointment.
What Products and Services does The Optical Co Offer?
The products The Optical Co offer include prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses, workplace protective eyewear and contact lenses. The services offered at The Optical Co include eye tests, initial lens consultation, diabetic eye tests and glaucoma tests, as well asa lifetime guarantee of free eyewear cleaning and adjustments.
Which Eyewear Brands Are Available at The Optical Co?
The eyewear brands that are available at The Optical Co include Calvin Klein, Ray Ban, Versace, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co and Lacoste, among others.
Does The Optical Co Offer Optometrist Access or Prescription Validation?
Yes, The Optical Co offers optometrist access and prescription validation through their eye tests, where customers can get their vision assessed by optometrists who can write prescriptions.
How Do The Product Ranges of Oscar Wylee And The Optical Co Differ?
The product ranges of Oscar Wylee and The Optical Co differ through their brands offered and availability of workplace eyewear. The product range differences between Oscar Wylee and The Optical Co are listed below.
| Category | Oscar Wylee | The Optical Co |
|---|---|---|
| Brands Offered | Oscar Wylee solely offers in-house designed eyewear. | The Optical Co offers branded eyewear such as Burberry, Prada and Versace. |
| Availability of Workplace Eyewear | Oscar Wylee does not have specific eyewear for workplace safety. | The Optical Co offers prescription and non-prescription glasses for workplace safety, needed for occupations such as woodworkers. |
Where Can You Find Oscar Wylee Physical Stores?
Oscar Wylee retail stores can be found in Australia, New Zealand and Canada in multiple states and provinces.
Does Oscar Wylee Offer International Shipping?
No, Oscar Wylee does not offer international shipping. However, Oscar Wylee customers are eligible for domestic shipping if they live in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In Australia, all Oscar Wylee domestic shipping orders are free.
Where Does The Optical Co Ship From And To?
The Optical Co ships from and to consumers within Australia exclusively.
Does The Optical Co Ship Glasses Internationally?
No, The Optical Co does not ship glasses internationally.
What are The Main Alternatives to The Optical Co?
The main alternatives to The Optical Co include Oscar Wylee, EyeBuyDirect, OPSM, 1001 Optometry, Bailey Nelson, Specsavers, Vision Direct, Quay, Le Specs, Laubman and Pank, George and Matilda and Dresden Vision. The main alternatives to The Optical Co are listed below.
- Oscar Wylee: Oscar Wylee creates solely in-house glasses for distinguished eyewear that are stylish, affordable, and suited to every demographic. Oscar Wylee also offers a free eye test for international students when they purchase any pair of glasses on the same day.
- EyeBuyDirect: EyeBuyDirect is a budget-friendly eyewear brand that is solely based online, with home try-on options for many frame styles.
- OPSM: OPSM is an Australian eyewear company with a range of glasses, lenses and optical technology. OPSM also has a global eyecare charity, OneSight.
- 1001 Optometry: 1001 Optometry offers many brands of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Some of their notable branded glasses include Prada and Gucci.
- Bailey Nelson: Bailey Nelson’s wide glasses range are designed in Australia. They also have accessories such as clip-on’s which are polarised lenses that can be attached to the front of prescription glasses using a simple clip mechanism.
- Specsavers: Specsavers is an English eyewear retailer selling notable designer brands and popular glasses collaborations alongside optometry and audiology services.
- Vision Direct: Vision Direct is an Australian eyewear company focused on affordable and accessible glasses.
- Quay: Quay is an Australian sunglasses brand that is known for trendy sunglasses often worn at live music events and festivals.
- Le Specs: Le Specs has a wide range of sunglasses, all from their own brand for trendy accessories perfect for a sunny day.
- EyeQ: EyeQ is an Australian optometrist brand selling glasses, notable for their knowledgeable optometrist team and eyecare services.
- Laubman and Pank: Laubman and Pank is an Australian-founded eyewear company selling in-house designed glasses.
- George and Matilda: George and Matilda is an Australian eyewear brand providing glasses, eye health and audiology services.
- Dresden Vision: Dresden Vision sells solely in-house made glasses, originating in Australia.