1300 164 990
Oscar Wylee vs Vision Direct Glasses, Sunglasses and Reviews
Published on June 23, 2025
Oscar Wylee is an eyewear company founded in 2012. An Australian-owned company, Oscar Wylee’s headquarters are in Sydney. Starting as an online company, Oscar Wylee then evolved into physical stores, with its first opening in Australia in 2015. Oscar Wylee went on to open their first two stores in New Zealand in 2019, followed by their first store in Canada in 2021. Oscar Wylee now has over 130 stores across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, providing eye testing services, as well as stylish frames, to its customers.
Vision Direct is a primarily online eyewear retailer, with one physical store and showroom in Hong Kong, where they are headquartered. Vision Direct was founded in 2006 by three Australian entrepreneurs Doron Kalinko, David Menning and Tony Zhuang. Vision Direct caters to customers from around the globe, delivering to over 100 countries. Vision Direct is currently part of the SmartBuyGlasses Optical Group, one of the world’s largest designer eyewear e-retailers. Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct are both widely known eyewear companies that provide a variety of prescription and non-prescription glasses, with Vision Direct also selling contact lenses.
What are Some of the Distinctions between Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct?
Some distinctive characteristics of Oscar Wylee are their in-house made prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, and free eye tests for international students initiative. Oscar Wylee’s glasses are all designed in-house. Oscar Wylee glasses are hand-assembled, ensuring a high standard of care. This ensures Oscar Wylee’s glasses are a consistent quality with a distinct individuality from more notable brands. Oscar Wylee has physical stores in three countries, with optometrists present in each store. These optometrists provide a high level of eye care including 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.
Vision Direct’s distinctive characteristics compared to Oscar Wylee include their branded glasses, virtual try-on capabilities and the fact that they sell contact lenses. Vision Direct offers eyewear brands including SmartBuy, which is the parent company of Vision Direct, Ray-Ban, Oakley and Versace. This can be preferred by customers who desire the reputation and appeal of branded frames. Vision Direct also sell a variety of contact lens brands. Another distinctive characteristic of Vision Direct is that they have a virtual try-on application on their website, where customers can pick a frame, upload a photo of themselves or use their camera in real time, and the frame is superimposed on their face. This can be of appeal to customers so they can understand what a frame will look like on their face before purchasing online.
What Stylish Eyewear Options Does Oscar Wylee Offer?
Some stylish eyewear options from Oscar Wylee are Mumford, Jinky, Duckworth and Alya. From vintage-inspired, modern, practical and minimalist styles, there is a pair for every preference. Read more about some of the stylish eyewear options at Oscar Wylee listed below.
- Mumford: Mumford is a stylish, widely wearable Oscar Wylee frame, characterised by a square-round shape, a low-bridge nose fit and a metal and acetate frame.
- Jinky: Jinky is a widely wearable, square, Oscar Wylee frame. Jinky is unisex, lightweight and perfect for medium faces
- Duckworth: Duckworth is an Oscar Wylee aviator-shaped frame that will work for any occasion.
- Alya: Alya is an Oscar Wylee frame with a striking round shape and a TR90 build. Alya is a stylish, lightweight frame that will pair perfectly with any outfit.
Why Choose Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct for Specialised Lenses?
Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct both have specialised lenses and lens offerings for customers to add to their eyewear.
Oscar Wylee Specialised Lenses
Oscar Wylee specialised lenses and lens offerings include prescription and non-prescription lenses, multifocal lenses, as well as lens add-ons, such as blue light filter, high-index lenses and anti-glare coating. Oscar Wylee’s sunglasses range also includes lens offerings such as polarised lenses, adaptive lenses,and lenses to accommodate stronger prescriptions.
Vision Direct Specialised Lenses
Vision Direct also has a range of specialised lenses and lens offerings include prescription and non-prescription lenses, multifocal lenses, as well as lens add-ons, such as blue light filter. Vision Direct also offers contact lenses. The range of contact lenses Vision Direct offers includes daily, weekly and monthly contacts, as well as toric contact lenses, silicone contact lenses, spherical contact lenses, multifocal lenses and coloured contact lenses.
Do Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct offer Blue Light Blocking Lenses?
Both Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct both offer blue light blocking lenses. Oscar Wylee allows glasses wearers to add a blue light filter to any optical prescription up to 1.67 index, or to non-prescription glasses. The Oscar Wylee Blue Light Filter product includes a basic anti reflective coating. Vision Direct offers blue light glasses across a variety of different brands, available on their website.
Do Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct Offer Repairs, Adjustments, or Warranty Replacements for Glasses?
Yes, Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct each offer some degree of services such as repairs, adjustments, or warranty replacements for glasses. At Oscar Wylee, customers have access to lifetime cleaning and adjustment of Oscar Wylee frames. Oscar Wylee provides a 1 year warranty from the date of delivery on frames and lenses against manufacturing faults or defects. They will also repair or replace faulty or defective frames or lenses free of charge for warranty claims made within 1 year of delivery. Oscar Wylee also offers a repair or replacement for problems experienced with vision during everyday use for claims made within 30 days of delivery. At Vision Direct there is a 24-month warranty for glasses from the date of purchase, against all manufacturers’ defects on optical frames, sunglasses and prescription lenses. For contact lenses, there is a 3-month warranty covering manufacturers’ defects. Vision Direct also offers a 100-day return policy for your order.
How Long Have Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct been in Business?
Oscar Wylee has been in business since 2012, initially starting as an E-commerce store. Its first physical store opened in Chatswood Interchange in 2015. Vision Direct has been in business since 2006.
What Products and Services does Oscar Wylee Offer?
Oscar Wylee products and services include eye testing and a wide range of in-house designed glasses. The products Oscar Wylee provides are prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses, and sunglasses, as well as a range of lens add-ons. Their services include eye tests, digital retinal scans, bulk billed visual field tests and a lifetime guarantee of adjustments or professional cleaning for your Oscar Wylee glasses.
Does Oscar Wylee have In-House Eye Specialists?
Yes, Oscar Wylee has in-house eye specialists. Oscar Wylee’s in-house eye specialists are optometrists. These optometrists can conduct eye tests which include diagnosing eye problems and writing prescriptions. Oscar Wylee also has experienced retail staff that can provide customers with advice on how to pick out glasses, and help ensure glasses fit to the face.
Can you Order Prescription Glasses Online from Oscar Wylee?
Yes, you can order prescription glasses online from Oscar Wylee Australia and New Zealand. This can be done directly on the website. You can browse their collection of glasses online and pick a frame you like, with several options available for giving them your prescription. You can then provide them with your optician’s contact information, and Oscar Wylee will get in touch with them for your prescription, or you can upload a copy of your prescription at the checkout, or click "send later" and send Oscar Wylee a copy via email.
How to Book an Eye Test with Oscar Wylee in Australia?
To book an eye test with Oscar Wylee in Australia, customers can book online, call your local store, or walk in and make an appointment. To book an eye test with Oscar Wylee in Australia, customers can visit their website and click book an eye test at the top right corner. This will take customers to their booking page. On this page, you can click the location closest, pick a date and time, and confirm the booking. Customers can also call Oscar Wylee and make an appointment by using the number 1300 164 990. Customers can also navigate to Oscar Wylee’s location page, and find your local store’s direct phone number. On this page, customers can also find your local store's address and visit them in-store to book an appointment.
What Products and Services does Vision Direct Offer?
According to the Vision Direct AU website, as of June 2025, Vision Direct offer a range of products including prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, and reglazing services. Vision Direct’s product offering is large, and includes a variety of designer glasses, as well as a variety of contact lenses. Vision Direct also provides a reglazing service in which customers can purchase new prescription lenses which can be fitted to their current frames. This is a good service for customers who have broken their lenses, or need a new prescription but want to keep their current frames. Vision Direct also offers a virtual try-on service in which customers can virtually try on frames before purchasing. Vision Direct also have opticians available to assist customers through a phone call or video consultation who are able to answer eye health queries.
What Brands does Vision Direct Carry?
Vision Direct carries a range of eyewear brands, including SmartBuy, which is the parent company of Vision Direct, as well as Oakley and Nike. Other brands Vision Direct carry include Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban and Tom Ford.
Does Vision Direct Offer Access to Optometrists?
Vision Direct does not offer direct access to an optometrist, but they do have trained opticians available to help answer customer enquiries. Vision Direct has several options for how to get a customer’s prescription added to their glasses. Prescriptions can be entered manually or chosen from the customer’s prescription details from their account. Prescriptions can also be uploaded as an image or emailed to Vision Direct after the order is complete. If a customer does not know their prescription, they may also be able to use Vision Direct’s Lens Scanner App, which allows customers to scan their current prescription lenses, for an estimate of what the current prescription is. This is not a substitute for an eye test.
How do the Product Ranges and Services of Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct Differ?
The product ranges and service differences between Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct include designed vs branded frames, eye testing and optometry services and contact lenses. The product range differences of both companies are listed in more detail below.
| Category | Oscar Wylee | Vision Direct |
| In-house Designed or Branded Frames | Oscar Wylee’s glasses are designed in-house, carrying no other brands. | Vision Direct carries a range of glasses brands, including SmartBuy, the parent company of Vision Direct, and other brands like Oakley. |
| Contact Lenses | Oscar Wylee does not offer contact lenses. | Vision Direct offers a range of contact lenses brands. |
| Eye Testing and Optometry Services | Oscar Wylee offers comprehensive eye tests and optometry services. | Vision Direct does not conduct eye testing, but does have opticians available to assist customers through a phone call or video consultation. |
| Virtual Try Ons | Oscar Wylee does not have virtual try ons. | Vision Direct has a virtual try on tool, allowing customers to try on frames virtually before buying. |
Where Can You Visit Oscar Wylee’s Physical Stores?
You can visit Oscar Wylee’s physical stores in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. There are currently more than 130 Oscar Wylee stores.
Can Oscar Wylee Ship Their Products Globally?
Oscar Wylee does not ship its products globally. Customers are eligible for domestic shipping if they live in Australia, New Zealand and Canada with all domestic shipping in Australia free.
Can Vision Direct Ship Its Products Globally
Yes, Vision Direct can ship its products to many places across the globe. Currently, Vision Direct ships to over 100 countries. Vision Direct ships to and from a variety of locations including Hong Kong, Italy, Australia, and the US.
Which Brand offers a Wider Selection of Glasses, Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct?
The brand that offers the widest selection of glasses is generally Vision Direct, as they carry over 200 brands, in different styles, colours and shapes. However, Oscar Wylee also carries many frames in various styles, shapes and colours, of their own brand.
Which Brand Offers Better Value For Money, Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct?
Both Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct offer good value for money through their quality products and services. Oscar Wylee not only provides bulk billed eye tests but also a diverse range of eyewear, allowing customers to get on-hand eye care services as well as an in-store experience. Vision Direct offers good value for money with their wide range of eyewear and designer-branded eyewear. However, Vision Direct does not currently have any physical stores in Australia and therefore, does not provide eye test services.
What are the Return and Exchange Policies of Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct?
The return and exchange policies of Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct both include an aspect of returning your prescription glasses after a specified period based on certain criteria. Oscar Wylee’s return and exchange policy includes an option to return your frames or lenses if you find any possible production faults within 12 months of delivery or purchase. Oscar Wylee also offers repairs or replacement for problems experienced with vision during everyday use for claims made within 30 days of delivery or receipt of purchase. Vision Direct’s return and exchange policy includes returns for all designer eyewear, prescription glasses and contact lenses within 100 days of receipt of shipment. Customers can choose whether they prefer to receive a refund or an exchange for an alternative item.
Do Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct Offer Virtual Try-on Tools
Oscar Wylee does not offer virtual try-on tools, but Vision Direct does. With Vision Direct’s virtual try-on tool, customers can upload a photo of themselves, or take a live photo, and the frame of their choice will be superimposed on their face. This allows customers to virtually try on the frames, and see how they would look, before buying them online.
Are Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct Better for Prescription Sunglasses?
Whether Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct are better for prescription sunglasses, depends on personal style and brand preference. Both Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct offer prescription sunglasses of many shapes, colours and sizes. If a customer prefers a brand, they may shop prescription sunglasses at Vision Direct, as the retailer carries brands such as Oakely and Nike sunglasses, which can come with prescription lenses. At Oscar Wylee, all glasses, including prescription sunglasses, are designed in-house, meaning customers can purchase a unique prescription sunglasses frame in a variety of styles, shapes and colours.
Which Brand has Better Customer Reviews and Satisfaction, Oscar Wylee or Vision Direct?
Both Oscar Wylee and Vision Direct have mixed customer reviews and satisfaction. Oscar Wylee customer reviews often highlight the positive eye test services and general care often experienced in-store. Many other reviews mention the wide variety of frame style options that are available for different face shapes and personal preferences. Vision Direct’s customer reviews include their notable online customer service as well as the availability of stylish frames.
What are the Main Alternatives to Vision Direct?
The main alternatives to Vision Direct include Oscar Wylee, EyeBuyDirect and OPSM. These are the main alternatives to Vision Direct, and their distinguishing characteristics 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.
- Bailey Nelson: Bailey Nelson’s glasses range are developed in Australia. They have a variety of their own branded glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses on offer.
- OPSM: OPSM is an Australian eyewear company with a range of glasses, lenses and optical technology. OPSM also has a global eyecare charity, OneSight.
- Specsavers: Specsavers is an English eyewear retailer selling notable designer brands, with popular glasses collaborations alongside optometry and audiology services.
- Warby Parker: Warby Parker is an American eyewear brand selling a variety of stylish frames with helpful features such as a Style Quiz.
- Quay: Quay is an Australian eyewear brand selling festival inspired sunglasses.
- 1001 Optometry: 1001 Optometry offers many notable brands of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.