Comparing Digital Lenses: Midtown, Costco & Warby Parker

Digital lenses are available from several kinds of providers

Costco publicly lists Kirkland Signature HD digital progressive lenses and includes anti-reflective coating on prescription lenses. It also offers in-person optical service and adjustments. Costco’s optical and lens information · Optical services and included coating.

Warby Parker offers progressive lenses, including Precision Progressives with personalization using prescription, frame, and fitting measurements. Its lens guide describes included coatings and available materials; its stores offer fitting support. Warby Parker’s Precision Progressives · Lens guide.

Product ranges change. These descriptions were checked October 22, 2026. Ask each provider for the exact design and specifications on your quote.

What Midtown emphasizes

Our primary choices include Shamir Autograph Intelligence for everyday progressives, Computer and WorkSpace for near and intermediate tasks, and Autograph single vision. We frequently recommend Trivex, consider 1.67 or 1.74 for stronger prescriptions, and primarily use Glacier Expression anti-reflective coating. Our lens guide explains the products and links to the manufacturer information and clinical research.

We consider the way a frame sits, the prescription, and what you need to see at work, at home, and outdoors. Someone who spends hours between a laptop and a large monitor may benefit from an occupational pair alongside everyday glasses. A person with a high cylinder prescription may be especially sensitive to axis accuracy and stable frame alignment.

Compare these details on each quote

• Design: the exact progressive or single-vision product and the tasks it is intended to support.
• Personalization: which measurements the laboratory actually uses, including each eye’s PD, fitting height, and relevant wearing-position measurements.
• Material: the balance of thickness, weight, optical dispersion, impact resistance, and frame compatibility.
• Coating: the named product, cleaning guidance, and terms for scratches, peeling, or other defects.
• Fitting and support: adjustment at collection, help with adaptation, and the provider’s remake and warranty policies.

Why similar-looking lenses can feel different

In a randomized crossover trial, wearers preferred the customized free-form progressive pair tested and had a wider clear reading area, while standard clinical vision measurements showed no clinically important differences. The trial compared particular lens designs; it was not a Midtown-versus-retailer test. Original clinical study.

A small PD or fitting-height error can shift where you look through the lens. Its importance depends on the prescription, the direction of the error, and the design. A stable, properly adjusted frame helps preserve those measurements. Cylinder-axis alignment is another important variable, particularly as cylinder power increases. Original axis-alignment study.

Durability, adjustment, and relensing

Frame adjustability depends on construction, material, condition, and the available replacement parts. Coating longevity also depends on wear, heat exposure, and cleaning. A brand name or price alone cannot establish how an individual pair will hold up. Published product specifications and written warranty terms provide a more useful basis for comparison than assumptions about a retailer.

Midtown declines relensing all Warby Parker frames. This is our office service policy. Please contact Warby Parker for replacement-lens options in those frames. For a new pair at Midtown, our opticians help select a compatible frame and lens combination and assess the fit.

A pair for the way you live

Bring your current glasses and describe where they work well and where you struggle. We can discuss a distance pair, an occupational pair, or polarized prescription sunglasses. VSP benefits may apply to prescription sunwear according to your plan. Request an appointment.