Replacing spectacle lenses: 2026 cost, fitting, frames, eye test

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

Replacing spectacle lenses at an optician's most often costs PLN 40 for fitting one lens into the frame alone (typically PLN 35 ‑ 57, with rimless frames being the most expensive, at up to PLN 98.98). You also need to add the cost of the new lenses and, if your prescription has changed, an eye test at an optician's for around PLN 125.

Replacing only the lenses in your glasses is a good option when the frame is comfortable and in good condition, but your prescription has changed or the lenses are scratched. However, the bill consists of several items: fitting, new lenses, sometimes an eye test and a minor frame repair. We break down the costs using optical shop price lists so that you can easily compare offers.

How much does it cost to replace spectacle lenses at an optician’s?

Replacing spectacle lenses at an optician’s most often costs PLN 40 for fitting one lens into the frame, according to 3 price lists collected by indekscen.pl. The typical range is PLN 35 ‑ 57 per lens, while the cheapest optical shops charge from PLN 20. Details and quotations are available on the replacement of spectacle lenses page.

This amount covers labour alone: shaping the lens, edging it and fitting it into the frame. It does not include the cost of the new lens. Many optical shops do not list a separate fitting charge at all, as fitting is included when you buy the lenses from them. A separate charge usually applies when you bring your own lenses or order them elsewhere.

What determines the cost of fitting spectacle lenses?

The cost of fitting spectacle lenses depends primarily on the type of frame, as this determines how much work is required to fit the lens. One of the price lists we collected explicitly distinguishes between three types of frames, and fitting lenses into rimless frames costs roughly twice as much as fitting them into full-rim frames.

Type of frame	Fitting method	Price per lens
Full-rim (lens surrounded by a frame)	lens edged to fit the groove in the frame	lower end of the PLN 35 ‑ 57 range
Semi-rimless (nylor)	a groove for the nylon cord is milled into the lens	upper end of the range and above, up to around PLN 60
Rimless (lens held by screws)	holes drilled into the lens	most expensive, up to PLN 98.98

The price is also affected by where you order the service: an optical shop in a shopping centre, an independent optician or an online shop to which you send your frames. It also matters whether fitting is included in the price of the new lenses.

How much does it cost to replace both lenses in prescription glasses?

Based on the median, replacing both lenses in prescription glasses costs around PLN 80 for fitting alone, typically PLN 70 ‑ 110. You also need to add the cost of two new lenses, which depends on the prescription, refractive index (thickness), coatings and whether they are single-vision or progressive lenses.

An example bill when your prescription changes:

1. Eye test at an optician’s: usually PLN 100 ‑ 159, but often cheaper or free when you buy lenses from the same optical shop.
2. Two new lenses: the price depends on the optical shop’s offer, so ask for quotations for two or three coating options.
3. Fitting into your frame: around PLN 80, unless it is included in the price of the lenses.
4. Any frame repairs: for example, replacing a screw for around PLN 20.

If it has been a long time since your last eye test or your vision has suddenly deteriorated, it is better to start with an ophthalmologist. A private private ophthalmologist appointment usually costs PLN 290 ‑ 340. We explain the differences between an optician and an ophthalmologist in the article ophthalmologist or optician: the cost of an eye test.

Can you replace only the lenses in your glasses?

Yes, the lenses alone can be replaced in most glasses, provided that the frame is not cracked, the hinges are secure and the shape of the frame allows suitable lenses to be fitted. The optician will inspect the frame before ordering the lenses. With very old or delicate frames, some optical shops require you to sign a waiver stating that they are not responsible if the frame breaks during fitting.

Replacing only the lenses can be difficult in three situations: with frames made from unusual materials, with a major change in prescription (a thicker lens may not fit into the frame) and with highly curved sports frames, which are not compatible with every prescription lens.

How much does it cost to replace lenses in sunglasses?

Fitting replacement lenses in sunglasses costs the same as in prescription glasses, usually PLN 35 ‑ 57 per lens. The difference lies in the lenses themselves: tinted prescription, polarised or photochromic lenses cost more than standard clear lenses with the same prescription, and take longer to produce.

For designer sunglasses, it is worth asking about two things. First, whether the optical shop can obtain replacement lenses from the manufacturer or will fit lenses from another company (the logo on the lens will then be lost, but this is usually cheaper). Second, whether the frame is too highly curved, as prescription lenses in highly contoured sports frames can distort the image at the edges, and some optical shops advise against fitting them.

When should you replace the lenses, and when is cleaning enough?

Lenses are worth replacing when your prescription has changed, when scratches interfere with your vision, especially when driving at night, or when the anti-reflective coating has started to peel. A cloudy appearance is often caused by dirt in the frame groove and disappears after professional cleaning, which many optical shops provide free of charge. If your glasses were dropped and a lens fell out of the frame, refitting it and adjusting the frame is usually enough, with no need for new lenses.

How long does it take to replace spectacle lenses?

Fitting the lenses into the frame usually takes from several minutes to an hour if the lenses are available on site. The longest wait is for the new lenses: optical shops can often obtain standard single-vision lenses within a few days, while made-to-order lenses, such as progressive lenses or those with an unusual prescription, usually take one to two weeks. If you send your frames to an online shop, add the courier delivery time in both directions.

Replacement lenses or new glasses: which is better value?

Replacing only the lenses is worthwhile when the frame is good quality and comfortable, as you save the cost of a new frame and fitting usually costs only PLN 35 ‑ 57 per lens. New glasses make more sense when the frame is damaged and would be expensive to repair. Frame restoration and repainting costs around PLN 160, while soldering a metal frame costs PLN 90.

A few questions worth asking the optician before leaving your glasses with them:

• Is fitting included in the price of the lenses, or is it charged separately per lens?
• Does the optical shop provide a guarantee for lenses fitted into a frame bought from another shop?
• How much does an eye test cost when you buy lenses, as many optical shops offer a discount in this case.
• Will they also tighten and adjust the frame? This is usually done at no extra charge, but it is best to ask.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Typical price comparisons do not separate the fitting charge from the price of the lenses. We provide the median cost of fitting alone based on public price lists, the typical range and the lowest and highest prices, alongside the cost of eye tests and repairs. We explain when an eye test is free in the article free eye test: do you have to pay?.

„Standardowy montaż w salonie optycznym kosztuje średnio 20-40 zł.”

Optyk w Necie, source

„Pamiętaj tylko o tym, że w tej cenie nie została zawarta cena samej wymiany — zazwyczaj wynosi to od 30 do 50 zł za szkło.”

wokularach.pl, source

„Koszt montażu szkieł do oprawy typu: pełna (48,98zł), na żyłkę (59,98zł), patentka (98,98zł).”

Okulary w Sieci, source

You can find more prices for services related to eyesight and health in the health category.

The prices in this article come from public optical shop price lists and trade publications. Each price has a source, date and verbatim quotation on the service page.

Frequently asked questions

How much do lenses alone cost at an optician's?

Cena samych szkieł zależy od mocy, materiału i powłok, a dla progresji jest wyraźnie wyższa. Nie podajemy jej z jednej liczby: poproś optyka o wycenę szkieł osobno od montażu, który kosztuje zwykle PLN 35 ‑ 57 za szkło.

How much does it cost to replace spectacle lenses at Vision Express?

Nie mamy osobnego cennika samej wymiany szkieł w tej sieci. Duże sieci salonów zwykle wliczają montaż w cenę nowych szkieł. Jeśli montaż jest liczony osobno, rynkowa mediana to PLN 40 za szkło.

Does replacing lenses in sunglasses cost the same?

Montaż szkieł w okularach przeciwsłonecznych kosztuje podobnie jak w korekcyjnych, zwykle PLN 35 ‑ 57 za szkło. Drożej bywa przy mocno wygiętych oprawkach sportowych i markowych, gdzie nie każdy salon podejmie się montażu.

Can you replace lenses in glasses bought from another optical shop?

Tak, większość optyków wstawi nowe szkła w Twoją oprawkę, jeśli jest w dobrym stanie. Sam montaż kosztuje wtedy zwykle PLN 35 ‑ 57 za szkło, a salon może nie dawać gwarancji na oprawkę.

Can spectacle lenses be replaced online?

Tak, część sklepów internetowych przyjmuje oprawki kurierem i odsyła je z nowymi szkłami. W zebranych cennikach montaż w takim modelu kosztuje od PLN 20 do PLN 98.98 za szkło, zależnie od typu oprawki, plus wysyłka.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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