ALDERMILLER OPTICAL

Can't find an answer? Email us at hello@aldermiller.com and we'll get back to you within one business day.

ORDERS

How do I place an order?

Browse our frame collection at aldermiller.com and select the style you love. Select your lens type, material, and any coatings, then proceed to checkout. After your order is placed and payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with a secure link to submit your prescription.

How do I change or cancel my order?

Orders can be modified or cancelled within 24 hours of placement. After that window, your lenses enter production and changes may not be possible. To request a change, email hello@aldermiller.com with your order number and the details of your request.

Do you charge sales tax on prescription eyewear?

Prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses are exempt from Washington State retail sales tax. Non-prescription sunglasses and accessories are subject to retail sales tax, which will be calculated and displayed at checkout.

Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay?

Yes. You can pay directly with your FSA or HSA card at checkout. Prescription eyeglasses and lens upgrades are eligible FSA/HSA expenses. If your FSA/HSA provider requires documentation, save your itemized receipt. We can also email you a detailed receipt upon request.

How do I submit a claim to my vision insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider. After purchase, you can submit your itemized receipt directly to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan. We are not able to bill insurance directly at this time. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your out-of-network benefits before ordering.

PRESCRIPTION & PD

How do I submit my prescription?

You submit your prescription after you place and pay for your order — not during checkout. After your payment is confirmed, you will receive an Order Confirmation email containing a secure “Submit Your Prescription” button. Click that link to open our HIPAA-compliant prescription intake form. You can upload a photo or PDF of your written prescription, or enter your prescription values manually. Check your inbox and spam folder — the email arrives within 10 minutes of your order. If you don't receive it, email hello@aldermiller.com with your order number and we'll send the link directly. Your prescription must be current (issued within the past 2 years) and signed by a licensed eye care provider.

What is a PD (pupillary distance) and how do I measure it?

Your PD is the distance in millimeters between the centers of your pupils. It is used to precisely center your lenses in your frame so your eyes look through the optical center of each lens. Your PD is often listed on your prescription. If not, your eye doctor can provide it, or you can measure it at home using our free PD measurement guide at aldermiller.com/pages/measure-pupillary-distance.

Do I need a separate PD for progressive lenses?

Yes. Progressive lenses require both a distance PD and a near PD (or a single binocular PD). If your prescription lists only one number, contact your eye doctor or email us and we can help determine the correct measurement.

What is segment height, and how do I provide mine? 

If you're ordering progressive lenses, we also need your segment height — the vertical measurement, in millimeters, that tells our lab exactly where to position the transition between your distance and near vision zones in your chosen frame. This only applies to progressive lenses; single-vision orders don't need it.

There are three ways to provide it: (1) from a recent record with a previous optometrist or optical shop, (2) a simple 5-minute at-home measurement using a frame you already own, or (3) if neither is available to you, we can provide a best-estimate using an industry-standard formula based on your chosen frame's dimensions. Full instructions for all three methods, including a diagram-based walkthrough, are in our Frame Size and Segment Height Guide.

Note: Aldermiller does not ship frames ahead of your order for local in-person measurement — your complete pair, frame and lenses together, is fabricated and shipped as one order on our standard timeline.

FRAMES & LENSES

What are Aldermiller frames made of?

Our frames are made from two premium materials: Cellulose Acetate — a plant-derived material made from synthetic wood and cotton fibers, durable, pressure- and temperature-resistant, hypoallergenic, and available in rich colors and patterns; and Stainless Steel — with soft silicone nose pads, non-corrosive, lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic, ideal for minimalist and rimless styles.

What lens materials do you offer?

We offer three lens materials to match your prescription strength and lifestyle: Polycarbonate (1.586) — impact-resistant, lightweight, and UV-protected, recommended for most prescriptions up to ±4.00 SPH; Trivex (1.530) — the lightest material we carry, with the sharpest optical clarity of our three materials (Abbe value 45), suitable for prescriptions up to approximately ±5.00; and 1.67 High-Index — the thinnest option, recommended for stronger prescriptions above ±4.00 SPH or CYL above ±2.00.

What lens treatments and coatings are available?

We offer the following treatments, which can be combined: Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating — reduces surface reflections, improves night driving clarity, and makes your eyes more visible to others; Blue-Light Filtering — filters high-energy visible (HEV) light from screens (a 2023 Cochrane review found limited evidence that blue-light filtering improves digital eye strain, so we offer it as a preference-based option rather than a proven remedy — read more in our blog); Polarized — eliminates reflected glare from water, roads, and flat surfaces, available on sunglasses lenses; Solid Tint — available in grey, brown, amber, and fashion colors in light, medium, and dark densities; Photochromic (Neochrome / GenX) — light-adaptive lenses that darken outdoors and clear indoors automatically; Anti-Fatigue — a subtle near-vision boost for adults who spend four or more hours daily on screens.

Do your lenses include UV protection?

Yes. All Aldermiller prescription lenses — polycarbonate, Trivex, and 1.67 high-index — include 100% UVA and UVB protection at no additional cost.

SUNGLASSES

What are Aldermiller sunglasses factory lenses made of?

Our sunglasses factory lenses are made from Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) — a multilayer biodegradable polymer film. TAC lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and provide excellent optical clarity with minimal distortion.

Are your sunglasses lenses polarized?

Yes. All Aldermiller sunglasses factory lenses feature polarized TAC lenses with full UV protection. Note: polarized lenses can make some LCD screens (GPS units, ATM displays, certain dashboards) harder to read at certain angles.

Can I order prescription sunglasses?

Yes. You can add your prescription to any sunglass frame during checkout. Select your lens material and tint density, and we will fabricate your prescription sunglass lenses to order.

SHIPPING

Where does Aldermiller ship?

We currently ship to all addresses within the United States. Free standard shipping is included on all orders of $150.00 or more to the 48 continental United States. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout. Additional charges apply for Alaska and Hawaii.

How long will my order take?

Most prescription eyewear orders are completed and shipped within 2–3 weeks after we receive your valid prescription and PD measurement. Orders requiring a non-standard prescription, progressive lenses, or specialty coatings may take an additional 3–5 business days.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. If you have not received tracking information within 3 weeks of your order confirmation, please contact us at hello@aldermiller.com.

RETURNS

What is your return policy?

Prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses may be returned within 30 days of the delivery date. Items must be unworn, untested, and returned in their original packaging with all original contents. Non-prescription sunglasses may be returned within 30 days under the same requirements. Clearance and final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

Are there any fees for returns?

The original shipping cost is non-refundable. A 30% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund on prescription eyewear returns (this does not apply to lab fabrication errors, which are always remade free). Once your return label is provided, items must be shipped back within 7 days.

What if my progressive lenses don't feel right because of segment height?  

This depends on how your segment height was determined. If you provided your own measurement — from a previous provider's record or your own at-home measurement — this is handled under our standard 30-day return policy above, including the 30% restocking fee. If Aldermiller's formula-based estimate was used because no measured number was available to you, we'll re-edge your lenses to an adjusted segment height once, at no charge, if you contact us within 60 days of delivery. Email hello@aldermiller.com with subject “Segment Height Adjustment” and your order number. Full details are in our Refund Policy, Section 7A.

What if my prescription is incorrect or my lenses are defective?

If you receive lenses that do not match your submitted prescription, or if there is a manufacturing defect, we will remake your lenses at no charge. Please contact us within 30 days of delivery with your order number and a description of the issue. Prescription errors caused by an inaccurate prescription submitted by the customer are not eligible for a free remake, but we will work with you to find a solution.

WARRANTY

What does the Aldermiller warranty cover?

Aldermiller frames carry a twelve-month limited warranty from the original date of purchase against manufacturing defects. The warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable. The warranty covers ONE replacement within the twelve months for verified manufacturing defects.

What is NOT covered by the warranty?

Lost or stolen frames; accidental damage, scratches, or breakage from regular wear; frame deformation caused by improper storage, heat exposure, or misuse; lens scratches (we recommend a protective case and microfiber cloth for all eyewear). To submit a warranty claim, email hello@aldermiller.com with your order number and a photo of the defect.

Still have questions? We're here to help. hello@aldermiller.com · aldermiller.com · Tacoma, WA