When it’s time for a new pair of glasses, deciding where to buy them can feel overwhelming. With countless online retailers promising low prices and quick delivery, it might seem like an obvious choice.
But another option is often overlooked—buying your glasses directly from your eye doctor. Just a few of the reasons to buy your glasses from your optometrist include:
- Accurate prescriptions
- Quality materials
- Custom fit and personalized care
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Convenient and simple
Plus, your prescription is only valid for a limited time in Canada. You’ll eventually need an updated prescription by getting an eye exam, another area where your eye doctor can provide personalized care that makes you feel valued.
How Long Are Glasses Prescriptions Good For?
Before you get new glasses, it’s important to know how long your prescription is valid. Typically, glasses prescriptions in Canada are valid for a maximum of 2 years, though this can vary based on the provincial guidelines and your eye health.
Regular eye exams are critical because vision can change gradually over time. If you notice symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your optometrist—even if your prescription hasn’t yet expired.
Keeping your prescription up-to-date ensures you wear the correct lenses to support your vision and overall eye health.
What Are Prescription Glasses?
Prescription glasses are more than just fashion accessories—they’re a medical device that corrects your vision based on a prescription provided by your optometrist. Prescription glasses can address a variety of vision issues, including:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Struggling to focus on nearby objects
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty seeing close objects, typically requiring reading glasses or multifocals
The lenses are custom-made based on your prescription, and they can include special coatings like anti-glare or blue light filters to suit your lifestyle.
How to Get Prescription Glasses
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for getting prescription glasses:
- Eye exam: Book an appointment with your optometrist to assess your vision and overall eye health
- Receive your prescription: Once your optometrist identifies your vision needs, they can write a prescription
- Choose your frames: You can browse various frame styles and sizes at your eye doctor’s office with expert guidance to find the perfect fit
- Lens selection: Your optometrist can help you decide on lens options, including thickness, coatings, and any specialized features you might need
- Personalized fitting: After your glasses are ready, your optometrist will ensure they fit comfortably and align with your vision needs
Getting Glasses From Your Optometrist vs. Online
When it comes to something as personal and essential as your vision, there’s no substitute for the expertise and care of your eye doctor. While online shopping can seem convenient, getting your glasses directly from your optometrist provides precision, customization, and professional guidance that simply can’t be matched.
Accurate Prescriptions
Your optometrist ensures your lenses are created precisely to match your prescription. Online retailers require you to input your prescription details yourself, which can lead to errors that compromise your vision.
Additionally, your optometrist considers your pupillary distance (PD), which is essential for aligning lenses to your eyes. This level of accuracy is difficult to achieve when ordering online.
Quality Materials
The materials used in prescription lenses and frames vary greatly. Optometrist offices often provide premium lenses with advanced coatings that resist scratches, glare, and smudges. Frames may also be more durable, ensuring they withstand daily wear and tear.
While online glasses may seem cheaper upfront, they often lack the durability and optical precision of those offered by your optometrist.
Custom Fit & Personalized Care
One of the most significant advantages of buying glasses from your optometrist is the personalized fitting process. Every face shape is different, and poorly fitted glasses can cause discomfort, sliding frames, or even headaches. Your optometrist ensures your frames fit securely and the lenses align perfectly with your eyes for optimal comfort and vision.
They’re also there to provide style guidance and help you choose frames that flatter your face, suit your lifestyle, and align with your budget.
Ongoing Support & Maintenance
When you buy glasses online, you’re often on your own if something goes wrong. But purchasing through your optometrist comes with long-term support. If your frames need adjusting, screws come loose, or if your lenses need cleaning, your optometrist can help—often at no extra cost.
That ongoing relationship means peace of mind, knowing your eye care needs are in trusted hands.
Convenient & Simple
Buying glasses through your optometrist simplifies the entire process. Everything is under one roof, from your eye exam to selecting frames and lenses. You also won’t need to worry about shipping delays or incorrect prescriptions.
This one-stop-shop approach saves time and ensures a seamless experience, which is especially important when dealing with something as crucial as your vision.
Get Your New Eyeglasses Today
Cutting corners isn’t worth it when it comes to something as important as your vision. While online retailers may offer appealing prices, they can fall short in quality, accuracy, and personalized care. Your optometrist offers more than just glasses—they provide peace of mind, ensuring you receive the care and products for your unique needs. Whether it’s your first pair of prescription glasses or you’re due for a replacement, we’re ready to guide you through the process at Rutland Optometry. Contact us and book an appointment today.
