Ordering glasses online might seem convenient, but when it comes to your vision, convenience isn’t always the best choice. From blurry lenses to uncomfortable frames, many people find themselves disappointed after clicking “Buy Now.”
Buying from your optometrist offers the accuracy, quality, and support that a website can’t replicate. Rather than taking a gamble with your prescription and fit, working with your optometrist helps you to find the prescription and glasses suited to your specific needs.
The Benefits of Buying Glasses From Your Optometrist
Here are some of the benefits of getting your glasses from an optometrist over online:
More Accurate Prescriptions
Optometrists have the education and expertise to help determine the prescription needed to improve your vision. While online retailers require you to input your prescription details, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect your vision. Plus, details like your pupillary distance (the space between the centres of your pupils) are important for aligning lenses properly but are often overlooked during online orders.
Pupillary distances (PD) done at your optometrist’s office are measured by an experienced optometric assistant. You can expect accuracy and a trustworthy customer service experience.
By buying from your optometrist, you’ll have greater trust that your lenses are crafted to meet your needs and will improve your overall vision clarity.
High-Quality Materials
Cheaper isn’t always better. Eyeglasses purchased online may seem like a bargain initially, but they can lack the durability and quality you’d receive from a pair picked up at your optometrist’s office.
Optometrists work with reputable brands that use trusted materials for lenses and frames. This can include higher end specialty lens coatings, such as long-lasting anti-glare, high quality scratch resistance, or increased percentage of blue light protection, which are tailored to your lifestyle. Sturdy, high-quality frames can stand the test of time, making them worth the extra penny.
For patients over 40 who need progressive lenses, we recommend obtaining them through your optometrist because:
- Professional fitting ensures accuracy – precise measurements result in properly aligned lenses and clearer vision across the entire lens surface.
- Higher-quality lenses deliver better visual performance – especially when shifting focus from distance, to intermediate, to reading zones.
- Customized design increases comfort – reducing eye strain, distortion, and adaptation time compared to generic or online options.
Custom Fit
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to glasses. Ill-fitting frames can cause discomfort, headaches, and even ineffective vision correction.
Optometrists provide a personalized fitting experience by checking that your glasses sit securely and comfortably. Whether you have a narrow bridge, high cheekbones, or asymmetrical features, a custom fit can make a big difference. In addition, your optometrist can help you pick frames that flatter your face shape and suit your lifestyle.
Ongoing Support
What happens when your glasses break or need adjustments? When buying online, you’re often left on your own without support. However, when you buy from your optometrist, you gain long-term service you can trust.
Many optometrists include complimentary adjustments, repairs, and lens cleanings with the purchase of eyewear. That ongoing relationship adds an invaluable layer of confidence, knowing that help is just a call or visit away if something goes wrong.
All-in-One Convenience
Buying glasses from your optometrist simplifies the process. From your initial eye exam through choosing the ideal lenses and frames, everything is done in one location. There’s no need to cross-check prescriptions or worry about delays from online orders.
How Long Are Eyeglass Prescriptions Valid in Canada?
Before ordering your new glasses, you’ll want to verify that your prescription is up-to-date. Typically, in Canada, a valid eyeglasses prescription lasts for one year before you should get your prescription updated. However, this can vary slightly depending on your province, age, and eye health history.
Vision can change gradually over time, especially with age or increased screen use. Blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, or difficulty focusing may signal that it’s time for updated lenses, even if your prescription hasn’t officially expired. For children, older adults, or those with eye conditions like diabetes, more frequent exams may be recommended to keep prescriptions accurate and detect early signs of change.
Prescription Glasses Are More Than Fashion
It’s easy to view glasses as a stylish accessory (and they certainly can be!), but they’re first and foremost a medical device. Crafted based on your optometrist’s prescription, lenses correct vision issues such as:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Trouble focusing on nearby objects.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing on close objects, often requiring multifocal lenses.
Your glasses are tailored to correct these issues in a way that supports daily comfort, focus, and long-term eye health. Additionally, lenses can have various coatings and features added, like blue light filters for screen use, anti-reflective treatments for glare reduction, UV protection for outdoor wear, or progressive lenses for all-day wear.
Partner With Your Brantford Optometrist for Your Vision Needs
Cutting corners when it comes to your vision is rarely worth it. Glasses purchased online may offer cheap solutions, but nothing beats the accuracy, quality materials, and personalized service that optometrists can provide.
From conducting your initial eye exam to helping you select and custom-fit the perfect pair of frames, your optometrist is there every step of the way to support your vision needs. If it’s time to update your eyewear, we’re here to help! At Brantford Eye Care, our dedicated team is ready to help you find glasses suited to your ocular needs.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
