Ask the Optician
Eyes, Exams & Prescriptions
Your optical questions answered by Joel C. Wolf , Licensed Optician and Owner of Village Opticians
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How often do I need to have my eyes examined?
By having your eyes examined every year, you'll take responsibility for maintaining your best vision possible. Annual eye exams by a doctor can detect several eye diseases. Eye exams are essential for better vision and improved overall health. People with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic or severe medical conditions require more frequent exams.
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Do I need to have an optical exam to buy new glasses or replace my prescription lenses?
No. An optical prescription is not needed to purchase replacement eyeglasses, lenses or contacts. Simply bring in your existing glasses, current prescription or the name of your doctor (so we can call and get your Rx) and we can make you up new glasses with your existing prescription.
Can I use my eyeglass prescription to buy contact lenses?
No, because your eyeglass prescription does not provide the specifications for lens diameter, thickness and base curve.
Why have I gradually found it harder to read without glasses?
The ability to focus on near objects decreases steadily with age. This condition is referred to as Presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural aging of the lens. Somewhere around the age of 40 glasses or bifocals are usually prescribed to correct this condition.
How do I get a copy of my prescription to bring to the Optician of my choice?
You are legally entitled to a paper copy of your prescription at any time. You can call the examining Doctor's office to obtain a copy of or your prescription or your Optician can call to get your prescription in order to make your new glasses. In the case of your regular eye exam, you shouldn't have to ask for your prescription or wait inside a doctor's in-office optical dispensary while it is "being generated". You should have your new prescription in your possession immediately following your eye exam. Your eye doctor should "automatically" provide you with your prescription recorded on his/her prescription pad. You have the right to bring your new prescription to any Optician you choose and are in no way obligated to have your glasses made by anyone other than the Optician of your choosing.
As always I hope I have enlightened a few of you and addressed some interesting topics.
Please email all your optical questions to Joel at VillageOpticians@hotmail.com .
