How do I avoid annoying reflections on my eyeglasses?
Anti-reflective coating, also known as AR coating improves the clarity of your vision, lets others see your eyes better, and eliminates the annoying white glare spots in photos taken with flash. For more information on anti-glare and other coatings to improve your lenses, see our coatings page.
How often should I get a new pair of glasses?
You should get a new pair of glasses anytime your prescription changes. In order to keep a current and updated prescription, you should have your eyes examined yearly, or as often as advised by your eye care professional.
In order to maintain the clarity and integrity of your lenses at their optimum performance, your glasses should be updated at least every two years (regardless of if your prescription has changed or not).
Can I order contacts and glasses online?
Dispensing contact lenses and glasses is regulated under the Healthcare Act, therefore, your prescription must be filled by a licensed practitioner (Optician or Optometrist). Failure to do so will be putting your ocular health at risk.
A legal decision in regards to this topic was set forth in January 2018. The following is a letter from the College of Opticians of Ontario:
Dear Members,
I am pleased to update you that the application to seek an injunction preventing Essilor/Clearly from unlawfully dispensing prescription eyewear over the internet was successful. The College of Opticians and the College of Optometrists jointly filed the application in December of 2016 and the matter was heard October 11, 2017. Justice Lederer delivered his decision January 11, 2018 in favor of the two regulatory colleges.
Although we are still reviewing the decision in detail, we are pleased that the court has agreed with the position of the Colleges on the questions we brought forward. The two Colleges are motivated by, and required by legislation to maintain, patient safety and to act in the public interest. It is possible that the company may appeal the decision, that is their option. If the company does appeal, the Colleges will continue to defend the public interest in court.
The Colleges believe that the internet can be an effective tool for the provision of vision care, however, the dispensing of corrective lenses is a controlled act, subject to Ontario legislation, that definitively requires a regulated health professional's involvement. Mail order over the internet without the involvement of an optometrist or optician is inconsistent with legislation.
The role of the Colleges is to regulate the practice of optometry and opticianry in order to maintain and enhance public safety. The Colleges do not have any bias in the dispensing of corrective lenses or where those lenses are dispensed, as long as legislation and regulations are respected, and standards are met.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Best,
Fazal Khan, RO
Registrar, CEO
David Milne
President
What is my PD?
Pupil distance (often referred to as PD) is the distance between two eyes. In order to receive an accurate eyewear, you must be measured by a licensed practitioner. Your PD is just one of many measurements that an eye care professional needs to manufacture your eyewear to the specifications required for your individual visual needs.
You will also need to be measured for OC (Optical centre), VD (vertical distance), Pantoscopic and retroscopic tilts, ED, A, B, DBL are also some of the measurements that would be calculated when dispensing prescription eyewear.
These measurements must be taken by the practitioner who will be dispensing your eyewear.
How often should my glasses be re-adjusted?
You should visit your eye care professional as soon as you notice that your eyewear is not fitting or feeling as good as day one, or every 6 months. We provide these services throughout the life of our patients' eyewear at no charge!
Does OHIP pay for my eye exam?
OHIP will cover one eye examination per year for those aged 19 and under or 65 and over with a valid Ontario health card. Routine eye examinations provided by an Optometrist, for patients aged 20-64 are not covered by OHIP. These individuals are responsible for paying for their eye examinations (whether out of pocket or covered by their own private insurance, see our services page for insurance companies we can bill directly!)
However, under the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), persons receiving assistance through the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, or the Family Benefits Program will receive coverage for routine eye examinations once every two years. If you have any questions about the coverage provided under these programs, please call Client Services for MCSS at 1-888-789-4199 (toll-free) or 1-416-325-5666 (Toronto) or 1-800-387-5559 (TTY).
How long does it take to make my glasses?
In urgent cases, single vision lenses can be made in an hour! However, if you require multi-focal or other speciality lenses, it may take a few days.
Is my eyewear covered under a warranty?
Most manufacturers provide a one-year manufacturer warranty on their products, however, some of our lenses and frames have two-year manufacturer warranties.
How early should I have my children’s eyes examined?
General health is examined by your family physician on a regular basis. If there are visible concerns on your child’s visual acuity, you must consult with your family physician or optometrist as soon as possible. If there are no visible concerns, children should be examined as early as 4 years old.
If you have a question which isn't listed here, please feel free to contact us!
