FAQ

An optician is a trained professional who specializes in helping individuals find the right glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. They are experts in lens technology, eyewear fashion, and the fitting and adjustment of glasses and contact lenses. There are various types of optician: dispensing optician, contact lens optician and ophthalmic optician (also known as an optometrist).

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need glasses: blurry vision, difficulty reading or seeing objects up close, headaches or eye strain, double vision, or difficulty seeing at night. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye test with an ophthalmic optician/optometrist.

It’s recommended that you get your eyes checked every one to two years if you’re under 40 years old and have no underlying eye conditions. If you’re over 40 or have a family history of eye disease, you may need to get your eyes checked more frequently.

No, dispensing opticians are not qualified to perform eye tests. You’ll need to see an ophthalmic optician/optometrist to have your eyes checked.

An ophthalmic optician/optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in examining eyes and diagnosing and treating vision problems. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and can diagnose and treat some eye conditions. A dispensing optician fits and sells glasses and contact lenses to fulfill the prescription set out by the ophthalmic optician/optometrist. A dispensing optician can take further courses to qualify as a contact lens optician and would then be able to prescribe contact lenses.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who cares for patients with eye conditions.  You will be referred to an ophthalmologist if you develop sight problems that cannot be corrected by glasses or lenses.  The ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat eye conditions, medically or surgically. Some ophthalmologists test eyes for spectacles and contact lenses.

Yes, contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses. However, you’ll need to have a contact lens fitting to ensure that the lenses fit properly and don’t cause any discomfort or irritation.

It can take several days to several weeks to get used to wearing contact lenses. During this time, you may experience some discomfort or irritation, but this should improve as your eyes adjust to the lenses.

Single-vision lenses are designed to correct one type of vision problem, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions in one lens, allowing you to see clearly at both near and far distances. Degressive lenses are lenses which transition smoothly from intermediate (computer/music distance) to close reading at the bottom. Progressive lenses have multiple prescriptions in one lens and provide a smooth transition between different distances, allowing you to see clearly at all distances.

The best way to choose frames that flatter your face is to try on a variety of styles and shapes. Look for frames that balance your features and complement your personal style. Your optician can also provide guidance on frame selection based on your face shape and features.

You can clean your glasses with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild soap or lens cleaner. Avoid using abrasive materials, such as paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch your lenses.

It’s not recommended to adjust your own glasses, as you can accidentally damage them or make them fit incorrectly. Instead, take your eyeglasses to an optician for proper adjustment.