Angela wrote:

I went to pick out glasses and they refused to sell them to me unless I paid money to get eye exam. I have gotten my glasses there for years but now that I have to pay for exam out of my pocket I can’t afford it. So they sold me frames and my prescription. Is this legal or a new policy? My eyes are fine I just wanted a new style. Enough money for glasses but that’s it.

ANSWER

Dear Angela,

From your letter it is a little unclear to me as to what actually transpired at your visit to your optometrist. However, most prescriptions for glasses have an expiry date (usually about 2 years). If your prescription had expired, then it would be reasonable for your optometrist not to fill your old prescription. You say that your eyes are fine, and I presume you are making that judgement based on the fact that your vision is clear. However, there are many potentially serious conditions that affect the health of your eyes before any changes in vision can be detected. For instance, the pressure in your eyes could be higher than normal and place you at risk for developing glaucoma without you being aware of any visual changes. You say that you only have enough money for new glasses, and that’s it. Only you can decide what you will choose to spend your money on – looking good now or seeing well in the long run. You will probably have lots of pairs of glasses in your lifetime, but only one pair of eyes.

I hope you choose wisely.

Dr. Smit

Alicia Welch wrote:

Can my optometrist force me to wear a certain brand of contacts? I moved and went to a new optometrist. Instead of ordering my normal brand of 10 years she ordered me a new one. I had a reaction to them and was charged an exam fee for to tell me to take them out. I asked again for my normal prescription and now 3 weeks later I was called and told she ordered me another trial of a new brand. When I told her I did not want that and just wanted my normal contacts she refused and said I have to go by what she wants and will also be charged another exam fee if I have any reaction. I feel trapped. Is there any law or code that says she has to order the contacts of my choice if no problems with them have ever been reported?

ANSWER

Alicia,

Optometrists generally work with lenses that offer the greatest comfort and overall health for the eyes.  I would suggest that you speak directly to the Optometrist and share your concerns. If that is not satisfactory, I suggest that you switch Optometrists, and explain your problem.

You also have the right to complain to the Optometric Association in your province, if you are not pleased with the Optometrist’s care. You can find all of the provincial addresses in the “links” page of the CAO website  www.opto.ca. They require your complaint in writing.