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

I have a daughter working in a small centre that supplies glasses based on a prescription. Do you have to be a licensed Optometrist to sell glasses? She assists people to pick out frames and measure some basic parameters prior to sale of the glasses. So the big question is – can anyone sell frames and what is the scope of practice for an assistant and a professional.

Best regards, William

ANSWER:

Hello William, A vision correction prescription is given to you by your optometrist. Once you have the prescription, you can purchase your frames at your optometrist; however not all optometrists provide dispensing services. In this way, you can also take your prescription to an Optician’s outlet to fill your prescription. Here are some definitions that may be of assistance:

Optometrists: examine, diagnose and manage eye diseases and disorders of the vision system. Treatment may include corrective lenses, medication or referral to another specialist. Doctors of Optometry conduct the vast majority of eye exams.

Ophthalmologists: are physicians who diagnose diseases and disorders of the vision system. Treatment may include corrective lenses, medication and surgery

Opticians: are technicians qualified to fit and supply glasses and contact lenses.

Hope this is helpful.

Canadian Association of Optometrists