Home > Eye Wear > FAQs

Eyewear Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQ's")

When will my glasses be ready?

Your glasses could be ready the same day or it may take up to ten business days. Our dispensary staff will inform you when your glasses will be ready when they are ordered. Time may vary depending on the type of lens and complexity of the prescription.

How long will it take to get my glasses? How come other places can make the glasses in one hour!

Your new glasses will be delivered to you as soon as possible! Factors such as the type of lens, prescription and frame type will determine the amount of time to make your glasses. Many times, we have been able to make the glasses in one hour. Our staff will inform you when your glasses will be ready.

We believe that your glasses need to be made properly. We are not striving to be the fastest, just the best.

How thick will my lenses be?

Lens thickness depends on the degree of prescription, lens material and the frame size. In general, the higher the prescription and the larger the frame size, the thicker the lens. Our staff can recommend lens materials that drastically reduce the lens thickness.

Are Transition lenses better than they used to be?

Transitions lenses change colour depending on the amount of light and temperature. The more sunlight and the colder the temperature, the darker the lens colour. The most common complaints are that the lenses are still dark indoors, not dark enough outdoors and the colour does not change fast enough when going indoors/outdoors.

Transitions 7 is the most current lens available and solves most of the above complaints. A new Transitions XTRActive lens is now available that goes darker outdoors for driving needs, but does show more of a colour indoors compared to the regular Transitions 7. Ask our dispensary staff about which Transitions lenses are best for you.

What frame shapes are best suitable for me?

See Selecting Eyewear for your Face for some tips. For initial information about frame shapes best suited to basic facial shapes.

What is an anti-reflection coating?

An anti-reflection (AR) coating is a multi-layer coating on your lens surface. We recommend this on almost every lens we prescribe for its many benefits:

• Reduces glare off the lens surface. Improves night driving by reducing the glare from on coming headlights and streetlamps.
• Reduces lens reflections making the lens surface seem invisible-this enhances the cosmetic appearance.
• Lens surface water repellent

What are polarized lenses?

Polarization films can be included in sunglasses to cut down extreme outdoor glare such as bright sun reflecting off pavement, water and snow. This film is in addition to the ultraviolet blocking film and dark colour we recommend in all sunglasses.

What is a digital lens?

Digital lenses are similar to high definition television and computer monitors. This technology provides clearer optics in your lenses similar to more pixels on your television screen. In progressive digital lenses, there are larger distance and reading zones, reduced peripheral distortion and easier lens adaptation. Digital lens technology is available in single vision and progressive prescriptions.

What is the difference between bifocal and progressive lenses?

Both of these lenses have separate distance and near vision zones within the lens, but a bifocal lens has a visible line to divide the zones while a progressive lens has no lines.

What is the difference between plastic and poly- carbonate lenses?

These lenses are made from different plastic polymers which affect their optics, thickness, durability and impact resistance. In general, the differences are:

Our staff will recommend the best type of lens for you based on factors such as level of prescription and lifestyle needs.

Do I need to make an appointment to return to look at frames?

No appointment is necessary to look at frames. Please go to our locations link on our website for office locations and hours. Frames can also be taken home for viewing (deposit required) and our staff can also pre-select frames for you to view based on lifestyle questions/answers, face shape and colour preferences.

Do you have any sales throughout the year?

Various promotions and sales are done through the year at all our offices that may involve a general sale on frames, specific frame lines on sale, and trunk show viewings. We try to inform our patients through email newsletters of these promotions.

Why are glasses so expensive? My last pair of glasses was a lot less expensive.

Considering all the benefits that glasses provide and the average lifespan of glasses, they are really quite affordable. Thinner and lighter lens materials, lighter and more durable frames and glare free lens coatings are options that may increase the cost of your glasses, but these features will greatly enhance the function of your glasses.

Can you buff scratches out of my lenses?

No. Scratches cannot be buffed from lenses as this will change the prescription of the lens and create distorted areas of vision.