The Best Place to Buy Eye Glasses

No one place is considered best for buying eyeglasses. Too much depends on the quality of the glass, the lab filling the prescription and the eye care specialist. Optometrists and ophthalmologists perform vision care. A Doctor of Optometry prescribes eye wear and medication to correct small eye problems and detect eye diseases. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in treating all aspects of eye care. No matter where you purchase eyeglasses, following up for proper fit is necessary.

Buying Eyeglasses at the Ophthalmologist or Optometrist's Office

• Purchasing eyewear from the doctor's office has several benefits. Ordering glasses through the eye doctor assures you a perfect fit. Most prescribing eye care professionals sell lenses and frames, offering you one-stop-shopping. A staff optician uses the optometrist's or ophthalmologist's prescription to fit and sell the eyeglasses. When the glasses return from the lab, the optician checks the lenses for prescription accuracy, and fits and adjusts the frames on your face when you pick up the glasses. Buying eyeglasses from the doctor is usually the most expensive option and the selection may be limited.

Buying Eyeglasses from Shopping Mall Stores and Chain Optical Services

• Shopping malls, discount retailers and chain optical services usually employ optometrists to provide eye exams. If the optometrist detects a serious medical or eye problem, you'll be referred to an ophthalmologist specialized in treating the condition. These types of optical services offer a wide selection of frames, pricing and specials along with customized eyeglass fittings. If you choose this option, you have no part in selecting the doctor. The staff optometrist is employed by the store chain.

Buying Eyeglasses Directly from Online Optical Labs

• Over the past few years, online lab eyeglass purchases have grown due largely to the lower cost. An online, no-frills pair of eyeglasses can run less than $39. Some online optical lab sites enjoy an "excellent" overall customer satisfaction rating. Buying eyeglasses online has drawbacks. First, it requires a trip to the eye doctor. If you need glasses, you must obtain the prescription along with vision measurements. The prescription must indicate DV (distance vision), OD (right eye), OS (left eye), and/or OU (both eyes). The same measurements will be noted for NV (near vision). Measurement of the Pupillary distance (PD), the distance between your right pupil and your left pupil, must be accurately taken.

  Another drawback to purchasing from the Internet is frame fit. If the frames are too large or too small, the eyeglasses must be sent back for adjustment and may or may not fit properly when they return. One solution to this problem is to take the glasses to an Optical service or frame store. Bear in mind the cost of the adjustment may add to your eyeglass costs.