How to Get the Best Prescription Glasses

What to look for when buying glasses

Seventy-five per cent of us need glasses. The standard validity of a prescription is normally around two years. If your prescription is outdated, you really should visit your local Auckland optometrist to get a new one. Check your vision, book an eye test with us.

To get the best prescription glasses you need to consider both your vision and your look.

It is important to match the size and shape of your eyeglasses to the proportions of your face so the look is balanced.

If you see a qualified optometrist, they have the knowledge to tell you if the frame you select is suitable for your prescription or if the glasses frame suits your face and fits your nose correctly. If you have a complicated prescription an experienced vision specialist is a must to ensure you choose the right eyeglasses. The material and type of lens you choose should depend on your prescription, preferred frame style, frame type, lifestyle activities, facial measurements, and most importantly, the recommendation of your optometrist at John O’Connor Optometrists.

Where everyone gets a bargain – or do they?

Online retailers that sell cheap eyeglasses and sunglasses claim they can offer low prices because they don’t have the same expenses associated with a “brick-and-mortar” high street optometrist. However, as with everything “bargain”, lower prices often come with a hidden cost: you do not get the best prescription glasses specifically matched to you, nor the personalised attention, skill and fitting expertise of a qualified optician. Instead, you’re on your own to select a frame and lenses for your cheap glasses and hope for the best. And the warranty on faulty prescription glasses? Certainly not as easy as seeing your friendly, reputable, local optometrist right here in Auckland.

Though you may see reasonably well with cheap glasses from the $2.00 shop or an overseas online outlet, are you really seeing your best and doing what you should to protect your eyesight?

We feel that if you don’t buy eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses from a qualified eye expert, you can rob yourself of the opportunity to see and look your best, and fully protect your vision.

Seeing an optometrist

best-eyeglassesA knowledgeable optometrist can educate you about the latest advances in eyeglass lens technology and ensure you get the best prescription glasses for your eyes. Our optometrists in Auckland will talk to you about:

Glasses Frames

Prescription glass frames are generally made from the following materials: Plastic, metal, stainless steel and titanium. Which frames would suit your prescription, skin sensitivity, lifestyle and budget?

Lenses

There are several different types of lenses to choose from: Standard plastic lenses are the cheapest lenses and generally the ones you’ll see advertised in “bargain” offers. However, without a proper coating they’re prone to scratches and are not usually suitable for the more complex prescription lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant and used for safety eyewear, kids and sports glasses. The material is not recommended for reading. High-index lenses are made from special plastic that is very good for strong prescriptions. They’re more resistant to impact and give good UV protection and are the first choice for rimless or semi-rimless frames to avoid chipping.

Which lenses would make the best prescription glasses for your eyes? Best you see an optometrist.

Coating

After deciding on the type of lens you want, you will need to consider the coating: Anti-scratch, anti-reflective and UV eye protection. The best person to consult on this would be your optometrist.

At John O’Connor we recommend Hoya lenses. Hoya is a Japanese lens company that has achieved worldwide recognition for their complete range of eyeglass lens designs, materials and designer coatings. Hoya supplies a complete range of premium quality single vision, multi-focal, occupational and bifocal lenses to suit everyone’s individual needs and lifestyles.

To get the best prescription glasses for your vision, book an eye test with us. Free parking is available at Newmarket and both optometry practices in Newmarket and Henderson are open six days a week. At just $65, our eye exams are affordable and very comprehensive. All our eye checks include a prescription update and full eye health check which will detect any conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

For advice on how to get the best prescription glasses please contact us by either email or phone our Auckland Optometrist at Newmarket on 09 5221283 and Henderson on 09 8361731.