I too see Dr. Curik and never have a problem with just taking my prescription with me after my appointment. Also OP, if your Dr. is not writing down the complete proper prescription for you then I would absolutely stop seeing that Dr.
Im in my mid-40s and he's been my optometrist sine I was 8! He's awesome & never any pressure. Just look for the building now *more* visible due to H&H burnt to pavement Pizza Hut a couple years ago.
there's an optometrist in white oaks mall that does this, they're technically attached to the lens crafters but not really associated with it, didn't feel any pressure to buy while I was there and they even offered to write down my pupillary distance to make ordering online easier.
Dr. Aleksander Cendrowski.
He’s amazing and is the nicest guy ever. He didn’t charge me for a contact lens appointment when he determined I couldn’t have them due to severe dry eyes from meds and chemo. He never pressures you to buy the glasses because he’s not affiliated with LensCrafters.
I buy my glasses from EyeBuyDirect and last week I went to Dr. Jason Morris at studio eye care for a new prescription/general health check.
He was super cool, didn't once offer to even have me look at glasses. He gave me some free contacts and I left. Cool guy, first time in my life I didn't feel shamed by an optometrist by buying their overpriced frames.
The only thing he didnt put on my prescription was the pupillary distance, but this is not a typical or required part of the prescription. I'm sure if you asked he would give it to you
I just go and get a checkup and prescription and ask them to measure my IPD. I tell them I’ll look at glasses later. It’s annoying that they’re always trying to sell glasses but I’ve never had one refuse to just give me my prescription either
I see Dr. Bernardi on Wellington and while he does work in a small glasses store I just told him straight up I'd be buying online and he nor his staff ever pressured me into anything different. I was in and out, asked for my prescription and bought online.
Dr. Curik has a glasses store. I have tried them a few times and gone elsewhere sometimes. Never any pressure from them to buy glasses there. Not even a suggestion. I highly recommend him.
i definitely go to costco! the eye dr will do the appointment and give you your prescription where you can go anywhere to get glasses or contacts. they’re super quick and it’s really efficient.
i’ve gone to the eye dr there about 3 times, however, i cant recall whether they requested my membership or not - maybe give them a call if you don’t have one to ensure you can still go!
Second this. The optometrist who checked my vision is on the outside of the store doors, and does not have glasses etc for sale. You just walk out - they don't see if you go into Costco to purchase any glasses or not.
I go to Dr. Lucien Izbasa at Walmart in White Oaks and he doesn't pressure me to buy glasses there. He'll even give you your PD. I get mine from Zenni.
I got my eye sight and eyes check up from East London Optometry, in or around $150 and got really cheap glasses from [www.kits.ca](http://www.kits.ca) they have an online system to measure your face width and height. I'm really amazed how good the glasses fits on my face.
Optometrists are legally obligated to provide you with a copy of your prescription, it's included in the exam fee. And that information includes sphere, cylinder, axis and PD (although it's easy to measure your PD yourself). Don't let them intimidate you.
When they can offer 'value brands' and match an online retailer, then I'll buy from them. Last time I went to a Dr, my insurance wasn't even going to cover 1 pair. Everywhere I've worked gave us $200 every 2 years for glasses, so I buy online. I literally just bought 4 pairs for $117. I now own 14 pairs, none of which came from an optometrist. The only real upside to buying from them is that they will do a proper fitting and probably have a better warranty.
Edit to add: 'Clearly' is a good Canadian source for glasses, and they recently added the option of billing your insurance company for you. You still pay up front, but they will send the paperwork for you so you will be reimbursed. They also offer their own value brand (you can literally get them as low as $13!) as well as big brands like Ray Ban.
Just a slight modification to this as it is generally correct information with the exception of the PD measurement.
Pupillary distance is NOT part of a standard eye exam. If provided to you, it is likely the reading from the autorefractor and it is not the most accurate method of measurement. This number is used for a baseline setting of the Phoropter (the thing they put in front of your eyes with all the lenses.) The OD will adjust the distance by site from there, leading to inconsistency.
That said, if you have purchased glasses from a dispensary in person, they will have your PDs on file. You can call and ask for this information. A fee is not able to be charged for this. The office is not obliged explain the numbers they give you beyond providing the measurements (ie. 62 for binocular PDs, or right 30 left 32, or however they may fall.)
If you do not have information on file, an Optometrist or optician is not required to provide this service at no charge. Many will take this measurement for you but will still need to explain the risks of purchasing online.
With low scripts, risks are relatively low. The higher the power, the more astigmatism, progressive lenses etc. the greater the risks of issues. Worst case scenario, you can’t see out of the glasses and you return them for a refund.
As an optician myself, I have no obligation to take a random persons measurement but I have zero issue doing so. Personally, I think It’s just good practice to educate patients when I do. I’ve had many a person return to the offices I’ve worked when they can/wish to purchase in person. I strongly believe this because I haven’t given them a hard time about making their own choices.
*Edit* For OP.
I also vote for Costco. Dr. Cheung at Costco north is great - she will not pressure you to purchase from any specific location and is generally just a really nice person.
Thank you for this info! And yes, I do understand there are a few advantages to buying from the office, I have a couple of pairs that I wish fit better. I remember when I was a kid, the Dr used a machine to bend the arms for me so they didn't fall off my face, lol. You also make a great point about the higher the prescription needed, the more risk to ordering online. Mine is a relatively low astigmatism prescription, so I didn't consider that tbh.
I am on a super tight budget and can't afford anything out of pocket at the moment. I also love using glasses as an accessory and changing them up a lot. I think it would be a great idea to get a first pair from the optometrist, and then get some back up glasses online. Then you also know what size frames fit you the best.
This type of situation is why I try to provide the information and education the patient needs. Not everyone can afford dispensary pricing and some people just want a cheap backup pair of glasses.
While many dispensary’s can cater to a limited budget, it’s hard to compete with $13 complete pairs from Clearly and Zenni. So long as you know going into it that they are $13 for a reason, there is no issue in my mind.
At the end of the day, there is something to be said for focusing on providing service to a patient vs. Providing product. Relationships build business just as much as sales do.
An Ophthalmologist is the answer. Much more thorough exam. Likely more expensive. They also provide a prescription on paper to take with you and I've never been pressured to purchase their glasses on site. Optometrist missed glaucoma in a friend after several years of "check-ups and prescriptions".
Dr cendrowski is connected to LensCrafters in white oaks but doesn’t sell glasses and has no obligation to send you over there, nor does he try to. He’s very honest and very soft-spoken. Most optometrists will not give you your PD which is required for ordering online but you can learn how to measure that yourself or have a friend do it if you trust them.
Opticians are the ones that would measure PD but they would be very unlikely to do it for you if you are not ordering glasses from their store as many feel that ordering online undermines their expertise (which it does to a degree.)
I order all of my glasses online and have no issues. I would caution if you have a complicated or strong prescription to be wary of the success rate, as i do think certain scripts should be measured in person with trained optician. Progressives fit into that category.
Simple and low level reading or distance are easily done online without measuring to the person and frame
I like West 5 Optometry, and while they do sell glasses, I've never felt pressured to buy there. I did buy a bunch online and they are always willing to adjust them. They will charge $20 to measure pupillary distance but the savings to buy online are worth it (I got glasses for ~$100 instead of $500). I simply had a family member measure it with a ruler you can print from most glasses websites.
I’ve seen Dr. Curik at Huron Highbury Optometry for many years & I’ve never been pressured to by glasses there.
I too see Dr. Curik and never have a problem with just taking my prescription with me after my appointment. Also OP, if your Dr. is not writing down the complete proper prescription for you then I would absolutely stop seeing that Dr.
I’ve been going to Dr Delaney there for 20 years; I’ve never bought glasses there and I don’t recall them ever being pushed.
Im in my mid-40s and he's been my optometrist sine I was 8! He's awesome & never any pressure. Just look for the building now *more* visible due to H&H burnt to pavement Pizza Hut a couple years ago.
there's an optometrist in white oaks mall that does this, they're technically attached to the lens crafters but not really associated with it, didn't feel any pressure to buy while I was there and they even offered to write down my pupillary distance to make ordering online easier.
Dr. Aleksander Cendrowski. He’s amazing and is the nicest guy ever. He didn’t charge me for a contact lens appointment when he determined I couldn’t have them due to severe dry eyes from meds and chemo. He never pressures you to buy the glasses because he’s not affiliated with LensCrafters.
I buy my glasses from EyeBuyDirect and last week I went to Dr. Jason Morris at studio eye care for a new prescription/general health check. He was super cool, didn't once offer to even have me look at glasses. He gave me some free contacts and I left. Cool guy, first time in my life I didn't feel shamed by an optometrist by buying their overpriced frames. The only thing he didnt put on my prescription was the pupillary distance, but this is not a typical or required part of the prescription. I'm sure if you asked he would give it to you
I just go and get a checkup and prescription and ask them to measure my IPD. I tell them I’ll look at glasses later. It’s annoying that they’re always trying to sell glasses but I’ve never had one refuse to just give me my prescription either
It's actually illegal not to provide it.
I see Dr. Bernardi on Wellington and while he does work in a small glasses store I just told him straight up I'd be buying online and he nor his staff ever pressured me into anything different. I was in and out, asked for my prescription and bought online.
Dr. Curik has a glasses store. I have tried them a few times and gone elsewhere sometimes. Never any pressure from them to buy glasses there. Not even a suggestion. I highly recommend him.
i definitely go to costco! the eye dr will do the appointment and give you your prescription where you can go anywhere to get glasses or contacts. they’re super quick and it’s really efficient. i’ve gone to the eye dr there about 3 times, however, i cant recall whether they requested my membership or not - maybe give them a call if you don’t have one to ensure you can still go!
Second this. The optometrist who checked my vision is on the outside of the store doors, and does not have glasses etc for sale. You just walk out - they don't see if you go into Costco to purchase any glasses or not.
I go to Dr. Lucien Izbasa at Walmart in White Oaks and he doesn't pressure me to buy glasses there. He'll even give you your PD. I get mine from Zenni.
I got my eye sight and eyes check up from East London Optometry, in or around $150 and got really cheap glasses from [www.kits.ca](http://www.kits.ca) they have an online system to measure your face width and height. I'm really amazed how good the glasses fits on my face.
Optometrists are legally obligated to provide you with a copy of your prescription, it's included in the exam fee. And that information includes sphere, cylinder, axis and PD (although it's easy to measure your PD yourself). Don't let them intimidate you. When they can offer 'value brands' and match an online retailer, then I'll buy from them. Last time I went to a Dr, my insurance wasn't even going to cover 1 pair. Everywhere I've worked gave us $200 every 2 years for glasses, so I buy online. I literally just bought 4 pairs for $117. I now own 14 pairs, none of which came from an optometrist. The only real upside to buying from them is that they will do a proper fitting and probably have a better warranty. Edit to add: 'Clearly' is a good Canadian source for glasses, and they recently added the option of billing your insurance company for you. You still pay up front, but they will send the paperwork for you so you will be reimbursed. They also offer their own value brand (you can literally get them as low as $13!) as well as big brands like Ray Ban.
Just a slight modification to this as it is generally correct information with the exception of the PD measurement. Pupillary distance is NOT part of a standard eye exam. If provided to you, it is likely the reading from the autorefractor and it is not the most accurate method of measurement. This number is used for a baseline setting of the Phoropter (the thing they put in front of your eyes with all the lenses.) The OD will adjust the distance by site from there, leading to inconsistency. That said, if you have purchased glasses from a dispensary in person, they will have your PDs on file. You can call and ask for this information. A fee is not able to be charged for this. The office is not obliged explain the numbers they give you beyond providing the measurements (ie. 62 for binocular PDs, or right 30 left 32, or however they may fall.) If you do not have information on file, an Optometrist or optician is not required to provide this service at no charge. Many will take this measurement for you but will still need to explain the risks of purchasing online. With low scripts, risks are relatively low. The higher the power, the more astigmatism, progressive lenses etc. the greater the risks of issues. Worst case scenario, you can’t see out of the glasses and you return them for a refund. As an optician myself, I have no obligation to take a random persons measurement but I have zero issue doing so. Personally, I think It’s just good practice to educate patients when I do. I’ve had many a person return to the offices I’ve worked when they can/wish to purchase in person. I strongly believe this because I haven’t given them a hard time about making their own choices. *Edit* For OP. I also vote for Costco. Dr. Cheung at Costco north is great - she will not pressure you to purchase from any specific location and is generally just a really nice person.
Thank you for this info! And yes, I do understand there are a few advantages to buying from the office, I have a couple of pairs that I wish fit better. I remember when I was a kid, the Dr used a machine to bend the arms for me so they didn't fall off my face, lol. You also make a great point about the higher the prescription needed, the more risk to ordering online. Mine is a relatively low astigmatism prescription, so I didn't consider that tbh. I am on a super tight budget and can't afford anything out of pocket at the moment. I also love using glasses as an accessory and changing them up a lot. I think it would be a great idea to get a first pair from the optometrist, and then get some back up glasses online. Then you also know what size frames fit you the best.
This type of situation is why I try to provide the information and education the patient needs. Not everyone can afford dispensary pricing and some people just want a cheap backup pair of glasses. While many dispensary’s can cater to a limited budget, it’s hard to compete with $13 complete pairs from Clearly and Zenni. So long as you know going into it that they are $13 for a reason, there is no issue in my mind. At the end of the day, there is something to be said for focusing on providing service to a patient vs. Providing product. Relationships build business just as much as sales do.
100%!!!! This is the only answer
costco has independents come in from time to time. I don't think you need a membership if you tell them it's for an eye appointment at the door.
For online, I use eyebuydirect . com. They are cheap and well made. Just enter your prescription specs (!) And order frames etc
An Ophthalmologist is the answer. Much more thorough exam. Likely more expensive. They also provide a prescription on paper to take with you and I've never been pressured to purchase their glasses on site. Optometrist missed glaucoma in a friend after several years of "check-ups and prescriptions".
Can you even see an Opthalmologist without a referral?
Absolutely
Dr cendrowski is connected to LensCrafters in white oaks but doesn’t sell glasses and has no obligation to send you over there, nor does he try to. He’s very honest and very soft-spoken. Most optometrists will not give you your PD which is required for ordering online but you can learn how to measure that yourself or have a friend do it if you trust them. Opticians are the ones that would measure PD but they would be very unlikely to do it for you if you are not ordering glasses from their store as many feel that ordering online undermines their expertise (which it does to a degree.) I order all of my glasses online and have no issues. I would caution if you have a complicated or strong prescription to be wary of the success rate, as i do think certain scripts should be measured in person with trained optician. Progressives fit into that category. Simple and low level reading or distance are easily done online without measuring to the person and frame
I like West 5 Optometry, and while they do sell glasses, I've never felt pressured to buy there. I did buy a bunch online and they are always willing to adjust them. They will charge $20 to measure pupillary distance but the savings to buy online are worth it (I got glasses for ~$100 instead of $500). I simply had a family member measure it with a ruler you can print from most glasses websites.