Buying Glasses After Your Eye Exam — What to Know Before You Decide

Your prescription is yours

After your eye exam, you are free to fill your prescription anywhere. We will never pressure you to buy from us. But there are real reasons to consider it — and they go beyond convenience.

Why buying where you were examined matters

Your optometrist just spent time understanding your eyes, your prescription, and how you use your vision. That context does not transfer with a prescription slip.

When you buy glasses at Spadina Optometry, the person recommending your lenses already knows:

• Your prescription complexity — whether you need a basic single vision lens or a progressive that requires precise zone placement
• Your visual demands — how much screen time you have, what distances you work at, whether you need a second pair for specific tasks
• Your eye health — whether dry eye, light sensitivity, or other findings should influence your lens choice
• Your fitting needs — face shape, bridge width, and any asymmetry that affects how the frame sits

An online retailer works from a prescription and a single PD number. They cannot verify fit, centration, or frame alignment on your face. For simple single vision prescriptions, that may be fine. For progressives, high prescriptions, or anyone who has struggled with glasses before, the difference in outcome is significant.

What we carry

Frames

We select our frame inventory based on quality, fit, and range — not corporate purchasing agreements. Current brands include Blackfin, RayBan, Tom Ford, Kate Spade, EyeBobs, Fysh, KLiiK, OGI Eyewear, Seraphine, WOOW, Toms, and Zeal. Our selection rotates and spans a range of styles and price points.

You can also try frames virtually from home before your visit.

Lenses

We primarily work with Hoya, ZEISS, and Shamir — three manufacturers we trust for optical quality across all prescription types. We also have access to Essilor and Nikon for patients who prefer those brands.

Each manufacturer offers multiple tiers, from entry-level to premium. We recommend based on your prescription and daily needs, not the most expensive option. For a detailed breakdown of lens types and when each makes sense, see progressives vs readers vs occupational lenses.

What is included in every pair

Every pair of lenses from Spadina Optometry includes:

• Premium anti-reflective coating — reduces glare from screens and headlights
• Scratch-resistant coating — keeps lenses clear and durable
• UV protection — blocks harmful ultraviolet light
• One-year limited warranty on frames and lenses
• Ongoing adjustments and minor repairs — at no extra charge, for the life of the glasses

Polarized and photochromic (Transitions-style) add-ons are available starting at $100. See our full lens options page for details.

How we fit your glasses

This is where clinic-dispensed glasses differ most from online orders.

We measure monocular pupillary distance and segment height with you wearing the specific frame you have chosen, standing naturally and looking straight ahead. Both eyes are measured separately. If we adjust the frame after measurement, we remeasure. These numbers determine exactly where the optical zones sit in your lenses.

Our staff opticians are here to help with frame selection, fitting, and ongoing adjustments — whether you need a tweak to temple tension or a full refit after a frame change.

For progressive lenses, this step is critical — a millimetre off and the reading or computer zone will not line up with your eyes. For details on progressive fitting, see how we fit progressive lenses.

Insurance and payment

We direct-bill most major insurance providers. If your plan includes eyewear coverage, we can typically submit the claim during your visit. Bring your insurance card or plan details so we can confirm your coverage and apply it at the point of sale.

We accept debit, Visa, Mastercard, and e-Transfer. See insurance and direct billing for the full list of providers we bill directly.

If something is not right

Glasses should work. If they do not — whether it is discomfort, visual distortion, or a fit issue — come back in. We check the fitting measurements, adjust the frame, and determine whether a lens change is needed. We do not consider the job done until you are seeing well.

For warranty and repair details, see eyeglass warranties and repairs.

Related pages

• Progressives vs readers vs occupational lenses
• Choosing the right lenses for your lifestyle
• Fees and pricing
• Eyeglass warranties and repairs
• Virtual try-on
• What to expect at your first eye exam