Insight

What to Expect When You Visit an Optician

Whether you’re visiting an optician for the first time or a seasoned glasses or contact lens wearer, understanding what to expect can make your visit smoother and more productive.

Opticians are regulated health care professionals who play a crucial role in your vision care. As the regulator of Ontario’s opticians, it’s our role to make sure that opticians provide you and all patients with safe, effective, and ethical care. 

Read on as we outline a scenario to help illustrate what to expect when visiting an optician in Ontario.

What kind of service should the patient expect during his visit?

Jill’s patient and all patients of opticians in Ontario can expect respectful, competent service from an optician. Generally, Opticians like Jill will:

• Be wearing a photographic ID that confirms they are opticians
• Inquire about the type of prescription that a patient is using
• Help patients select frames and lenses for eyeglasses based on fit
• Fit patients for new contact lenses, or refill an existing prescription for contact lenses

Jill will ask her patient for personal details, including his contact information and health history, and keep this information on file. While he may have provided these details to his optometrist beforehand, as an optician, Jill is required to ask as part of her practice.

FYI: Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Opticianry Act, 1991, Regulations, Bylaws, and Standards of Practice, opticians are responsible for performing the controlled act of dispensing prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and sub-normal vision devices.

Do you have a prescription?

As a first step, Jill will confirm that her patient has a valid prescription. If the prescription is expired, she’ll most likely refer him back to his eye doctor for an updated eye exam.

In some cases, the optician may need to consult with the patient's doctor or have the patient schedule another appointment with their doctor. These circumstances include:

• If the patient expresses interest in specialty lenses not initially prescribed.
• If the prescription appears incorrect, requiring the doctor to double-check the fit of the finished glasses or contacts.

If the patient’s prescription is valid, she’ll ask questions about his occupation and lifestyle before recommending the appropriate eyewear solutions.

Jill will help her patient select frames and lenses for eyeglasses based on the fit, the type of his prescription, and any occupational or lifestyle needs her patient pointed out.  

Similar to a pharmacist, who dispenses medication prescribed by a doctor, opticians fill a prescription for eyewear prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Learn more about the differences between an optician, optometrist and ophthalmologist.

Note: Opticians do not perform eye exams or prescribe.

What happens next?

Once Jill’s patient selects frames, she’ll explain product limitations, disclose the costs associated with the purchase, and confirm the product that will be ordered. During this part of the process, she’ll also explain lens and coating options, and product limitations. After everything relevant is covered, she will verify the product before it’s dispensed.

When the patient’s eyeglasses are ready, he will try them on upon picking them up. Jill will make final adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

What if a patient wants contact lenses?

Opticians can fit their patients for new contact lenses or refill an existing contact lens prescription. Contact lens fittings involve taking measurements of the eye, checking the health of the eye, and verifying the fit of the contact lens and vision with the contact lens.

The optician will determine the best contact lens based on previous wearing history, prescription, and needs. They will provide replacement lenses, care instructions, and follow-up care as needed.

Key takeaways

Visiting an optician is an important step in maintaining your eye health and overall well-being.

Just like Jill's dedication to her patient, opticians are dedicated to providing safe, ethical, and high-quality service.

During your visit, you can expect respectful and competent service from trained professionals who will help you select and fit the right eyewear based on your prescription and lifestyle needs.

Ensuring you have a valid prescription is crucial, as opticians will guide you through the process of choosing frames, lenses, or contact lenses, while providing detailed care instructions and follow-up support.

Looking for more information?

Review the College’s Patient Bill of Rights. This printable resource will also help guide you through what to expect when receiving vision care services from an optician.

Now you can make the most of your appointment and take proactive steps towards maintaining your vision care.

Questions? Please contact the College by email at mail@collegeofopticians.ca