Disclaimer - I'm not an eye doctor, I've just needed glasses/contacts since 1976 or so. I've had LASIK in the last year, so I know a little about what I'm saying.
I see that you're 35, so that should rule out "just" reading glasses (that usually comes 10 years later, give or take). Since you haven't seen an eye doctor since at least the late 80s, I'd say get a referral to a good one. Talk to friends who wear glasses and ask if they like there doctor. I've had good and bad ones, and they make a difference.
Cost? It depends on how much you want to spend on frames. They can range from el cheapo $50 varieties to well into the three figures. My middle son recently picked out a pair of frames that were $250 - he settled on ones that were half that price :-)
I can add that, regardless of where you go for your vision test, don't let them rush you through it.
If A looks the same as B, say so. Make them run that thing through every combination of lenses that they have until you are seeing perfectly clear. I let myself be rushed through once, and ended up with the wrong prescription. It all got sorted out in the end, but making them do it right the first time will save you a little hassle.
Add ons like scratch proofing, tinting etc...will also make a difference in your final cost.
Originally posted by BullittWell, things are getting blurry, and I'm starting to get headaches on a daily basis. I've come to the conclusion that I need glasses. Or a bigger TV.
I haven't had an eye exam since the late 80s. Should I just go to Sears optical to get it done, or hit up my family doctor for a referral?
What sort of cost am I looking at here? Contacts are not an option, by the way.
I know its more expensive, but have you considered LASIK?
I'm pretty sure that Alberta Health Care covers 1 eye exam a year...My advice.... spend the dough for the lenses, and a definitely get the non-glare coating... Huge difference, especially at night.
If I may be of some help, I've worked at Lenscrafters part time for about 8 years in the lab.
I know our doctor charges $59.99 for his exam.
Now, your frames will run you anywhere between $50-$350. You do get what you pay for in glasses, so anywhere from a $99 frame up should be good and won't fall apart on you in a year.
The lenses, depending on your material and whether or not you have the need for a bifocal could run you anywhere from $170-$350. When you get your lenses, make sure you go for at least the polycarbonate lenses, as they are much lighter, scatch resistant, and more durable than plastic. Also, depending on your prescription it might be beneficial to get some type of anti-reflective coating on your lens. This will allow people to actually see your eyes, rather than looking at the glare from the lights. It can make big prescriptions seem like they aren't as bad. Also, it's very benefical b/c it will help cut down glare on the computer or while driving at night.
Technically you should have your eyes checked every two years, so I'd say you were a little due :)
Since you haven't had your eyes checked out in about two decades, I'd recommend going to an ophthalmologist to get your eyes checked out & not simply to an optometrist for glasses. Assuming you have an HMO, you should be able to get a referral & it won't cost you more than the copay.
Originally posted by BullittEye exams are only covered if you're a child or a senior.
As this is my first time dealing with glasses and whatnot, I hadn't really considered the laser surgery.
I'll put in a plug for laser, having had it back in March.
I spent more than the ONLY $750 PER EYE NO QUESTIONS ASKED ads that you see everywhere, and am greatly satisfied with it. My eyes were something like -8 and -8.5 (meaning really bad -- typical reading glasses are -1.5 or so). I get free "tune-ups" for life if needed, as long as I make my follow-up appointments (once annually from here on out). I couldn't wear contacts at work, so it was lots of glasses for me.
My sister-in-law, on the other hand, went cheaper shortly after me and is having issues with dry eyes this winter.
Originally posted by BullittEye exams are only covered if you're a child or a senior.
As this is my first time dealing with glasses and whatnot, I hadn't really considered the laser surgery.
I'll put in a plug for laser, having had it back in March.
I spent more than the ONLY $750 PER EYE NO QUESTIONS ASKED ads that you see everywhere, and am greatly satisfied with it. My eyes were something like -8 and -8.5 (meaning really bad -- typical reading glasses are -1.5 or so). I get free "tune-ups" for life if needed, as long as I make my follow-up appointments (once annually from here on out). I couldn't wear contacts at work, so it was lots of glasses for me.
My sister-in-law, on the other hand, went cheaper shortly after me and is having issues with dry eyes this winter.
My experience is almost exactly the same as yours, only with slightly less awful vision to start with. But I'm awesome now.
Originally posted by BullittWell, things are getting blurry, and I'm starting to get headaches on a daily basis. I've come to the conclusion that I need glasses.
Bwahahahahaha! Join the club, Jamie!!!
I got glasses at age 30. At 46, I got the graduated bifocals. See what you have coming!
Originally posted by babetsavantI'm pretty sure that Alberta Health Care covers 1 eye exam a year...My advice.... spend the dough for the lenses, and a definitely get the non-glare coating... Huge difference, especially at night.
Actually, if I remember correctly, eye exams aren't covered. Go fig. Heck, they're not even covered under Ontario's health program anymore.
As per eye checks: you can never go wrong with getting your eyes checked. even if it costs $50 or something, it's a great precautionary measure. The optometrist will be able to recommend whether you should see him soon.
I'm 29 years old, and I've been wearing glasses since I was eight years old. I need them for everything (distance, close up, everything) so I'm sure to get my eyes checked on a yearly basis, even if, on average, I need a new prescription every three years.
Oh, and keep your prescription: you should be able to claim your glasses on your taxes. Or...perhaps your benefits at work, too?
Good luck, Bullitt!
(edited by Oliver on 27.12.06 1930) You're kidding me!
The last few times I've been for an exam, a technician uses some sort of laser-based thingie to generate a "first pass" prescription. The optometrist just does the "which is better" technique to verify & refine. I actually find that to be much more accurate & less exhausting. ("They're both equally bad, dammit!") And I've found that the optometrist is in less of a hurry, so there's actually time to discuss any questions you have.
Also, in my experience, many optometrists seem to really want to be the ones to sell you your new glasses. "Don't worry your pretty little head about your nasty old prescription -- we'll just hustle you into the other room & get you all set up with your new glasses right here." I'm sure it's a lucrative revenue stream for them. I've never been very happy with that model. An optometrist's office doesn't have the selection of frames that the bigger specialty stores (eg. EyeMasters, LensCrafters) have, they're typically more expensive, & they take weeks (rather than hours or days) to turn around a pair of glasses. You have to go during office hours to pick up your glasses, which can be much less convenient than "mall hours". And if there's a problem, lather, rinse, repeat. (Can you tell that I've had a few really annoying experiences?)
What you want to do is have the optometrist -- personally! -- write out the prescription on his/her prescription pad & put it in your hot little hand. That way you can shop around at your convenience, & get frames & a price you're happy with. (Even if I were getting the glasses from the doctor, I'd want a paper prescription.)
But it is really good to be able to see again! :-)
Originally posted by emmaAlso, in my experience, many optometrists seem to really want to be the ones to sell you your new glasses. "Don't worry your pretty little head about your nasty old prescription -- we'll just hustle you into the other room & get you all set up with your new glasses right here." I'm sure it's a lucrative revenue stream for them. I've never been very happy with that model. An optometrist's office doesn't have the selection of frames that the bigger specialty stores (eg. EyeMasters, LensCrafters) have, they're typically more expensive, & they take weeks (rather than hours or days) to turn around a pair of glasses. You have to go during office hours to pick up your glasses, which can be much less convenient than "mall hours".
I used to think that, too. My optometrist moved into the building next door to where I work, so appointments are super convenient. They have the lens maker and frame dude in the next office, but they are not affiliated. Their turnaround time is one day! The convenience of being next door is superb! No more going to the mall (assuming we had one here in Podunk, Maine).
I'm amazed no one hasn't suspected that maybe Josh was in the bottom 2, but the producers decided to put Ruben for more suspense and drama. I mean, why not? The public doesn't know the real numbers.