Alexander Heights
Ph (08) 9343 0278 or 0422 710 020

​OPENING HOURS
Mon ~ Fri: 10am - 5:30pm
 Sat: 10am - 5:00pm
(Some Sat: 10am - 1pm)
Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
Other Times By Appointment


Frequent Asked Questions
(Click the links below for more information. You can translate this content in your web browser, like Google Chrome, though translations may not be perfect.)
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Introduction
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The world is changing rapidly in technology and guidelines, leading to potential misunderstandings from outdated knowledge. Evidence-based specialty optometrists stay current to provide the best care and deserve respect for their efforts. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and clarify doubts for informed decisions.
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1. What are the differences between bulk-bill and private bill optometric examination?
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Bulk-billed and private-billed services vary significantly in quality and outcomes. Bulk billing provides basic care due to low costs, while private billing offers access to advanced resources for optimal care. These differences resemble public versus private healthcare. Patients often need to experience both to appreciate the distinctions fully.
Choosing low-cost services can lead to unsatisfactory results, much like opting for bland food. Experienced optometrists invest time in diagnosing issues to achieve the best outcomes. Their expertise and attention to detail are crucial for quality care.
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2. Why do different optometrists or practices charge different fees and/or gaps for my case?
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Reasons include:
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i. Different Practices: Each practice has unique overhead costs based on location, size, equipment, and the experience of their staff. Specialty practices often have advanced technology, leading to higher fees.​
ii. Individual Optometrists: Optometrists vary in knowledge, skills, and specialties. Experienced practitioners tend to charge more because they can provide better outcomes and avoid costly mistakes. Many general optometrists may lack the latest specialty knowledge.
​iii. Unique Consultations: Each case is different, requiring varying tests, explanations, and management options based on patient history and concerns. More complex cases typically need longer consultations and specialized equipment.
​iv. Medicare Benefits: Medicare reimbursement rates differ for various services. For example, a second comprehensive consultation may have a much lower benefit than the first.
​v. Health Fund Benefits: Health fund coverage for optometric services varies. Some funds may cover specific tests but often have different rules and conditions.
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In summary, more complex cases require longer consultations, advanced equipment, and specialty expertise, resulting in higher fees. High-quality services cannot be provided at low costs.
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Many patients focus on fees rather than outcomes, missing the best management options for themselves and their families. Often, they have been seeing general optometrists who don’t offer specialty services, leading to the misconception that all optometrists provide the same care.
​This is similar to a person assuming a $20 gourmet burger is overpriced without trying it after hearing about a $2 fast-food burger. We need to experience the outcomes personally to truly appreciate the differences in service quality.
3. Why do some optometrists charge higher fees? Does Medicare allow this?
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Optometrists who charge higher fees typically do so because they recognize that basic services often fall short of achieving good outcomes. They invest in further education, advanced equipment, and specialty training, allowing them to provide comprehensive care.
These practitioners prioritize solving complex issues and maintaining high professional standards. While some patients may find it challenging to afford these fees, management plans can often be tailored to individual needs and budgets.
​Choosing lower-cost services can lead to inadequate care, requiring patients to seek additional consultations, which can be time-consuming and costly. Our specialty optometrists offer holistic examinations in one visit, potentially saving patients the need for multiple appointments with different providers.
​Ultimately, the fees reflect the time and resources needed to deliver quality care. Understanding the costs involved helps build respectful relationships within the community.
​For more information, please check our Patient Feedback section: [Terms & Conditions | Glory Eyecare].
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Changes set to see optometrist fee rise | The Examiner | Launceston, TAS
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4. Why doesn't Medicare fully cover my eye test and pay for all types of optometric examinations?
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Medicare sets policies regarding coverage, and no optometrist can provide a definitive answer. We adhere to their rules and regulations.
For more information, you can visit the following webpages:
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What's covered by Medicare - Screening, tests and scans - Services Australia
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5. How much do glasses and contact lenses cost?
The cost of glasses and contact lenses varies widely based on your prescription and preferences. To provide an accurate quote, we need your latest written prescription and specific requirements. Think of it like shopping for a car—prices depend on the features you choose.
We’re here to help you find options that fit your needs and budget, from affordable to premium. For the best estimate, please visit us for an eye exam or bring your prescription. We don’t quote prices over the phone, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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6. Why do spectacles cost so much?
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The price of spectacles reflects various factors, similar to why we pay for water despite it being a free natural resource. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Frame Costs:
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Purchase expenses (cost, freight, GST)
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Labor for sourcing and maintenance
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Professional services for fitting and adjustments
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Additional costs (case, insurance, warranties)
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Lens Costs:
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Purchase expenses (cost, fitting, freight, GST)
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Professional services for selection and measurement
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Labor for cleaning and handling returns
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Additional costs (lens cloth, insurance, warranties)
Additionally, Medicare benefits often not fully cover the costs of eye exams, so revenue from spectacles helps support these services.
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7. Why should I get my glasses from Glory Eyecare Optometrists?
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Just like a great meal relies on fresh ingredients and a skilled chef, a quality optical solution needs quality products and expert care. At Glory Eyecare, our experienced optometrists conduct thorough eye exams and provide personalized dispensing services for optimal outcomes.
Since deregulation in the 1980s, unqualified sellers have entered the market, but our dispensing optometrists stay updated with hands-on experience. With over 35 years in the field, we ensure precise measurements and adjustments for your comfort and vision, plus ongoing support and a prescription warranty for adaptation issues.
Choosing discount providers can lead to low-quality products and limited service, resulting in dissatisfaction and extra cost. Investing in quality from experienced professionals saves you time and money in the long run.
We offer over 2,000 frames in-store and access to 30,000 more to fit every budget, along with warranties of 12 to 24 months on frames and lenses, and a 3-month prescription warranty on orders.
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8. Why do color or cosmetic contact lenses without power need a prescription to purchase?
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Color or cosmetic contact lenses, even without prescription power, require a prescription because they are classified as medical devices. This classification exists due to the potential risks they pose to eye health, such as corneal ulcers and blindness if not fitted correctly.
A valid prescription ensures the right lens design and fitting. While these lenses are safe when used properly, selling them without a prescription is illegal and can lead to significant penalties. For more information, visit [Product Safety](https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/health-lifestyle/cosmetics/cosmetic-novelty-contact-lenses) and [WebEye](https://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/cases/171-pseudomonas-keratitis.htm).
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9. Why can't I use my spectacle prescription to buy contact lenses or vice versa?
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Contact lens prescriptions and spectacle prescriptions differ because of their unique methods of correcting vision. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while spectacles are positioned further away, resulting in variations in power. Additionally, contact lens prescriptions include specific details about lens shape, dimensions, and material to ensure a proper fit for comfort and eye health.
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10. Should I buy contact lenses online?
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While buying contact lenses online may seem convenient due to discounts and home delivery, it carries risks. Studies show higher rates of corneal infections among those who order lenses online. Regular checkups are essential for maintaining eye health and comfort, as they help detect issues that could lead to serious consequences, including vision impairment.
Additionally, our Australian suppliers ensure quality and provide warranties, which online retailers may not offer. We can often match online prices and provide the convenience of ordering via phone or email, with credit card payments and delivery options available.
Ultimately, prioritizing your eye health and safety is wise, even over potential savings. Supporting local businesses also has positive economic impacts. If you're considering ordering from a foreign business, please refer to the section on "Should I support local or foreign business?" for more insights.
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11. Should I buy spectacles online?
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Buying spectacles online may save money, but consider the potential drawbacks regarding quality, fit, and after-sales service.
Information about some problems of buying glasses online can be found on: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ordering-glasses-online
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Challenges of Online Purchases:
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No Try-On: You can't physically try on the glasses or receive in-person professional guidance.
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Measurement Issues: Accurately measuring your pupil distance at home is challenging, akin to cutting your own hair.
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Prescription Errors: Studies show about half of online glasses have incorrect prescriptions or other issues, which can lead to blurred vision, tired eyes and headaches.
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Quality Concerns: Many online glasses come from manufacturers in developing countries that may not adhere to Australian standards, leading to quality problems.
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Fitting Needs: Specific lenses, like progressive or bifocal, require precise measurements that are best done in-person.
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Insurance Limitations: Many online retailers don’t accept health insurance.
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Warranties: Online glasses often have shorter warranties (around 30 days), while we offer 12 to 24 months on our frames and lenses, plus a 3-month prescription warranty.
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Return Difficulties: Returning glasses can be complicated, and refunds may be hard to obtain.
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Shipping Delays: Online orders may take weeks or months due to international logistics and customs.
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Lack of Support: Online retailers typically don’t provide fitting or after-sale services, leading to potential additional costs and hassles down the line.
While the initial price may seem appealing, buying online can result in more frustration and expenses overall.
If considering a foreign business, please see the section on "Should I support local or foreign business?" below for insights on the economic impact of your choice.
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12. Should I buy spectacles overseas?
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Buying spectacles overseas might seem cheaper, but consider the potential downsides regarding warranties and after-sale service.
Key Concerns:
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Lack of Standards: Some countries may lack professional guidelines, leading to sub-standard products and services.
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Prescription Issues: An incorrect prescription can cause blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain.
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Limited Insurance Reimbursement: Most health funds do not cover spectacles purchased overseas.
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Quality Problems: Product quality can vary widely, leading to dissatisfaction.
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Return Difficulties: Returning glasses or obtaining refunds can be challenging.
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No After-Sale Support: You may incur additional costs for local service if issues arise, especially with low-quality products that need frequent adjustments.
hile it might seem economical initially, buying spectacles overseas can lead to more frustration and expenses in the long run.
For more insights, please read "Should I support local or foreign business?" below to understand the economic impact of your choice.
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13. Should I Choose a Locally-Owned Optometrist or a National/Online Chain?
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Choosing a locally owned, independent optometrist offers numerous professional and economic benefits that can greatly impact your health, community, and local economy.
Professional Benefits
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Personalized Care: Independent optometrists have the flexibility to provide individualized attention, ensuring continuity of care and quality service that focuses on your specific needs.
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Expertise and Product Knowledge: Local optometrists are highly knowledgeable about the products they offer and can provide expert advice, tailoring recommendations to suit your lifestyle and vision needs.
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Diverse Selection: Local practices often carry unique eyewear and optical products not found in national chains, offering a curated selection that reflects community preferences.
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Better Service: With a focus on building long-term relationships, independent optometrists tend to go the extra mile to ensure patient satisfaction, offering a more personal experience.
Economic Benefits
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Supporting Local Economy: Spending at locally owned businesses keeps more money circulating within the community. Research shows that 48% of money spent locally stays in the area, compared to just 14% at chain retailers.
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Creating Local Jobs: Local businesses generate more jobs and contribute to higher wages in the community, with small businesses accounting for 64% of new job growth.
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Building Stronger Communities: When you shop local, you invest in the well-being of your entire community, helping to fund vital services like schools, roads, and emergency services.
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Environmental Impact: Local businesses typically require less transportation and packaging, contributing to a reduction in carbon footprints and environmental impact.
Conclusion
Opting for a locally owned optometrist doesn’t just provide you with superior care and a personal connection—it also strengthens your community and boosts local economic growth. In short, supporting local businesses makes both economic and social sense. Think Big, Shop Small!
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More information can be found on the webpages as below:
Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses – Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ilsr.org)
15 Reasons to Shop Locally - MetroFamily Magazine
How Corporations Have a Negative Impact on The Society (paypervids.com)
Multinational Corporations: Good or Bad? - Economics Help
Importance of Buying Local for a Faster Economic Recovery (entrypointmi.com)
Why Buy Local? | Sustainable Connections
Key Studies: Why Independent Matters – Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ilsr.org)
Locally Owned vs. Chain: The Local Premium – Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ilsr.org)
FourOneOne - What exactly do small businesses do for the economy? (consumersadvocate.org)
What Happens When You Shop Local - Independent We Stand | Independent We Stand
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14. What is Covered by Manufacturer's Warranty?
A manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship, but not damage caused by wear and tear, misuse, or accidents.
Covered
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Frame Defects: Issues like oxidation, discoloration, or parts like screws, nose pads, or logos coming loose.
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Lens Defects: Peeling or defective coatings.
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Not Covered
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Cosmetic Damage: Scratches, paint chips, or coating damage.
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Environmental Exposure: Damage from extreme temperatures, water, chemicals (e.g., suntan lotion, oils), or sweat.
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Accidental Damage: Dropping, crushing, or rough handling.
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Improper Care: Incorrect cleaning or tampering.
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Wear and Tear: Natural aging or use over time.
For the best longevity, always handle and clean your eyewear carefully!
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15. Eye Pain: When to See a Therapeutic Optometrist?
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Eye pain can be distressing, whether it's a mild irritation or severe discomfort. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a therapeutic optometrist:
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Eye Pain
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Redness or Irritation (especially with contact lenses)
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Discharge or Swelling
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Eye Injury or Styes
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Welder’s Burn
However, some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent care if you experience:
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Severe eye pain with headache, fever, or light sensitivity
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Sudden vision changes
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Nausea, vomiting, or halos around lights
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A foreign object or chemical in the eye
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Difficulty moving the eye or keeping it open
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Blood or pus from the eye
If it's after hours, an emergency appointment with a therapeutic optometrist is often a better option than the emergency room, as they specialize in eye care. However, for severe injuries or head trauma, go directly to the emergency room.
Remember, never try to self-treat eye conditions. Always seek professional help for the best care.
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16. Why Can’t Optometrists Screen for Every Disease or Vision Disorder?
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Similar to doctors, optometrists focus on addressing the primary concerns or symptoms presented during a visit. Screening for every possible condition isn’t practical or necessary. However, professional optometrists do screen for common and silent eye diseases, like glaucoma, as part of routine eye exams.
For more information on this topic, visit: [Why Doctors Can’t Screen for Every Disease](https://www.kevinmd.com/2011/05/doctors-screen-patients-disease.html).
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17. Why Do Optometrists Repeat Some Tests on Different Visits?
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Our vision and eye health can fluctuate due to various factors, even if we don't notice. Just like other health measurements, such as heart rate or blood sugar levels, eye conditions can vary over time. That’s why some tests may need to be repeated across multiple visits to get an accurate diagnosis. Common tests that require multiple measurements include:
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Refraction: Vision and prescription can change due to factors like eye fatigue, dry eyes, contact lens wear, or even general health conditions like diabetes.
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Dry or Watery Eye Assessments: Tear film quality can vary due to environmental conditions, medications, or contact lens use.
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Intraocular Pressure: Eye pressure can fluctuate due to conditions like glaucoma or medication, sometimes requiring repeated measurements over time.
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Visual Field Tests: These tests assess vision sensitivity and can help diagnose conditions like glaucoma or optic nerve disorders. Multiple tests over different days are needed to ensure accuracy.
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In summary, eye health is complex and can be influenced by many factors. Patience, cooperation, and understanding from patients are key to achieving the best outcomes.​
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18. Can Vision and Prescription Change Suddenly or Temporarily?
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Yes, vision and prescriptions can change quickly. Our eyes, body, and environment are always interacting, so changes can happen without us noticing. Some common causes include:
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External Eye Conditions: Lid diseases (droopy, inflammations, in-grown eyelashes), dry or watery eyes, corneal diseases (surface disorders, foreign bodies, abrasion, infection, edema, keratoconus), cataracts, ciliary spasm, tired eyes, eye rubbing, allergies, .……
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Internal Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal diseases,.......
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Muscle or Nerve Problems: eye muscle palsies, binocular vision disorders, ……
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Orbital Disorders: inflammation (cellulitis), hemorrhage, growth (tumors), ......
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Brain and Nerve Disorders: transient ischemic attack (carotid artery temporary blockage), optic nerve diseases, cranial nerve palsies, brain aneurysms or tumors, visual migraines, ……
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General Health Conditions: Diabetes, hormonal changes (pregnancy), multiple sclerosis, sleep disorder, ……
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Medications: Eye drops or ointments, many general drugs (sulfa-based, acetazolamide, indapamide, and sulphasalazine, hormonal medications (oral contraceptive, contraceptive implant), CPAP, ……
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Trauma or Surgery: Injuries, surgeries, or treatments (hyperbaric oxygen therapy), ......
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Contact Lens Wear: poor fitting, incorrect prescroption, wrong lenses, ......
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Others: Uncorrected or incorrect prescription of refractive errors, tired eyes, alcohol, CPAP, smoking, wind, steam, ......
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In short, many factors can cause your vision to fluctuate, so it’s important to get regular eye exams and discuss any changes with your optometrist.
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https://allabouteyes.com/changes-vision-prescription-whats-normal-whats-not/
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/fluctuating-vision/
https://hardinvalleyeye.com/why-does-my-eyewear-prescription-change-every-year/
https://calgaryfamilyeyedoctors.com/five-ways-your-glasses-prescription-can-change-rapidly/
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19. Why Do Different Optometrists Give Different Prescriptions?
It’s common for different optometrists to provide slightly different prescriptions for the same patient, even without significant vision changes. This is because:
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Elements of a Prescription: A prescription includes the sphere (nearsightedness or farsightedness), cylinder (astigmatism), and axis (direction of curvature). For bifocals or progressives, there's also an 'ADD' power.
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Tolerance and Variability: Glasses are made to exact tolerances, but small differences in prescriptions can still occur. These small variations may affect your vision, even if within the acceptable range.
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Adaptation: The brain adjusts to slight differences in prescriptions. That's why glasses may feel blurry or distorted at first, but if they’re close, the brain can adapt over time. External factors, like fatigue or health conditions, can also influence your prescription.
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Prescription Changes: An optometrist’s measurements are a snapshot of your vision at the time of the exam. If you don't visit often, your prescription may change over time.
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How to Know if Your Glasses Are Right: If you’re having trouble with a new prescription, give it 1-2 weeks to adjust. If you’re still struggling, see your optometrist for a re-check to ensure the lenses match the prescription.
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Optometry is both a science and an art, and your prescription may vary based on several factors that influence how you see.
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20. Have You Been Given the "Wrong" Prescription?
It’s common to experience some discomfort when trying new glasses, even if your prescription hasn't changed much. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been given the wrong prescription.
Understanding "Wrong" vs. "Incorrect" Prescriptions:
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Wrong Prescription: This is very rare and occurs when you receive someone else’s prescription by mistake. It’s like taking the wrong medication—it won't work for you. This can happen due to human error in processing, especially with new patients or if your prescription history is unclear.
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Incorrect Prescription: This is more common and means your prescription may not meet your specific visual needs. For example, you might receive the wrong type of lenses (e.g., reading glasses instead of distance glasses) or improperly fitted multifocal lenses. Small errors in fitting, such as the lens being misaligned, can also cause issues.
Factors to Consider:
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Adaptation: It’s normal to need time to adjust to new glasses, especially multifocals or if your prescription changed. If after 1-2 weeks you still feel uncomfortable, it’s worth visiting your optometrist for a re-check.
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Prescriptions Can Vary: Small differences between prescriptions from different optometrists can occur, but they typically won’t affect your vision much. Variations in how you respond to tests, plus differences in how each optometrist interprets the results, can lead to slightly different prescriptions.
The Bottom Line:
Optometrists and dispensing opticians are trained to provide you with lenses tailored to your needs, but if your new glasses aren’t working as expected, it’s important to follow up.
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https://capitaleye.com.au/have-you-been-given-the-wrong-prescription-from-your-optometrist/
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​​21. Why Do I Need to “Adjust” to My New Prescription?
When your optometrist updates your prescription, you may need time to "adjust" to the new lenses. Here’s why:
Why Prescriptions Change:
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Factors Impacting Prescription Changes: Changes in your vision can result from factors like uncontrolled diabetes, cataracts, or pregnancy. Even slight variations in measurements from different optometrists or equipment can cause minor changes to your prescription. These variations are normal and typically small (around 0.25D).
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Functional Changes: Not all prescription changes are noticeable. Sometimes a minor adjustment improves comfort or clarity, even if the change in visual sharpness is small. Our optometrists assess whether a new prescription will benefit you functionally, ensuring it enhances your daily vision comfort.
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The Adjustment Process:
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Why It Takes Time: Just like adjusting to new shoes or clothes, new glasses may feel unfamiliar at first. It can take a few days for your eyes and brain to adapt, especially with multifocal lenses or significant changes.
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Personalized Lenses: At Glory Eyecare, we offer a variety of multifocal lenses tailored to your needs, whether for work, sports, or study, ensuring the best fit and comfort.
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Bottom Line:
It’s normal to need time to adjust to new glasses. If you don’t feel comfortable after a few days, we recommend returning for a re-check to ensure your prescription is right for you.
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https://capitaleye.com.au/why-do-i-need-to-adjust-to-my-new-prescription/
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22. Differences Between Emergency Department, Public Hospital, and Private Eye Clinics:
Emergency Department:
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Long waiting times with many critically ill patients.
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Non-urgent cases may be referred back to private practitioners.
Public Hospital Outpatient Clinic:
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Primarily for critical or low-income patients.
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Long waiting periods (months) and limited flexibility in scheduling.
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May have less experienced practitioners, as it’s a teaching facility.
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Patients cannot choose their doctor.
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Private Eye Clinic:
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Allows patients to choose their doctor.
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Offers faster service and often better outcomes due to personalized care.
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