Glory Eyecare Optometrists

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Introduction

Rapid advancements in technology and guidelines can lead to outdated misconceptions. Evidence-based optometrists prioritize up-to-date care, earning respect for their expertise. Patients are encouraged to ask questions for informed decisions.  

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1. Why Do Fees/Gaps Vary Between Optometrists?

 

Factors include:

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1. Practice Differences

   • Overhead costs (location, equipment, staff expertise).

   • Specialty clinics with advanced tech often charge more.

2. Optometrist Expertise

   • Higher fees reflect experience, specialty training, and better outcomes.

   • General optometrists may lack updated knowledge in complex areas.

3. Case Complexity

   • Longer consultations, specialized tests, and tailored care increase costs.

4. Medicare Variations

   • Reimbursement rates differ (e.g., lower benefits for follow-up exams).

5. Health Fund Policies

   • Coverage varies by fund and service type.

 

Summary: Advanced care requires expertise, time, and technology—quality comes at a fair cost.

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Some patients prioritize low fees over quality care, unaware that general optometrists may lack specialty expertise. This leads to the false assumption that all optometrists offer the same level of service.

Think of it like comparing a $2 fast−food burger to a $20 gourmet one—you won’t understand the difference until you experience it firsthand. Similarly, superior optometric care delivers better long-term results, justifying its value.

 

Key Points:

• Outcomes matter more than cost – Specialty care prevents future issues.

• Experience the difference – Higher-quality service justifies its value.

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2. Why do some optometrists charge higher fees? Is this Medicare-approved?

 

Specialist optometrists charge higher fees because they:

• Invest in advanced training/equipment

• Provide comprehensive or advanced care beyond basic services

• Solve complex issues efficiently (often in one visit)

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While Medicare sets minimum rebates, it permits higher fees for superior care. Choosing budget services may result in:

• Incomplete solutions

• Multiple follow-up visits

• Higher long-term costs

Fees reflect quality outcomes. We welcome discussions about affordable options.

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[Terms & Conditions | Glory Eyecare]

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​​​​​​​​​3. Bulk-Bill vs. Private-Bill Optometric Exams

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• Bulk-billed: Basic care due to cost constraints. 

• Private-billed: Advanced resources for optimal outcomes, akin to private healthcare. 

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Lower-cost options may yield unsatisfactory results. Expert optometrists invest time in precise diagnosis for quality care.  

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4. Why doesn't Medicare cover all eye tests?

 

Medicare determines which services are covered. We follow their guidelines.

For details: [What's covered by Medicare - Screening, tests and scans - Services Australia]

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​​​​​​​​​​5. How much do glasses and contact lenses cost?
 

Prices vary significantly based on:

• Prescription complexity (single vision vs progressive lenses)

• Lens materials (standard plastic to high-index/thin lenses)

• Coatings (anti-reflective, blue light filtering, transitions)

• Frame materials (plastic, metal, titanium) and brands

• Contact lens type (daily, monthly, specialty designs)

 

We provide options ranging from budget-friendly to premium. For an accurate quote, please visit with your current prescription so we can assess your specific needs.

 

 

6. Why are quality spectacles cost more?
 

Several factors contribute to the cost:

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Frame Costs Include:

• Wholesale purchase price and import fees

• Professional fitting and adjustments

• Extended warranties (typically 12-24 months)

• Aftercare services and maintenance

Lens Costs Cover:

• Precision manufacturing to your exact prescription

• Specialized coatings and treatments

• Professional measurement and fitting

• Quality assurance and warranties

Optical practices invest in:

• State-of-the-art measuring equipment

• Ongoing staff training

• Inventory of diverse frame options

• Follow-up care and adjustments

 

 

7. Benefits of Choosing Glory Eyecare

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• Expert Care: Our optometrists have 35+ years specialized experience

• Precision: Advanced measuring technology for perfect fit

• Selection: 2,000+ frames in-store + access to 30,000 more

• Warranties: 12-24 months on frames/lenses + 3-month prescription guarantee

• Aftercare: Ongoing support and adjustments

• Quality Assurance: Avoid the risks of online/discount retailers causing dissatisfaction and extra costs

 

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8. Why cosmetic contacts require prescriptions:

 

• Medical Devices: All contacts (even plano) are regulated by the TGA

• Risks: Improper use can cause:

  • Corneal ulcers

  • Vision loss

  • Permanent eye damage

• Legal Requirement: Fitting by a qualified professional is mandatory

• Safety: Proper sizing and care instructions are essential

 

For more information: visit

Novelty contact lenses.pdf

Visual Loss After Contact Lens-related Pseudomonas Keratitis:: The University of Iowa, Ophthalmology

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9. Why can't I use my spectacle prescription for contact lenses (or vice versa)?

 

• Fundamental Differences:
  Positioning: Glasses sit ~12mm from eyes vs contacts directly on cornea
  Power Calculation: Requires different optical corrections
  Additional Parameters: Contact lens prescriptions include:

  • Base curve (eye curvature match)

  • Diameter (lens size)

  • Material (oxygen permeability)

  • Specific brand/model

• Safety Requirement: Proper fitting prevents corneal damage and ensures vision accuracy

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10. Risks of Buying Contact Lenses Online
 

Health Concerns:

• 5x higher infection risk (Johns Hopkins study)

• No professional fitting assessment

• Often bypasses prescription verification

Practical Issues:

• No local support for complications

• Questionable storage/expiry conditions

• Potential counterfeit products

Our Advantages:

• Price matching available

• Direct ordering via phone/email

• Australian-certified products

• Full warranty coverage

• Emergency support

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11. Problems with Online Glasses Purchases
 

Critical Limitations:

1. Measurement Challenges:

• 44% have incorrect PD measurements (AOA study)

• Progressive/bifocal fitting requires 7+ measurements

  2. Quality Issues:

• 53% fail basic optical standards (Optometry Australia)

• Non-compliant lens material.

  3. Service Gaps:

• Average 30-day warranty vs our 24 months

• No adjustment services

• 3-8 week delivery time.

  4. Hidden Costs:

• 28% require remakes (Vision Council research)

• Additional local optician fees for adjustments

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​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. Risks of Overseas Spectacle Purchases
 

Key Problems:

• Regulatory Differences: Many countries lack TGA-equivalent standards

• Common Issues Reported:

  • Incorrect prescriptions (39%)

  • Poor frame durability (62%)

  • Lens coating failures (47%)

• Economic Impact:

  • Supporting Australian businesses strengthens Australian economy (Austrade)

  • Supports Australian jobs/services

 

Our Value:

• Instant replacement for warranty issues

• Free adjustments for life

• Same-day emergency repairs

• Health fund direct billing

 

Learn more: See "Should I support local or foreign business?" below for the economic impact of your choice.

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13. Should You Choose a Local Optometrist or a National/Online Chain?

 

Opting for a locally owned optometrist offers better care, stronger communities, and a healthier local economy—here’s why:

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Professional Benefits

✅ Personalized Care – Tailored service and continuity of care.
✅ Expert Guidance – In-depth product knowledge and custom recommendations.
✅ Unique Selection – Curated eyewear not found in big chains.
✅ Superior Service – A focus on long-term relationships, not just transactions.

 

Economic & Community Benefits

💰 Boosts Local Economy – 48% of spending stays local (vs. 14% at chains).
👩‍⚕️ Creates Jobs – Small businesses drive 64% of new job growth.
🌱 Lowers Environmental Impact – Less shipping and packaging waste.
🏡 Strengthens Communities – Supports schools, infrastructure, and local services.

 

Conclusion:
Choosing local means better eye care + a thriving community. Think big, shop small!

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More information:

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. Manufacturer's Warranty Coverage

 

What’s Covered:
Defects in materials or workmanship, including:

• Frame defects (discoloration)

• Lens defects (peeling coating)

 

What’s Not Covered:

• Cosmetic damage (scratches, paint chips, coating wear)

• Environmental damage (extreme temperatures, water, chemicals, sweat)

• Accidental damage (dropping, crushing, rough handling)

• Improper care (incorrect cleaning, tampering)

• Normal wear and tear (aging or prolonged use)

 

For lasting performance, handle and clean your eyewear with care.

 

Exclusions: Discounted items—though we’ll assist where possible.

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15. Eye Pain: When to See a Therapeutic Optometrist?

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Eye pain—whether mild irritation or severe discomfort—warrants professional attention.

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Schedule an Optometrist Visit If You Experience:

• Persistent eye pain, redness, or irritation (especially with contacts)

• Discharge, swelling, or styes

• Minor eye injuries or welder’s burn

 

Seek Immediate Care For:

• Severe pain with headache, fever, or light sensitivity

• Sudden vision changes or halos around lights

• Nausea/vomiting with eye symptoms

• Foreign objects, chemicals, or trauma to the eye

• Blood/pus discharge or inability to open/move the eye

 

After-Hours Tip: For urgent eye-specific issues, a therapeutic optometrist is often preferable to the ER—but head straight to emergency for major trauma.

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Never self-treat eye conditions. Prompt professional care ensures optimal outcomes.

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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 Optometrists Don't Screen for All Eye Conditions?

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Optometrists, like all healthcare providers, focus on targeted evaluations based on symptoms, risk factors, and evidence-based guidelines. While comprehensive eye exams detect common sight-threatening conditions (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration), universal screening for every possible disorder would be:

• Medically unnecessary (many conditions are extremely rare)

• Time-prohibitive (extending exam times unreasonably)

• Cost-ineffective (potentially increasing patient expenses without clear benefit)

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Rest assured, standard exams include checks for the most prevalent and impactful eye diseases. For unusual symptoms or risk factors, your optometrist will recommend additional testing.

 

Precision beats generality in effective eye care.

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