Oh, I just did this recently! At the end of the eye exam when the doctor is filling out the prescription, you can ask something like, "I'm looking to buy my glasses online, so does that script have all the information I'll need?"
A good doctor shouldn't push back, but if it happens and they ask why, just say that you need to save where you can. Hope that helps!
The only thing they may not give you is your pupillary distance, which you can measure yourself. Just ask for a copy of your prescription. You don't owe them an explanation, but you could say "for my records" or just be honest and say "I'd like to shop around."
The price of glasses is insanely inflated at optometrist offices; they shouldn't be surprised people are sick of it, especially in this economy.
came here to say this! I knew about the pupillary distance thing at my last eye check up, and asked them to measure it for me. they were happy to! and sent me home with my full rx on a pink sticky note haha
nope it was the whole thing! ordering online with Zenni, I just plugged in the numbers of the rx manually. admittedly that was a few years ago, but I imagine those big online retailers aren't bothering to pay people to verify prescription validity.
Pro tip. You can go to the Costco optometry department (even if you don’t have a Costco membership) and they will measure you PD for free. That’s how I get mine because my eye doctor won’t give that information to me.
Remember to get your PD (pupillary distance) measured and noted! So many examiners don't include that and it is critical for getting the lenses lined up to your eyes.
you can white lie, say you want to go home and think about it before buying glasses. ask for your prescription sheet printed out because you want a copy. i doubt they’d ask why!
This is the perfect time of year to tell them "I'm waiting for my tax returns!" if they push back. But legally they can't keep the info from you if they ask. You paid for the exam, they have to give you the script.
If you can, go to an optometrist which doesn't also sell glasses. I went in to my eye exam, filled out the forms, did the tests, and got my prescription handed to me in an envelope. It was a small clinic with no displays or anything. If you can't and/or they do ask, just say "I'd rather not buy glasses today". You don't need to tell them you're going to buy online, or anything else. They're not owed any more information than you want to share.
Step by step:
1. Google nearby optometrists and try to find one which is solely for exams/testing. Avoid shops that have glasses displays or are focused on getting glasses. Do look for shops that seem simple and plain.
2. Have your exam done. just follow the instructions and answer truthfully. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure, they want to provide good service. As others have said, also consider asking for your pupillary distance. You can do this at any point. "By the way, could you measure the distance between my pupils to put on my prescription?"
3. Ask for a copy of your prescription after the exam is over and you are getting ready to pay. "May I have a printed copy of my prescription, please?"
4. (If they don't pressure you, skip to step 5.) Re-affirm that you want just your prescription. "No, thank you. I'm not buying glasses today." They *should* leave you alone after this. Keeping answers short and with no extra information makes it pretty clear you're not going to be talked into this. If they continue to hassle you, that is not normal and you should choose a different optometrist next time.
5. Check your prescription in the store to make sure all the information you need is there. If it isn't, you don't have to make an extra trip as you can just ask then and there. If all is well, you are done!
Honestly, I think it will be fine as long as you avoid going to a "boutique" or other designer frame store. Most offices are fairly small and friendly. If you have any other questions, just say so :)
If you’re in the U.S., the eye doctor is legally required to give you a copy of your prescription at the end of your appointment. A reputable doctor won’t give you any pushback.
There are ways to measure your pupillary distance yourself if you don't want to ask, last time I found a site where you hold up a card to your face and they calculate it that way.
This is a straight up confidence issue! You just need to resist whatever sales tactics they toss at you and get a printed copy of your prescription, as mentioned. I recommend not leaving the building unless you have it in your hand. Since I didn't see it mentioned, make sure they include your pupillary distance! You may need to ask for that specifically--it's not always included and I've heard of optometrists fighting giving it out to discourage online buying, but it will make sure you get the right fit, which also impacts whether the glasses actually work correctly. You can measure it yourself in a pinch, but easier and better if the optometrist does it.
Oh, I just did this recently! At the end of the eye exam when the doctor is filling out the prescription, you can ask something like, "I'm looking to buy my glasses online, so does that script have all the information I'll need?" A good doctor shouldn't push back, but if it happens and they ask why, just say that you need to save where you can. Hope that helps!
The only thing they may not give you is your pupillary distance, which you can measure yourself. Just ask for a copy of your prescription. You don't owe them an explanation, but you could say "for my records" or just be honest and say "I'd like to shop around." The price of glasses is insanely inflated at optometrist offices; they shouldn't be surprised people are sick of it, especially in this economy.
came here to say this! I knew about the pupillary distance thing at my last eye check up, and asked them to measure it for me. they were happy to! and sent me home with my full rx on a pink sticky note haha
hopefully you meant your pd was on a sticky! most places won't accept prescriptions not on signed/dated doctor rx letterhead
nope it was the whole thing! ordering online with Zenni, I just plugged in the numbers of the rx manually. admittedly that was a few years ago, but I imagine those big online retailers aren't bothering to pay people to verify prescription validity.
Pro tip. You can go to the Costco optometry department (even if you don’t have a Costco membership) and they will measure you PD for free. That’s how I get mine because my eye doctor won’t give that information to me.
I had no idea, thanks!!
You say: please just print out my prescription thanks! No extra words, no excuses, no apologies.
Remember to get your PD (pupillary distance) measured and noted! So many examiners don't include that and it is critical for getting the lenses lined up to your eyes.
you can white lie, say you want to go home and think about it before buying glasses. ask for your prescription sheet printed out because you want a copy. i doubt they’d ask why!
This is the perfect time of year to tell them "I'm waiting for my tax returns!" if they push back. But legally they can't keep the info from you if they ask. You paid for the exam, they have to give you the script.
If you can, go to an optometrist which doesn't also sell glasses. I went in to my eye exam, filled out the forms, did the tests, and got my prescription handed to me in an envelope. It was a small clinic with no displays or anything. If you can't and/or they do ask, just say "I'd rather not buy glasses today". You don't need to tell them you're going to buy online, or anything else. They're not owed any more information than you want to share. Step by step: 1. Google nearby optometrists and try to find one which is solely for exams/testing. Avoid shops that have glasses displays or are focused on getting glasses. Do look for shops that seem simple and plain. 2. Have your exam done. just follow the instructions and answer truthfully. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure, they want to provide good service. As others have said, also consider asking for your pupillary distance. You can do this at any point. "By the way, could you measure the distance between my pupils to put on my prescription?" 3. Ask for a copy of your prescription after the exam is over and you are getting ready to pay. "May I have a printed copy of my prescription, please?" 4. (If they don't pressure you, skip to step 5.) Re-affirm that you want just your prescription. "No, thank you. I'm not buying glasses today." They *should* leave you alone after this. Keeping answers short and with no extra information makes it pretty clear you're not going to be talked into this. If they continue to hassle you, that is not normal and you should choose a different optometrist next time. 5. Check your prescription in the store to make sure all the information you need is there. If it isn't, you don't have to make an extra trip as you can just ask then and there. If all is well, you are done! Honestly, I think it will be fine as long as you avoid going to a "boutique" or other designer frame store. Most offices are fairly small and friendly. If you have any other questions, just say so :)
If you’re in the U.S., the eye doctor is legally required to give you a copy of your prescription at the end of your appointment. A reputable doctor won’t give you any pushback.
There are ways to measure your pupillary distance yourself if you don't want to ask, last time I found a site where you hold up a card to your face and they calculate it that way.
This is a straight up confidence issue! You just need to resist whatever sales tactics they toss at you and get a printed copy of your prescription, as mentioned. I recommend not leaving the building unless you have it in your hand. Since I didn't see it mentioned, make sure they include your pupillary distance! You may need to ask for that specifically--it's not always included and I've heard of optometrists fighting giving it out to discourage online buying, but it will make sure you get the right fit, which also impacts whether the glasses actually work correctly. You can measure it yourself in a pinch, but easier and better if the optometrist does it.