There is a big difference! Progressives are able to provide more natural vision at all distances. With the lined style you are only able to see clearly in the distance and near. There is no intermediate vision with the lined bifocal. Cosmetically progressives are more appealing as there is no visible line for others to see. At The Optical Image we offer a 90-day trial with progressives. We feel a progressive is the most advantageous way to go for most of our patients. Occasionally we need to resort back to a lined bifocal and we will refit the lenses within the first 90 days of wear.

A polarized filter added to your sunwear helps to eliminate and absorb unwanted glare. This would be advantageous when outdoors, driving, on the water and even when there is snow on the ground.

At The Optical Image we send your frame to our lab in Winnipeg. Normally glasses will take 5-10 business days for them to be returned to our office.

Absolutely! If you bring in a quote from a competitor we will match the price!

An adult with healthy eyes should come in for an eye examination every 24 months. Seniors should come in for an eye examination every 12 months. Children should be seen every 12 months, starting at 6 months of age. An adult with any type of eye complications should follow the recommendations of their eye care professional. This does not include diabetics, who should be routinely seen every 12 months. This could change to more frequently if there are any signs of diabetic related eye complications.

An anti – reflective coating is designed to let light through the lens, not bounce off of it causing reflections. It helps to eliminate glare when night driving, when using computers, and when under overhead lighting. Cosmetically, it makes the lenses almost “disappear” in your frame, letting people see you more naturally. This is noticeable with today’s completely frameless eyewear, creating a completely minimal look for the wearer. Included in the anti-reflective coating is a hard coat.

Amblyopia or lazy eye is the lack of development of the vision in one eye that is not directly caused by any eye health problem. It is not correctable with lenses alone. It is the result of poor early development, and as such, occurs before the age of six. Because of this, it is recommended that children have their eyes examined at 6 months, 3 years, and every year following until their eyes are done developing.

Toric contacts are designed with a weight in them to correct astigmatism. They must sit more stable in the patient’s eye than a regular contact.

Astigmatism is caused when the front surface (cornea) is not spherical. The power needed across the cornea, to correct one eye, can be different. It is very common and most people do not even realize they have astigmatism. It is talked about more when it is the primary cause of blurry vision.

A Visual Fields test is used to map the functions of the retina. It tells the Optometrist if you have any defects in your peripheral vision. Mapping the visual fields of a patient is used in a variety of diagnosis, but it is routinely used for early detection of Glaucoma.

This is highly unlikely. It usually levels off at puberty or when growth ceases. It is very rare that one goes on, from nearsightedness, to be blind.

Yes. You may need to wear sunglasses when you drive since the drops will cause the pupils to dilate for a while, however, you may not be able to read since, in most cases, near vision will be blurred.

An OPTICIAN is a technician who has completed a two year combination of study and work experience with optical appliances. Opticians may supply, prepare and dispense optical appliances, including corrective eyeglasses based on a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In some states, with additional training, an optician can be licensed to fit and dispense contact lenses.

An OPTOMETRIST is a doctor who has completed a undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and an additional four years for a Doctor of Optometry degree. Optometrists are primary care practitioners who examine, assess and diagnose disorders of the eye, visual system and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists provide and prescribe treatment, management, and correction for the eyes and visual system. This includes, but is not limited to, the fitting and dispensing of glasses, contact lenses and other optical devices, vision therapy, prescription medications for the eye, and referral to a medical specialist for treatment of other eye or systemic disease or eye surgery.

An OPTHALMOLOGIST is a medical doctor/surgeon who, in addition an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and four years of medical school, has completed up to six years of ophthalmology residency in a hospital. Most ophthalmologists specialize in medical and surgical treatment of the eye and vision disorders, but may also perform routine eye care examinations, contact lens fitting, and other primary eyecare services.

Transitions® lenses employ a proprietary and patented photochromic dye system that enables them to activate, or darken, when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As UV light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, always providing just the right amount of tint. UV blockage remains at 100%, regardless of the level of tint.

Windshields in today’s vehicles block most of the UV rays that cause Transitions® lenses to activate, or darken. As a result, when worn inside a car where less UV light is present, the ability of the lenses to darken is reduced. As an eyecare professional, you may want to recommend that some patients wear a pair of polarized prescription sunglasses for driving.

]We are able to help readjust your glasses, tighten screws, replace nose pads and temple tips for you in our office.