Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?
We prefer that you make an appointment, but it is not necessary. Usually appointments can be made within a day or two; however, if you need to be seen that day, we can see you on a walk-in basis.

My glasses broke. What do I do?
Please return your glasses to the office at which they were purchased. We will repair them at no cost. If the frame is not repairable, talk to the store manager about your options.

What type of contact lenses do you offer?
National Optometry fits all types of contact lenses including astigmatic bifocal, rigid gas permeable, and tinted lenses. We primarily prescribe Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, and Ciba Vision lenses. We can prescribe and order any brand of contact lenses.

How long does it take to make my glasses?
In some cases, glasses can be made in one hour if it is a single-vision prescription. Special order lenses or bifocals normally take five to seven working days.

What is a Doctor of Optometry?
Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases.
The optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete a residency.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of contact lenses?

Advantages of contact lenses:

• Improves peripheral (side) vision
• Reduces distortion that may occur with some eyeglasses
• Fit an active lifestyle
• Enhances one's appearance

Disadvantages of contact lenses:

• They require more daily care than eyeglasses
• Some types require a short adaptation period
• More follow-up care is required to ensure normal eye health

What is an astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a vision condition in which light entering the eye is unable to be brought to a single focus, resulting in vision being blurred at all distances. Astigmatism is not a disease, but rather, a vision condition that is quite common. It often occurs in conjunction with other refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness.

What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a vision condition in which you can usually see close or near objects clearly, but cannot see distant ones as clearly.

What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones appear blurred.

What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an aging vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility. This results in progressive difficulty in focusing on close objects. Your eye stops growing in your early teens. The lens, however, continues to grow and produce more and more cells. This continued growth eventually causes the lens to harden and lose some of its elasticity and therefore some focusing ability.

What is color deficiency?
Color deficiency occurs when your ability to distinguish certain colors and shades is less than normal. The term "color blind" is often used, but usually incorrectly. Only a very small number of people are completely unable to identify any colors. There are two major types. Red-green deficiency is by far the most common and results in the inability to distinguish certain shades of red and green. Blue-yellow deficiency is less common and affects the perception of blue and yellow colors. In very rare cases, color deficiency exists to an extent that no colors can be detected. This person sees all things in shades of black, white and gray.