Eyeglasses in New York

Eyeglasses In New York: FAQs

How long is an eyeglass prescription good for in NY?

According to New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations, eyeglasses shall not normally require changing more frequently than every two years. The expiration date of an eyeglass prescription, however, may be shortened if one’s eye sight is at higher-than-normal risk of changing quickly.     

How long does it take to make glasses?

The length of time in making eyeglasses may take as fast as a few hours to 10 days, depending on a couple of factors, such as your eyeglass prescription, frame availability, lens modifications, purchase location, and the availability of an in-house edger. 

Why are Moscot glasses so expensive?

Spanning five generations with 105 years of eyewear excellence, Moscot is a brand that relies on its long history of making eyeglasses catering to the different styles of its consumers instead of following trends. With operations on a smaller but higher plane, the glasses that they offer are of better quality, hence the hefty price tag. 

How long do eye prescriptions last?

Eye prescriptions are valid for a fixed time, depending on state law. They usually last for one to two years. 

Do I need a contact fitting every year?

It is recommended that contact fitting be scheduled at least once a year to ensure that your eyes are not showing any bad side effects from your continued contact lens usage. 

Why do eye prescriptions expire?

Eye prescriptions expire because of the changes in your eyes over time, which causes inaccuracy in your prescription. Due to this inaccuracy, your vision is not properly corrected by the current eyewear you are using. 

Can I buy frames and have lenses put in?

Yes, you can buy frames and have lenses put in, however, it would depend on your prescription or on the compatibility of your preferred type of lens to your frames. After a comprehensive eye exam, your optical specialist will be able to inform you on any restrictions on the kind of frame that will work with your specific lens. 

Can I buy glasses with an old prescription?

No, you cannot buy glasses with an old prescription. Your vision may have changed since your last eye exam, since our eyes change the older we become.  

Is it bad to wear an old glasses prescription?

Wearing old prescription glasses, especially if your eye prescription has already changed, may cause eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Symptoms of eye strain include soreness in or around the eyes, dry eyes or excessive tearing, blurry or double vision, and itching or burning eyes, to name a few. 

How can I get my glasses prescription without going to the doctor?

There are online vision tests available offered by several companies that you can take using your computer or mobile phone. These online vision tests can check for the sharpness of your vision, astigmatism, light sensitivity, and color blindness. Based on the results of your online vision test, some websites offer prescriptions for eye glasses and contact lenses for a fee. Depending on what your state law allows in terms of acquiring your eye prescription, you can order eye glasses or contact lenses online after an eye doctor from your state checks your online vision results and emails your eye prescription to you. 

What glasses make you look younger?

You can look younger with the glasses you are wearing by choosing a frame style, frame weight, and color that fits your face and features. Keep in mind that cat’s eye frames can lift the features of your face. You can also choose glasses with a hint of color on the upper frame or outer corners to create a focal point. To highlight your cheekbones, pick frames with sidebars attached at or located towards the top of your frames. 

What is the cheapest way to buy prescription glasses?

Buying online is one of the cheapest ways to buy prescription glasses. These lower costs are feasible since online brands can create their frames at their in-house prescription labs. 

What the most expensive eyeglass brand?

Costing a staggering $400,000, Swiss luxury company Chopard has created the most expensive sunglasses. In partnership with De Rigo Vision, these sunglasses are designed with 51 diamonds and made of 60 grams of 24 carat gold. Elton John, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tom Jones, to name a few, have worn these sunglasses.  

Is 1.25 eye prescription bad?

No, it is relatively mild. With a 1.25 vision, people have the option to wear reader glasses if they want to improve their eyesight. Most people will not opt to use eye wear with prescription for this eye grade. 

Is 3.25 eye prescription bad?

A 3.25 eye prescription, which is a stronger prescription, is bad in a sense that it means that without the use of prescription eye wear, they cannot see their surroundings clearly. 

Can you have 20/20 Vision and still need reading glasses?

As a matter of fact, you can. According to the American Optometric Association, the term 20/20 vision refers to the how sharp or clear one’s vision is, which measures 20 feet without using eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eye glasses, on the other hand, are needed for various reasons such as headaches caused by prolonged usage of the computer.

Are reading glasses just magnifiers?

 Reading glasses are different from magnifiers. Magnifiers have the same power in both lenses. Most of those who use glasses, however, do not have the same power in both lenses. Using magnifiers instead of reading glasses may cause eye soreness, swelling, and headache with prolonged use. 

Is it OK to wear reading glasses all the time?

Unless you are using the wrong prescription glasses, wearing reading glasses all the time will not damage your eyes. Reading glasses are used to enhance the sharpness of your vision. 

Can an optician give you a prescription?

No, they cannot. As opticians are different from optometrists, as they cannot give you a prescription since they are not eye doctors who can provide eye examinations.  

Is an optometrist the same as an optician?

No, they are different. An optometrist is an eye doctor who examines and treats your eyes, as compared to an optician, who is described as a professional who can help fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other various devices that help in correcting one’s vision.

What are the 3 types of eye doctors?

The three types of eye doctors are optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists. 

Those who are in the field of providing for primary vision care are called optometrists. Their services include among others, the performing of eye examinations and vision tests, prescribing of corrective lenses, and the determining of eye conditions and prescribing its corresponding medication. 

A professional who is trained to design and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other vision devices, is called an optician. They cannot diagnose and treat problems with eyesight, as they do not have the necessary training to do so. 

Similar to an optometrist, the same medical services can be also be offered by an ophthalmologist. They are, however, also capable of diagnosing and treating various eye diseases and conducting eye surgeries.

Is optometry a dying field?

As the population continues to grow, there is a steady increase in the need for eye care services. With the current generation of optometrists beginning to retire, this gap to be filled creates more opportunities for future optometrists looking to purse this profession. 

How difficult is optometry school?

Optometry school offers a four-year doctoral degree program. Similar to medical students, optometry students must also pass national board examinations. Once an optometry student graduates, they may choose to undergo a one-year residency. This residency, however, is not required for one to become a licensed optometrist. 

Are Optometrists in high demand?

Between 2016 and 2026, the job market for optometrists is expected to grow by 17.9%. As the population continues to grow and age, the demand for eye care is also expected to increase in number given the incidence of various diseases which affect the eyesight of the elderly. Opportunities for optometrists are also expected to rise as a number of optometrists currently in practice are approaching retirement age. 

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