How long does it take to get glasses?
So, you finally get into the optometrist's office for that exam you've been putting off, and you find out you need glasses. It turns out you have a special prescription, and they have to grind your lenses custom, just for you. So, how long will it take? Turns out the answer is: It depends.
The eyeglass procurement process
Getting new glasses is a process, and it starts with getting your eyes checked out by a professional. This is just one of those things you have to do from time to time. Getting regular (ideally annual) eye exams is part of good vision and eye health. Also, as far as medical exams go, this isn't so bad. Men who've had prostate exams and women who have had basically any experience at the doctor's office will probably be relieved at how easy and unobtrusive the eye exam turns out to be.
If your vision isn't 20/20, you may be asked to have a seat and look through a terrifying-looking machine with a bunch of lenses and various gears and things all over it. This bit of alien technology is called a refractor. The tester will switch between lenses and ask whether your vision seems better or worse. When you've trial-and-errored your way to fully corrected vision, the tech will check the scope's settings and work out what your prescription is.
Choosing your eyewear
Once you have a script, it's time for the fun part: picking out the frames. This is almost totally a style decision, so you'll just pick out a set of frames you like. Swoopy plastic frames were popular in the 1950s and then again, ironically, in the '90s. Blocky frames were more stylish in the 1960s and again in the '90s. Way oversized lenses and clear frames had their moment in the 1970s, and then never again, ever, not even in the '90s and not even ironically.
After the frames are picked, you have a few decisions to make for the lenses. You shouldn't change the prescription, but the overall shape of the lenses will be cut to fit the frames. You can go for traditional glass or lightweight polyacrylic. Various coatings and enhancements are available as premium upgrades, such as photochromic lenses that turn into shades in the sun or scratch-resistant coatings that help keep wear and tear under control.
Eyeglass production and delivery
It's really unlikely you'll walk out of the office with a complete set of glasses. For simple prescriptions and stock-standard frames, maybe, if they can grind right there while you wait. More likely, you'll place an order and wait for the finished glasses to ship. If your insurance covers the cost of this, now's the time to dig out your card. If not, such as if you have Medicare or another coverage option that famously doesn't cover vision services, you may have to pay out of pocket.
There's a pretty wide variation in how long it takes to get new glasses. Most places advertise 7-14 days, but that comes with a great big asterisk after it. More complex prescriptions, such as compound lenses, generally take longer to do. Adding lots of extra treatments and coatings could delay the process. You could also wait longer if you live someplace that's just far away from the lab where the work is being done. You can ask for a spitball estimate when you order your glasses, but take the answer with a pinch of salt unless you're willing to pay extra for expedited shipping.
Fitting and adjustments
Fitting and adjustments are an important, but often overlooked, part of getting new glasses. Your glasses have to fit well for comfort, of course, but also because glasses that won't stay put don't really correct your vision as much as train you to hold them against your face all day. If your glasses arrive and fit well enough for you, great. If not, you should schedule a follow-up appointment to get them properly fitted.
Enjoying your glasses
Finally, the day arrives and you've got your new glasses. Try them on and head outside to see how they work. Start slowly, and wear the glasses for a time in the morning, then gradually lengthen the time you wear them as you adjust. Don't hesitate to contact an eye doctor near you if you have any questions or need help.
FAQs
How long does an eye exam typically take?
Most eye care professionals aim for 30-45 minutes for a simple exam. Yours might take longer if extra tests are needed.
Can I get my prescription and glasses on the same day?
If your clinic offers on-the-spot grinding and fitting, then maybe yes. This is rare, however, and usually you're waiting a few days.
What factors can influence the production time of prescription eyeglasses?
Your glasses might take longer to get to you if they have a complex or unusual prescription, lots of aftermarket upgrades, or have to travel a long way to get to you.