How To Buy Eyeglasses

Knowing how to buy eyeglasses is an important first step for those who have never worn prescription spectacles before. For the person who is buying his first pair, he is probably already more than a little apprehensive about the notion of wearing eyeglasses. Put him in front of a display full of frames and chances are he will be more than a little overwhelmed and without a clue of how to buy that first pair. Learning how to buy eyeglasses isn't difficult, in fact it is one of the easiest things that you'll ever buy as long as you have the right information and assistance.

What you will need to buy eyeglasses:

• A prescription
• An optical store
• An optician
• A friend

1. See your optometrist. The first step before you buy eyeglasses is to set up an appointment to see your optometrist. She will give you a complete eye exam that will include checking your vision on an eye chart and most likely dilating your eyes to check that they are healthy.
2. Get a prescription. If it is necessary, your doctor will give you a prescription for glasses at the end of the exam. She will discuss what type of glasses will work best with your visual needs and will write out a prescription based on the results of the exam.
3. Go to the optical department or an optical store. Nearly all optometrists have an optical department as part of their practice. For convenience it is easiest to shop from the selection that is available there, but if that isn't your choice, find another optical store where you can buy eyeglasses that are to your liking.
4. Take the advice of the optician. In the optical department there are people who are trained to help you buy eyeglasses.
5. Have a friend shop with you. A second pair of familiar eyes is very helpful when buying glasses. The opticians are trained in selecting frames, but a friend knows you and your personality and most importantly will be unflinchingly honest about what does or does not look good on you.