Glass Prescription

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t0ny

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#240834 28-Sep-2018 09:35

Was looking at ordering some prescription glasses from Clearly and they ask for the PD number. My prescription on the OPSM web site doesnt mention this value. Is this a mandatory item or do we have a conspiracy theory that OPSM don't offer that number to stop people from using their prescriptions elsewhere.

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#2098028 28-Sep-2018 10:08

"PD" = "Pupillary Distance"

Technically not part of your prescription; but it is required to make sure your glasses work correctly.

Your "prescription" will describe the optical characteristics required for the lenses to correct your vision; the "PD" is more around measuring how the glasses will fit on your face correctly to work well.

Having said that, have you gone back to OPSM and asked them for the PD value from their records? It shouldn't be a secret...

t0ny

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#2098029 28-Sep-2018 10:11

Seems like an important measurement that needs to be provided as part of the prescription. Have left OPSM a message so waiting for a response from them.

jamesrt

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#2098031 28-Sep-2018 10:12

On an entirely different yet related note; if you are Wellington-based and looking for cheaper lenses, I highly recommend "Mr FourEyes" (recommendation solely based on being a very happy customer).

trig42

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#2098033 28-Sep-2018 10:13

You can do it yourself to some degree.

Hold a ruler to your forehead and take a photo using a webcam or something - measure distance between pupils that way.

timmmay

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#2098043 28-Sep-2018 10:33

OPSM should give this to you. Near and distance PD are different as your eyes turn in for reading. I don't think you can accurately measure this yourself, at least not accurately. My eyes are really fussy and need things spot on. If your eyes aren't too fussy you might be ok. Clearly Contacts did the best glasses out of the online suppliers.

I've tried a few online glasses suppliers, none could make glasses I could wear for more than 15 mins without eye strain. My optometrist makes great glasses, Mr Four Eyes does a good job too.

farcus

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#2098083 28-Sep-2018 12:12

t0ny:

Seems like an important measurement that needs to be provided as part of the prescription. Have left OPSM a message so waiting for a response from them.

It's not a difficult thing to do yourself. Plenty of youtube videos on how to measure your PD.
I'd even suggest that (depending on your script) it doesn't need to be perfectly accurate. I say this because I have three different PD measurements from three different opticians (but all within a few mm of each other).

timmmay

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#2098100 28-Sep-2018 12:31

I find PD very important personally. A few mm makes a big difference to me.

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Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

farcus

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#2098106 28-Sep-2018 12:42

timmmay:

I find PD very important personally. A few mm makes a big difference to me.

I guess I do have quite a narrow PD
Newest to oldest . . .
Local Optician 59, OPSM 60, Specsavers 63
The two most recent involve progressive scripts (with an even narrower PD for purely reading glasses)

tchart

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#2098120 28-Sep-2018 13:10

t0ny:

don't offer that number to stop people from using their prescriptions elsewhere.

Pretty much. I always ask for it, usually get it but sometimes begrudginly.

Last visit to Spec Savers (earlier this year) they said they dont give it out because of the reason you stated.

Unfortunately my prescription is not in "the standard" range so I have to resort to shopping around or getting them online.

tchart

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#2098126 28-Sep-2018 13:15

timmmay: I don't think you can accurately measure this yourself, at least not accurately.

Yeah not 100% sure.

I measured it myself and got 67mm. The reading from the machine at my last appointment was 67.5mm

So pretty close, however I think you really need the left/right PD as mine are 32.5 R and 35 L (so its not 50/50).

t0ny

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#2098136 28-Sep-2018 13:41

So OPSM told me that they do a PD check when you buy the glasses from them. A standard eye test which they give prescription for does not include a PD check. This all sounds too dodgy and iam surprised no one has investigated this practice

jamesrt

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#2098141 28-Sep-2018 13:48

t0ny: So OPSM told me that they do a PD check when you buy the glasses from them. A standard eye test which they give prescription for does not include a PD check.

So, if you aren't going to buy glasses off them, they don't bother measuring to ensure the glasses will fit/work well. Not too surprising really...

t0ny: This all sounds too dodgy and iam surprised no one has investigated this practice

Disagree, for the reason stated above.

t0ny

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#2098152 28-Sep-2018 14:07

The eye check up is not a free service. I expect if a prescription is being given, then it should contain all the details required enabling you to buy your glasses from anywhere. If the PD is going to change based on the type of glass you chose then i would understand

mdf

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#2098207 28-Sep-2018 14:49

If an optometrist holds your prescription information, they unequivocally have to hand it over to you at your request - rule 6 of the Health Information Privacy Code. It is your health information.

This guidance by the Privacy Commissioner is a more straightforward read (see page 40 for rule 6 / right of access to health information).

If an optometrist (or any other health agency) refuses to hand over your health information, you have the right to complain to the person. If you don't get any traction, you can escalate to the Privacy Commissioner. Or hit them up on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nzprivacy

That said, from my own experience, an optometrist won't measure your pupillary distance as part of a regular eye exam, they only do it when dispensing new glasses. I would however be very surprised if you've bought glasses previously and they haven't got it written down somewhere.

Rikkitic

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#2098486 29-Sep-2018 12:14

If I pay for an eye exam, I would specify beforehand that I expect to receive a prescription including PD measurement and any other relevant information as part of the service I am paying for. If they want to charge extra for that, fair enough. I can always go elsewhere. But don't be precious about it.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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