Can You Get Same-Day Glasses From Your Optometrist?

Many individuals require glasses to correct vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. But waiting for glasses can be inconvenient, causing disruptions in daily life. Same-day glasses may offer a solution by providing quick production and delivery of prescription eyewear, but they often sacrifice the quality that comes with superior production labs.a mirrored display case of same-day glasses

Same-day glasses, produced within hours of an eye exam, offer quick service but often come with limited frame choices, fewer customization options, and potential quality issues due to rushed production. Traditional glasses, while slower, emphasize precision and customization, providing better fit, durability, and overall vision correction with robust quality control.

What are Same-Day Glasses?

Same-day glasses refer to eyeglasses that are made and available for pickup on the same day as your eye examination. This service allows you to get your prescription lenses fitted into frames within a matter of hours. It eliminates the typical waiting period associated with getting traditional eyewear.

The evolution of same-day glasses services has been significant in recent years, largely driven by advancements in technology and consumer demand for convenience. Optometry practices and eyewear retailers have tried to streamline the production process and produce prescription lenses more quickly. 

Problems with Same-Day Eyeglasses

Unfortunately, being able to get your glasses faster doesn’t mean that they’ll be the same quality as those from a traditional lab. Same-day glasses can have a limited frame selection, limiting your choice of style and even fit. 

The same goes for customizations such as:

  • Special lens coatings
  • Tints
  • Specific lens materials

These features may not be available for same-day service despite being necessary for addressing specific vision needs or preferences. This can severely limit the effectiveness and comfort of the glasses.

Quality can be another issue. For example, the rushed production of same-day eyeglasses can compromise the quality of the lenses or frames, leading to issues like: 

  • Inaccuracies in prescription 
  • Lens defects 
  • Frames prone to breakage 

These problems can come at a higher cost, making their unforeseen expenses a significant factor if you’re on a tight budget. This can be especially frustrating if you receive an inaccurate prescription caused by rushing the crafting process. In the end, you may receive glasses that are uncomfortable and fail to address your vision problems.

Glasses require adjustments to fit your face properly, which you may not receive with same-day varieties. This can lead to further discomfort and poor vision correction. The rushed manufacturing processes also may compromise their long-term durability, leading to premature wear and tear or breakage if you try to adjust them yourself.

The Traditional Process for Ordering Glassesprescription glasses on a display wall

The traditional process for ordering glasses involves several steps, starting with an eye examination by an optometrist. After determining the prescription, you select your frames from the available options. Once chosen, your optometrist sends the prescription and frame details to an external optical lab. 

The lenses are custom-made according to the prescription at the lab and any necessary coatings or treatments are applied. This production process can take several days to complete. Once the glasses are ready, they are shipped back to your optometrist’s office for fitting and final adjustments. You then return to the office to pick up your glasses. 

Overall, the entire process typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. It depends on the efficiency of the optical lab and shipping times.

Benefits of Traditional Glasses

The traditional process for making glasses is preferred to same-day glasses due to its emphasis on precision and customization. It allows for a comprehensive selection of frames and advanced lens options, including specialized coatings and materials. This method ensures accurate prescription crafting and thorough fitting adjustments, enhancing comfort and effectiveness. 

What’s more, the traditional process typically includes robust quality control and warranties, ensuring long-term durability and customer satisfaction. While slower, this approach prioritizes quality and personalized care, making it a more reliable choice for optimal vision correction and overall eye health.

Do you need a high-quality pair of glasses in Knoxville, TN? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

 

Same-day glasses offer quick turnaround but often have limited frame choices, fewer customization options, and potential quality issues from rushed production. Traditional glasses, though slower, prioritize precision and customization, ensuring better fit, durability, and vision correction with thorough quality control.

Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or call us at (865) 888-0892.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Thompson was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. His family has lived in the Hardin Valley area since 1998, and he graduated from Karns High School in 2004. Dr. Thompson runs Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical alongside his wife, Dr. Catherine Abbott.

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"Dr. Thompson is super professional, and has some of the best 'bedside manner' that I have ever witnessed from any doctor. His staff was very helpful in assisting me with picking out regular frames and sunglasses. I’d happily recommend Dr. Thompson to anyone looking for a eye doctor."
Cody C.