So you’ve just had an eye test and you’ve been given a slip of paper with different symbols, letters and numbers on it. If your eye test is older than two years you will be required to get a new one before being able to buy glasses online or in store.

What is a prescription? / Where do you get it from?

A prescription is an important written document given by a qualified optometrist or suitably qualified medical practitioner, outlining a specific treatment. In the case of eyes, a prescription is given out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and shows the health of the eye and recommends the strength of the lens you need in order to see clearly. It’s important to note that by law you should always receive a copy of your prescription. If you are not given a prescription, you should always ask for it.

Why do you need one? / Why are they important?

Prescriptions are important because they help determine the strength of your lenses, which lenses will work best for your eyes and to some extent what frames you can wear. For example a very high short-sighted prescription would not suit a semi-rimless or metal frame as the lens required could stick out significantly.

Can I use my glasses prescription for contact lenses?

Prescriptions for glasses are different to those for contact lenses and vice versa. This is because contact lenses sit directly on the eyeball, whereas glasses rest about one centimetre away from your eyes. A contact lenses prescription will include extra information such as: base curve, diameter, lens brand or material, and expiration date. Additionally, whereas you can go about two years between glasses prescriptions, you need a new contact lens prescription at least every year.

Single Vision Prescriptions vs. Multifocal Prescriptions

In the same way that prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses are different, so are prescriptions for single vision and multifocal prescriptions. Multifocal prescriptions are made up of two or more prescriptions (one for distance and one for reading), so you can expect your prescription to look different.