Transfer Prescription to Fantastic Glasses - 2026 Guide

2026-05-04

Transferring Your Eyeglass Prescription to Fantastic Glasses

Deciding to switch where you fill your eyeglass prescription is common, and thankfully, quite straightforward in Alberta. If you’re considering Fantastic Glasses for your next pair, you’ll likely be wondering how to transfer your existing prescription from your current optometrist in Calgary. This article will walk you through the entire process, clarifying what you need, how it works, and what to expect. We want to make the transition as seamless as possible for you.

Understanding Prescription Portability in Alberta

The good news is that your eyeglass prescription belongs to you, not the optometrist who wrote it. This means you have the right to take it wherever you choose. Alberta, like most provinces, operates under the principle of prescription portability. Your optometrist is legally obligated to provide you with a copy of your prescription upon request.

However, there's a crucial detail often missed: an optometrist isn’t required to directly send your prescription to another provider. They provide the prescription to you, and you are responsible for sharing it. This is a key distinction, and why we’ll outline the specific steps below.

What Documentation Do You Need?

To transfer your prescription, you'll need a document containing the following information. This is usually called a "prescription slip" or "spectacle prescription." Make sure it includes all of these details:

1. Date of the Exam: This verifies the prescription is current. Prescriptions typically expire after two years, so an older prescription may need to be updated.
2. Sphere (SPH): This indicates the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness. It’s the number with the plus (+) or minus (-) sign.
3. Cylinder (CYL): This corrects for astigmatism. If you don't have astigmatism, this will be marked as “DS” or “0.00”.
4. Axis: This is a number between 1 and 180 that specifies the orientation of the astigmatism correction. It's only relevant if you have a Cylinder (CYL) value.
5. Pupillary Distance (PD): This is the distance between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters (mm). This is incredibly important for accurate lens placement. Many prescriptions don’t include PD, and if yours doesn’t, you may need to ask your optometrist to measure it specifically. It’s worth noting that while most optometrists will measure PD during an eye exam, some don’t routinely include it on the prescription slip. Fantastic Glasses can measure this for you in store if needed.
6. Add (ADD) or Near Addition: This is only present if you have bifocal or progressive lenses, and indicates the added magnifying power for near vision.
7. Optometrist’s Signature: A valid prescription requires the signature of a licensed optometrist.

Digital vs. Paper Copies: Both digital (e.g., a scanned document or photo) and paper copies of your prescription are generally accepted. A clear, legible copy is all that’s required.

The Transfer Procedure: Step-by-Step

Here's a detailed breakdown of how to transfer your prescription to Fantastic Glasses:

1. Request Your Prescription: Contact your current optometrist’s office in Calgary and request a copy of your prescription. You can usually do this via phone, email, or in person. Be specific that you need the full prescription, including the PD. There may be a small administrative fee for providing a duplicate copy, but this is uncommon.
2. Review the Prescription: Once you receive your prescription, carefully review it to ensure all the information is present and accurate. Double-check the numbers, especially the PD. If anything seems off, contact your previous optometrist for clarification.
3. Provide to Fantastic Glasses: There are several ways to provide your prescription to Fantastic Glasses:
   • In-Store: The easiest option is to simply bring your prescription with you when you visit one of our locations.
   • Email: You can email a clear copy of your prescription to us through our contact form.
   • Upload during Online Order: If you’re shopping for your glasses online, you’ll be prompted to upload your prescription during the checkout process.
4. Verification (May Be Required): In some cases, Fantastic Glasses may contact your previous optometrist to verify the prescription's authenticity. This is a standard procedure to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.

What About Direct Transfers?

While some optical retailers offer to contact your previous optometrist directly to transfer the prescription, this isn't always possible or efficient. The optometrist may not release the information directly to us without your explicit consent, and it can delay the process. That’s why we prioritize getting the prescription from you, the patient, ensuring a faster and more reliable transfer.

Important Considerations

• Expired Prescriptions: As mentioned earlier, prescriptions typically expire after two years. An expired prescription may require a new eye exam.
• Complex Prescriptions: If you have a complex prescription (e.g., high astigmatism, prism correction), it’s always a good idea to discuss your needs with our opticians to ensure a perfect fit and optimal vision.
• Contact Lens Prescriptions: Contact lens prescriptions are separate from eyeglass prescriptions and require a specific fitting. If you wear contacts, you’ll need to provide a valid contact lens prescription as well. Learn more about our contact lens options here.

We understand that switching eye care providers can seem daunting. At Fantastic Glasses, we aim to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Book an Appointment today.