Got a frame you love but a prescription that has changed? You don't always need new frames. At Fantastic Glasses in Okotoks we can fit new prescription lenses into the frames you already own. Because we keep a large stock of single vision lenses in-house, many of those jobs are cut and fitted right here in our own store, not sent away.
Can I bring my own frames for new lenses?
Yes. People bring us their own frames for all kinds of reasons:
- a designer or titanium frame that still looks and fits great
- a frame with sentimental value
- a style that is hard to find again
- a new prescription while the frame is still in good shape
- a favourite pair they want to turn into prescription sunglasses
Keeping a frame you already like is often the simplest way to update your glasses without starting over.
What makes a frame a good candidate?
Before anything is cut, one of our licensed opticians looks your frame over with you. Here is what we check:
- Condition. Cracks, worn hinges, loose screws and bends come first. A frame that is already weak can fail when new lenses go in.
- Age and material. Most acetate and metal frames are fine. Very old plastic can turn brittle over the years, and we will tell you if yours looks like a risk.
- Rim style. Full-rim frames are the most straightforward. Semi-rimless and rimless frames need more care, and some designs are better left alone.
- Your prescription. Stronger prescriptions make thicker lenses, and the size and shape of the frame decide how the finished lens looks. We will talk you through thinner lens options when they help.
If we don't think your frame is a good candidate for new lenses, we will tell you before we start.
How it works at Fantastic Glasses
- Check your prescription. Lenses are only as good as the prescription behind them, and prescriptions for glasses are valid for one year. If yours is older, book an eye test. We test with the Essilor R800, and eye tests are always free for children under 19 and adults 65 and over.
- Inspect and measure. We look your frame over and take the measurements that place the lenses correctly in front of your eyes, such as your pupillary distance and fitting height.
- Choose your lenses. Single vision, progressives, bifocals, computer lenses, blue light and Transitions are all options. Ask us which tints and sun options work with your prescription.
- Edge and fit. We trace your frame, cut the new lenses to its exact shape, fit them, check them, and adjust the frame so it sits right on your face.
How long does it take?
It depends on the lens. We keep a large selection of single vision lenses in stock, so when your prescription is in that range we can often cut and fit your lenses in-house on the same visit. It is the same in-house lab that lets many of our customers walk out in new single vision glasses in under an hour.
Progressive, bifocal and other specialty lenses are made to order, so they take longer. We will give you a timeline when you order.
Coming from Calgary or High River?
We are one store, at Unit 401, 235 Milligan Drive in Okotoks, just south of Calgary. Plenty of our customers come down from south Calgary or up from High River and the Foothills. If that is you, see our pages for customers near Calgary and customers near High River, and bring your frames with you when you visit.
Using your insurance
If you have vision coverage, it may help with new lenses. We direct bill private insurance plans such as Blue Cross, Manulife and Sun Life, so bring your plan details and we will check what your plan covers. More about direct billing.
When a new frame makes more sense
Sometimes a frame is simply worn out: the hinges are loose, the finish is gone, or it no longer sits right. Then a new frame can be the better value. Our 3-for-1 deal gives you three pairs of prescription glasses starting from $199, and we carry over 2,000 frames to choose from in the store. Browse our eyeglasses.
Bring your frames in
Fantastic Glasses is a third-generation family optician business, established in 1969. Bring your frames to Unit 401, 235 Milligan Drive, Okotoks, call us at (587) 997-3937, or book an appointment online, and we will tell you exactly what your frame can do.