How to Choose an Optical Shop in Coimbatore
No scriptMost people in Coimbatore buy spectacles at a neighbourhood optical shop or a large eyewear chain, and many have their eyes tested there too. Glasses are something you wear all day, so a wrong power, a poorly fitted frame or the wrong lens type can mean headaches and discomfort. This guide explains what to check when you choose an optical shop in Kovai and buy spectacles.
This guide is about buying eyewear, not medical advice. For any eye problem, consult an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Eye Test: Optometrist or Eye Doctor?
- An optometrist is trained to test vision and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Many optical shops have one.
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and does eye surgery. They examine the health of the eye, not only your power.
See an ophthalmologist, not only an optical shop, if you have eye pain, redness, sudden changes in vision, flashes or floaters, or conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular full eye check-ups are also a good idea as you get older; ask your doctor how often.
Get a Written Prescription
After any eye test, ask for a written copy of your prescription. It lists the power for each eye (sphere, cylinder and axis), and for reading or progressive glasses, the addition. With it you can:
- Compare prices at different shops.
- Order a second pair or sunglasses with power.
- Check that the lenses you receive match.
Types of Lenses
Ask the optician to explain which suits you:
- Single vision: one power, for distance or for reading.
- Bifocal: two powers with a visible line.
- Progressive: distance, intermediate and reading in one lens, with no line. They take a few days to get used to, and correct fitting is important.
- Lens material: plastic lenses are common; high-index lenses are thinner for high powers; polycarbonate is more impact-resistant and often used for children and sports.
Coatings and Special Lenses
- Anti-reflective (anti-glare): reduces reflections; useful for most people.
- Scratch-resistant: helps lenses last.
- Photochromic: darkens in sunlight.
- "Blue cut" or blue-light filtering: widely sold for screen use. Ask the optician what it does, and ask your eye doctor if you have concerns about screen use; do not buy it only on the basis of health claims.
If you spend long hours at a computer, for work or a computer course, tell the optometrist how far your screen is. Some people need a separate pair or a different power for screen distance.
Ask for the brand and exact lens type to be written on the bill, so you know what you paid for.
Choosing a Frame
- The frame should sit level and not slip down the nose.
- It should not press on the temples or behind the ears.
- For high powers, smaller frames keep lenses thinner and lighter.
- For progressive lenses, the frame must be deep enough for all zones.
- For children, choose sturdy, flexible frames; ask about spring hinges.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses need a proper fitting and instructions on cleaning and wearing time. Follow the schedule given for your lens type, and see an eye doctor if your eye becomes red or painful.
What a Good Optical Shop Does
- Tests or checks your power properly, with enough time.
- Explains lens options clearly without pushing the most expensive one.
- Measures the distance between your pupils and, for progressives, the fitting height.
- Gives a written estimate and a delivery date.
- Offers free adjustments later.
Collecting Your Glasses
Before you leave the shop:
- Wear the glasses for a few minutes; look at distant signs, your phone and a book.
- Check the frame sits level and comfortably.
- Check the bill: frame, lens type, coatings, prices and any warranty.
It can take a few days to get used to a new power or progressives. If headaches or blurring continue, go back and ask for the lenses and fitting to be checked.
Bills and Warranty
Keep the bill. Ask what warranty covers the frame and the lens coatings, and what the shop will do if the power turns out to be wrong.
Children's Eyes
Children often do not complain about poor vision. Watch for squinting, sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close, and take them to an eye doctor. Schools sometimes run eye screening; follow up on any advice given. For school-related guides, see our list of schools in Coimbatore.
Next Steps
Have your eyes tested (by an eye doctor if you have any symptoms), get a written prescription, compare lens options and prices, choose a well-fitted frame, and check the glasses before you leave the shop. You can find optical shops in the Kovai Yellow Pages directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I get my eyes tested at an optical shop or by an eye doctor?
Many optical shops have an optometrist who can test your vision for glasses. If you have eye pain, redness, sudden blurred vision, flashes, diabetes, high blood pressure, or you have not had a full eye check for a long time, see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), who can examine the health of the eye, not only your power.
Can I take my prescription to any shop?
Yes. Ask for a written copy of your prescription after every eye test, whether the test was at a hospital or a shop. You can then compare lens and frame prices at other shops.
Which lens coatings are worth paying for?
An anti-reflective (anti-glare) coating reduces reflections and is useful for most people, especially for night driving and screen work. Scratch-resistant coatings help lenses last. For other coatings and special lenses, ask the optician to explain what each does and whether you need it for your daily use.
How do I check new glasses when I collect them?
Wear them for a few minutes in the shop. Vision should be clear at the distances you need, the frame should sit level without pressing behind the ears or on the nose, and the bill should match the lens type and coatings you paid for. If something feels wrong after a few days, go back and ask for the power and fitting to be checked.