How do I politely obtain my add prescription from my optometrist?

January 8, 2023 10:55 AM

I like my optometrist quite a bit, but they’re insisting I fill a single-lens script, while I am extremely ready for the add script they also prepared. How can I get that add?

My optometrist prepared both a single-lens and progressive prescription. They’re insisting I stick with basically my current (single-lens) prescription, which I’m fed up with (can’t see anything really right at any distance). I asked their office to release the progressive one, and the reply was basically no, they said I should first fill the one they gave me and see if that works. I don’t have $1k handy for two pairs of glasses right now…

The reasoning I was given when I asked for the add was based on a misunderstanding of a medical issue that doesn’t currently affect my vision, but conceivably could in the distant future, or, not at all ever. (The message I got from the office was something like “it’s better to wait and see how [medical issue] pans out”).

I want to maintain this relationship because their scripts are usually pretty great, they’re an all right person to talk to, and I paid extra for some tests that aren’t covered by OHIP (so those results are in my records there). In Ontario here, so I’m not sure if I can even get another exam done this year.

(Also I do not want to use discount online services because I’m super particular about frames and fit, and since I want to get a progressive script filled, I want it done in person. I do have an optician at another location that’s very budget friendly but still can’t see getting a better deal than $500 CAD per pair.)

posted by cotton dress sock to Human Relations (14 answers total)

Seems like you should ask again. The 'no' was a sidetrack, as in 'we aren't going to make those glasses anyway' which has no bearing on them giving you your prescription. If necessary, say ' I will not be buying glasses from you at this time and I require my prescription'. You can always change your mind later.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:06 AM on January 8, 2023 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: I’m anxious about how that might affect things going forward with this dr :/

(Also just wanted to mention that one option would be that I fill the script I’m 90% confident I won’t be happy with and use the month return window to apply the progressive one. Would be imo a waste of time and an aggravation but maybe optometrist isn’t wrong about sticking with this? Idk. I’d rather first do the progressives and if they suck go back to the single lens.)
posted by cotton dress sock at 11:16 AM on January 8, 2023

I'm in the US but google is telling me that in Canada (like in the US) the optometrist must, by law, give you a copy of your prescription. I agree that this can sometimes be hard to ask for, but I usually succeed with a big smile, saying I need it "for my records."

Also, maybe you can request it via email to the practice? I have succeeded at that before, and it's certainly less anxiety-provoking than asking in person.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:27 AM on January 8, 2023 [15 favorites]

Weird that they prepared a progressive prescription if they're not willing to use it, but if they're absolutely adamant that you have to start with the regular one, could you just get the cheapest possible temporary pair online with the cheapest possible lenses (you can probably do this for less than $10 someplace like Zenni unless your prescription is very unusual) and tell them "I did it and unfortunately it sucks so let's move on to the next step"? If you're worried about your relationship you could explain it as wanting to give it a try for cheap before buying your real pair.

Alternatively, tell them you'd be happy to buy the regular lenses from them if they agree to replace them with progressives free of charge if the regular ones don't work out (maybe that's how the return window you mentioned works?)
posted by trig at 11:41 AM on January 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

My optometrist wants me to get progressives. He did give me the prescription but encouraged me to get them at an actual bricks and mortar, even if it wasn't his, because the focal areas are so specific and screwing them up is easy.

I'm in Canada and the prescription is yours. The optometrist is providing a service and you get to choose where you fill that. That being said I do pay extra for my contact lens prescription, which is different, and I expect progressives may be too.

I am expecting it won't be an issue. If there is a dispensing component they certainly want to keep you. Some of the highest margins are in eyeglasses. Some say higher than movie popcorn.
posted by ashtray elvis at 12:39 PM on January 8, 2023 [3 favorites]

"Hi friendly optometrist. I understand that you were hesitant to fill my prescription for progressives and why. However, I think your hesitation was primarily due to a misunderstanding. I also understand the precaution and, thanks to you, feel informed. I am going to fill this prescription. I would love to do that with you because I trust you. So I am asking you to either reconsider filling this for me or send me a copy of the prescription for my records so I can fill it on a one-time basis elsewhere. Thanks for all your care. You are great."
posted by desert exile at 1:14 PM on January 8, 2023 [6 favorites]

Within any communication, it’s completely fair to mention the additional factor of financial pressure-does the optometrist have some way of making this less difficult financially when the existing lead has such a poor experience by you?

Desert exile’s script is pretty great, I hope that gets you toward your goal and the progressive lenses improve matters so you can write back to further support a steadfast relationship with this provider.
posted by childofTethys at 5:22 PM on January 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

Could you just...lie? Say that you bought a single lens pair pair, wait a month and then call up and say that it didn't work?

(If you do not want to lie, then going the Zenni route for the single-lens pair you don't want anyway seems like the move, if you want to avoid having a confrontation.)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 5:56 PM on January 8, 2023 [3 favorites]

Yeah I think your move is to say "ok, I really think I will need the progressive prescription and I can't afford both, so please give me the NON progressive prescription so I can buy it from a discount online outfit and try it out," then actually do that, try it for a while, then if it sucks as much as you think you go back to them and actually spend the IRL-optician money on the ones you wanted in the first place. Maybe this ends up being a negotiating tactic where they just let you buy the glasses you wanted in the first place so they don't run the risk of you liking the discount glasses and never coming back for the progressives, maybe not. Maybe you like the discount glasses and then you saved $500.
posted by potrzebie at 7:11 PM on January 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

When I wanted a copy of my prescription because I wanted to buy from Zenni, I went in person to ask for a copy. They tried to suss out my reasoning, saying "you should probably schedule a new checkup anyway" and "it's no good to you by itself", etc.

For me the magic phrase was "Are you refusing to give me a copy of my prescription?" I told them I wanted a copy for my own records, and asked them directly several times if they were refusing to give it to me, and after about 5 minutes they caved and made a copy of the prescription for me with a little passive aggressive note at the bottom saying that they believe it's no longer correct (it's still fine).
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 8:01 PM on January 8, 2023 [3 favorites]

If you're getting the prescription filled elsewhere, ask your optometrist to measure your pupillary distance as well as giving you your Rx.
posted by kate4914 at 8:45 PM on January 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

It may also just be the tech or whoever is answering the phone that is hassling you. The optometrist may have no idea. See if you can get directly to them about the progressive script.

If Canada is anything like the US, be prepared for sticker shock. Progressive lenses cost a small fortune in comparison to 'plain' glasses. I was horrified the first time I had my script filled. I'm on my third (??) script and I just about fall over when I hear the price - especially since I also get sunglasses (I can't deal with those Transition lenses!).

Good luck!
posted by dancinglamb at 12:15 AM on January 9, 2023

The message I got from the office was something like “it’s better to wait and see how [medical issue] pans out”

“But I don’t have [medical issue]! So could I please have my prescription now? Thanks!”
posted by MexicanYenta at 12:19 AM on January 9, 2023

I always do the "just want want it for a cheapo pair of sunglasses I'll order online" request. Every now and then I've gotten a little pushback, but like others have mentioned, it's YOUR prescription.
posted by Doktor at 9:28 AM on January 9, 2023