Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Helpful answers about eye exams, glasses, lenses, contact lenses, children’s vision, and urgent eye symptoms.
These answers are general information only. Your own eyes, prescription, lens needs, and eye health history may mean different advice applies to you.
If you are unsure, please phone us or book an appointment so we can give advice that is specific to your situation.
Popular questions
- Can I reuse my existing frame?
- How long does it take to get glasses?
- How often should I get an eye exam?
- Are OCT scans included?
- Do children need eye exams?
- What should I do for urgent eye symptoms?
Urgent eye symptoms
Please phone us rather than using online booking if you have sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, an eye injury, a new shadow or curtain in your vision, or sudden loss of vision.
These symptoms may need urgent advice or referral.
Quick links
These pages answer many common questions in more detail.
Eye exams
Learn what is included in our complete eye exam, including OCT and retinal imaging.
Glasses and lenses
Read about frames, lens designs, lens options, thinner lenses, and caring for your glasses.
New clients
New to Waipapa Eyecare? Read about becoming a client before your first appointment.
Eye exams and appointments
How often should I get an eye exam?
Many people should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, or sooner if advised by the optometrist.
You may need more frequent checks if you have eye health concerns, diabetes, glaucoma risk, a strong family history of eye disease, high prescriptions, contact lens wear, or new symptoms.
How long does an eye exam take?
We usually schedule 45 minutes with the optometrist for a complete eye exam. Some appointments may be shorter or longer depending on your needs.
This allows time to check your vision, assess your eye health, perform imaging where appropriate, and explain the findings.
Are OCT scans included?
Yes. At Waipapa Eyecare, our complete eye exams include OCT 3D retinal scanning and retinal photography as standard.
OCT gives us extra detail about the retina and can help us compare changes over time.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your current glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, medication list, and any previous eye health information if you have it.
If you are coming for a glasses repair or adjustment, bring the glasses and any broken parts with you.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist provides eye exams, checks vision and eye health, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and can assess many common eye conditions.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye disease, surgery, and more complex eye conditions. If you need ophthalmology care, we can discuss referral options.
Glasses, frames, and lenses
Can I reuse my existing frame and just get new lenses?
Yes, often you can reuse your existing frame if it is still in good condition and suitable for your prescription and lens design.
We do not mind reusing frames. If you have invested in a frame you like, it makes sense to consider using it again.
We will check the frame first to make sure it is suitable before recommending replacement lenses.
Do you charge extra to fit lenses into my own frame?
No, we do not charge extra simply because you are reusing your own frame.
We have glazing equipment in practice, so we can usually trace the frame when you order and then fit the new lenses once they arrive.
Some frames may be unsuitable if they are damaged, brittle, distorted, or not appropriate for the lens design.
How long does it take to get glasses?
If it is a stock single vision lens and we have it available, we can often make glasses much more quickly.
Custom-made lenses, such as progressive, bifocal, specialised, or higher prescription lenses, commonly take around 10 working days. Sometimes they arrive sooner.
Can I get two pairs of glasses for the price of one?
We do have a two-pair deal if you genuinely want two pairs of glasses.
However, our approach is not to inflate the single-pair price so we can advertise a bold “buy one get one free” type offer. One pair generally costs less with us than it would if we built the cost of a second pair into the first pair.
What lens options should I choose?
The best lens options depend on your prescription, frame, lifestyle, and how the glasses will be used.
Common options include anti-reflection coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, photochromic lenses, polarised sunglass lenses, tints, thinner lens materials, UV protection, and screen-use options where appropriate.
Can scratched lenses be repaired?
Usually, scratched lenses cannot be polished or repaired without affecting the optics or coatings. In most cases, scratched lenses need to be replaced.
If you have Diamond Plus anti-reflection coating, you may have access to our 70% off replacement lens offer during the first two years. Conditions apply.
Good glasses are more than just a prescription
Frame choice, lens design, measurements, fitting, and lens options all affect how well your glasses work. We will help you choose a practical option for your eyes, prescription, lifestyle, and budget.
Children’s eye exams
How can I tell if my child needs glasses?
Signs may include squinting, closing one eye, sitting close to screens or books, headaches, tired eyes, difficulty seeing the board at school, losing place while reading, avoiding reading, or one eye turning in or out.
However, children do not always complain when vision is blurry. A proper eye exam is the best way to know whether glasses or further care may be needed.
Does my child need to know letters for an eye exam?
Not always. We can use different tests depending on your child’s age and confidence, including picture or matching tests where appropriate.
What if my child failed a B4 School vision check?
If your child has failed a B4 School vision screening, we can provide a more detailed eye exam and explain what the results mean.
Are subsidies available for children’s glasses?
Some children may be eligible for a spectacle subsidy toward eye care and glasses. Eligibility and subsidy details can change, so please ask us and we can help check what may apply.
Contact lenses
Why do contact lenses need a separate fitting?
A glasses prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so fit, comfort, movement, tear film, hygiene, and aftercare all matter.
Can everyone wear contact lenses?
Not always. Some prescriptions, dry eye problems, eye health conditions, handling difficulties, or lifestyle factors may make certain lenses unsuitable.
We can assess your eyes and discuss realistic options.
Do I still need glasses if I wear contact lenses?
Yes. Even regular contact lens wearers should have an up-to-date pair of glasses for backup, rest days, illness, irritation, or times when contact lenses should not be worn.
What should I do if a contact lens feels wrong?
Remove the lens. If you have pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, sudden blur, or symptoms that do not settle, seek advice promptly.
Do not keep wearing a lens that feels wrong.
Eye health and symptoms
What are flashes and floaters?
Floaters can look like spots, cobwebs, strands, or shadows drifting in your vision. Flashes may look like brief flickers or arcs of light.
New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow or curtain in your vision should be checked urgently.
What are symptoms of digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain can cause tired eyes, headaches, dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing after screen use.
Helpful steps may include taking regular breaks, adjusting screen position and brightness, blinking more often, using appropriate glasses if needed, and managing dry eye if present.
Can an eye exam detect health problems?
Eye exams can detect signs of eye disease and sometimes changes that may relate to general health. Examples include diabetic eye changes, glaucoma, cataracts, macular changes, retinal problems, and other eye health concerns.
An eye exam is not a replacement for seeing your GP, but it can be an important part of looking after your health.
When should I phone instead of booking online?
Please phone if you have sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, an eye injury, sudden loss of vision, a new shadow or curtain in your vision, or a new eye turn.
These symptoms may need urgent advice or referral.
Buying glasses online or over the counter
Why should I see an optometrist instead of just buying glasses online?
A proper eye exam checks more than your glasses prescription. It also assesses eye health, comfort, how your eyes work together, and whether further care or monitoring may be needed.
Glasses also depend on frame fit, lens design, lens material, measurements, coatings, and adjustment. These details can affect how well your glasses work in real life.
Are over-the-counter reading glasses okay?
Ready-made readers may be useful for some simple near tasks, but they do not replace a proper eye exam or a prescription made for your eyes.
They may not be suitable if your two eyes have different prescriptions, if you have astigmatism, eye alignment issues, eye health concerns, or specific visual demands.
Still have a question?
You can book online, phone us, email us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Phone: 09 407 1065
Email: [email protected]
Address: Shop 8, 12 Klinac Lane, Waipapa, Kerikeri 0230
Phone: 09 407 1065
Email: [email protected]
Address: Shop 8, 12 Klinac Lane, Waipapa, Kerikeri 0230
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.