Are you in the market for a new pair of reading glasses in Barrhaven? Whether it’s time for a stylish upgrade or a prescription change, Barrhaven offers a variety of eyewear options to meet your needs. From local optometrists to trendy brands, you’ll find the perfect frames to complement your eyesight and style.
It had been more than two years since I changed my specs. I usually go for the branded ones because they cover service for up to 2 years at least. My preferred brand is Oakley, and they never failed me. I am not promoting a “brand,” just sharing my experience and final opinion on these outlets. The last pair I owned was from “Laurier Optics” in the Market Square, right across from Walmart.
I will list below a number of outlets I have tried and my experience with them to narrow down the best optical outlet for the benefit of my readers. Before sharing my experience, let’s consider what to look for before buying a pair of reading glasses in Barrhaven.
What to Look For Before Buying Reading Glasses
Finding a perfect pair of reading glasses is essential for comfort and style. If you’re looking for the perfect pair, here are some important factors to consider when buying a pair of reading glasses in Barhaven:
Schedule an Eye Exam
Before you start shopping for reading glasses, you must have an up-to-date prescription. Barrhaven has many optometrists that can help you with this and make sure your prescription is accurate.
Consider Your Style
Consider your style and how you want your glasses to reflect it. Whether you like a traditional, subtle appearance or something bold and trendy, Barrhaven has options to suit your style.
Frame Design and Fit
Reading glasses are available in many frame styles, so choose the shape and size that best complements your face and personal style. The frame should fit comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching or sliding down. Frame spring hinges can give a flexible and secure fit. Explore different frame materials, such as plastic or metal, to find the most comfortable option for you.
Lens Quality
Clear, distortion-free vision requires high-quality lenses. Look for lenses made of lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic. Lenses with anti-reflective coatings can help minimize glare and improve clarity, making them suitable for reading in various lighting settings.
Blue Light Filtering
Many people spend hours in front of screens in today’s digital age. Consider using blue light filtering glasses. When reading on electronic devices, these lenses may help reduce eye strain and discomfort. Blue light filtering glasses are beneficial if you frequently use computers, tablets, or cell phones.
Where to Buy Reading Glasses in Barrhaven
Laurier Optics
Location: 80 Marketplace Ave, Nepean, ON K2J 5G3, Canada
Two years ago, I needed a new pair of specs, but I only knew a few places in Ottawa. Therefore, I took the easy way out and went with Laurier Optics, famous for its customer service. Just my luck; the selection of Oakley frames (my favorite) was pretty good! My eye examination was done by the in-house doctor, who was very good. But I had a feeling their equipment was outdated. I don’t know much about the latest equipment, but you can trust me when I say it looks outdated. Perhaps old equipment functions better? After all, old is gold! Eventually, I got my pair of new glasses. Everything was good, a decent buying experience. My verdict on Laurier Optics:
What I liked:
- Good customer service
- Lots of economical frames
- Reasonable charges
- Good doctor
What I did not like:
- The eye testing equipment seemed outdated
Fast forward to 2 years, I returned to Laurier Optics to check out some new frames. The Oakley frames were limited and older models. I decided it was time to give the other stores a chance.
Hakim Optical is right around the corner from Laurier Optics, but I knew they didn’t have Oakley’s. Costco does not carry the brand as well. So, these were out of consideration for me. I chanced upon a sign called “Eyes of Barrhaven” around the corner of Barrhaven Costco and decided to check it out.
Eyes of Barrhaven (Near Barrhaven Costco)
Location: 4285 Strandherd Drive, Unit 5, Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2J 6E
Eyes of Barrhaven was a new one. I walked into the store; it was a nice-looking store with many frames. I enquired about the frames only to find they do not carry Oakley’s, but they provided a two-year warranty for their frames. This seemed like a good option because I didn’t have to worry for two years, even if I chose any other frames. They have a collection of branded frames. I made an appointment for an eye exam. They had mentioned that if I buy a frame from them, they will reimburse the exam fee.
Next week, on a Wednesday evening, I went for my eye exam. The eye exam equipment seemed newer and up-to-date with technology, and the testing went well. Now, it was time to get a frame. I tried many frames and finally found a Boss frame that looked good on my face. Then came the time to discuss costs. I mentioned above their deal about the reimbursement of the eye exam fee, but then a shocking revelation came: they would only deduct 50 dollars from the frame and glasses cost, but I had to pay almost 90 dollars!! Okay, let’s consider the “two-year warranty.”
If I had any issues, could I just go to them? Not exactly. They would work with the supplier after the first year; they would cover the first year completely. But the second year was an odd deal to agree to, where I would have to take care of certain things along with the supplier. But that is not what I was told when I was here last week. Hmmm, bad vibes! I walked out of the store uncertain, not wanting to go through with the purchase anymore. My verdict:
What I liked:
- Good ambience
- New store
- Latest testing equipment
What I did not like:
- Conflicting statements
- Limited choice of high-end frames
Arora Opticals (Near Metro and GoodLife Fitness)
Location: 3161 Strandherd Dr, # 304, Nepean, ON K2J 5N1, Canada
My third attempt was with Arora Opticals. I usually don’t go shopping in Strandherd Crossing. Most of my shopping is in Market Square or west of it. We were going to a friend’s place and had to pick up a few things from the Metro. That is when I chanced upon Arora Opticals. It was a nice store with lots of frames, and most importantly, they had an excellent collection of “Oakley’s”! I already had a ballpark idea about the price from my previous visits to other shops. I went back to Arora Opticals that weekend with my prescription. I was impressed with their customer service. I chose an Oakley frame, perhaps one of the best frames I ever had, and selected a very good progressive lens. The price was within the range of other quotes, about 70 dollars less than the “Boss” frame :), and the best part was they had direct billing to my insurance provider. I had just to pay the difference! That’s a real case of “third time’s a charm”!
My verdict:
What I liked
- Good Customer service
- Good selection of frames in varied brands
- Reasonable price
- What I did not like:
- Nothing at the moment
I hope you enjoyed the story of my hunt for the perfect pair of specs!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post—just my experience shopping for a pair of new specs.
