If you've ever considered contact lenses or are simply seeking a change from your usual brand, one question might pop up: "Can I buy contact lenses without a prescription in Canada?" The answer to this is both straightforward and essential for ensuring the health of your eyes.

The Importance of a Valid Contact Lens Prescription

In Canada, contact lenses are classified as medical devices. This means that it's not merely about matching your vision but also ensuring the lens fits comfortably and safely on your eye. As a result, you cannot legally purchase contact lenses without a valid prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. 

A prescription for contact lenses will generally include details beyond just the power needed to correct your vision, such as the curvature, diameter, brand, and type of the lens. This customization ensures that the contact lenses you wear are tailored for your eyes, offering optimal comfort and clarity.

Do Online Contact Lens Retailers Check Your Prescription?

Yes, reputable online contact lens retailers in Canada typically require customers to provide a valid prescription before purchasing. In the United States, online retailers (as well as other sellers) are legally required to verify contact lens prescriptions before selling lenses to consumers.

This requirement is part of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA). Unfortunately, no such law exists in Canada, resulting in a consumer-driven approach. 

However, here's what you can generally expect to happen: 

1. Submission of Prescription: When you order contact lenses online, the retailer will ask for your current prescription details. This is to ensure that you receive the correct lenses for your eyes. The prescription should include specific information like power, curvature, diameter, and brand/type of the lens.

2. Verification Process: Some online retailers might further verify the prescription with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. This verification process helps to ensure accuracy and is an added measure to prioritize the safety of the consumer. Unfortunately, this extra step is routinely skipped by most online retailers, and instead, they put the onus back on the customer to ensure that the information they entered is accurate. 

3. Prescription Expiry: It's also worth noting that contact lens prescriptions usually have an expiry date, typically one to two years from the date of issue. Most reputable online retailers won't fulfill orders based on expired prescriptions.

Why Is A Valid Contact Lens Prescription Important?

When not prescribed accurately, contact lenses can lead to various complications ranging from discomfort to serious eye infections. Verifying a prescription ensures that the lenses you're purchasing are both corrective and safe for your eyes.

All Contact Lens Websites Are The Same, Right?

While most reputable online retailers follow these guidelines to prioritize customer safety, not every online store operates with the same level of diligence. Buying from well-established and trusted online sources that prioritize customer health and safety is crucial.

Our contact lens website operates with this level, and we upload your contact lens prescription into the system at the end of every eye exam. This provides the convenience of online shopping, with the trust that comes from purchasing directly from your eye doctor. Bonus: You also get exclusive contact lens rebates only available from your eye doctor, ensuring you get the best-priced contact lenses in town.  

Eye Exams: More Than Just Numbers

While many believe an eye exam is solely to determine their prescription, it serves a much grander purpose. An eye examination provides a comprehensive assessment of the health of your eyes. From checking for early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration to identifying issues like dry eye, which can impact how comfortably you wear contact lenses. 

Furthermore, for those new to contact lenses, an eye exam will also determine if your eyes are suited for lens wear and, if so, which type suits your needs and lifestyle.

In Conclusion

When it comes to eye health, it's always better to play it safe. While the allure of purchasing contact lenses without the 'hassle' of a prescription might seem tempting, the risks far outweigh the convenience. By ensuring you have a valid prescription and regular eye check-ups, you're not just guaranteeing clear vision, but you're also taking a proactive step in maintaining the overall health and well-being of your eyes.

Leave a comment below, if you’ve ever purchased contact lenses from an online retailer without a valid prescription?

At Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall, we provide quality eye care that you can understand and trust. Contact us today, or book your eye exam online.