Dr. Sharpe Optometry | South London, Ontario

NEW: Complete Frames and Lens Packages for $235.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the FAQs below for answers to the questions our optometrists are most frequently asked by patients – or contact the Sharpe Optometry team – we're happy to help!


General Inquiries

Is it more expensive to purchase eyeglasses and contact lenses at Sharpe Optometry?

No. You must compare the same lenses and same frames to our competitors. We have a price guarantee for complete frame and lens packages.

My grocery store advertised a 3 for 1 special. Is that a good deal?

No. We have gimmick free pricing. How much are you being charged for all 3 pairs and are all the free pairs discounted made in China lenses and frames? Many of our patients do purchase multiple pairs and spare pairs all with our price guarantee for complete frame and lens packages.

I purchased frames/contacts online, and they are giving me headaches/eyestrain and the frames don’t fit. Can you help me?

Yes. You may have to obtain a return authorization and pay to have them shipped to the online retailer and sometimes pay different restocking fees and service charges. Frames must be selected for fit, fashion, comfort and optical considerations. At Sharpe Optometry you try the frames on, we make recommendations and we are responsible for warranties, adjustments and parts replacement.

I am nervous about pain and discomfort during an eye exam. Does it hurt?

No. Many new patients have the same concerns. Your eye has the greatest density of sensory nerve fibers of any part of your body. The eye exam is painless. Other than a few bright lights, there is no discomfort and most patients and especially children say their eye exam was fun!

Do you blast air in my eye?

No. We do not use air tonometry to measure intraocular pressure. We have a special hand held device that is more accurate, repeatable and comfortable.

Can you alter my Insurance Claim by changing dates, amounts and procedure codes?

No. Honesty is more than a policy at our office Our reputation means everything.


Children & Pediatric Care

When should I bring my child to their first eye exam?

Infants and toddlers should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months. By 6 months of age, a baby has focusing ability, color vision and depth perception. An eye exam will assess if your baby's vision is developing normally.

My child has a lazy eye, what can I do?

Lazy eye refers to the drifting or misalignment of an eye. This is usually the manifestation of amblyopia, where one eye is experiencing significant vision loss, and sometimes also strabismus (or “crossed eyes”), a general misalignment problem. The earlier a lazy eye is checked out and treated, the better the chances of success. However, lazy eye treatment for adults is also effective, especially when motivation and commitment are strong. Studies show marked improvement in visual acuity of the weaker eye in older patients, though often with diminished rate, degree and extent of recovery. Solutions include correcting the vision problems with eyewear, retraining the eye-brain connection, eye muscle surgery or eye exercises.


Teenagers

How often should a teenager (6 to 19 years old) undergo an eye exam?

School children aged 6 to 19 years should undergo an eye examination annually.

At what age can my teenager start wearing contact lens?

As a parent, you probably know your child better than anyone. If your gut instinct tells you that your child is too young, you may be right. Contact lenses require attention and care to avoid infections and serious permanent harm to the eyes. However, daily disposable might be a solution as there are no daily cleanings to perform and the replacement schedule is easy to remember—just wear and toss.

Is it safe to buy cosmetic contact lens from the internet?

Halloween contact lenses or colored contacts can be a lot of fun, especially for teens who want to express their individuality. If your teen wants to buy these and other novelty contact lenses online, know that some may not be approved unless they are purchased through the right channels. Contact lenses are medical devices. Wearing contacts that aren’t fitted and prescribed by a professional could damage your teen’s eyes. Consult your eye doctor for more information on this subject.


Adults

How often should an adult (20 to 64 years old) undergo an eye exam?

Every two years. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss. 

Is there no alternative to reading glasses?

If you are over 40 and you are struggling to read a newspaper, then maybe it's time for multifocal contact lenses. “Presbyopia” is a vision problem that starts to affect everyone once we reach 40 - 45. Our eyes then lose the ability to focus on small text that’s up close—especially in low-light situations. Contacts lenses allow you to see near and far objects, along with everything in-between—all with the clarity and comfort you deserve.