Frequently Asked Questions About Glasses & Eyewear Styling
Frequently Asked Questions About Glasses & Eyewear Styling
Whether you're visiting me at my private eyewear styling studio in Carramar, booking a virtual styling consultation, looking for custom-made glasses or simply have a question about prescription lenses, you'll find answers to some of my most frequently asked questions below.
How do I get started with The Glasses Lady?
It all starts with you.
You can book an Eyewear Styling Consultation with me at my private styling studio in Carramar, Perth, or choose a Virtual Eyewear Styling Consultation if you're interstate, overseas or simply can't visit me in person.
During your styling consultation, I'll look at your facial features, colouring, personality, lifestyle, prescription and, most importantly, how you want to feel in your glasses.
I'll then guide you through frame shapes, colours and styles, including custom-made eyewear if that's the best option for you.
Once we've chosen your frames, we'll discuss the most suitable prescription lens options for your lifestyle and visual needs.
For clients visiting me in Perth, I'll also personally fit and adjust your finished glasses when they're ready.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. The Glasses Lady is a private eyewear styling studio and consultations are by appointment.
This means I can give you my full attention without the distractions of a busy optical store.
Where is The Glasses Lady located?
My commercial business address is in Joondalup, but I see you at my private eyewear styling studio in Carramar, in northern Perth, Western Australia, where I welcome clients by appointment for personalised eyewear styling.
I also offer virtual eyewear styling consultations for clients throughout Australia and overseas.
Mobile appointments may be available by request and incur a mobile service fee.
What do I need before ordering prescription glasses?
You'll need a current copy of your glasses prescription.
You can ask your optometrist to print or email a copy to you. Bring it with you to your appointment or email it to tracy@theglasseslady.com.au.
For eligible online orders, you can send your prescription after placing your order.
How do I get a copy of my glasses prescription?
Ask your optometrist for a copy following your eye examination.
You don't have to purchase your glasses from the same place you have your eyes tested, so you're welcome to bring your prescription to me and have your eyewear styled and made through The Glasses Lady.
Can you help me if ordinary glasses never seem to fit properly?
Absolutely — this is one of the areas I specialise in.
If glasses are always too wide, too narrow, slide down your nose, sit on your cheeks or simply never seem properly proportioned to your face, I'll look at what's actually causing the problem.
I also offer custom-made glasses where we can alter elements such as the eye size, bridge, frame depth and temple length to create eyewear that's much better suited to you.
Do you offer custom-made glasses?
Yes. Custom-made eyewear is one of my specialities.
Depending on the collection, we can customise the shape, sizing and colours of your frame, with hundreds of colour combinations available.
I work with Australian custom eyewear designers as well as customised 3D-printed eyewear, giving us options for people who struggle with standard frame sizing or simply want something completely individual.
Can you help me choose glasses that actually suit me?
Absolutely — that's what Eyewear Styling is all about.
I don't believe choosing glasses should simply mean finding a frame that fits. I consider your facial features, proportions, colouring, hair, personality, lifestyle, wardrobe and prescription.
The aim is to find eyewear that feels like you and gives you confidence every time you put it on.
Can you help with difficult or strong prescriptions?
Yes. As an Optical Dispenser with over 30 years of experience, I can work with everything from simple to very complex prescriptions.
Frame choice becomes particularly important with stronger prescriptions because the right size and shape can make a significant difference to the finished appearance, thickness and performance of your lenses.
You can send your prescription to tracy@theglasseslady.com.au if you'd like me to check your options.
Will every frame work with my prescription?
Not necessarily — and this is why I consider your prescription when styling your eyewear.
Different prescriptions can perform better in particular frame sizes, shapes and constructions. I'll take your prescription into account when recommending frames and lenses so we can achieve the best possible combination of appearance, comfort and vision.
Do you sell prescription glasses for children?
Yes. I have a selection of children's eyewear and can advise on appropriate frame and lens options according to your child's prescription and individual needs.
Can I use my contact lens prescription to order glasses?
No. A contact lens prescription is different from a spectacle prescription because contact lenses sit directly on the eye.
You'll need a current spectacle prescription for prescription glasses.
What does ADD or Near mean on my prescription?
The ADD, sometimes shown as Near, is the additional lens power required for close work such as reading.
If your prescription is for distance vision only, you may not have an ADD measurement.
What is PD?
PD stands for Pupillary Distance. It's a measurement, in millimetres, used to correctly position your prescription lenses in relation to your eyes.
When I dispense your glasses in person, I take the necessary measurements for you.
For eligible online orders, additional measurements may be required depending on your prescription and the type of lenses you're ordering.
Do you offer multifocal or progressive lenses?
Yes. I supply premium progressive multifocal lenses for clients who need clear vision at distance, intermediate and near.
Because multifocal lenses require precise individual measurements based on how your chosen frame sits on your face, I don't offer multifocal lenses for online ordering.
These measurements need to be taken in person to ensure your lenses are positioned accurately for the best possible vision, comfort and safe wear.
If you're visiting me in Perth, I'll take all the necessary measurements in person once we've chosen your frame.
Can I purchase a frame from you and take it to my optometrist for the lenses?
Absolutely. This is a great option for my Virtual Eyewear Styling clients, particularly if you wear multifocal or progressive lenses.
I can virtually style you and help you choose the right frame for your face, colouring, personality, lifestyle and prescription. Once we've found your perfect frame, I can send it to you and you can take it to your local optometrist or optical dispenser to have your prescription lenses fitted.
For multifocal and progressive lenses, the measurements need to be taken in person while you're wearing your chosen frame. This allows your local optical professional to accurately measure the lens positions based on how that particular frame sits on your face.
So even if you live interstate or overseas, you can still enjoy my personalised eyewear styling and access my unique and custom-made frames, while having your multifocal lenses measured and fitted locally.
What prescription lenses do you offer?
I offer a wide range of prescription lens options including single vision, progressive multifocals, bifocals, office lenses, anti-fatigue lenses, thinner high-index lenses, anti-reflective coatings, photochromic lenses such as Transitions, tinted lenses and prescription polarised sunglasses.
Office lenses can be a great option if you spend a lot of time working at a computer or need comfortable vision across your desk and workspace.
Anti-fatigue lenses are designed to provide a little extra support for close-up and screen work, helping to reduce visual strain for people whose eyes are working hard throughout the day.
I'll recommend your lenses based on your prescription, lifestyle, work environment and how you actually use your glasses — because the right lenses are just as important as choosing the right frame.
Can you put new prescription lenses into my existing frames?
Yes, in many cases I can reglaze an existing frame with new prescription lenses.
I'll need to inspect the frame first to make sure it's in suitable condition for reglazing. Pricing depends on your prescription and the lenses required.
Contact me with your prescription and frame details and I'll be happy to provide a quote.
Do plastic lenses scratch?
Modern optical lenses are lightweight and can be supplied with protective hard coatings to improve scratch resistance.
However, no spectacle lens is completely scratch-proof. Looking after your glasses properly and using a suitable microfibre cloth and lens cleaner will help keep them in beautiful condition.
Can I claim my glasses through my Australian private health fund?
If you have eligible optical extras cover, you may be able to claim a rebate on prescription eyewear purchased from The Glasses Lady.
I'll provide the appropriate receipt for your health fund claim. Your rebate will depend on your individual fund and level of cover.
How long will my glasses take?
Turnaround times depend on your prescription, lens choice and frame.
Many prescription glasses are completed in approximately one to two weeks once all measurements and information have been received.
Complex lenses may take a little longer, while individually custom-made frames can take several weeks. I'll give you an expected timeframe when you order.
What happens when my glasses are ready?
If you're local to Perth, I'll arrange a collection and fitting appointment so I can make sure your glasses are sitting exactly where they should.
For interstate, overseas and eligible online orders, your glasses can be carefully packaged and shipped to you.
Do you ship throughout Australia and overseas?
Yes. I work with clients throughout Australia and internationally.
Shipping charges are calculated according to the order and destination. International customers are responsible for any applicable local customs charges, duties or taxes.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept major credit and debit cards as well as PayPal and Afterpay.
Payment is required when your order is placed unless otherwise arranged.
What happens if I struggle to adapt to my new prescription lenses?
Sometimes a new prescription — particularly progressive multifocal lenses — can take a little time to adjust to.
If something doesn't feel right, please contact me rather than struggling with them. I'll check the fit, measurements and prescription and work with you to identify what's happening.
If you're experiencing an adaptation issue, please contact me within three months so I can assess your glasses and discuss the available options.
What is your exchange and refund policy?
Non-prescription frames may be eligible for exchange subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Custom-made frames are individually created to your specifications and therefore cannot be returned or exchanged for change of mind.
Prescription lenses and personalised products are also subject to their individual warranty and remake conditions.
If you experience a problem with your glasses, please contact me so I can assess the situation and help find the appropriate solution.
What if my glasses arrive damaged?
If your glasses are damaged in transit, please contact me as soon as possible at tracy@theglasseslady.com.au and include photographs of the packaging and damage.
I'll assess the issue and help arrange the appropriate solution.
What if my glasses need adjusting?
If you're in Perth, contact me and I'll arrange to adjust your glasses for you.
For interstate or overseas clients, a local optical practice can usually make minor adjustments. If you're experiencing an ongoing fitting problem, contact me first so I can advise you.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes — Give $50, Get $50!
Simply ask your friend to mention your name when they come to see me.
When your friend orders a qualifying complete pair of glasses, you'll receive a $50 referral credit and your friend will receive a $50 credit towards their next complete pair.
And here's the best bit — you can bank your referral credits and let them grow.
Refer 2 friends who purchase and you'll have $100 credit.
Refer 5 friends who purchase and you'll have $250 credit.
Refer 10 friends who purchase and you'll have $500 credit towards your next qualifying complete pair of glasses.
What if my question isn't answered here?
Just ask me!
Call me on 08 6117 2661 or email tracy@theglasseslady.com.au and I'll be happy to help.
Have a beautiful day. 💜