How do I take care of my new eyeglasses?

• Soap and warm water make an effective cleaning duo for eyeglasses.  The same dish soap  you use on drinking glasses works splendidly on eyeglasses.  You can also use a commercial eyeglass lens cleaner that is specially formulated for eyeglass care and is different from windex or other, more harsh home cleaners ~ so don’t substitute.
• Don’t use just anything to wipe your glasses dry.  A soft clean cotton cloth is always the best choice.  We recommend baby cloth diapers or the flour sack kitchen towels.  If using a micro-fiber type cloth that is specially designed for glasses make sure to keep it in a case or pouch to keep any dust from accumulating.  Keep your cloths clean and free of fabric softener.
• Do not store your eyeglasses in extreme heat or extreme cold.  Prolonged exposure to severe temperatures can compromise the integrity of the frame.
• Frames are likely to get loose from regular wear, feel free to call for an appointment to receive a complimentary adjustment of your eyeglasses.  Keep your eyeglasses in a hard case when not in use to help protect them from being dropped or sat on!

” When not on your face they should be in your case! “

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you repair my glasses?

Whether you need new nose pads, have lost a screw or your glasses just simply need tightening up, stop into our store with your spectacles and we will be only too happy to see if we can help you out. Most repairs can be carried out on-site, however, if your glasses are in need of a bit more TLC or require parts to be ordered you may have to leave them with us for a little while.

Why is the prescription for my glasses different than my contact lens prescription?

A contact lens prescription requires various measurements to be included, such as the curvature and size of the contact lens needed to fit your eye. The power required is usually different from your glasses prescription too, as your lens fits directly on your eye.

Can a Contact lens get lost in the back of the eye?

No. This is a very common myth! Contact lenses may occasionally get stuck under your eyelid, but that is easily dealt with. Your lens cannot get lost as the back of your eye! Your eyelids connect with your eye to form a barrier meaning that it is impossible for a lens to get through.

What are polarized lenses?

Tinted and UV sun-glass lenses help to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, however, they do not block out sudden glare you can experience from water or when driving. This glare can often be blinding and hazardous. Polarized lenses act as a filter that blocks unwanted visible light reflected from horizontal surfaces such as water and the road, allowing the wearer to obtain more comfortable vision and better clarity. Polarized lenses are great for Drivers, Skiers, and Fishermen.

Are any Coupons or discounts available?

Certainly. If you are a new customer, just mention to your optician that you read about this promotion on our website and get 20% off your first pair of regularly priced prescription eyeglasses. *Not to be combined with any other offers.

What makes Northwest Optical so special?

At Northwest Optical, it’s all about service and quality. We are family owned and have been in business for over 19 years.  When you visit our shop you build a relationship with opticians who care and who you can count on to be there for you when you return – again and again. You get to know our friendly face and we get to know yours.

When should my child have his/her first eye exam?

80% of what a child learns is through their vision.  It is important to have a comprehensive eye examination before preschool to insure that your child does not have any undetected eye health or vision issues that would impede his or her learning. It is also critical to have a thorough eye examination before the First Grade.

What are Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, and Opticians?

An optometrist (OD) is your primary care Physician for your eyes.  They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses for vision correction, and provide pre-and post-operative care for patients undergoing LASIK and other eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist. Optometrists also are trained to diagnose and treat eye infections and other eye problems and diseases, including glaucoma. Some ODs also provide low vision services, vision therapy, and other eye care services. Similar to medical physicians an optometrist must complete a four-year post-baccalaureate doctorate program in optometry and many ODs also complete one or two postgraduate residencies with advanced study in a specific area of eye care.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or osteopathic doctor (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medication, and perform eye surgery. An ophthalmologist must complete four years of medical school, one year of internship, and at least three years of residency (hospital-based training) in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders.

An optician is a professional in the field of finishing and fitting eyeglass lenses, frames, and contact lenses.  An Optician turns your doctor’s prescription into the glasses or contact lenses you need to make your vision the best it can be.  An Optician is an integral part of the vision care experience that adheres to exacting standards in order to enhance your vision.