Glasses play an essential role in everyday life: they improve vision, support eye comfort, contribute to self-confidence, and can even influence overall health. However, between prescriptions, lens types, warranties, and the differences between pharmacy glasses and glasses from an optical professional, it is normal to have questions.

Every day, IRIS optometrists and opticians answer questions from thousands of patients. This guide brings together the most useful answers, explained in a simple, clear, and reassuring way.

What should I do if my glasses break?

A fall, a sudden movement, an everyday accident… glasses are often put to the test. If your glasses are broken, avoid home repairs such as glue, tape, or DIY fixes. These can worsen the damage, make the frame unstable, or put your safety at risk.

IRIS Warranty – Exceptional protection in Canada

IRIS offers an exceptional unconditional warranty so you can wear your glasses with peace of mind.

How does it work in an IRIS store?

• Visit an IRIS store near you
• An optician examines your glasses
• Immediate repair if possible
• If not, parts or a new frame are ordered
• A quick appointment is scheduled if needed
• You leave with safe and comfortable glasses

You benefit from fast, caring, and professional service across Canada.

Can I get an eye exam and leave with my prescription?

Yes. After an eye exam performed by an IRIS optometrist, you can leave with your prescription.

IRIS benefits include:

• a clear, printed prescription
• the option to receive it by email
• personalized advice from our optometrists
• a complete understanding of your vision
• clinics accessible across the country

What are the differences between pharmacy glasses and IRIS glasses?

Pharmacy glasses can help temporarily, but they only correct one issue: presbyopia. Most people may also have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, which these glasses do not correct.

Without personalized correction, vision quality can decline, the brain compensates, and visual comfort decreases. Pharmacy glasses can help temporarily. For healthy and comfortable vision, an adapted prescription remains essential.

How much do prescription glasses cost in Canada?

The price of a pair of glasses varies depending on several factors: your prescription, lens type, chosen technology, and frame. Unlike a simple accessory, glasses are a medical device designed to improve vision, protect the eyes, and provide lasting comfort. Glasses can be an investment, but they directly influence your quality of life, comfort at work, safety, and visual health.

On average in Canada, a pair of glasses can range from $200 to $1,200 or more, depending on your needs and selected options. Here is an overview to help you better understand.

In general, the price of a complete pair of glasses varies depending on the range and level of technology selected. A simpler entry-level option usually costs between $200 and $400. Mid-range glasses, offering better visual comfort and additional technical options, generally range between $400 and $800. High-end glasses, including advanced technologies, premium materials, or highly specialized lenses, can range from $800 to $1,200 or more, depending on your needs.

Are glasses covered in Canada?

In most cases, yes. Part or all of the cost of glasses may be covered, but this depends mainly on your situation and the type of coverage you have.

Most private insurance plans in Canada offer coverage as a fixed amount or a percentage, usually renewable every 12 to 24 months. This allows many people to significantly reduce their costs while benefiting from lenses and frames adapted to their visual needs.

In addition to this coverage, IRIS offers exclusive benefits, extended warranties, and, in some stores, financing options to make access to clear and comfortable vision simpler, more accessible, and adapted to each family’s reality. Our professionals can also help you understand your coverage, maximize your benefits, and guide you toward the best solution according to your budget and needs.

Government reimbursement of $300 for children 17 and under (Quebec)

In Quebec, the government offers financial support to parents for the purchase of prescription glasses or contact lenses for children. In addition to covering eye exams for children under 18, the RAMQ’s See Better to Succeed program offers a fixed $300 reimbursement for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses made in Quebec since April 1, 2023.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, the child must:

• be under 18 years old on the purchase date
• have a valid health insurance card
• have a prescription issued by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
• not have used the program in the past 24 months

Program details

• the reimbursement is made by RAMQ through an online service
• the purchase must be made from a Quebec retailer, in-store or online
• a request can be submitted every two years
• no receipt or proof of prescription is required when submitting the request, but they must be kept for five years in case of verification

Non-eligible purchases

• purchases made outside Quebec
• non-prescription glasses or contact lenses
• non-prescription sunglasses
• sports or recreational glasses
• non-prescription blue-light filtering glasses

At IRIS, we know how precious your children’s vision is. Our teams will be happy to help you benefit from this program and take care of their visual health.

How often should I change my glasses?

In Canada, frequency depends on several factors:

• changes in your vision
• your age
• your activities
• wear and tear on your glasses
• your symptoms, such as fatigue, blur, or discomfort

You should consider changing your glasses if:

• your vision is no longer clear
• you strain to read or see far away
• you experience eye strain or headaches
• your lenses are scratched
• your frame is uncomfortable
• your optometrist recommends a change

In general:

• adults: eye exam every 1 to 2 years
• children: annual eye exam
• seniors or people with specific conditions: according to the optometrist’s recommendation

How do I know if my child needs glasses?

Children do not always say they are having trouble seeing, often because they have gotten used to it. That is why parental awareness is essential.

Common signs to watch for:

• sitting too close to screens or books
• squinting
• rubbing their eyes often
• difficulty concentrating in class
• school difficulties
• frequent headaches

Can glasses cause headaches?

Yes, this can happen in certain situations. Headaches are generally linked to excessive visual effort or discomfort caused by poorly adapted glasses. In most cases, it is not a serious issue, but rather a sign that your glasses, prescription, or adjustment are not optimal.

Headaches can be caused by:

• an incorrect or outdated prescription, causing blurry vision and constant focusing effort
• poorly adjusted glasses, causing pressure on the nose, temples, or behind the ears
• eye strain related to screens or prolonged use without adapted lens treatments
• lower-quality lenses that create visual distortion and require extra effort
• a frame that is too tight or too heavy, causing tension and discomfort

In some cases, headaches can also appear during the first few days with a new pair of glasses, while the eyes adjust, especially with progressive lenses. If the discomfort persists, it is recommended to consult a professional.

Can I keep my frame and only change the lenses?

Yes, in many cases this is possible and very common in our IRIS clinics.

It depends on:

• the condition of the frame
• its strength
• your new prescription
• your comfort

An IRIS optician will check whether your frame is still safe and compatible.

What are progressive lenses? Are they difficult to wear?

Progressive lenses allow you to see clearly at all distances: far away, at intermediate distance, such as a computer, dashboard, or workspace, and up close, without a visible line on the lens. They replace bifocal glasses or the need to have multiple pairs, making them especially practical for everyday life.

They provide a gradual visual transition between different vision zones, allowing you to move naturally from one distance to another without changing glasses. Their comfort depends on lens quality, adjustment, and prescription accuracy.

They are especially useful for:

• people aged 40 and over due to presbyopia
• people who work a lot on computers
• people who want to avoid using multiple pairs of glasses
• people looking for an aesthetic and discreet solution

In most cases, adaptation is quick. A slight adjustment period is normal, as the brain learns to use the different visual zones. With proper fitting and quality lens design, the transition is usually very easy.

Are blue light glasses useful?

Glasses with a blue light filter are designed to reduce exposure to light emitted by screens, such as computers, phones, tablets, and televisions. They are especially relevant today, as we spend more and more time in front of screens at work and at home.

Blue light can contribute to digital eye strain and cause sensations of dryness, discomfort, or tightness, especially when spending several hours in front of a screen. For some people, it can also affect visual comfort at the end of the day.

These glasses may help:

• reduce fatigue and visual effort in front of screens
• improve comfort during prolonged work
• reduce irritation and dryness sensations
• improve daily visual hygiene

They are not necessary for everyone, but they can make a real difference for people who work extensively with screens, students, and those who regularly experience visual discomfort.

Should I wear my glasses all the time?

It depends on your visual condition:

• some prescriptions must be worn at all times
• others are only for reading
• some are only for driving
• others are mainly for computer use

Your IRIS optometrist will explain the rule that applies to your case.

Why choose IRIS in Canada?

• national clinic network
• qualified optometrists and opticians
• modern equipment
• valuable warranties
• personalized advice
• human, warm, and professional service

Whether you are in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, or elsewhere in Canada, there is always an IRIS team ready to take care of your vision.

When should you consult a professional?

Your vision is one of your most precious senses: it allows you to perceive, understand, and interact with the world around you. Even if a visual discomfort or concern seems minor, it is important to pay attention to how it evolves, especially if symptoms persist or unusual signs appear.

If you notice reduced vision, recurring headaches, persistent discomfort, or a sudden change in your vision, it is strongly recommended to consult a professional. Early evaluation can reassure you, detect a potentially more serious cause, and help establish the right solution if needed.

At IRIS, our team is here to support, inform, and guide you. We believe that understanding your visual health is key to protecting it. That is why we are committed to providing reliable advice, clear explanations, and attentive service. Your vision deserves our full attention, and we are here to take care of it with you.