1. Prescriptions
HOW DO I OBTAIN A PRESCRIPTION?
Make an appointment to have your eyes tested at your local Optometrist, and request a copy of your spectacle prescription. By law, the Optometrist must provide you with a legible copy of your prescription, at no additional cost. Alternatively, you can use a previous prescription that is less than 2 years old. It is recommended that you have your eyes tested at least every two years.
WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE PRESCRIPTION MEAN?
A prescription is made up of a number of parts. Sph or sphere is usually the first number and will either have a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-). Occasionally there may be the word ‘plano’ or the symbol ‘∞‘. These both correspond to 0.00.
On some prescriptions there will also be a cyl or cylinder component. This is usually a number with a minus sign (-) and an axis (number 0 to 180 with an ‘x’ preceding it). For people who require a reading prescription, there may also be an ‘add‘ which is usually a number with a plus sign between +0.75 to +3.50. Except for the axis, all other numbers will end in either ‘00’, ‘25’, ‘50’ or ‘75’. If you require further assistance to understand your prescription details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Example:
- WHAT DOES ‘DISTANCE’, ‘INTERMEDIATE’ AND ‘NEAR’ MEAN ON MY PRESCRIPTION? ‘Distance’ means your glasses are for far away tasks such as television or driving. ‘Intermediate’ means your glasses are for viewing tasks at arm length, such as computer and bench work and playing the piano. ‘Near’ means your glasses are for close work such as reading or sewing.
- WHAT ARE BIFOCAL LENSES?
Bifocals are designed to be used for both distance and reading tasks. A prescription must include an ‘add’ to be used for bifocals.
- WHAT IS A PD (PUPILLARY DISTANCE)?
The PD or Pupillary Distance is the distance between your pupils. This measurement is necessary for the accuracy of your prescription lenses to be fitted to the frame. It is usually between 50 and 75. The number is often made up of two parts eg 65/62. This corresponds to a PD of 65 for distance and 62 for near. If you’re only getting glasses for distance only put in the first number or if for near the second. If you’re unsure enter the entire number sequence. Please ensure your eye care professional includes this information on your prescription. An average male PD is 64/60 and an average female PD is 62/59.
- CAN I USE A CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTION?
Although contact lens prescriptions appear to be much the same as a spectacle prescription, there are significant differences. Unfortunately, a contact lens prescription is not sufficient to place an order for glasses. It is however required for contact lens orders. Please ensure you have a copy of your spectacle prescription, which is less than two years old, before placing an online order for glasses.
2. Ordering 
WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED FOR ME TO PLACE AN ORDER ONLINE?
It is essential to have a current copy of your spectacle prescription. We will also require your Optometrist’s full contact details should we have any enquires in regards to your prescription or lens requirements. You will need to know if you require lenses to correct vision for distance or near. If you require bifocal lenses, which are used to correct both distance and near vision, your optometrist should inform you of this.
3. Pricing and GST 
All prices are in $AUD.
HOW DOES BETTER EYES PROVIDE CHEAPER PRICES?
Being an online company, we do not incur the usual overhead costs that your local optical store has. We are also able to buy our stock in bulk from the suppliers, and can therefore pass on substantial savings to you.
IS THERE GST ON SPECTACLES?
Yes, but only the frame incurs GST. All prescription lenses are GST free. Your tax invoice, which you will receive with your new glasses, will indicate the GST included.
CAN I CLAIM FROM MY PRIVATE HEALTH FUND?
Yes. However, the type of cover and rebate for spectacles can vary depending on the Health Fund, so please check your individual entitlements before ordering. All of the details to claim a rebate from your health fund, such as our provider number and item numbers for the frame and lenses, will be included on the tax invoice.
4. Frames and Lenses 
HOW DO I CHOOSE A FRAME THAT IS SUITABLE FOR ME?
All our frames show what the various dimensions are. If you currently wear glasses, compare the measurements of your frame to that of our selection.
WILL MY FRAME NEED TO BE ADJUSTED?
It is likely that you will need some minor adjustments, to ensure your glasses fit correctly and comfortably. Most optical stores will be able to assist you by adjusting the nose pads and the temples behind your ears. Some stores may charge a small fee for this service.
WHAT LENS MATERIAL DO YOU USE?
All our lenses are made of plastic. The standard lens is made of a material called CR39 with a 1.49 index . The thinner lenses have a 1.6 index.
WHAT LENS OPTIONS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?
Better eyes offers the following:
• Thin Lenses - make lenses look thinner and feel lighter, especially for higher prescriptions (+/- 3.00).
• Anti Reflection Coating/Multicoat - helps stop reflections from lighting and computer screens.
• UV Protection - provides protection from harmful UV light.
• Full Tint - permanently tinted lenses used for prescription sunglasses (please specify your preferred shade - green, grey or brown).
• Transitions - clear lenses inside which change to tinted lenses in direct UV light.
• Polarised - useful for reducing glare from water or snow (these are only available with a full tint).
5. Payment 
WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Better eyes accepts payment via Credit Card (American Express, Bankcard, Diners, MasterCard and Visa), using the Paypal system, or by direct deposit.
WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR POSTAGE AND HANDLING?
AUSTRALIA - Express E-Parcel: $8.25
OVERSEAS / INTERNATIONAL - Standard Insured Airmail: $17.50
6. Delivery 
HOW WILL MY ORDER BE DELIVERED?
Spectacles are dispatched via Australia Post using Express E-Parcel. E-Parcel is a signature service, which ensures the safe arrival of your new glasses. If you are not at the address specified on the order at time of delivery, parcels are taken to the nearest Post Office to await collection. Please ensure that if you want your order delivered to a work address that you provide full shipping details, such as business name, suite, level etc.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY GLASSES ARE DAMAGED IN THE POST?
All glasses are packaged in a protective hard case, and wrapped in bubble wrap for extra protection. In the unlikely event that your new spectacles arrive in an unsatisfactory condition, please contact us within 7 days of delivery. We will replace your glasses at no charge, or alternatively a refund can be processed once the glasses have been returned to us.
WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL?
Standard glasses should arrive within 7 working days. For thinner, tinted, transition, multicoat, polarised or bifocal lenses please allow up to 12 working days.
7. Warranty and Return Policy 
WHAT GUARANTEE AND WARRANTY DO YOU PROVIDE?
Better eyes guarantee 100% satisfaction, or your money back! No questions asked! Excluding the delivery charge. The glasses must be sent back to us in good condition within 14 days of the original dispatch date. All frames and lenses also come with a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty. This does not cover scratches or damage caused by misuse.