How Long Does It Take to Get Your Spectacles Made by an Optician?

The journery your spectacles undertake at the optical store

Optometrist Flavia Fernandes

7/10/20242 min read

person holding brown eyeglasses with green trees background
person holding brown eyeglasses with green trees background

When you visit an optician to get your spectacles made, one of the most common questions you may have is how long the process will take. The time it takes to get your spectacles made can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of your prescription, the type of lenses you choose, and the availability of the frames you desire.

In general, the process of getting your spectacles made can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Let's take a closer look at the different stages involved in the process and the time it typically takes for each:

1. Eye Examination

The first step in getting your spectacles made is to have your eyes examined by an optometrist. This is an important step to determine your prescription and ensure that your spectacles will provide you with clear vision. The eye examination usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Frame Selection

Once your prescription is determined, you will need to select the frames for your spectacles. This process can take some time as you browse through the available options and try on different frames to find the perfect fit. Depending on your preferences, this stage can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more.

3. Lens Fitting

After selecting your frames, the next step is to have your lenses fitted. This involves taking precise measurements of your eyes and ensuring that the lenses are positioned correctly within the frames. The lens fitting process typically takes around 1 to 2 hours.

4. Lens Manufacturing

Once your measurements are taken, the optician will send them to a laboratory where your lenses will be manufactured. The time it takes for the lenses to be made can vary depending on the complexity of your prescription and the type of lenses you choose. In general, lens manufacturing can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

5. Final Assembly

Once the lenses are ready, the optician will assemble them into your chosen frames. This usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.

Overall, the entire process of getting your spectacles made can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's important to discuss your timeline expectations with your optician, as they can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.