FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We offer our customers a range of services for their specific eye needs. Below you'll find frequently asked questions about our services and general eye care.
As of Monday 12 September, 2022, most Covid restrictions have been removed.
Offering our clients and staff, a safe and healthy environment will always be paramount to us at Visique Greerton.
Masks are no longer a requirement, however we respect your decision if you still choose to wear one. If you're feeling unwell, please reschedule your appointment.
We thank you in advance for your kindness, cooperation and support.
How soon can I get my glasses?
Post Covid-19, many optometrists are facing issues sourcing new lenses and frames. Visique Greerton as a nimble Kiwi business, has access to a whole range of both large and small suppliers.
We can generally turn around delivery of glasses in less than a week for standard orders and in less than two weeks for complex ones. We have a great working relationship with our supporting suppliers.
We are also usually able to offer appointments within the next week.
How can I help myself and others stay safe during my appointment?
The best thing you can do to protect yourself, us and others around you is:
Postpone your visit if you are ill or have respiratory symptoms.
Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving your home
Sanitise your hands when you arrive at and leave the practice.
Minimise touching surfaces and your face as much as possible.
You may also wear a mask and bring your own pen in case you need to sign anything.
How often should I get my eyes tested?
The Optometrists Association recommend having an eye exam every two years. If your eye condition requires more frequent monitoring, we will advise and adjust our follow ups.
What does an eye test involve?
A comprehensive eye exam requires a range of tests and probes to check eye health and how you see. We look at both correction and prevention to solve vision problems while maintaining eye health. Your optometrist will also ask about your age, occupation, general health and family history of diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes and heart disease. From these findings our optometrist can recommend options such as glasses, contact lenses, visual aids, tints, filters diet, hygiene or other therapies for you.
Why don’t Visique Greerton do free eye exams?
A comprehensive eye examination is an important wellness check, whether it leads to glasses or not. We don’t subsidise your examination by selling you glasses.
Our Optometrists, Keith and Brenton, take their time with each patient; getting to know you and how you use your eyes. At the end of the day, we understand how important your eyesight is to you. It’s our goal to listen and identify your vision problems then provide the solutions.
We promise to take the time to answer your questions, explain your options. We will always endeavour to find a solution that fits your budget.
How much does an eye exam cost?
An adult comprehensive examination is $95 which includes visual field screening and retinal imaging. Our child examination is $75 with an emphasis on teaming, tracking and focussing assessment. This relates to reading and learning vision. We are unique in the Bay, as we offer testing and treatment for learning related vision problems.
How much is a pair of glasses?
The cost of glasses can vary widely with type of frames and lenses you select. A simple frame with standard lenses start from $99. For something above basic, we have excellent value Moda packages from $299.
Of course you may want one of our designer frames with the brilliant digital technology of the latest lenses for the best glasses you have ever worn but they will understandably cost a little more.
Why purchase at Visique?
The right solutions for your vision. We listen and think. You are not just a number.
2 year warranty against manufacturing defects*
Free one year accidental damage replacement*
30 day “love them or exchange them” on all new frames*
90 day non-adaptation warranty on all lenses*
Free maintenance (adjustment and tightening) for the life of the frame
50% off second pairs*
Locally owned Kiwi Optometrists
Canstar Blue customer award winner for the past 3 years
*T&Cs apply.
How do we look after our Gold Card community?
Visique Greerton give a 15% discount off frames for SuperGold Card holders. A comprehensive eye exam for SuperGold Card holders is $89, we also provide a FREE Eidon Retinal Scan which helps with eye health monitoring by giving us the best retinal images available.
Which frames and lenses are best for me?
A comprehensive eye test will identify the lenses that are best suited for your specific needs. Our Dispensing Opticians then work with you to find frames you will love to wear.
What will my glasses look like?
It is important that you feel and look good in your new spectacles. Technology has offered huge leaps in function and comfort so lenses can be thinner, lighter and clearer. Our team will help you find the perfect pair that will fit comfortably and complement your style.
What is the difference between Transitions and Progressive lenses?
Transitions™ is a lens treatment that darkens the lens in sunlight. This allows a lens to be a sunglass outside and clear again indoors or at night. Transitions™ can be put on almost all lenses.
A Progressive (or multifocal) lens generally has a different focus at the upper lens compared to the lower lens. Most often this is distance vision at the top and reading vision below but many variations of these are now possible and we customise the design to a person’s own needs. These lenses look simple but have a big chunk of invisible technology built into them.
How long will it take to get used to my new progressive lenses?
Firstly you need to match the right lens for the task (don’t drive a nail with a screwdriver!). With the correct lenses, the majority of people adapt to lens use within a couple of days. Some people with previous concussions or vestibular sensitivity may find adaptation to some lenses more difficult. We can advise on options in these situations.
What does a driving test involve?
The Law requires for a class 1 license, that you to see the third line from the bottom on the Eye test chart and have normal side vision. This is a short pass/fail test to get an eyesight certificate. This is not a comprehensive eye examination.
If you fail this short test then you are legally required to have a full eye examination and may be required to wear vision correction to meet the legal driving standard.
Other driver’s license classes and endorsements may need fuller assessments, so ask our staff for advice.
Why do I need an eye test for contact lenses?
Modern contact lenses are a high technology medical device; they are very safe if fitted and used correctly but can have serious consequences if abused.
A baseline eye exam allows us to advise on the best lens options, identify any eye health or structure issues that may affect lens wear performance and allows us to identify changes to eyes or vision when contact lenses are worn.
What does a contact lens test and fitting involve?
If you are trying contact lens for the first time, our contact lens fitting begins with a comprehensive vision and eye health test. The various type of contact lenses are discussed and the chosen type may be trialled or custom designed. The optometrist will show you how to use, clean and store your lenses. We will organise follow up aftercare appointments in case changes in the lenses are need for the best fit or vision during lens adaptation.
Note: Contact lenses are medical devices capable of causing serious visual harm if incorrectly fitted or used.
What are the best contact lenses for me?
There are many different types of contact lenses available and our optometrist will help determine which ones are best for you based on your needs, lifestyle and budget. Technology improvements make many more people into contact lens wearers that may not have possible in the past.
What are prescription sunglasses and what are the advantages?
Prescription sunglasses are sunglasses that have been fitted with prescription lenses. This is great for glasses wearers – no fiddly clip-ons or magnetic sun lenses to attach.
You can use curved sunglass frames for better protection and looks. They are ideal for contact lens wearers who may not like wearing their contact lenses at the beach or in windy and dusty conditions.
Most sunglasses can be fitted with your prescription and we have a range of lens options to choose from - Tinted, Polarised, Transition (clear indoors and go dark outside), and Multifocal options. Come in and talk to us about what we can do for you.
My child’s teacher has suggested I see an optometrist for Behavioural Optometry. What is involved?
Modern learning involves a large amount of near vision work where seeing clearly is not the only factor in success. Good vision involves teaming eyes, accurate tracking and fast extended focusing at both distance and near. This should be effortless and efficient to be able to learn for the whole school day. A Behavioural Optometrist will run an enhanced battery of test to cover teaming, tracking and focusing skill as well as the usual distance vision health checks.
Is there a spectacle subsidy for children and young people?
If you have a community services card, a subsidy is available through Enable New Zealand for children aged 15 years and under. The subsidy is also available to children with a current high use health card and very high prescriptions. Click here for details about eligibility and criteria.
What is Behavioural Optometry?
Behavioural Optometry is about looking at your vision in terms of how you use your eyes for looking far, reading, computer work and in children- learning to read and write. The aim is to ensure your vision is working easily and comfortably including teaming, tracking and focusing. We are also interested in changes across time so vision deterioration is prevented and inefficient vision skills are improved.
All patients benefit from the more holistic approach; however, it is especially suited to those with eye motor control problems, lazy eyes, developmental delays, neurological damage or learning delays. We are also interested in myopia prevention and offer many strategies to limit teenagers glasses becoming stronger each year.
What if my glasses need repairs?
Visique Optometry has an exclusive 12-month accidental damage cover which covers repairs to lenses and frames. There is also a lifetime guarantee on lenses.
Are payment options available at Visique Greerton?
Yes, we have Afterpay available at Visique Greerton.
ABOUT AFTERPAY
Get the Afterpay app and sign up quickly & easily. No long forms or external credit checks and you’ll know instantly if you’re approved.
With Afterpay, you can split your purchase into four even instalments and you'll never pay interest. You'll pay your first instalment at the time of purchase, and the remainder every fortnight.
With interest-free instalments, the only fees are for late payments. You can find your payment schedule in the Afterpay app and you'll get regular reminders.
You can check out more about Afterpay here.