Privacy Policy

At Sol Optix, we believe in the importance of your right to privacy and personal data. We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you create an account or place an order through our site. This information includes name, email, mailing address, phone number, payment or credit card information, and patient file such as your eyeglass prescription. We do not store any credit card information nor do we sell or lease your personal information. Please be aware that by using our site, you are consenting to receive notifications from us via email in regards to confirming an order, providing an invoice, and customer support.

 

The Use of Cookies

Like most web servers, we use cookies to operate our site efficiently. We automatically collect information through the use of cookies which includes your IP address, the access date and time, the type of browser you used, the device you used, your login times, and purchasing behaviour. The data never contains your personal information such as your name, address, email, etc. You may disable cookies manually if you prefer, however, this may prevent you from accessing certain pages on our website.

Refund Policy

Return Policy

We are confident that you’ll love our products from Sol Optix. But if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us and we’ll arrange a one-time return or an exchange within 60-days of delivery. 


Our 60-day Returns & Exchange Policy for contact lenses are as follows:


Customers are eligible to have a one-time exchange per item given that:

  • The product must be unopened, unworn, and unmarked. 
  • The product must be in the original, sealed packaging.
  • The product must not be damaged, expired, or discontinued.
  • The customer is responsible for paying the shipping cost. 

Customers are eligible to have a one-time return per item given that:

  • The product must be unopened, unworn, and unmarked. 
  • The product must be in the original, sealed packaging.
  • The product must not be damaged, expired, or discontinued.
  • 10% restocking fee will be subtracted from your refund.
  • The customer is responsible for paying the shipping cost. 

Please note: 

Prior to the return/exchange is processed, the product must be inspected by our team members. All clearance items, sale items, contact lens solutions, eye drops, as well as custom-made contact lenses are final sale and they cannot be returned or exchanged. Each item may only be returned/exchanged once and Sol Optix reserves the right to limit the number of returns/exchanges at any given time. After the one-time exchange has been credited, the product becomes a final sale. Customers are responsible to pay the price difference of an item if the price of the originally purchased item is less than the price of the exchanged item. In contrast, if the originally purchased item price is greater than the price of the exchanged item, customers will receive a refund through the original payment method for the price difference. The shipping cost of your original purchase is non-refundable. If you have created an account with us, we will refund you with a credit on your account. If you have purchased an item as a guest, we will provide a voucher code via email for your refund. Store credit and vouchers will expire after 365 days. 


Product Defect

If you notice any manufacturing defects, please contact us and we will replace your item within the warranty period of 365 days. Please do not attempt to repair the damage to the product. If any alterations are found, the return policy will not be applicable.


Damaged or Wrong Item  

If you have received a wrong item or an item that has been damaged, we will provide a complimentary replacement of the product given that:

  • We must be notified within 72 hours of the shipment arrival time.
  • Packaging and all other original containers must be included. 
  • The product must be unopened and returned to us in the exact same condition in which they were received. 

Please note:

Incorrect or damaged items will only be replaced with the same model, not refunded. The reported issue must be evaluated and confirmed by one of our team members prior to the replacement process. If the product damage was caused after the shipment arrival date, we will not be able to provide a replacement product. Please do not attempt to repair the damage to the product. If any alterations are found, the return policy will not be applicable. If an item that is wished to be exchanged is discontinued or out of stock, the customer may choose another item that is of equal to or lesser value. 


Shipping Policy

Processing

Processing of an order can take up to 2 to 3 business days. You will be notified by email once the order has been processed. 


Shipping Information

Standard shipping on orders can take up to 7-10 business days. The shipping rate is as follows: 

Region

Rate

Estimated Delivery Time

CANADA

$15.95 CAD

7-10 Business Days With Tracking Number With Designated Shipper (FedEx, ICScourier, Canada Post)*



Subject to circumstances beyond our control such as shipping logistics and the ability to obtain products from our suppliers, we will do our best to ensure the overall production and shipping will not exceed 3 business days. *Custom-made products and special orders may take additional time for delivery.  

Grace Period  

Have a second thought after you submitted an order? No problem! Cancellation of an order can be made within 24 hours of an order confirmation for a full refund. If the cancellation is made after the 24-hour period, the order can no longer be cancelled. However, the item can be returned or exchanged given that the item meets the criteria mentioned under “Return Policy”.

Track Your Order 

Once the order has been processed and verified, you will receive a tracking number in your email along with a tracking link. The link will transfer you to the designated shippers tracking page where you can input the tracking number which will allow you to check the status of your shipment. Our designated shippers include Canada Post, FedEx, and ICS.

Terms of Service

Terms & Conditions for Sol Optix Boutique Contact Lenses 


Valid Prescription Required

By placing an order for prescription eyewear and contact lenses with Sol Optix, you are certifying that the prescription you submit accurately matches the one that has been provided by your eye care professional. We only accept prescriptions that are valid, accurate, and in complete detail and we are not liable if the prescription that you have submitted is incorrect or false. In addition, you are further certifying that your prescription has been routinely renewed as per your eye care professional’s instruction, or when the prescription has expired. In order to mitigate errors from entering prescriptions manually on the site, we highly recommend uploading a copy of your original prescription by creating an account. Moreover, you warrant that you are not registered blind, or suffer from eye disease including, but not limited to, glaucoma, cataracts, and/or macular degeneration. Sol Optix reserves the right to contact your eye care professional to verify your prescription information if necessary. 


Medical Advice Disclaimer 

The contents of the site are used for general informational purposes only. As we are not medical professionals, we do not diagnose, provide advice or treat any medical conditions. Please visit a certified medical professional to seek help if you are experiencing any medical issues. For any medical emergencies, please call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. We disclaim all liability should you choose to rely on any health-related information provided by the site. 


Colour and Product Accuracy

Though we strive to depict our products as accurately as possible on our site, we cannot guarantee the actual colour, texture or details of the product that appear on your monitor are accurate due to a wide variation in monitor screens. In addition, product information or pricing may contain typographical errors despite our best efforts to ensure integrity and accuracy on the site. Please be aware, that we do not warrant that the product images and item descriptions are current, reliable or free of errors. We are not liable should you choose to rely on the information provided by this site. 


Payment 

We accept most major credit cards and electronic payments including VISA, MasterCard and American Express. 


Sol Optix reserves the right to reject the payment at any time if the payment appears to be fraudulent. In this circumstance, we will refund you through the original payment method and you may try to purchase with another payment form or cancel the order. 

All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and they exclude taxes which are: Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST), Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). All prescription glasses and contact lenses are exempt from taxes as they are considered medical products. The tax rate will vary depending on the destination of the shipment address which will be reflected on the invoice. 


Processing

Processing of an order can take up to 2 to 3 business days. You will be notified by email once the order has been processed. 


Shipping Information

Standard shipping on orders can take up to 7-10 business days. The shipping rate is as follows: 

Region

Rate

Estimated Delivery Time

CANADA

$15.95 CAD

7-10 Business Days With Tracking Number With Designated Shipper (FedEx, ICScourier, Canada Post)*



Subject to circumstances beyond our control such as shipping logistics and the ability to obtain products from our suppliers, we will do our best to ensure the overall production and shipping will not exceed 3 business days. *Custom-made products and special orders may take additional time for delivery.  


Grace Period  

Have a second thought after you submitted an order? No problem! Cancellation of an order can be made within 24 hours of an order confirmation for a full refund. If the cancellation is made after the 24-hour period, the order can no longer be cancelled. However, the item can be returned or exchanged given that the item meets the criteria mentioned under “Return Policy”.


Track Your Order 

Once the order has been processed and verified, you will receive a tracking number in your email along with a tracking link. The link will transfer you to the designated shippers tracking page where you can input the tracking number which will allow you to check the status of your shipment. Our designated shippers include Canada Post, FedEx, and ICS. 


Return Policy

We are confident that you’ll love our products from Sol Optix. But if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us and we’ll arrange a one-time return or an exchange within 60-days of delivery. 


Our 60-day Returns & Exchange Policy for contact lenses are as follows:


Customers are eligible to have a one-time exchange per item given that:

  • The product must be unopened, unworn, and unmarked. 
  • The product must be in the original, sealed packaging.
  • The product must not be damaged, expired, or discontinued.
  • The customer is responsible for paying the shipping cost. 

Customers are eligible to have a one-time return per item given that:

  • The product must be unopened, unworn, and unmarked. 
  • The product must be in the original, sealed packaging.
  • The product must not be damaged, expired, or discontinued.
  • 10% restocking fee will be subtracted from your refund.
  • The customer is responsible for paying the shipping cost. 

Please note: 

Prior to the return/exchange is processed, the product must be inspected by our team members. All clearance items, sale items, contact lens solutions, eye drops, as well as custom-made contact lenses are final sale and they cannot be returned or exchanged. Each item may only be returned/exchanged once and Sol Optix reserves the right to limit the number of returns/exchanges at any given time. After the one-time exchange has been credited, the product becomes a final sale. Customers are responsible to pay the price difference of an item if the price of the originally purchased item is less than the price of the exchanged item. In contrast, if the originally purchased item price is greater than the price of the exchanged item, customers will receive a refund through the original payment method for the price difference. The shipping cost of your original purchase is non-refundable. If you have created an account with us, we will refund you with a credit on your account. If you have purchased an item as a guest, we will provide a voucher code via email for your refund. Store credit and vouchers will expire after 365 days. 


Product Defect

If you notice any manufacturing defects, please contact us and we will replace your item within the warranty period of 365 days. Please do not attempt to repair the damage to the product. If any alterations are found, the return policy will not be applicable.


Damaged or Wrong Item  

If you have received a wrong item or an item that has been damaged, we will provide a complimentary replacement of the product given that:

  • We must be notified within 72 hours of the shipment arrival time.
  • Packaging and all other original containers must be included. 
  • The product must be unopened and returned to us in the exact same condition in which they were received. 

Please note:

Incorrect or damaged items will only be replaced with the same model, not refunded. The reported issue must be evaluated and confirmed by one of our team members prior to the replacement process. If the product damage was caused after the shipment arrival date, we will not be able to provide a replacement product. Please do not attempt to repair the damage to the product. If any alterations are found, the return policy will not be applicable. If an item that is wished to be exchanged is discontinued or out of stock, the customer may choose another item that is of equal to or lesser value. 


COVID-19 

Now more than ever, we believe the health and safety of our customers and staff to be the highest priority. We are following all the health guidelines and protocols by continuously disinfecting and sanitizing our facilities and our products to offer you a safer customer experience. 

Please be advised, that though we endeavour to ship our products on a strict schedule, you may experience a slight delay in receiving your orders due to the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We truly appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.  


Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you have any questions for us? Check out our FAQ below to get answers to all your questions regarding products, shipping, ordering process and more. 


Prescription 

  • Do I need a prescription to order my contacts?

Yes, you must visit an eye care professional to receive an eye exam in order to get a prescription. We offer eye exams with certified optometrists on-site at one of our locations at Sol Optix Boutique on Macleod Trail. If you would like to book an appointment with us, please call (403) 764-6161 or click *here to book an appointment online. 

  • Can I use my eyeglass prescription for my contacts?

Unfortunately no, we will not be able to take your eyeglass prescription for contact lenses. Contact lens prescription requires the base curve which determines the curvature of the lens as well as the diameter which determines the width of the lens to properly fit your eyes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  • What if my prescription is expired?

In most cases, prescriptions expire after a year or two. In order to get the most updated and accurate prescription, we recommend you visit an eye care professional to receive another eye exam.


Contact Lenses 

  • What type of contacts should I choose?

Choosing the right type of contact lens depends on your lifestyle and your prescription. Your eye care professional will give you the best advice on which type of contact lenses that is most suitable for you. 

  • How old do I have to be to wear contacts?

Many teenagers or even pre-teens use contact lenses daily. However, we highly recommend consulting an eye care professional to see whether or not contact lenses are suitable for you or your child. 

  • Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?

Yes, you can. We offer a wide variety of contact lenses specially made for astigmatism to fit your needs. 

  • Can I wear contacts if I have had LASIK or other laser eye surgery in the past?

Since LASIK and other laser eye surgery work to reshape your eye, we recommend you to consult with an eye care professional to seek advice on whether or not contact lenses are suited for your needs. 

  • Are contact lenses more expensive than glasses?

That will depend on the type of contacts you choose and how frequently you decide to wear them. We offer a wide variety of affordable contact lenses so you can choose one that fits best with your budget and your needs. 

  • What is the difference between daily contacts and planned replacement contact lenses?

Daily wear is meant to be disposed of after one-day single-use, while the planned replacement contact lenses are designed to be used over a specific time period advised by your eye care professional. 

  • What kind of solution should I use?

Your eye care professional will suggest the type of solution you will require based on your needs and lens type. 

  • Can I sleep in my contacts?

Some types of monthly contact lenses will allow you to wear them overnight. However, please be advised that prolonged use of contact lenses can lead to an increase in the risk of eye damage or complications. Therefore, we strongly advise you to consult with an eye care professional to seek all protocols and guidelines on whether or not you can wear your contacts overnight.  

  • Can I participate in physical activities or sports while wearing contacts?

Absolutely. Unlike glasses, you do not have to be concerned about contact lenses falling or breaking while playing sports. Your eye care professional can help you determine the best suitable contacts for your particular sport or other activities.  


Insurance/Payment Process 

  • Do you accept insurance?

No, however, you will receive an invoice once the payment has been processed so you may request a reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please be advised that most insurance plans only cover prescription eyewear. Please contact your insurance provider ahead of time to see your full insurance coverage details.

  • How can I get an invoice?

We have sent a copy of your invoice through email. If you would like us to resend the invoice, please call us at (403) 764-6161 or email macleod@soloptixonline.com.

  • What kinds of payment methods do you accept?

We accept most major credit cards and electronic payments including VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

  • How do I know my payments are secured?

All of our transactions are secured with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology which helps to encrypt sensitive information such as your credit card and other electronic payments. We do not store any credit card information once the transaction is completed. 

Shipping

  • How long does it take for the order to arrive?

An estimated delivery time on orders is 7-14 business days. Special orders and custom-made products may take additional time. 

  • How do I track my order?

Once your order has been processed, we will send a tracking number to your email. You can track your orders through the designated shipper's website using your tracking number. 

  • Do you ship to a P.O. box address or hotels?

Unfortunately no, we cannot send our shipments to P.O. box locations or hotels. 

  • What is your shipping method?

We ship our products with Canada Post. 

  • How do I cancel an order?

Cancellation of an order can be made within 24 hours for a full refund. Please refer to the “Grace Period” page for more information.

  • What if my order hasn’t arrived?

Please call us at (403) 764-6161 or email macleod@soloptixonline.com and we will check the shipment status on your order. 

Return Policy

  • How many days do I have to return or exchange my purchase?

We offer a 60-day return and exchange policy for any unopened boxes of contact lenses. 

  • How can I return or exchange the product I’ve purchased?

Please call us at (403) 764-6161 or email macleod@soloptixonline.com to initiate the return/exchange process. 

  • Do I have to pay the shipping cost if I return an item?

If the product was incorrect, damaged, or contains a manufacturing defect, we will provide a free shipping label to ship the order back to us. However, if you would like to exchange or return an item for any other reason, you are responsible to pay for the shipping cost. 

  • When will I be refunded?

The refund process takes up to 7 days. 

How To Read Your Eyeglass Prescription | Prescription Guide

Estimated Reading Time: 5-10 minutes

If you have gotten an eye exam in the past, either from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, you’re usually given a piece of paper (at least the good ones) at the end of the exam. This paper contains a bunch of abbreviated terms and numbers that they call your eyeglass prescription. 

For most people, you look at it and you have no clue where to begin.

You may have heard the terms nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and progressives but have no way to determine how that relates to your prescription. 

This article will provide a quick and easy guide for reading your eyeglass prescription. Hopefully, it will give you a better understanding of what’s going on between the lines. 

A sample of an eyeglass prescription with annotations

Right and Left eye: How can I tell which is which?

When you look at your prescription, you’re probably wondering where to start. Some people may not even bother and let their Eye Care Professional deal with it. 

But clearly, if you’ve actively clicked this link then you’re a little bit curious or even adamant at finally being able to read your prescription (kudos to you).

Let's continue.

The first thing is to determine the Right and Left eye prescriptions. If you look on the left-hand side of the sheet, there are abbreviated terms. You will see O.D., O.S., and sometimes O.U. 

These terms are indicators for the right and left eye:

O.D. = “oculus dexter” Latin for RIGHT eye

O.S. = “oculus sinister” Latin for LEFT eye

O.U. = “oculus uterque” Latin for BOTH eyes

Why not just label them left and right?

Similar to many terminologies in medicine, anatomy, and law, they are Latin based subjects that still use the original terms even to this day. 

There are some optometry practices that have opted out of Latin based terminology and have made it simpler by using terms like RE for “right eye” and LE for “left eye”

Farsighted, nearsighted, and astigmatism: the other parts of your eyeglass prescription

Now that you can tell the difference between your left and right eye, you can now begin to figure out what the numbers depict in your prescription. 

Prescription Terms:

Sphere (SPH)

This portion will determine if you are nearsighted or farsighted. The numbers will be displayed as either "+" or "-". A "+" will indicate that you are farsighted and conversely, a "-" will indicate nearsightedness

The number that follows the "+/-" symbol is the amount of lens power needed to correct your vision. The 0 acts as a baseline and indicates no spherical correction is needed. The farther the number deviates from 0 (either "+/-") the stronger the prescribed power. Lens powers are measured in diopters. 

Cylinder (CYL)

This section of your eyeglass prescription will identify the astigmatism correction you may need. There will be cases where this portion will be left blank or will have the terms “Sph” (only spherical correction needed) or “DS” (diopter sphere). This just means that you have little or no astigmatism that needs correction. 

Axis

The axis value works in conjunction with your cylinder power. The axis value ranges from 1-180 (measured in degrees) and signifies how much the lens should be rotated to correct blurriness caused by astigmatism.

Correcting vision problems associated with astigmatism requires a corresponding axis value. Without the axis value, the lens power will not be in the correct position. 

Fun Fact:

Rotating the lens 90 degrees away from the axis value will give you the total power of the lens. You can then identify the cylinder power by subtracting the sphere power to the total power of the lens. 

Cylinder Power = Total Power - Sphere Power 

For the average person, you will rarely have the opportunity to measure your lens power with a lensometer. 

I mean why would you?

It’s more for the purpose of awareness with your prescription. If you see that there is a value placed in the cylinder but none in the axis (and vice versa) then there must be an error somewhere in the way the prescription is written.

ADD/Addition

Presbyopia patients require both distance and reading corrections. The ADD or Addition is the prescribed magnifying power for the lower portion of a multifocal lens. The value is always a "+" power and is implied even when there is no "+". The ADD power will always match for both eyes.

Nowadays most people will opt-in for a pair of progressive lenses also known as "no-line bifocals". Progressive lenses are versatile because they have 3 distance zones (distance, intermediate, and reading); perfect for day-to-day activities. They are also popular because they have better aesthetics with no hard lines visible on the lens.

Other multifocal lens designs:

 

Prism

This section will usually be left blank or omitted for most people. Only a small percentage of prescribed vision correction will include prism. 

It represents the prismatic power needed to correct eye alignment issues. It’s measured in prism diopters and may appear as “p.d” or a superscript triangle followed by a numerical value. 

While sphere and cylinder are measured in increments of 0.25D; prism is listed in increments of 0.5D. Prism values are followed by a direction that indicates where the lens should be placed for optimal correction. 

Prism directions are abbreviated and are listed as follows:

BU = Base Up

BD = Base Down

BI = Base In (towards the nose)

BO = Base Out (towards the ear)

Contact Lens Prescriptions

There is a distinction between a contact lens prescription and an eyeglass prescription. A common misconception is to assume that they are interchangeable. You cannot purchase contact lenses with your eyeglass prescription. 

The distance of the corrective lens relative to the position of the eye is important

The distance between your eye and the corrective lens, whether it's a contact lens or eyeglass lens, makes a big difference in refractive power. Contact lenses rest directly on your eye while your eyeglass lenses are typically 12mm from your eye. 

Contact lenses will also have unique information such as the base curve and diameter of the lens. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will take measurements of your eye to ensure that the lens fits on your eye comfortably. 

A sample copy of a contact lens prescription with annotations

Doctors Notes

Your eye doctor will usually include recommendations for your lenses included in your eyeglass prescription. These can be specific lens brands, material, design, and treatments. 

For the most part, unless otherwise stated by your doctor, they are suggestions on products that will give you the most comfort when wearing your glasses. 

You may choose to opt-out of these suggestions due to economical restrictions or personal preference. Always consult with your eye doctor first before making these decisions. 

Important

Your eyeglass prescription is yours to keep after a comprehensive eye exam. The Optometry Practice is required by law to provide you with a copy of your prescription after the eye exam. 

Your eye doctor should give you a copy of your prescription regardless of whether you have asked for it or not. 

You are not obligated to purchase prescription eyewear directly from your eye doctor and they do not have a right to charge you for the release of your prescription.

This gives you the freedom to choose the optical retailer you would like to buy your glasses from. 

Conclusion

Getting a better understanding of your eyeglass prescription will help you in making an informed decision about your corrective eyewear. It can also make the process of getting glasses a lot smoother and more enjoyable. (Because we all love shopping for glasses!)

It will save you a lot of time and potential frustration by being aware of key elements to consider when shopping for ophthalmic frames and prescription lenses. You will also be able to identify potential errors in the prescription which happens from time to time. (We’re all human)

It’s always best to open the conversation with your eye doctor, optician, and optical retailer to ensure you are getting the best vision correction for your specific needs. They will be more than happy to help and with a deeper knowledge of your prescription you can engage in a better dialogue.

*The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions or contact us at 403-764-6161 to speak to one of our doctors of optometry.