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. 

Retinal Imaging: What's An OCT Scan And Why Is It Important?

By: Sol Optix

Est. Reading Time: 5-10 mins

If you've completed a comprehensive eye exam in the past, or have recently visited your optometrist, then they may have recommended taking retinal photos during your checkup. 

Just like most people you may be wondering what retinal photos are and why you would opt-in for the added cost to your exam. 

I mean, what's the point of paying more than you need to. Right?

Just because your vision is clear or your eyes 'feel' as though they're fine, it doesn't necessarily mean that your eyes are healthy. 

The truth is, there are a number of ocular diseases and conditions that can creep up on you without any significant symptoms ever arising.

This puts you at risk of leaving underlying eye health issues unattended potentially causing greater harm to your eyes. Neglecting to address any issues with your eyes could limit your treatment options or decrease the likelihood of successful treatment. 

So, what are retinal photos?

In short, retinal photos are high-quality images of the back of the eye that allows your optometrist or eye doctor to conduct a retinal exam and determine the health of your eyes in great detail.

To be fair, most eye exams will include some form of retinal examination.

However, what your doctor can see using traditional methods pale in comparison to the high-resolution images taken from the retinal photos.

If you're still unsure, that's OK.

This article will break down everything you need to know about retinal exams. Including digital retinal imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, what to expect in the exam, and why it's important to incorporate in your eye health routine. 

What Is Digital Retinal Imaging?

Digital retinal imaging is the process of taking a digital, high-resolution image of your retina located in the back of your eye.

In the past, your optometrist or eye doctor would administer special eye drops to dilate your pupils. They would then look into your eye, specifically the retina, using instruments like a slit lamp with magnifying lenses or an ophthalmoscope.

Now, with digital retinal imaging, the latest technology gives your optometrist or eye doctor a high-quality, digital image of the inside of the eye and all of its internal structures.

This image is then used to study and track the overall health of the retina, the optic nerve, and other internal structures. They are then saved into your medical record to compare results from previous years. 

What Is An OCT Scan?

An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan is another method of retinal imaging. The OCT scan is the latest advancement in non-invasive imaging technology. 

The process is similar to an ultrasound but instead of using sound to create images, an OCT scan uses light waves to create a high-resolution image of the structural layers inside the eye. 

The procedure involves using a low-powered laser, called a scanning laser, that scans the internal structures of the eye.

This technique of retinal imaging creates a three-dimensional scan of the retina at extremely high resolutions. The image captured displays a cross-section of the eye and is able to show each of the retina’s distinct layers. 

The images are then analyzed by your optometrist or eye doctor for monitoring the overall health of the eye and to identify any abnormalities should they arise. 

The assessment and the images are stored in your medical record to compare the condition of your retina year-over-year.

A screenshot of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan.

Apart from monitoring the overall health of your eyes, the optometrist or eye doctor can detect and manage a range of ocular conditions including:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD/ARMD)

This is usually signified by fluid leaking or bleeding at the back of the eye.

Cancer

A dark spot at the back of the eye could be a sign of melanoma. Early detection allows for early treatment which may prevent or slow down serious damage and/or cancer spreading to the rest of your body.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels of the retina, such as swelling, leaking, or the creation of new blood vessels. Blindness is a major concern if left untreated

Glaucoma

Unusual pressure against the optic nerve and the compression of blood vessels in the eye could be an early warning sign of glaucoma.

High Blood Pressure

Signs of high blood pressure often first appear in the eye. Indicators could be narrowing of the blood vessels, spots on the retina, or bleeding at the back of the eye.

Retinal Detachment

A retinal exam can spot early signs of the retina lifting or pull away from the wall of the eye before it causes significant damage to your eye health and vision.

What To Expect For An OCT Scan

A man getting an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan.

During the Exam

Depending on the instruments available at your doctor's office, you may have your pupils dilated to begin the procedure. Other instruments do not require pupil dilation and this step may be skipped. 

The dilation widens your pupils before the examination and typically takes about 20 minutes to take effect. 

When your pupils have dilated enough for the OCT scan, you are sat down in front of the medical instrument and begin by resting your chin and forehead for the procedure. 

You will be asked to stare straight ahead into the machine with your gaze fixed to an object while the scanning laser begins to scan your eye. 

The image is then rendered and uploaded to the computer for the doctor to begin their analysis. The procedure is relatively quick and takes about five minutes after the dilation. 

After the Exam

The procedure is quick and the results will be ready immediately after. The optometrist or eye doctor will report their assessment and let you know how your eyes have progressed since the previous exam. 

Be mindful and plan ahead if you have to get your eyes dilated for the OCT scan. The effects of the dilation will remain for about 4 hours following your exam. 

During this time your vision will be blurry and your eyes will be extremely sensitive to light as your pupils are wide open. 

It's recommended to bring sunglasses for after your exam and to make sure you bring a friend or someone to drive you home afterwards.  

Benefits

  • The procedure is fast, painless, and you will have results immediately after the exam. 
  • An OCT scan allows your optometrist or eye doctor to see ocular conditions or diseases they would not be able to see with traditional methods. 
  • Keeps you mindful of the health of your eyes and lets you know if something's gone wrong at the earliest stage.
  • It creates a baseline for your eye health and your optometrist can track and compare results from previous years. 

The Importance of Retinal Imaging

1. Early Detection 

Early detection can reduce the risk of serious damage or implications to the health of your eyes. 

The first signs of ocular issues are seen in the retina. Retinal imaging allows your optometrist or eye doctor to detect any irregularities or deficiencies at the earliest stage

2. Tracking and Information Storage

The data is easily stored in a database that can be recalled for future assessments. This gives your optometrist or eye doctor a year-over-year comparison of the health of your eyes.

3. Health Indicator

Assessing the health of the retina not only promotes overall eye health but it can also identify other potential health concerns unrelated to ocular health. 

Unusual or sudden changes to the retina are early warning signs to major health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.