What Actually Happens When You Get Glasses at Charm Optical in Edmonton (The Full Process Explained)

Written by the Charm Optical Team • April 7, 2026

Buying glasses can feel like a mystery if you've never done it before. Maybe you just found out you need a prescription, or maybe you've been putting off updating your glasses for years. Either way, you probably have the same question everyone does: what actually happens?

We get this question all the time at Charm Optical in South Edmonton. People walk in a little unsure and walk out genuinely surprised at how straightforward the whole thing is. So here's the honest, step-by-step breakdown of everything that happens when you buy glasses in Edmonton at our store on Ellerslie Road.

No sales pressure. No confusing upsells. Just the process, explained clearly.

Why We Wrote This (And Why It Matters)

Most optical store websites tell you to "book an appointment" without explaining what happens after you click the button. That's not very helpful if you're already nervous about the cost, the time commitment, or whether your insurance covers anything.

Whether you're searching for eyeglasses near me or specifically looking for an optical store in the Ellerslie, Summerside, or Heritage Valley area, this guide covers the entire journey. From eye exam to frame selection to walking out with your new glasses, you'll know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Book Your Eye Exam in Edmonton

Everything starts with a current prescription. If yours is older than two years (or you've never had one), you'll need an eye exam first. You can book online at see.charmoptical.ca any time, day or night. Pick a date and time that works for you, and you're set.

Prefer talking to a person? Call us at (780) 490-0090. We'll get you booked in quickly. Same-day appointments are often available when our optometrist is in.

Already have a valid prescription from another clinic? Bring it in and skip straight to browsing frames. Your prescription belongs to you, and any Alberta optometrist is required to provide you a copy.

What if I already wear contacts?

Your glasses prescription and contact lens prescription are different measurements. If you want glasses, you need a glasses-specific Rx. We handle both types of exams at our clinic, so just let us know when you book.

Step 2: Arrive at Our South Edmonton Location

We're located at 5035 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1X2, right in the heart of South Edmonton's Ellerslie area. There's plenty of free parking, and the store is easy to find whether you're coming from Summerside, Walker, Heritage Valley, or Windermere.

When you walk in, our team will greet you, confirm your appointment, and walk you through the process. If it's your first visit, we'll ask for your Alberta health card and any insurance information you have. Filling out the intake form takes about two minutes.

Our hours are Monday to Friday, 11 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. We're closed on Sundays.

Step 3: Your Comprehensive Eye Exam in Edmonton ($99)

A comprehensive eye exam at Charm Optical costs $99. That covers everything: visual acuity testing, refraction (determining your exact prescription), eye pressure checks, and a thorough assessment of your overall eye health. The exam typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Our optometrist checks for more than just whether you need glasses. The exam screens for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and signs of diabetes or high blood pressure that can show up in your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams as one of the most important preventive health checks you can get.

Good to know about Alberta coverage

Alberta Health covers annual eye exams for children under 19 and adults 65 and older. If you're between 19 and 64, the $99 exam fee applies, though your workplace insurance may reimburse part or all of it. We'll help you figure that out.

Step 4: Browse 480+ Frames From 25+ Brands

This is the part people enjoy most. With your new prescription in hand, you'll browse our collection of over 480 frames from more than 25 brands. We carry everything from everyday affordable styles to luxury designer frames.

Brands on our shelves right now

Here's a sampling of what you'll find at our glasses collection:

• Designer favourites: Gucci, Burberry, Chloe, YSL (Yves Saint Laurent), Tory Burch, Persol
• Classic staples: Ray-Ban, Oakley, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nine West
• Smart glasses: Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta
• Performance & outdoor: Maui Jim, Oakley
• Budget-friendly: Momono (complete glasses from $65)
• Plus: Prada, Versace, Swarovski, Tiffany, Ralph Lauren, Ralph, D&G, Coach, and more

If you're not sure what suits your face shape or style, our team helps people choose frames every day. There's no rush, no clock ticking. Take your time trying on different options.

Step 5: Your Personal Frame Fitting in Edmonton

Once you've picked your frames, we take precise measurements to make sure your lenses are cut and positioned perfectly. This isn't just about comfort (though that matters a lot). Poorly fitted glasses can actually cause headaches, eye strain, and inaccurate vision correction.

We measure your pupillary distance (PD), which is the distance between the centres of your pupils. We also check the frame's fit across your nose bridge, behind your ears, and at the temples. If a frame needs minor adjustments before your lenses go in, we handle that on the spot.

This step takes about five to ten minutes, and it makes a real difference in how your glasses feel and perform. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, proper frame fitting is essential for optimal lens performance, especially with progressive and multifocal lenses.

Step 6: Choose Your Lenses (Same-Day Single Vision Available)

Frames are only half the equation. Your lenses are where the real vision correction happens, and there are more options than most people expect. Here's what you're choosing between:

Lens Type	Best For	Starting Price	Timeline
Single Vision	Distance or reading (one focal point)	$99	Same day (many prescriptions)
Progressive (No-Line Bifocal)	Distance + reading + everything between	$350	5–7 business days
Blue Light (BlueCut)	Heavy screen users	Included with SV	Same day (single vision)
Transitions (Photochromic)	Indoor/outdoor without switching glasses	Add-on to any lens	5–7 business days
Momono Complete	Budget-friendly single vision	$65 (frame + lenses)	Same day (many prescriptions)

For many single vision prescriptions, we cut lenses the same day. That means you can walk in for an exam and walk out wearing your new glasses a couple of hours later. Learn more about our same-day single vision and blue light lenses.

Progressive and specialty lenses are custom-made at our lab and typically ready within five to seven business days. We'll call you the moment they're done.

Step 7: Insurance and Direct Billing in Edmonton

Nobody loves dealing with insurance paperwork, so we handle it for you. We direct bill to most major Alberta insurance providers, which means you only pay your portion at the counter. No submitting claims, no waiting for reimbursement.

Providers we direct bill to

• Alberta Blue Cross
• Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
• Desjardins
• AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)
• Alberta Works

Most plans cover a portion of both the eye exam and your glasses (frames + lenses). Coverage amounts vary by plan, and some plans renew every calendar year while others follow a 24-month cycle. Bring your insurance card and we'll look up your coverage before you commit to anything. No surprises.

If your provider isn't on our direct billing list, you can still pay out of pocket and submit your receipt for reimbursement. We'll provide an itemised invoice with all the codes your insurer needs.

Step 8: Pick Up Your New Glasses (or We'll Ship Across Canada)

For same-day single vision orders, your glasses will be ready to pick up within one to two hours. We'll give you a time to come back, or you can wait in the store, grab a coffee nearby, or run errands in the Ellerslie area.

Progressive and specialty lenses typically take five to seven business days. We'll call or text you as soon as they arrive, and then do a final fitting when you pick them up to make sure everything sits perfectly.

Not local to Edmonton?

We ship finished glasses anywhere in Canada. Whether you're in Calgary, Red Deer, Fort McMurray, or across the country, we can get your glasses to you. Just ask about our shipping options when placing your order.

Step 9: Free Lifetime Adjustments and Aftercare

Glasses shift over time. Frames loosen, nose pads wear down, and temple arms can get bent. That's normal, and it's why we offer free lifetime adjustments on every pair of glasses purchased at Charm Optical. Come by any time and we'll tighten, realign, and clean your glasses at no charge.

We also do minor repairs, nose pad replacements, and frame re-bending. If your glasses need something beyond what we can fix in-store, we'll let you know your options honestly.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Here's a realistic timeline for the most common scenarios:

Scenario	Time at the Store	When You Get Your Glasses
Eye exam + single vision glasses	60–90 minutes	Same day
Eye exam + progressive lenses	45–60 minutes	5–7 business days (pickup visit: 15 min)
Bring your own Rx + frame selection	30–45 minutes	Same day (SV) or 5–7 days (progressive)
Just need an adjustment	5–10 minutes	Done on the spot

What to Bring: Your Visit Checklist

Item	Why You Need It	Required?
Alberta Health Card	Required for the eye exam	Yes
Insurance card or plan details	For direct billing (saves you from filing claims)	Recommended
Current glasses or prescription	Helps the optometrist compare changes	If you have them
List of medications	Some medications affect vision and eye health	Helpful
Questions about your vision	Screen time issues, headaches, night driving trouble, etc.	Optional (but encouraged)

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Glasses in Edmonton

How much do glasses cost at Charm Optical?

Complete glasses (frame + lenses) start at $65 with our Momono collection. Single vision lenses on their own start at $99, and progressive lenses start at $350. Designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Burberry vary by model, but we carry options at every price point. Your insurance may cover a significant portion.

Can I get glasses the same day in Edmonton?

Yes, for many single vision prescriptions. We cut single vision lenses (including blue light lenses) in-house, so you can have your exam and walk out with finished glasses in about 60 to 90 minutes. Progressive and specialty lenses take five to seven business days.

Do I need an eye exam to buy glasses?

You need a valid prescription, but it doesn't have to be from us. If you have a current prescription from any Alberta optometrist (or anywhere else), bring it in and we'll make your glasses from that. If your prescription is expired or you've never had one, we'll do an eye exam for $99.

Does Charm Optical direct bill my insurance?

We direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Desjardins, AISH, and Alberta Works. If your provider isn't on that list, you pay upfront and submit your receipt for reimbursement. We provide detailed invoices with all required codes.

How often should I get new glasses?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends an eye exam every one to two years for most adults. If your prescription has changed, you'll want new lenses. Frames can last much longer if they're in good shape. Many of our patients keep their frames and just replace the lenses when their Rx changes.

Do you ship glasses outside of Edmonton?

Absolutely. We ship finished prescription glasses anywhere in Canada. Customers in Calgary, Red Deer, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, and across the country order from us regularly. Just call us at (780) 490-0090 to arrange a remote order if you already have a prescription.

What if my glasses don't feel right after I pick them up?

Come back in. Adjustments are free for life on any glasses purchased at Charm Optical. If something feels off with the prescription itself, we'll work with the optometrist to sort it out. Your comfort and clear vision are the whole point.