2026-02-21
FYI, Okotoks residents — taking care of your eyes is about more than just reading the bottom line on a chart. Good eyecare means understanding how your eyes work, knowing when to get checked, and finding an optician who actually takes the time to look after you. Whether you need new specs, a first pair for your child, or just peace of mind that your vision is healthy, this guide covers what every Okotoks family should know.
How Your Eyes Work — And Why Regular Exams Matter
Your eyes are incredibly complex. Light enters through the cornea, passes through the pupil, and is focused by the lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. The iris — the coloured part of your eye — controls how much light gets in, expanding in dim conditions and contracting in bright sunlight. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist examines the health of the iris, retina, optic nerve, and surrounding structures to catch problems early, often before you notice any symptoms.
Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease can develop silently. A regular eye exam isn't just about updating your prescription — it's a full health check for your eyes. Adults should have an exam every one to two years, and children should start as early as age three.
UV Protection: Why It Matters More in Alberta
Alberta's high elevation and sunny climate mean your eyes are exposed to more ultraviolet radiation than you might realize. UV-A rays — which include wavelengths around 360 nanometres — can penetrate deep into the eye and contribute to cataracts, macular damage, and growths on the surface of the eye over time. Snow, water, and even concrete reflect UV light back up, so your eyes can be hit from above and below.
This is why quality sunglasses are not optional — they're essential. Look for lenses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Wraparound styles or larger frames protect your eyes from light creeping in at the sides. Brands like Maui Jim are known for exceptional UV protection and lens clarity, and they're available right here in Okotoks at Fantastic Glasses.
Save on Specs Without Sacrificing Quality
One of the biggest misconceptions about eyeglasses is that you have to choose between affordable and good. Plenty of Okotoks families have discovered that you can save on specs and still get premium frames and lenses — you just need to shop at the right place.
At Fantastic Glasses, our 3-for-1 deal is the biggest spec saver in the Okotoks area: three complete pairs of glasses (frames and lenses) at a price that often costs less than a single pair elsewhere. That means you can have a daily pair, a pair of prescription sunglasses, and a backup — all without breaking the bank. Frames start at $199, so even budget-conscious families can walk out with quality eyewear.
Tips for Getting the Most Value
- Check your insurance coverage first. Most Alberta benefits plans cover eyeglasses every 12 to 24 months. Fantastic Glasses offers direct billing, so you only pay your portion up front.
- Don't skip coatings. Blue light protection and anti-reflective coatings extend the life of your lenses and reduce eye strain — they pay for themselves.
- Ask about lens upgrades. Progressive lenses have come a long way. Modern digital designs are more comfortable than ever, with wider reading zones and less peripheral distortion.
- Consider transition lenses. They darken outdoors and clear up inside, giving you the function of two pairs in one. Great for active Okotoks lifestyles.
Children's Eye Care: Start Early
Kids don't always tell you when they can't see clearly — they assume everyone sees the way they do. That's why children's eyecare is so important. Undiagnosed vision problems can affect reading, learning, coordination, and confidence at school.
During a children's eye exam, the optometrist checks more than just how well your child can read letters on a chart. They assess how the eyes work together, whether each iris responds normally to light, how well the eyes track and focus, and whether there are early signs of conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) — which is increasing rapidly in children worldwide, largely due to screen time and less outdoor play.
FYI: Okotoks children spend an average of six to eight hours a day on screens between school and home. If your child squints, sits too close to the TV, complains of headaches, or tilts their head when reading, it's time for an exam.
Contact Lenses: Are They Right for You?
Many people in Okotoks switch between glasses and contact lenses depending on the activity — contacts for sports and outdoor adventures, glasses for work and relaxing at home. Modern contact lenses are more comfortable and breathable than ever, with daily disposables being the most hygienic and convenient option.
A proper contact lens fitting involves more than just matching your glasses prescription. The curve and diameter of the lens need to fit your eye's unique shape, and your optometrist needs to check that the lens sits properly on your cornea, with the iris visible and the lens centred. At Fantastic Glasses, we carry daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses from all the major brands and take the time to get the fit right.
What Makes Fantastic Glasses Different?
There are several places to get eyecare in Okotoks, so why do families keep choosing us? A few reasons:
- Advanced technology: Every eye test includes the Essilor R800 automated refractor, giving you one of the most accurate prescriptions available.
- Real value: Our 3-for-1 deal is the best spec-saving offer in the area. No gimmicks, no hidden fees.
- Honest advice: We'll never upsell you something you don't need. Our opticians take time with every patient to find the right fit.
- Full range: From everyday eyeglasses to Oakley sport frames to contact lenses, we cover it all under one roof.
- Local and family-run: We live in this community. When you walk in, we know your name.
Book Your Eye Exam in Okotoks
Whether it's been a while since your last eye exam or you're looking to save on your next pair of specs, Fantastic Glasses is here for you. Book your appointment online or call us at (587) 997-3937. We're proud to be Okotoks' trusted local optician.