TAKING CARE OF YOUR EYES

Visiting the ophthalmologist : key dates

Recommended ages
to see an ophthalmologist(1)

BBGR, Recommended ages to see an ophthalmologist

Identifying problems among children

Since 80% of a child’s learning occurs through sight(2), it is important to have your children’s vision checked from a very young age : first at 12 months(4), then at the age of 3 and 6. Some symptoms are signs that it is perhaps necessary to visit an ophthalmologist. Symptoms that are clear signs of a problem :
BBGR symptoms which are signs that it is perhaps necessary to visit an ophthalmologist

(1) http://www.snof.org/public/conseiller/les-âges-de-la-vue
(2) EYElliance, Social Entrepreneurs, World Economic Forums. Eyeglasses for Global Development, Bridging the Visual Divide. 2016
(3) Or more frequently as recommended by your ophthalmologist
(4) Or before 12 months as recommended by your pediatrician
(5) Special report on identifying vision problems among children June 2009. French Pediatric Society.

Identifying problems among adults

You don’t wear eyeglasses

Do your eyes get tired, is your vision blurry or do you suffer from daily discomfort? These may be the first signs of an eyesight problem. Be vigilant and consult a specialist if you have any doubts.
The first signs of presbyopia may appear around the age of 40. If this occurs, we recommend you visit an ophthalmologist.
After the age of 45, a comprehensive test every 1-2 years is recommended to ensure that no eye conditions are developing.


You already wear eyeglasses

Your eyesight should be regularly monitored to ensure you still have the right correction.

BBGR dépistage de la vue conseillée si fatigue visuelle, vision floue ou gêne

Understanding your prescription

You have just visited your ophthalmologist. With your prescription in hand, you can now buy some new eyeglasses.


But what do the numbers on your prescription mean? How should you read them?


The prescription provides the amount of eyesight correction. The validity of an eyeglass prescription varies depending on your age :

  • 1 year for children under the age of 16,
  • 5 years for adults aged 16 to 42,
  • 3 years for adults over the age of 42.(1)

During this time, opticians are authorised, under certain conditions, to perform an eye test — or request additional tests with an orthoptist — and adapt your prescription as a renewal. Except if you have a disease or a note from your ophthalmologist.

BBGR helps you to understand a prescription from an optician
(1) For prescriptions after 17th October 2016 unless contraindicated by an ophthalmologist

Planning your visit to the optician

After receiving your prescription from the ophthalmologist, you are ready to visit your optician. Whether it’s for a first prescription or a renewal, it’s important to properly plan for the appointment.

Before an appointment for your first appliance

Take with you the prescription provided by your ophthalmologist as well as your social security and health insurance details.
Understanding your eye condition and your correction needs. Ask your optician any questions that you might not have asked your ophthalmologist. They will be able to explain your eye condition and how your eyeglasses will help you correct it.
BBGR opticien dans une boutique avec des paires de lunettes de vue
BBGR essayage d'une paire de lunettes chez un opticien

Choosing your frames and lenses

After checking your prescription and the necessary correction, the optician will ask you questions about your tastes and lifestyle. Based on your answers, the optician will help you choose a frame that best suits your vision needs. They will also help you choose the corrective lenses. For example, there are thin lenses, anti-reflective lenses that protect from harmful blue light, made-to-measure lenses, lenses that darken in sunlight, etc.

Taking measurements

Once you have chosen a frame, the optician will take your measurements and centre your lenses. And what about renewing eyeglasses ? Plan ahead ! If you already wear eyeglasses, don’t forget to take your current pair as well as your lenses’ authenticity certificate or receipt.

BBGR prise de mesure par un opticien pour procéder au centrage des verres
BBGR paire de lunettes présentée par un opticien
Before finishing the order
You can ask your optician for a free quote. Detailed eye care quotes have been compulsory by law since 1st January 2019.

Delivery of the appliance
Your optician will make some adjustments to the frame on your face. Lastly, they will give you some practical help, including how to look after your appliance.