When Opticas Offer "Free Exams," Patients Pay the Price

Paying hundreds of dollars for glasses based on a "free" exam can end up being a costly mistake. In the past year, Ojos del Mar has had to remake over 50 pairs of glasses for patients who received a "free" exam elsewhere—only to find that their new glasses prescription was incorrect and their previous purchase was not refundable. This leads to additional expenses and wasted time. With an average cost of $350 per pair of glasses, that’s $17,500 lost by patients—only to spend even more to fix it.

Eye care in Costa Rica has become increasingly price-driven, with many optical shops advertising "free eye exams" to attract customers. But what exactly does a "free exam" include, and more importantly... What doesn't it include?

The Real Costs of "Free" Eye Exams

By definition, an eye exam should assess more than just how well you see—its purpose is to examine the eyes to evaluate their overall health. However, “free” exams are often limited to determining a glasses prescription, relying on a brief manual refraction or an autorefractor—a machine that provides only an estimate. These exams typically focus solely on basic prescription strength, without troubleshooting or addressing more complex visual or eye health concerns.

Are You Really Saving Money?

While a free exam may seem cost-effective, it can, and, over time, often will, lead to additional unintended expenses:

•⁠ ⁠Inaccurate or Incomplete Prescriptions: A basic or machine-generated prescription may not provide optimal clarity, leading to discomfort, eye strain, or headaches.
•⁠ ⁠Missed Health Issues: Without a full ophthalmic evaluation, underlying eye diseases can go undetected until they become more serious and costly to treat.
•⁠ ⁠Limited or No Follow-Up Care: If your new glasses don’t feel right, there is often little to no customer service available to troubleshoot or make necessary adjustments. This is the reason our clinic remade +70 pairs of glasses last year for customers who bought their frames elsewhere, using an auto refracted prescription, and after making them, wouldn't accept a refund or remake.

The Value of a Comprehensive Eye Exam from a Trained OD

•⁠ Visual Precision: A manual refraction performed by an experienced professional results in the most accurate prescription, with consideration for your unique visual needs. It also assures that any changes needed to ensure you get your best possible vision are accommodated.
•⁠ ⁠Eye Health Protection: Exams include screenings for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disease—many of which develop *without noticeable symptoms* in the early stages and can lead to permanent vision loss. •⁠ ⁠Routine Eye Pressure Checks: We monitor your eye pressure regularly, an essential part of safeguarding your vision. Like high blood pressure, high eye pressure is not felt but can cause serious damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
•⁠ ⁠Personalized Care & Follow-Up: If your vision isn’t as clear as expected, a dedicated team is available to troubleshoot and fine-tune your prescription, ensuring your glasses work perfectly for you.

Protect Your Vision with High-Quality Eye Care

Your eyesight is one of your most valuable assets. Think about how much of your life depends on clear vision—it deserves the best care. That means a true ophthalmic examination to protect your long-term vision and eye health.

At Ojos del Mar, we believe that an eye exam should do more than check your prescription—it should protect the future of your vision. Our licensed optometrists provide comprehensive, personalized care that ensures both your prescription and eye health are fully evaluated. Plus, our team is here to provide ongoing support if you ever need adjustments or have concerns about your vision.

If you're due for an eye exam, we'd love to take care of you—because *great vision starts with great care.