Can I get a pair of reading glasses for someone who doesn't have a prescription?

Question

We've tried long and hard for my Dad to get reading glasses but he just won't budge. I KNOW how badly he needs them and I would like to get him a pair as a Christmas gift, without having to ask him to go to an eye doctor. I figured he can't say anything about it or refuse them if someone got him a pair. Are there gift certificates out there for this sort of thing? i checked most eyewear specialists and they don't seem to be offering anything. Any help would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

There's no substitute for getting a decent eye exam.
And that's what I'd recommend.
(the correct advice, *and* my back covered)

But, apart from the risk of it making people put off getting their eyes seen by a professional, there's no optical harm in ready-made reading glasses. They are widely available, including on-line.

Edit for heyteach

You're going to have to guess the strength, based on his age and the assumption that his distance vision Rx is somewhere near zero.
45 => +1.00
50 => +1.50
55 => +1.75
60+ => 2.25.
If of African or Asian ethnicity, add five years to his age. to get the left hand number.

That's a very rough rule-of thumb, but it's the best I can do...

Edit: for heyteach:
"I'm younger than the examples given and my reading glasses are far stronger than suggested."

The strong suspicion there would be that you're "carrying" an appreciable longsighted Rx for distance, and having to use up some of your reading reserves to get optimal distance vision.

Answer 2

I'm younger than the examples given and my reading glasses are far stronger than suggested. I think buying too weak of glasses makes him feel he's right that it's a waste; too strong can give him a headache.

You might consider a "full page magnifier." If he's really bullheaded and won't use it, you probably can get some benefit from it yourself. If he likes it, he might see the value in at least getting a pair of reading glasses.

You can also find them at the dollar store--really. So he can't complain about cost.

Still at some point he should have his eyes checked--lots of things to watch for including glaucoma and cataracts. Vision IS irreplaceable.

Good luck.

Answer 3

just buy him a couple of pair at your local drugstore, it goes by age, +1.25 for people in their mid 40s and 1.50 for around 50 etc.

just estimate by age and buy him a couple of pairs to try, they are only about $10 - $15 each; if he likes them he will want more than one pair anyway because you always leave them and you need a pair in the car, by your favorite chair, etc.

Answer 4

Most stores have those magnification glasses for reading but he would have to try them on because they are all different degrees of mag. take him to town

Answer 5

it depens how well they can see

please pick mine best