Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Highbury Optometrists?

Highbury Optometrists is an independent optometry practice and online eye-care retailer based in Birkenhead, Auckland.

We provide eye examinations, contact lens fittings, prescription glasses, sunglasses, myopia control, orthokeratology, dry-eye advice, and online ordering for contact lenses and eye-care products.

Where is Highbury Optometrists located?

Are you independently owned?

Yes. Highbury Optometrists is locally owned and independently operated.

How do I book an eye examination?

You can book an appointment online using our online booking page.

You can also contact Highbury Optometrists by telephone, email, or through our contact page.

Do I need an appointment?

An appointment is recommended for eye examinations, contact lens fittings, specialist assessments, and detailed advice.

You are welcome to visit the practice without an appointment for general enquiries, collections, glasses adjustments, and product purchases, although immediate assistance may depend on staff availability.

Can I change or cancel an appointment?

Yes. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change or cancel an appointment.

Do you see children?

Yes. Highbury Optometrists provides eye examinations and vision care for children.

We also provide advice on myopia control options where appropriate.

How often should I have an eye examination?

The recommended frequency depends on your age, vision, eye health, family history, symptoms, and any existing eye conditions.

Many people are advised to have an eye examination every one to two years, but some people require more frequent monitoring.

What happens during an eye examination?

An eye examination may include checking your vision, glasses prescription, eye coordination, focusing, eye pressure, and the health of the front and back of your eyes.

Additional tests may be recommended depending on your age, symptoms, medical history, or examination findings.

How long does an eye examination take?

A routine eye examination normally takes around 30 to 45 minutes, although straightforward examinations may take less time.

More complex examinations, contact lens assessments, dilated examinations, or additional testing may take longer.

Should I bring my current glasses?

Yes. Please bring any glasses, contact lenses, prescription details, medication information, and relevant eye-health records that may help with the examination.

Do you provide urgent eye examinations?

We may be able to assess urgent eye problems depending on appointment availability. Please telephone us first where possible.

You can also try walking into the practice during opening hours. We will assess the situation and help where we can, although an optometrist may not always be immediately available.

Do I need a contact lens prescription to order lenses?

You should have a valid contact lens prescription and your eye examinations and contact lens follow-up appointments should be up to date as recommended by your optometrist.

You do not normally need to send us a copy of your prescription. We can check the prescription details with you or your optometrist if requested or if clarification is needed.

Is a glasses prescription the same as a contact lens prescription?

No. A glasses prescription does not usually include all the measurements and product information required for contact lenses.

Contact lenses sit directly on the eye and must be assessed for fit, comfort, vision, and eye health.

Can I order using a prescription from another optometrist?

Yes. You can order using a valid contact lens prescription provided by another optometrist.

You do not normally need to send us a copy, but we can check the prescription details with you or your optometrist if you would like us to, or if clarification is needed.

Can I reorder the contact lenses I purchased previously?

Yes. Existing customers can use their account and previous order history to help reorder products.

You should still check that the prescription, lens brand, power, base curve, diameter, and other parameters remain correct before confirming the order.

Do you fit contact lenses?

Yes. Highbury Optometrists provides contact lens fittings and follow-up care for soft, multifocal, toric, rigid gas-permeable, and specialist contact lenses.

Do you provide orthokeratology?

Yes. Highbury Optometrists provides orthokeratology assessments and ongoing care for suitable patients.

What should I do if my contact lenses are uncomfortable?

Remove the lenses if they are painful, unusually uncomfortable, or causing redness, discharge, or reduced vision.

Contact Highbury Optometrists or another eye-care professional for advice before wearing them again.

Do you sell prescription glasses?

Yes. Highbury Optometrists supplies prescription glasses, lenses, frames, reading glasses, and prescription sunglasses.

Can you make glasses from a prescription issued elsewhere?

Yes. We can usually make glasses using a valid prescription issued by another optometrist.

Additional measurements may still be required to ensure the lenses are positioned correctly in the selected frame.

Do you adjust glasses?

Yes. We can adjust many glasses frames to improve their fit and comfort.

Adjustments are generally provided for glasses purchased from Highbury Optometrists. A small charge may apply for time spent adjusting frames purchased elsewhere.

Whether an adjustment is possible depends on the frame material, age, condition, and risk of damage.

Do you repair glasses?

Yes. Some glasses repairs can be completed on site.

More specialised repairs may need to be sent to an external optical workshop or specialist repair laboratory. We can inspect the glasses and advise on the available options and likely cost.

Do you sell sunglasses?

Yes. We sell prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, including fit-over sunglasses and selected specialist eyewear.

Do I need an account to order online?

You may be asked to create or use an account so that your order, delivery details, prescription information, and previous purchases can be managed securely.

How do I update my account details?

Sign in and visit the My Account page to update your contact details, password, addresses, and email preferences.

Can I collect an online order from the practice?

Yes. Store pickup is available from Highbury Optometrists.

Please wait until we confirm that the order is ready before collecting it.

How do I find information about delivery or returns?

See our Shipping & Returns page for delivery times, charges, tracking, international shipping, returns, and refunds.

How do I use a discount coupon?

Enter the coupon code during checkout when prompted.

You can also use our discount coupon checker where available.

Do you sell eye drops and dry-eye products?

Yes. We stock a range of lubricating eye drops, lid-care products, warm compresses, contact lens solutions, and other dry-eye products.

Product suitability depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Ask an optometrist if you are unsure which product is appropriate.

Do you sell contact lens solutions?

Yes. We stock soft contact lens solutions, rigid lens cleaners, peroxide systems, saline, and selected specialist lens-care products.

Can you recommend a product online?

We can provide general product information online, but some recommendations require information about your eyes, prescription, medical history, or current treatment.

An examination or direct consultation may be recommended where suitability cannot be confirmed safely from an online enquiry.

How do I contact Highbury Optometrists?

Use our contact page, telephone the practice, or visit us at 52 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland.