Reading glasses prescription

How are reading glasses prescribed?  After an exam,  I'm waiting for my prescription and was told to come in as they have some in stock.  My question to the doctor is: how can they have them in stock if the prescription was made specifically for MY eyes?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear worried784,

Reading glasses are often prescribed based upon one’s age.  For example, if you have perfect distance vision, the reading glasses can be purchased over the counter.  There are also a lot of drug stores that have glasses and you can find them there.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[worried784]

Thank you for your answer.  I do not have perfect distance vision and have glasses for distance. I have been using store bought  reading glasses but thought the prescription was made for my eyes. Are you saying that I don't need to get them from the optomitrist?  If they are not made for my eyes only, I am wasting my money but thought they were.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear worried784,

I definitely would get the health of your eyes checked and have the eyeMD determine the prescription of your eyes.  He/she can tell you whether the prescription is right for you or need to have them made up.  Store bought glasses often work although the quality of the lens and frame materials are inferior.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[worried784]

Thank you for your answer.  I hope I can find that out when I get my eye dilation test which I should have gotton by now.  
I am so glad I found this forum!