Second Specs

Second Specs: same-day prescription glasses in Canada

Second Specs is a Canadian-owned optical chain that opened its first store in Edmonton in 2013. Its approach focuses on speed: the catalogue advertises prescription glasses ready in as little as 30 minutes for single vision, with frame and lenses from 88 Canadian dollars. For progressive lenses, the starting price is 186 Canadian dollars.

Glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses

The offering is organised into three main areas. In glasses, it distinguishes between women's and men's frames from 88 dollars, designer frames, children's glasses and safety glasses. In contact lenses, it works with the brands Acuvue, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb and Coopervision, and organises the catalogue by type: monthly, dailies and for astigmatism. It also sells sunglasses for women and men, which can be made to the customer's prescription.

Eye exams and technology

The company offers eye exams performed by experienced optometrists at its Sherwood Park and Strathmore locations. For this, it uses equipment such as high curve 3D lens tracing, which allows same-day glasses to be made accurately, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal imaging systems integrated into the exams. The company presents this technology as part of its commitment to clear, healthy vision.

Direct billing to insurance and shipping

Second Specs handles direct billing with most insurers, so the customer does not have to pay the covered amount upfront. Online orders are shipped to home or office, with free shipping on orders over 130 Canadian dollars. The site also allows contact lenses to be reordered based on previous orders.

Store network in Alberta and Saskatchewan

The chain operates in Edmonton (Londonderry Mall, West Edmonton Mall and Phase 3), Calgary (CrossIron Mills, Market Mall and Sunridge Mall), St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon and Strathmore. In Sherwood Park and Strathmore, eye exams are also offered. The company presents itself as an alternative for fast service and low prices, with care from licensed opticians.

Charity initiative

For every pair of glasses sold, Second Specs helps provide eyecare and eyewear to people in need. Its opticians and staff participate in humanitarian missions both in Canada and abroad, as well as collaborating with Canadian Vision Care.