Before selecting new eyewear, what is the first item to review?

• A. The Pupillary Distance
• B. The Prescription
• C. The Frame Style
• D. The Lens Material

Answer: (B)

Starting with the prescription is essential because it tells you exactly what lens powers are needed for each eye. The prescription defines sphere and cylinder values (and axis, and any reading add or prism), which determine the corrective lens you must order. Without knowing these corrections, you can’t choose the right lens type, thickness, or coatings, and you might end up with lenses that don’t correct vision properly.

Pupillary distance matters for centering the lenses in the frame, but it doesn’t define the required correction. Frame style is chosen for fit and aesthetics, not the actual optical prescription, and lens material is selected based on factors like thickness, durability, and coatings once the prescription is known. Therefore, the first item to review is the prescription.