Vision Care Centre

Most of the shop floor is frames. Wooden wall racks, glass-topped counters and a sunglasses corner with Ray-Ban, Maui Jim and Zeal on display fill the front, and the practice has its own lab for cutting and edging lenses. That lab is the reason glasses can come together fast: the website says often within 15 minutes, but ask how long yours will take, because it depends on the prescription.

Exams first

Vision Care Centre started in 1995 as an optical shop. Eye exams came in 2006, and today it is an optometry office with an optical attached. The doctors do the full comprehensive exam, which they say takes 30 to 40 minutes, and the room has an OCT scanner that takes layer-by-layer images of the retina. Results are stored so next year’s scan can be compared with this year’s.

They see all ages. Their site recommends a first exam at six months for babies, and says exams for children under 19 with a BC CareCard carry no charge. There’s a clinic clown called Coco and a treasure chest of toys for the kids’ visits.

Glasses, sunglasses and contacts

• Frames: designer labels alongside everyday and classic styles, picked each season, with kids’ frames sized for smaller faces. New frames carry the manufacturer’s warranty, except discontinued ones.
• Sunglasses: regular and prescription.
• Contact lenses: fitting and follow-up appointments, in-stock lenses, and online ordering through their site. A one-year supply earns an extra 10 to 30 percent off, they say.
• After you buy: a 60-day check if you’re not adjusting to a new prescription, and free adjustments and cleaning.

They say they’ll match a lower price and include a free second pair of single-vision glasses with a new designer frame and lenses. Ask for the details when you book.

The person in charge

Dr. Damanjit Johal took over the practice in September 2013 and works there full time. He grew up in the Lower Mainland, studied at Simon Fraser, then earned his doctor of optometry at Pacific University in Oregon in 2012. The practice calls itself independent and says Langley readers have voted it “Best of the Best” for 18 years.

Before you go

Book through the form on their site or call 604-514-0070. They direct-bill some insurance companies, so ask whether yours is one. Parking downtown is free, according to the Downtown Langley Business Association.

For more places around the corner, see things to do in Langley City and Shop Local in Langley City, or the Downtown Langley Business Association.