"Can I keep my frames and just get new lenses?"
Your patient has found frames they love. They fit comfortably, they like the look, and they would prefer to skip another trip around your frame boards. Keeping those frames may be a good option.
At IcareLabs, we want to help you make the right call before the order reaches our lab. The frame's condition, the new prescription, and the selected lens design all deserve a closer look. A few checks up front help you explain the options to your patient and give us the information we need to process the job.
Inspect the Frame Before Accepting the Job
We recommend starting with a close inspection of the bridge, eyewires, hinges, and temples. Look for cracks, corrosion, damaged hardware, and signs of previous repairs. Ask how long the patient has owned the frame and whether it has needed repairs or repeated adjustments.
Pay particular attention to areas that will be handled during lens removal and insertion. A damaged eyewire or weakened bridge deserves a conversation before you place the order. If replacement parts may be needed, check whether they are still available.
Age alone should not make the decision. An older frame that has been cared for may be a better candidate than a newer one that has already been bent, repaired, and put through the wringer. Let its condition guide your recommendation.
When processing patient-owned frames (POF), we do our best to contact your practice if we notice an obvious issue. However, some weaknesses or damage may not be visible during inspection and may only become apparent when lenses are removed or mounted. A frame that looks suitable can still develop a problem during processing.
Check the New Prescription and Lens Design
Before sending us the order, evaluate the frame against the lenses you are ordering now. Review the current prescription, material, and design alongside the frame size, shape, and construction.
For a progressive order, confirm that the measured fitting height meets the requirements of the selected design. For stronger prescriptions, consider how the frame choice could affect lens thickness and weight. Rimless and semi-rimless jobs also need a compatible lens material and mounting approach.
A patient moving from single vision into progressives may have different fitting requirements than before. Explain how those requirements affect the options for their existing frame. If you have a question about the lens design, your IcareLabs account manager can help you review the choices.
Adjust the Fit and Take Fresh Measurements
Accurate measurements help us produce lenses for the way your patient actually wears their glasses. Adjust the frame to sit correctly and securely, then confirm monocular PDs, the appropriate fitting heights, and any position-of-wear measurements required for the chosen design.
Take fresh measurements even when the frame is familiar. Wear and adjustments may have changed how it sits on the patient. If the frame cannot maintain a stable fit, address that concern before proceeding.
Read our frame selection guide for more on matching frames to the prescription.
Explain the Process Before the Patient Commits
Find out whether these are the patient's only glasses. If the frame needs to come to our lab, discuss how long they should expect to be without it and whether they have a usable backup pair. Confirm the ordering method and delivery estimate with us before setting that expectation.
Explain any condition concerns you identified and how your practice would handle a problem during processing. Document existing damage and the discussion according to your practice's procedures. Patients should understand the plan before handing over their favorite pair.
Our POF policy: We will handle all frames with the utmost of care. We will not be responsible for patient-owned frames that do not withstand the manufacturing process. Please inspect all frames before sending them to the lab for production.
We also recommend having the patient sign a POF waiver at your practice before any work begins. The waiver should explain the risk of damage when reusing an existing frame, outline the practice's and lab's responsibilities under the applicable POF policy, and confirm that the patient understands the risks and authorizes the work. Keep the signed waiver with the patient's records.
When a replacement frame is the better recommendation, show the patient the specific reason. You might say:
"I can see why you want to keep these. This part of the frame is damaged, and I am concerned about it holding up when the lenses are replaced. Let's look at a similar fit so you can compare your options."
Ask what they love about the current frame, then use that answer to guide the alternatives. A familiar shape, comfortable bridge, or similar color can make choosing a replacement feel less like starting over.
Confirm Your Ordering Options With Us
Send us accurate frame information, current wearer measurements, and any relevant details about repairs or
unusual mounting requirements. Asking a question before submitting the order gives us a chance to help you work through the options.
If we previously processed a complete job for your account, you may be able to order replacement lenses through your myIcareLabs portal using Finish (Edge From Memory) and the prior job ID. Eligibility varies, and some jobs with special edging still require the complete job to be returned. Your account manager can confirm whether this option is available before you offer it to the patient.
Before You Order Checklist
Here is a quick checklist your team can use before sending us an existing-frame order:
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Inspect the frame and document any existing damage.
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Confirm compatibility with the new prescription, material, and lens design.
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Adjust the frame and take current measurements.
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Discuss identified risks and explain the plan if a problem occurs.
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Review the POF policy with the patient and obtain a signed waiver before work begins.
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Confirm the ordering method, timing, and need for a backup pair.
- Send us complete frame information and clear instructions.
A careful evaluation gives you a recommendation you can explain with confidence. Whether your patient keeps their favorite frames or chooses a replacement, they should understand why that option makes sense for their new lenses.
Have a question about an existing-frame order? Reach out to your IcareLabs account manager before placing the order. We are here to help you work through the options and keep your lab work simple.
