Here are a few different ways to get your PD (pupillary distance):

  1. Do it yourself with our easy online video below
  2. Stop into a SEE store and we will measure it for you for free
  3. Call the store where you last purchased glasses (they should have your PD on file)
  4. Go to an optical store and get measured

Quick tip: Most PDs fall somewhere between 52-68, with the average being 60.

Check out our video.

How to read your prescription:




SPHERE or SPH:

Sphere or SPH represents the strength of your prescription. If you are nearsighted or need glasses for distance, your prescription will usually have a “-“ before the number. If you are farsighted or need glasses for reading, you prescription will usually have a “+” before the number.

CYLINDER or CYL:

Cylinder or CYL represents the amount of astigmatism correction you have in your lenses. If you don’t have any cylinder or CYL correction in your prescription you may not need any astigmatism correction or the amount of astigmatism correction is so low that no correction is needed.

AXIS or X:

Axis sometimes represented by an “X,” and a following number, represents the rotation that is needed in conjunction to the Cylinder in order for an accurate astigmatism correction. Cylinder numbers and Axis numbers go hand in hand, if you have one of the two numbers you will have both on your prescription.

ADDITION or ADD:

Addition or ADD represents the additional reading power or magnification power necessary to see up close. The ADD is used in bifocal and progressive lenses, which are offered in store. The ADD power can also be used in reading glasses depending on how the optometrist writes the prescription.

O.D. represents the right lens

O.S. represents the left lens

FAMILY AFFAIR

RICHARD REALIZED HIS PASSION IN THE FAMILY BIZ

As a kid in the 50s, Richard Golden realized his passion for sales, selling greeting cards door-to-door while his father, Donald Golden ran a successful chain of optical stores. His father offered him several jobs in the company but Richard declined, instead opting to attend Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Advertising.

Eventually, Richard did find his way into the family business and soon after, the company boomed. The rapid expansion can be attributed to a string of incredibly popular advertising campaigns directed by Richard himself.

CIRCA: 1998

RICHARD GOLDEN HAD AN IDEA

Optical pioneer Richard Golden envisioned the future of eyewear. Fueled by the frustration of licensing existing brands at an absurd cost, Golden was intrigued by the idea of creating a unique, proprietary brand. He, along with his brother, Randal, and expert product development team, crafted an exclusive collection of high quality, one-of-a-kind styles at an affordable price, resulting in reverse sticker shock for the consumer.

The first SEE store opened in Birmingham, MI in 1998 and the rest is SEE history.

Fanfare and Pandemonium

SEE IS VOTED "BEST EYEWEAR"

In 2001 SEE begins to win "best eyewear" nods. First, we win in Boston and in our hometown, Detroit. The Goldens and the SEE family go wild. Fists are pumped and bumped, roofs are raised, mandatory office luncheons are held. Then we win in Nashville, Tampa, Charleston, Orlando and San Francisco! We just keep winning! Since then, SEE has racked up 76 "best eyewear" and "best optical shop" wins in readers' polls from coast to coast, and every win is as exciting as the first.

GROWTH MODE

SEE VENTURES INTO THE COOLEST NEIGHBORHOODS

The SEE brand and concept were a hit! People couldn't get enough of the eclectic collection of frames that was finally offered at a palatable price point. Customers were walking away with 6 or 7 pairs - unheard of in the optical industry!

The Goldens decided to open up shop in a few of their favorite neighborhoods in their favorite cities to see how SEE would fare. Between 1998-2005, SEE shacked up in South Beach, Chicago, Georgetown, Columbus, and Ann Arbor. To the Goldens' delight, SEE was a success.

ORIGINAL DESIGNS | LIMITED QUANTITIES

MAXIMUM EXCLUSIVITY

SEE, the purveyor of the most eclectic eyewear in the country, is committed to marrying the highest quality materials with the most advanced designs in prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses and offering them at a true value. SEE's one of a kind collection of men's and women's prescription glasses can be found exclusively in our optical stores, along with the latest technology in prescription eyeglass and contact lenses.

Looking for an eye doctor? Most SEE locations have an optometrist on hand for comprehensive eye exams. Browse and buy in our online shop or find a location near you and learn why SEE has been voted "best eyewear" and "best optical shop" 76 times in readers' polls from coast to coast.