We Speak English
What to Expect
Getting an eye exam in Oaxaca at Ópticas Visual is simple, fast, and completely free. Whether you've noticed changes in your vision, need to update your prescription, or just want a routine check-up while you're in town, we've got you covered.
Here's what happens when you walk in:
1. Brief Medical History
We'll ask a few quick questions about your health, current medications, and any vision concerns. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them along — or just let us know your current prescription if you have it on your phone.
2. Visual Acuity Test
Using a standard Snellen chart, we measure how well each eye can see at distance and near. This is the familiar "read the letters on the chart" test and takes just a couple of minutes.
3. Autorefraction
You'll sit in front of our computerized autorefractometer, which measures your eye's refractive error automatically. Just look at the target inside the machine — it takes about 30 seconds per eye and is completely painless.
4. Subjective Refraction
This is the "which is better, one or two?" part. Using a phoropter (the device with all the lenses), our optometrist fine-tunes your prescription based on your feedback. This ensures maximum comfort and clarity.
5. Eye Health Check
We examine the health of your eyes using a slit lamp biomicroscope, checking for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and other conditions. If we detect anything that needs medical attention, we can refer you directly to our in-house ophthalmologist, Dr. Kalid Barush.
6. Results and Recommendations
We explain your results in plain English — no confusing jargon. You'll know exactly what your prescription means, whether your eyes are healthy, and what lens options would work best for your needs and budget.
Our Equipment
We use the same professional-grade equipment you'd find in any modern eye clinic in the US or Europe:
- Autorefractometer — computerized measurement of refractive error
- Phoropter — precision lens system for subjective refraction
- Slit lamp biomicroscope — magnified examination of eye structures
- Retinoscope — objective refraction technique
- Tonometer — intraocular pressure measurement (glaucoma screening)
- Trial lens set — lets you experience your new prescription before committing
No Purchase Obligation
Who Performs the Exam?
Your exam is performed by a certified optometrist (Licenciado en Optometria) with professional training in vision assessment, refraction, and ocular health screening. Our optometrists hold Mexican federal certification and follow standardized clinical protocols.
For medical eye conditions — such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal problems, or severe dry eye — we have Dr. Kalid Barush, a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in Retina and Vitreous, practicing in the same building as our Principes location. He trained at internationally recognized institutions and is certified by the Mexican Board of Ophthalmology.
When Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Even if you feel your vision is fine, regular eye exams can catch problems early. Consider an exam if:
- It's been more than a year since your last eye exam
- You're experiencing headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision
- You're over 40 and noticing difficulty reading small text (presbyopia)
- You've lost or broken your glasses while traveling
- You want to compare your current prescription
- You're considering switching from glasses to contact lenses (or vice versa)
Visit Us
Both locations are in Oaxaca's Centro Historico, easily accessible on foot from most hotels, Airbnbs, and the Zocalo.
Principes Branch: González Ortega #408a, Centro
WhatsApp: +52 951 229 6844 | Google Maps
Independencia Branch: Av. Independencia #1101, Centro
WhatsApp: +52 951 232 8047 | Google Maps
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed Sundays.