What is a PD and how do I get it?

For the impatient ones, TL;DR, you can measure here.

So, you found your perfect frames here on Umizato -- they look great, and now you want to purchase them in the checkout. You have your prescription ready and are filling in the appropriate information, when you come across the input field for "PD" (Pupillary Distance). Your prescription doesn't have any markings for "PD," so what is it and why do you need it if it wasn't provided by your dispensing Eye Care Professional (ECP) -- be it an optometrist or ophthalmologist?

Your pupillary distance (PD) is the distance from the center of one pupil to the the center of your other pupil. An accurate PD is essential as it provides the lab technicians who are preparing your lenses with the necessary information to determine the optical center of each lens. Without an accurate PD, your eyewear may not work as well as it should.

In many cases, if you request that the ECP provide you with a PD, they will be happy to comply free of charge. Unfortunately, there are ECPs who will either charge extra for the PD or possibly refuse to provide it if you are not going to purchase your eyewear from the ECP.

In some states, refusal to provide your PD with the eye exam may be illegal -- please refer to our blog which outlines the states that are required to provide a PD with your exam.

Unfortunately, there are only 3 states that clearly require this, so you are most likely left to fend for yourself on this account. But, no worries! Here at Umizato, we have developed an online tool that will measure your PD.