Your pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between the centres of your pupils. It's an important measurement for getting your lenses just right, especially if you have a stronger prescription or need varifocals. Read more about it here.
How do I find out my pupillary distance?
Pupillary distance isn’t usually written on your prescription, so you've got a couple of options for getting hold of it.
Ask your optician. Some are happy to share your PD after an eye test, though others may charge a small fee or prefer not to.
Measure it yourself with our online PD tool. This is the quickest and easiest way to get an accurate PD measurement, and it's the method we recommend. It works on your phone, tablet or computer, talks you through each step with on-screen and audio guidance, and gives you your result in seconds.
Here's how it works
- Click the link above, then select "Find your pupillary distance" to see how it works.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get yourself in position. There's audio guidance too, if that's easier.
- When you're ready, tap "Start Scan". An oval-shaped face guide will appear on screen to help you line up your face correctly.
- Hold still and let the tool do the rest. If anything needs adjusting, you'll see a quick message and hear a prompt to help you get it right.
- Your PD will appear in millimetres. Take a screenshot and email it to us along with your order number, and we'll take it from there.
Can't use the PD tool?
Hold your card flat against your forehead, just above your eyebrows, with both edges visible and the back facing the camera. Then take a selfie at arm's length, looking straight into the camera with both eyes open and the camera held square to your face. It's often easier to have someone else take the photo for you. It should look like the picture below:
When you're happy with your photo, email it to us along with your order number, and our opticians will work out your PD from the image.
For more guidance on taking the perfect PD selfie, watch this short video from qualified optician, David Hutchfield.
