Asked for a PD lately?

[Jacqui]

Jacqui- Do I remember correctly this being published in one of the trade magazines? If you could dig it up (or the article!) I'd love to see it again.

It may have been published by someone else. I have only said it here, but from visiting dispeneries in this area it seems to be catching on.

[Uncle Fester]

One of the ladies on our illustrious Optiboard wrote an article I'll say 3 ago about fees for service. I think it was in 20/20. Anyone want to stand up and take a bow?

It was on a small card on the dispensing tables and let patients politely see that nothing's "free". Of course charges could be waived at the opticians discretion.

[bob_f_aboc]

#4 - Shoot them on the spot. We all know the World is better off without them

A very "Fezz" answer! :cheers:

If someone has that fee for service article, I would love to see it.

Bob

[obxeyeguy]

One of the ladies on our illustrious Optiboard wrote an article I'll say 3 ago about fees for service. I think it was in 20/20. Anyone want to stand up and take a bow?

It was on a small card on the dispensing tables and let patients politely see that nothings "free". Of course charges could be waived at the opticians discretion.

If thats the same one I'm thinking of, I have one here somewhere. Had fees for screws, adj, consultation, etc. I have looked all over for it here, da##, can't find it. CRS setting in again.

[Air Dave]

Soon it will be Luxottica/Essilor owned online only retail anyway!

This thread was forwarded to me by a customer who was researching options after her optical shop refused to tell her what PD was used to make her glasses. She’s an attorney who considers this part of her medical record, and HIPAA gives her access to it. So far she filed complaints with BBB, her local Chamber of Commerce, and posted scathing reviews on Google, Yelp, and every other on-line forum she can find.

I’m amazed that this type of logic could exist in 2011. We sell prescription motorcycle glasses. These are not available in her local market so online is her only option. We have a brick and mortar location in north Dallas, but we sell much more online than we could possibly sell in a store. If it wasn’t for the internet we could not focus on such a tiny niche.

Contrary to popular belief, most online retailers are reputable, competent opticians. All of our lenses are Shamir freeform, and most customers who buy from us are customers for life. We spent a ton of time improving the way the shelf bevel on the back of the lens allows a removable foam eye seal to fit perfectly against the frame to keep wind away from the eye. This caught the attention of several eye institutes around the country that treat Blepharitis or photophobic patients. Fortunately they do not share the animosity toward internet retailers that seems to dominate this page.

Believing you can increase sales by withholding information and deliberately pissing off a customer is absurd. The customer we helped with her motorcycle glasses has decided to look for a new optical shop that she can work with, instead of one that is trying to hold her hostage or gouge her.

But Lenny is right. The largest online eyewear retailer is FramesDirect.com. Essilor owns it.

[k12311997]

so dave do you support the idea of fee for service? nice self serving way to bring back a three year old thread

[Barry Santini]

You sell motorcycle goggles?
Buy a pupilometer. Cost"$200.00
Otherwise, attorney or no, this info is determined to be part of a medical record on a state-by-state basis.

Tough luck. She should simply find another optical that will take her PD.

BTW, I'll take your PD, for $20.00

B

[optical24/7]

....Believing you can increase sales by withholding information and deliberately pissing off a customer is absurd. The customer we helped with her motorcycle glasses has decided to look for a new optical shop that she can work with, instead of one that is trying to hold her hostage or gouge her.

.

Dave, this is a BS statement. This isn’t about holding a patient “hostage” or looking to “gouge” someone. It’s about aiding and abetting in a faulty delivery system for Rx eye wear.

Since you are *guessing* at each e-patients panto, MRP, fit, ect. already with your FF lenses, why don’t you just guess at the PD too? Or do you recommend they go to a B&M location for *free* service?

[Chris Ryser]

But Lenny is right. The largest online eyewear retailer is FramesDirect.com. Essilor owns it.

I believe above statement is antiquated.........I found one that has a website that shows much more traffic than Frames direct, they are situated in Germany and started just out in England and it looks they do a lot more. I do not know if Essilor is involved with that one.

Mr Spex, Germany rating 21,392 http://misterspex.de/
3 month0.00671+5%

FramesDirect (Esssilor USA) rating 24,680 http://www.framesdirect.com/
3 month0.00664+10%

Mr Spex, UK rating 148,735 http://www.misterspex.co.uk/
3 month0.00087+87%

[NeGlassesGirl27]

This thread was forwarded to me by a customer who was researching options after her optical shop refused to tell her what PD was used to make her glasses. She’s an attorney who considers this part of her medical record, and HIPAA gives her access to it. So far she filed complaints with BBB, her local Chamber of Commerce, and posted scathing reviews on Google, Yelp, and every other on-line forum she can find.

I’m amazed that this type of logic could exist in 2011. We sell prescription motorcycle glasses. These are not available in her local market so online is her only option. We have a brick and mortar location in north Dallas, but we sell much more online than we could possibly sell in a store. If it wasn’t for the internet we could not focus on such a tiny niche.

Contrary to popular belief, most online retailers are reputable, competent opticians. All of our lenses are Shamir freeform, and most customers who buy from us are customers for life. We spent a ton of time improving the way the shelf bevel on the back of the lens allows a removable foam eye seal to fit perfectly against the frame to keep wind away from the eye. This caught the attention of several eye institutes around the country that treat Blepharitis or photophobic patients. Fortunately they do not share the animosity toward internet retailers that seems to dominate this page.

Believing you can increase sales by withholding information and deliberately pissing off a customer is absurd. The customer we helped with her motorcycle glasses has decided to look for a new optical shop that she can work with, instead of one that is trying to hold her hostage or gouge her.

But Lenny is right. The largest online eyewear retailer is FramesDirect.com. Essilor owns it.

So basically you're saying she's one of those "I'm an attorney so I can take everyone to court" type people?

I had a patient's wife call the other day and ask for a PD because he wanted to get glasses ONLINE. I mentioned to her that he got his exam with us, however, he didn't purchase glasses so I do not have that measurement on file. She asked why, I said once again, he didn't purchase glasses with us so I do not have that measurement. She didn't understand why I couldn't just GIVE her this "simple measurement". After 10 minutes of explaining everything to her, I told her that if he came in and purchased eyewear with me, I'd be happy to take this measurement. Otherwise, I am sorry but I cannot give free measurements to patients who purchase glasses online. She then told me she got her glasses online, walked into an optical that she had never been to and they did it for free. I told her then I am sure they'll be happy to support online business with them again and to have a nice day. I remember showing the wife glasses when she was in for her exam and she complained that she had to pay $120 with her insurance for a pair of glasses..

Good thing she's not an attorney, she might take me to court..:hammer:

[KStraker]

Believing you can increase sales by withholding information and deliberately pissing off a customer is absurd. The customer we helped with her motorcycle glasses has decided to look for a new optical shop that she can work with, instead of one that is trying to hold her hostage or gouge her.

....and believing that I can increase sales by enabling online businesses to undercut me is even more absurd. You say the customer is looking for a new optical shop that she can "work with". You should say that she has found a new optical shop that is willing to agree to her request. After all, she wants to buy glasses on line right? How is she working with another optical shop?

[Wes]

And my answer is still: I'm sorry, that is not a service we provide. The optician or company making your Prescription Eyewear is responsible for the measurements used in fabrication.
Somehow, when confronted with the fact that this is not a service we provide, the internutter tends to start an argument.
I wonder what the local hair cuttery would tell me if I wandered in and said "I'm here for you to tell me what might look best on me. After you do, I'll cut it myself, and if I don't like how it turns out, I'll be back to blame you."

[tigerlilly]

Believing you can increase sales by withholding information and deliberately pissing off a customer is absurd. The customer we helped with her motorcycle glasses has decided to look for a new optical shop that she can work with, instead of one that is trying to hold her hostage or gouge her.

How is it withholding information or gouging someone to refuse to take a PD for glasses being purchased elsewhere? The consumer owns the eyes, so if they want to DIY their glasses purchase, why is a professional not involved in the purchase obligated to assist? Break out a ruler and go to town! No one is stopping them.

If your business model depends on your customers demanding free services from other businesses in order to make a purchase with you, then you're the one who is gouging. You're stealing professional services and skills with no compensation to the professional without whom you couldn't make the sale. If you cannot provide the necessary measurements and service to your customers, you're not really qualified to sell the product, are you?

[Plausible]

So Air Dave, have ya had enough yet? Need to hear.......errr.....read any more? Oh and welcome to Independent Board where there is no Internet, no Essilor, no Luxottica Love.

[Johns]

Oh and welcome to Independent Board where there is no Internet, no Essilor, no Luxottica Love.

It took you (both) this long to figure out what kind of site this is? Really?? Why would you be surprised at the responses? It's like going to a dairy convention to sell the virtues of soy milk.

Isn't there some online eyewear site where you can all go and commiserate how there just doesn't seem to be any margins left in online eyewear? Or, perhaps you can complain to each other about how expensive pay-per-click is, or whatever internet eyewear, porn, and other retailers talk about?

You come to site frequented primarily by independents, and are offended at their responses? Please tell us your not really that stupid.

[finefocus]

How is it withholding information or gouging someone to refuse to take a PD for glasses being purchased elsewhere? The consumer owns the eyes, so if they want to DIY their glasses purchase, why is a professional not involved in the purchase obligated to assist? Break out a ruler and go to town! No one is stopping them.

If your business model depends on your customers demanding free services from other businesses in order to make a purchase with you, then you're the one who is gouging. You're stealing professional services and skills with no compensation to the professional without whom you couldn't make the sale. If you cannot provide the necessary measurements and service to your customers, you're not really qualified to sell the product, are you?

This subject has been done to death, but I haven't heard it said better.

[Wes]

How is it withholding information or gouging someone to refuse to take a PD for glasses being purchased elsewhere? The consumer owns the eyes, so if they want to DIY their glasses purchase, why is a professional not involved in the purchase obligated to assist? Break out a ruler and go to town! No one is stopping them.

If your business model depends on your customers demanding free services from other businesses in order to make a purchase with you, then you're the one who is gouging. You're stealing professional services and skills with no compensation to the professional without whom you couldn't make the sale. If you cannot provide the necessary measurements and service to your customers, you're not really qualified to sell the product, are you?

Go get 'em Tiger!

[Plausible]

It took you (both) this long to figure out what kind of site this is? Really?? Why would you be surprised at the responses? It's like going to a dairy convention to sell the virtues of soy milk.

Isn't there some online eyewear site where you can all go and commiserate how there just doesn't seem to be any margins left in online eyewear? Or, perhaps you can complain to each other about how expensive pay-per-click is, or whatever internet eyewear, porn, and other retailers talk about?

You come to site frequented primarily by independents, and are offended at their responses? Please tell us your not really that stupid.

Darby calm down and breath, geez man, a woman, err "it" relax. Just try for a moment to understand a tongue in cheek post. This site offers quite an array of info for everyone not just the self proclaimed indy's. Unfortunately it's the "self proclaimed independent's" who are the majority of complainers and probably some of the best customers of the big three. BTW I am in the camp of selling the task of measuring pd's for an outside sale, if you don't someone will and it might as well be you.

[NeGlassesGirl27]

Go get 'em Tiger!

They must have Tiger Blood! :bbg:

[Chris Ryser]

On a typical day he will devour
200 lb of meat, usually beef or
chicken, and is capable of eating
100 lb at a single setting. At just
three years old, Hercules already
weighs half a ton. :bbg:

[DragonLensmanWV]

I just tell them that back in Russia, we just have them put needles in their eyes sticking straight out, then have friend measure distance between needles. When I offer to do this for them, they for some reason scream and run out the door.

[finefocus]

I just tell them that back in Russia, we just have them put needles in their eyes sticking straight out, then have friend measure distance between needles. When I offer to do this for them, they for some reason scream and run out the door.

Offer to wiggle the needles around a bit (DIY RK) and they won't need a PD anymore.

[eyeguy21]

This subject has been done to death, but I haven't heard it said better.

+1. Well said. I too thought that this issue had played out completely but that was just refreshing.