Tip jar

**Karlen McLean** · 08-31-2012, 02:34 PM

For all those who currently charge for services and those that don't, here's a possible solution: Put out a tip jar. That way patients/customers can tip for services rendered like eyewear adjustments, repairs, troubleshooting, etc. Their choice; some will tip, some won't. Coffee houses and many other service-based retailers do this. Unprofessional? Doable? What do you think?

**Judy Canty** · 08-31-2012, 02:38 PM

It still places zero or nearly zero value on the professional services.

**Johns** · 08-31-2012, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Karlen McLean

Coffee houses and many other service-based retailers do this.

There's your answer.

Unprofessional?

Very

Doable?

Hopefully, my competition does.

I know of some accounts that have jars directed toward charities they support, which, if you have to solicit tips, seems like a classier way to go.

**Fezz** · 08-31-2012, 03:10 PM

Tips are what I give to my barber, lawn jockey, barkeep, and my favorite "DANCER"!

Id rather set myself apart from them, at least in my mind!

**barryh66** · 08-31-2012, 03:45 PM

When the grandma gives you a dollar it's hart warming give you a chance to refuse it and everyone feels good. To pander for tips not this old guy I still have a little dignity. Charge a reasonable fee if you feel you must we charge for pads and repair work, not for simple adjustments.

**Johns** · 08-31-2012, 03:58 PM

I usually see tip jars in establishments where it is assumed that the employer is not paying a high enough wage, so the workers try to get a raise from the customers.

**Wes** · 08-31-2012, 04:41 PM

Did Texas recently begin Licensing its Opticians?

**Johns** · 08-31-2012, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Wes

Did Texas recently begin Licensing its Opticians?

If I move to Texas, but retain my Ohio license, am I no longer a licensed optician?

**Johns** · 08-31-2012, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Karlen McLean

For all those who currently charge for services and those that don't, here's a possible solution: Put out a tip jar. That way patients/customers can tip for services rendered like eyewear adjustments, repairs, troubleshooting, etc. Their choice; some will tip, some won't. Coffee houses and many other service-based retailers do this. Unprofessional? Doable? What do you think?

Karen, while I don't agree with tip jars, I think your question is a good one in that many employees might assume it's ok to put one out.

**Java99** · 08-31-2012, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Wes

Did Texas recently begin Licensing its Opticians?

No, but they issue licenses to opticians who voluntarily register with the dept of health. ABOC and CE required to register. In Texas a registered optician is not an LDO and may only use "registered spectacle dispenser" no initials, with a spectacle license.

**Wes** · 08-31-2012, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

If I move to Texas, but retain my Ohio license, am I no longer a licensed optician?

Good point.

**Wes** · 08-31-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Java99

No, but they issue licenses to opticians who voluntarily register with the dept of health. ABOC and CE required to register. In Texas a registered optician is not an LDO and may only use "registered spectacle dispenser" no initials, with a spectacle license.

Gotcha. I was hoping...

**Judy Canty** · 08-31-2012, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

If I move to Texas, but retain my Ohio license, am I no longer a licensed optician?

Yes...in Ohio.

**chip anderson** · 08-31-2012, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Karlen McLean

For all those who currently charge for services and those that don't, here's a possible solution: Put out a tip jar. That way patients/customers can tip for services rendered like eyewear adjustments, repairs, troubleshooting, etc. Their choice; some will tip, some won't. Coffee houses and many other service-based retailers do this. Unprofessional? Doable? What do you think?

Doesn't your employer feed you enough?

**TLG** · 08-31-2012, 06:29 PM

You could paste your reading card on the side of the jar and then hand it to all your presbyopes picking up new glasses. "Can you read this?"

**Johns** · 08-31-2012, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

Yes...in Ohio.

So, when I go to VEW, and someone asks me if I'm an optician, I'll be sure to tell them, "Yes, but only in Ohio."

**SharonB** · 09-01-2012, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by Wes

Did Texas recently begin Licensing its Opticians?

Karlen's license is from another state - She is a well known writer for one of the major optical magazines.

**Johns** · 09-01-2012, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by SharonB

Karlen's license is from another state - She is a well known writer for one of the major optical magazines.

I assumed as much. I display my Florida license in my office, alongside my license from Ohio. Although I am aware that neither gives me any privilege in my neighboring state, I don't consider myself "unlicensed" when I cross the border.

**Craig** · 09-01-2012, 07:44 AM

You have a Florida license as well? We might need to talk about some possibilities at VEW.

**Johns** · 09-01-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Craig

You have a Florida license as well? We might need to talk about some possibilities at VEW.

Yes, and no. I have a license hanging on my wall, but it's not current. It's more a badge of honor that I took a REAL test and received a license. I kept it current for about 15 years, and then realized that the only time I spent in Florida was in a beach chair. I let it lapse, and really have no regrets.

Ohio's "license" consists of nothing more than a two year "apprenticeship" and the 200 question, multiple choice ABO. I also took the NCLE, but that was not much different, 200 multiple choice and you can call yourself a professional.

**Judy Canty** · 09-01-2012, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Johns

So, when I go to VEW, and someone asks me if I'm an optician, I'll be sure to tell them, "Yes, but only in Ohio."

You know, everyone loves a little..., but nobody loves a smart one.

Your question was if you moved to Texas but retained your Ohio license, were you still a Licensed Optician? You would be an Ohio-licensed Optician practicing Opticianry in Texas.

And to be very clear, my friend Karlen is a Florida Licensed Optician with an active license.

**Johns** · 09-01-2012, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

You know, everyone loves a little..., but nobody loves a smart one.

Your question was if you moved to Texas but retained your Ohio license, were you still a Licensed Optician? You would be an Ohio-licensed Optician practicing Opticianry in Texas.

And to be very clear, my friend Karlen is a Florida Licensed Optician with an active license.

I know, I know...sometimes I just can't help myself! There was never a doubt as to what we'd be if we were somewhere else, it's merely semantics.

**tx11** · 09-01-2012, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

If I move to Texas, but retain my Ohio license, am I no longer a licensed optician?

You are still licensed just paid about 1/3 less

**tx11** · 09-01-2012, 03:16 PM

I think that in the patients mind there is a blur between optometric services and opticianry services. The exam fee does not pay for the optician's time or skills. That's probably why most patients don't expect to pay for adjustments, repairs,PDs or eyewear consultation.