What would you say to a customer when

[Mr. Finney]

When you work with the public long enough, its fun to see the ridiculous stuff you can convince other people of, i.e carrots are good for your eyes!

They're not?!?






:D:bbg::D

[eyemanflying]

There's two facts for independant opticians to consider:

1. Not everyone will ever purchase online, however the percentages that do will be quite high.
2. In order to survive the long term, independants will have to battle internet sales, OD groups and retail chains.

I have a solution and hope to share shortly.

[Johns]

I am referring to a fake study. One that i just made up. Also like the one that i am about to make up again.

In a recent test done by the EPA on lead levels in some of the frames sold online were surprising. Most of the frames sold online, especially the cheap frames, contained upto 30 % more toxic lead mixed into the metal than is safe to wear. You wouldn't want to get sick from wearing cheap glasses, would you?

When you work with the public long enough, its fun to see the ridiculous stuff you can convince other people of, i.e carrots are good for your eyes!

So that's it...you just lie?

No thanks...I think I'd rather sell pizzas.

[For-Life]

The sky is falling!

The sky is falling!

[Johns]

Are we on page two yet?

[LandLord]

So that's it...you just lie?

No thanks...I think I'd rather sell pizzas.

No, we shouldn't lie. Just take a chapter out of the anti-optician-refraction handbook (believe me, there is an actual book).

We just have to repeat: "Not only will a significant portion of the population be walking around with reduced visual acuity, in many instances, customers will believe they have actually had a comprehensive eye exam after buying glasses online."

[kitspoint]

Would this Web site Help?

https://www.licensedoptician.ca

On the site, amongst other reinforcing information, I found an IPSOS Reid poll of the Canadian public that might help form our replies. Not all of it is complimentary but it does give an insight into the public perspective and the positive roll and perception of opticians.

[eyemanflying]

I like the attempt of identifying and clarifying the role of an optician. But, other than that, it's completely ineffective. That's what our associations should be doing - raising public awareness and perception.

So, what the heck happened???

[Jinkys]

I tell them the glasses online are made in third world countries by children :) You know...Like Nikes hahaha
Seriously...I take them to my ABO and tell them that the standards I have to meet are not met by the unqualified people at the massive factory setting where the glasses are produced.

[Michael I. Davis]

When it comes to buying eyeglasses online, according to a recent study by the American Optometric Association. Conducted in 2014 with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council, the study discovered an alarming rate of problems with prescription compliance and impact resistance. Nearly half of the eyeglasses (44.8 percent) had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues.

Researchers had 10 individuals order two pairs of glasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from each of 10 of the most popular online optical vendors. In all 200 pairs were ordered, with frame styles chosen in the midrange options for each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions.

Only 154 pairs of the orders were received. The study then analyzed lenses, including measurement of sphere power, cylinder power and axis, add power (if specified), separation of distance of optical centers and center thickness.

Several pairs were delivered incorrectly such as single vision instead of bifocals or lens treatments were added or omitted. Nearly three out of 10 (29 percent) pairs had at least one lens that failed to meet the required prescription, a problem typically found and corrected when ordered through and delivered by an optometrist. Nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of the lenses failed impact resistance testing, which highlights a major safety issue. Children's glasses performed even worse, with 29 percent failing impact testing.

[AngeHamm]

Only 154 pairs of the orders were received.

I laughed out loud at this. I have unclaimed eyewear going back 10 years in my lab.

[NAICITPO]

When it comes to buying eyeglasses online, according to a recent study by the American Optometric Association. Conducted in 2014 with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council, the study discovered an alarming rate of problems with prescription compliance and impact resistance. Nearly half of the eyeglasses (44.8 percent) had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues.

Researchers had 10 individuals order two pairs of glasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from each of 10 of the most popular online optical vendors. In all 200 pairs were ordered, with frame styles chosen in the midrange options for each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions.

Only 154 pairs of the orders were received. The study then analyzed lenses, including measurement of sphere power, cylinder power and axis, add power (if specified), separation of distance of optical centers and center thickness.

Several pairs were delivered incorrectly such as single vision instead of bifocals or lens treatments were added or omitted. Nearly three out of 10 (29 percent) pairs had at least one lens that failed to meet the required prescription, a problem typically found and corrected when ordered through and delivered by an optometrist. Nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of the lenses failed impact resistance testing, which highlights a major safety issue. Children's glasses performed even worse, with 29 percent failing impact testing.

https://www.uwhealth.org/eyecare/a-c...%20optometrist.

[Warrior]

Reducio Ad Absurdium. I would ask why are they so expensive? $25? You can get them for $6 complete online. I wouldn't pay $25. Even better, just keep your old glasses. That costs zero. Now are you looking for the cheapest glasses or the best glasses?

[waynegilpin]

"I'd charge less too if I didn't have to put up with your bullsh** face to face."
Oops, did I say that out loud?

Seriously, "I'll match their prices, when they match my quality." And yes I am willing to explain the quality differences.

I believe the study referred to was done by one of the optometry colleges.