Can a patient have a PD? (not a question)
Was noodling around on the NJ Optometrist licensing page (which I've never been to and stumbled across this in the FAQ:
"Is an optometrist required to include the "pupillary distance" on an eyeglass prescription?No. An optometrist is not required to include the interpupillary distance and height segment measurements on an eyeglass prescription.
In the past all spectacle lenses were made of the same index of refraction (density), same center, edge thickness and the same style. All of the patients facial anatomical measurements were taken with a millimeter ruler at the time of the eye examination. With the explosion of new frame designs, lens materials and technologies, the old measurement system is no longer remotely adequate. Proper placement of the appropriate aspect of the lens in front of the patients pupil is critically important for today's technologically more advanced spectacle lense and frame materials. Special instrumentation and devices are required to ensure the prescription lenses will function properly for the patient. The measurements must be made relative to the eyeglass frame selected. Therefore, the patient must be measured by the seller and/or the dispenser of the eyeglass frame. The optometrist cannot assume any responsibility for the proper prescription being misplaced in front of the pupil due to the configuration of the frame, the lens style or material chosen by the patient. Not all lenses are created equal and there are many technological differences.
Pupillary distance, "PD", refers to the measured distance between the patients pupils, and is taken for at least far and near viewing distances. Today's lenses require precise horizontal and vertical placement of the lens selected by the patient. These measurements are effected by the lens and frame shape, size and use (driving, computer or reading) of the prescription. Therefore, the patient must be measured by the seller and/or dispenser of the eyeglass frame.
Segment height, bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses, refers to the height or placement of the near viewing (intermediate or reading portion) of the lens. Most lens manufacturers have a fitting guide to ensure the lens is positioned for maximum viewing efficiency with minimum of peripheral distortion. Therefore, the patient must be measured by the seller and the dispenser of the eyeglass frame."
I dont work for an Optometrist directly, but I thought this explanation was descriptive and accurate. However, when a patient comes into our optical and asks for their PD (*cough* Warby *cough* Parker *cough*) our company says that we have to give them a copy of the PD we have on file. I'm not doing that anymore.
EDIT: I mean I'm willing to do whatever to keep my patients coming back. Including giving them a PD, but how to monetize and make certain that the eyewear at the end of the rainbow is correct and does the job?
With the ever increasing size, and of new online optical retailers on the market.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kujiradesu
I don't work for an Optometrist directly, but I thought this explanation was descriptive and accurate. However, when a patient comes into our optical and asks for their PD (*cough* Warby *cough* Parker *cough*) our company says that we have to give them a copy of the PD we have on file. I'm not doing that anymore.
With the ever increasing size, and of new online optical retailers on the market, who can not take those needed measurements, and rely on their customers to supply them, from wherever they can get it, the problem will get solved soon.
The optician is the natural person to take those measurement, because it is part of his/her professional training. However many of them will refuse to to take these measurement without the consumer making the purchase from them.
To refuse to take these measurement is the initiator of the race to develop and supply instruments that will take these measurments automatically and they will be available at any time soon.
It would be so easy to just make a charge to the consumer for the service of giving out these measurements..
You can be of a totally different opinion.............................
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kujiradesu
So I guess you just see these people as lost causes? They were never going to buy glasses from you so you dont mind showing them the way out? I'm just trying to understand the philosophy.
That is why a place like OptiBoard is of great value. You can be of a totally different opinion or make knowingly a wrong statement if you feel like it, because you are participating under a pseudonym.
Online opticals function like the optical lab does sell to the public as they would to a normal retailer. At close to wholesale pricing.
At this price there are no retail service charges included. If you split up the difference to your selling price, into the service items you put into your final retail pricing, you will come to a result.
The WP customer is purchasing an unfinished product ...........................
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kujiradesu
Chris, I always appreciate your comments because you know your stuff.
So, if we take WP as an example. If someone walks into your optical and says I want to order a pair of glasses from WP.
Your lab whoever that is, will charge you a little more than WP sells them to the public.
So actually you could sell at the same price, and charge a fix fee, or calculate the time used for all the details you do.
Itemize from doing the refraction to take the time for choosing the frames, to taking all the measurements needed, checking the glasses after they come back from the lab, adjust them plus readjustments, ect.
Your professional time has been added in a package for the last 200 years and it is not working anymore. You have to itemize everything that is personal service for which you should be paid a professional service that can be competitive.
The WP customer is purchasing an unfinished product that still has to be checked, and adjusted, and maybe re-adjusted once or two more times.
................has actually been proven by the owners of "Coastal" online optical...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rbaker
The sign of a well managed business. Show no profit, pay no taxes. However, you can bet that Mr. Warby and Mr. Parker are living high on the hog and that's the name of the game.
.................has actually been proven by the owners of Coastal online optical, no returns, but sold to Essilor for millions of Dollars.
WP will probably end up doing the same thing.