Originally Posted by
Patsy
I am a dispensing optician in an upscale Optometric practice. The city is pretty much upscale as well and we have had little competition except for Wal-Mart, Target, etc. But, our population has doubled in the last 15 years and we now have a different situation.
Since the first of the year, 2 new Optical locations have opened one of which does a lot of TV and radio advertising about their pricing. They claim (as they all do) to have designer frames, one of them says they have over 2,000 frames, and low prices. I think the one I am talking about is a franchise and they are currently advertising 2 pair of progressive lens glasses with designer frames for $177.00. The other one is not of as much concern.
I have never really had a problem explaining the differences between us and Wal-Mart and most of our patients wouldn't go there anyway. But this new office is done to look like a very well stocked is in a nice location and is very nice inside. Since Iowa does not require opticians be licensed, I can't use that one.
Could I have some ideas as to what the rest of you say when presented with this situation? :hammer:Our OD's say that people just know the difference in quality, but I think sometimes it takes more explanation than that. We also are experiencing for the first time, patients ordering not only frames on line, but their whole pair of glasses. They, of course, need their PD and seg height. How do we handle this one. Since vision glasses are going as low as under $10.00! Thanks.
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