sold the same lenses from SV to whatever under many different labels and names.......
Originally Posted by cwinma
Do not forget that the big optical companies have sold the same lenses from SV to whatever under many different labels and names as well as prices. The frame companies have done the same a certain frame might be a highly priced brand name frame and in another country the same frame is no brand at 3x less the selling price.
Our corporations have very often and still are prostituting themselves.
Aren't they facing essentially the same thing from online companies that permit their "patients" to play Dr. by filling in the boxes on their websites?? Why don't the collective "Boards" yell foul about the crap being dished out every day to unsuspecting people all over?? Why would they scream about an associate in the field wanting more control over patient satisfaction by doing his/her own refractions but say nothing about the thousands who Rx themselves everyday? I don't get it.
Chris Beard
The State of Jefferson !
I'm a Medford man – Medford, Oregon. Up in Medford, we take our time making up our minds."
Try doing your own refractions, skipping the doctor as an independent optician. Trust me you'll get it. O.D.'s may want to be medical doctors nowdays, but they are still very protective of thier "exclusive license priviledges." Advertise the fact that you are doing so and you'll get the point a whole lot faster.
I have had quite a few OD's and OMD's over the years tell me that if I could improve things visually to "go ahead and do it." And that they would sign off on it. But that's another situation from doing this without the good doctor's blessing.
Chip
Just asked this question by a customer and he accepted the fee for the service
Interesting that this thread has now appeared. With 37 years in the business this is the second request in 2 months. I charged $30 for the fee and the customer paid the fee.
Jerry
The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground
By the way, how many of you do State Medicaid? The fee you get in return is minimal for measurements and a lifetime of adjustments.
Jerry
The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground
been there...got outta it.....nightmare
I had two people ask for their PD's Friday. Both thought it was part of their medical record. It is not. However, in the future I will refer them to go on line for instructions on how to take a PD. Also, there is a petition on line to have some government agency force PD's to be given to the consumer.
I find these individuals to be rude. As rude as those who ask for free medical advice, free legal advice, or save their McDonalds coffee cup for a free cup of coffee every morning. I don't care if they buy their glasses on line but why bother the people in the brick and mortor store.
I get asked this question probably 2 times a month by people. i'd rather loose the sale than provide the measurements. i've also had people saying that what if they purchased the glasses here? would i give them the pd that time? my answer is always no. i know thats not good business. but in the long run i think i am protecting our business. i will try until i can anyways.. if everyone was doing that, then we would have a fewer amount of people going online to purchase their glasses.
didnt Britsh Columbia just passed a regulation that anyone giving out the prescription have to write down the PD measurements as well? if they did, and im thinking yes. we are in for some hard time here in Ontario as well becasue, its just a matter of time when that regulation comes here to bit in ur a_s
Yesterday, first time I had a person openly state they bought their glasses online. They cam in for a quick adjustment and nose pads. To answer your next question, yes I charged him. I also asked why he went on line and this was the interesting part. He stated it was selection, that he had shopped all over the place and couldn't find what he wanted for the price he wanted to pay (~$150-200). His biggest complaint? He bought the wrong size frame and they were tight (thus the adjustment) but he felt he would just keep them rather than send them back. Interesting that the hassel of the return over threw the comfort level. In the end I invited him to see me for the next pair, worse case I could make sure he clicked on the right pair.... for a charge of course.
- Optician
- Frame Maker/Designer
- Teacher of the art of crafting handmade eyewear.
Surely you all realize that you need a doctorate for you time to be valuable.
My car mechanic doesn't have a doctorate and he seems to be doing OK!
Are things that different down South???
Last edited by hcjilson; 01-30-2011 at 07:57 PM. Reason: Forgot to captialize South! :):)
"Always laugh when you can. It is a cheap medicine"
Lord Byron
Take a photo tour of Cape Cod and the Islands!
www.capecodphotoalbum.com
I don't think that will happen in Ontario. THe only reason OD's in BC were forced to provide a PD is that the Minister (Son of a B**** Kelvin Falcon) forced it by ministerial decree to benefit his friends at Clearly Contacts. Normally that kind of regulation would come down from the College, I wouldn't expect such a thing to happen in Ontario. Up until September I was practicing in BC and frankly the OD's still don't routinely provide a PD, the advice from the Ministry was to charge an extra fee, so unless they pay, no PD is taken (which is the situation 99% of the time).
The whole online market has killed us. We have introduced a $25 fee to those that want JUST a PD. I mean c'mon! Really?! I love helping people but not giving them my time for nothing. I feel rotten for saying this, but I still have to feed my children. We have been trying to explain to people what is wrong with buying their eyeglasses online. Just like buying a new pair of shoes online, they may not fit or be made to the specs you may want. The crappy part is that you can't send those back for a refund or exchange. And the quality...hmph...cheap OTC reader frames. (Rant over)
Chrystal
MV Eyes:
You know damn well those frames supplied to Medicaid patients sho' ain't gonna last forever. Most of the ones I've dispensed in my state are good to make it to the car and out of the parking lot. Je'ss frames that cost 50 cents to two bucks?
I don't understand why you would charge a fee. Just say no! I tell ppl that the person making the glasses takes the measurement. The answer is NO. they cant raise my arm and put a ruler in it. No means NO. I have nothing to do with the glasses and I will NOT put my license on the line so an online retailer can make a sale. Real simple.
Bravo.
What is the problem? The online customer has been lost to you already. When he is standing in your store, he IS your customer. The simple solution to any successful business is to give the customer what the customer wants.
Your argument is flawed.
1. Your license will not be "on the line"
2. You will be paid for your time which will be something novel in this industry.
"Always laugh when you can. It is a cheap medicine"
Lord Byron
Take a photo tour of Cape Cod and the Islands!
www.capecodphotoalbum.com
I really think all boarders should reflect upon the idea that a customer who either has or will-be buying online is "lost" to you. It is no different than if they bought eyewear/sunwear on vacation, or at another local B&M practice, etc. If they're in you office, then that is NEVER a bad thing.
B
Reflect, if you wish, but someone who buys glasses online, or somewhere else for that matter, is lost to you. (At least for the purchase in question.)
"Always laugh when you can. It is a cheap medicine"
Lord Byron
Take a photo tour of Cape Cod and the Islands!
www.capecodphotoalbum.com
Vertical centration and the wearer's vertex distance are just as important as horizontal centration, and are probably more important than PDs in the lower powers.
I keep seeing this picture in my head when folks say all you need is an Rx and PD and you're good to go.
Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself. - Richard P. Feynman
Experience is the hardest teacher. She gives the test before the lesson.
Anyone else notice we have wasted nine pages on this nonsense? One either does or does not supply this information.
Shoulda included a poll.
Time well wasted. It's nice to listen to opinions!
Let's try for 10....
Not quite.....You just need to charge what you feel your services are worth and what the market will bear....Considering that you specialize in CL fits that no one else either can or wants to do,you should be able to do very well....
If they dont want to pay....dont do it...
Why would you feel rotten?....We all got into this business to earn a living....If someone wants information ie pd ,to buy online, and you're willing to do it,just charge for it and get on with your day.....
If they have problems with the glasses,tell them you have no control over the manufacturing process and they need to discuss it with the supplier....If they would have purchased from you,you would have taken care of the problem...
Because the opticians have been suckers for giving away their expertise....If you dont value your time,why would you expect someone off the street to?
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