Using used eyeglass parts---

[StephP]

Is there a law stating that we are unable to use used eyeglass parts from a different patient in a repair? I believe that the Lions Club is unable to distribute used eyewear in the US and used glasses have to be used in international missions and new glasses used in the US. Does anyone know if there are any rules regarding this practice? (FYI...in Ohio) Thank you in advance!

[ThePinkRanger]

We donate used frames to the Lions Club here in Massachusetts. We also have VIM (volunteers in medicine) that will put lenses in previously owned frames. So I know there's no law, in Mass anyway.

[Tallboy]

If you sell them as something that is new, then yes there all kinds of laws against false representation of products and services - however if PeePaw comes in because he snapped a temple arm by sitting on his glasses, and you offer him a fix by using old parts - the Government has no place in said transaction - they can say nothing and they shouldn't be able to.

[StephP]

FYI...I just called our state opticians board and while it isn't 'against the law' in our state, it is discouraged. There are some regulations that need to be followed: 1) the patient must be made aware and should sign a disclaimer 2) any 'used' part needs to be thoroughly sanitized before use to prevent the spread of things like lice, scabies, etc 3) there can be no charge for the 'used' part. We have decided just to toss our little box of spare parts to avoid any issues. Thank you for your responses!!

[golfnut]

I've never heard that you can NOT charge for spare parts...even if that were the case you could just state you are charging for the service..

[smallworld]

I just had a patient come in with three pairs of glasses that were broken. She's a +12.00 aphakic , glaucoma, blind in right eye, history of retinal tear in left. Her current glasses temple was broken off and she had a rubber band holding the glasses on her head. Her best corrected vision in her left eye is 20/200. I dug out my box of spare parts and fixed all three pairs of glasses she had. I didn't charge her.

[fjpod]

Even if the law, or the state board said you could not charge for used parts, I would bet you could charge for the service of repairing glasses.

In these cases, we usually just fix the persons glasses at no charge.

[Uncle Fester]

Ever go to a gas station or drug store and buy the part? You'd be surprised (or NOT) how often you can find a match.

[Lelarep]

Ever go to a gas station or drug store and buy the part? You'd be surprised (or NOT) how often you can find a match.

Huh, using parts from a cheap reader in a tight spot is a fairly enlightened solution. Good stuff.

[King of the Lab]

I have always kept a frame "graveyard" in the lab....quick toss in the Ultrasonic and boom! Not to mention the gratitude when the patient finds out I magically save their frame from impending breakage doom.