Why Pay More for Glasses? 6 Points to Ponder from an Optician

This question is on a lot of patient’s minds these days, with everyone concerned about their own personal economy, and it is a valid question. I mean, discount glasses or glasses from a reputable optometrist are both glasses, right? They both make me see better, right? 

For some people, having the option to potentially save on their glasses may make the difference between having the new glasses prescription filled, or trying to make do with their old, worn, and no longer sharp glasses.

For others, they truly don’t know what the differences are, so let’s take a look, OK? One of these reasons might be THE reason you chose to get your glasses from a reputable vision care provider.

First, personalized service. After your eye exam, we consult with the doctor to learn his/her recommendation for you, and just as important, why s/he is recommending it. From there, we listen to you to determine your needs and your wants. We are also assessing the shape of your face, facial features, complexion and more. Then we put it all together to determine the best lens, material, coatings etc, and analyze where we begin your frame selection.

Our first criteria is always “how well does it fit?” You will hate the greatest looking frames in the world if they don’t fit well. Second criteria – will it meet or exceed performance standards for the tasks for the lenses selected and for which the glasses will be used? Third criteria - how do they look? Each of our opticians is trained to look at your face shape, and determine which frame shape will best compliment your features. That takes engagement and time. Final criteria – how well do they meet your wants as well as needs? Sometimes patients communicate very well what they really want, but often we have to discern it by closely watching and listening to all the interactions in the frame selection process.

When your glasses are complete, we manually verify they were made exactly the way the doctor prescribed, and to the measurements taken by the optician. We then take the time to custom fit them to you. If you are not satisfied with your vision, we have a process in place to determine why, which may include a no-charge refraction check and new lenses if required. Our frames all come with a one or two year warranty against manufacturers defects, and our lenses have a variety of warranties available, but at the very least, a one year one time warranty against scratching. Some are more scratch-resistant than glass, and have a two year, unlimited warranty!

So, how does all of the above compare to the Big Box Optical? Here are a few questions to ask yourself –

1. How much interaction will there be between your eye doctor and the optician?

2. Will you be getting personal, individualized attention in determining which lens to use?

3. Does the staff have the time to help you select a frame that meets all your wants and needs? Do they give informed opinions about which frames enhance your appearance, and which should be avoided?

4. Do they take the time to perfectly adjust your glasses for you when you pick them up?

5. Are you fully informed about the frame and lens warranties when you pick up your glasses?

6. What do you do if you are not happy with your vision or your glasses?

But wait – there’s more – a LOT more! Next post – what’s the difference between the lenses? You may be very surprised. Why get my glasses from a Licensed Dispensing Optician? Because we take the time to listen and truly meet your needs.

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