Retail. Discount. Online. There are so many options for buying new glasses and frames that we wanted to talk about some of them with you today!
Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
Warren Buffett
What is an Optician?
An optician is a specialist of glasses and contacts. Their job is to make sure you’re happy with your new glasses.
First, our optician takes some time to get to know your goals with your eyewear. Some people work at a desk full time, some people are in the trades or working in the field. Others are going between indoors and outdoors frequently, and yet others frequently drive at night. Every person is unique in their needs and we work to meet them.
After learning more about what you need, your optician helps select frames that will meet these goals and also match your style. Things we consider are frame width and height, weight, and durability of materials. The shape of the frame can also dramatically impact the look and feel.
After selecting the frames, your optician starts discussing lens materials. There are hundreds of combinations of materials (like Trivex, Polycarbonate, CR-39, or 1.67 High Index), coatings (anti-reflective, anti-glare, scratch resistance, transitions), and manufacturers. Our job is not to overwhelm you, it’s to give you choices that will accomplish your goals, so we’ll give you a few great options.
Once your frames and lenses are finalized, we take a few measurements to make sure your glasses are going to fit on your head and that the prescription is going to be centered with your eye.
Our laboratory will make your new lenses in an all-digital manufacturing process and set them in your frame of choice.
To ensure your total satisfaction, your optician will meet with you again to assess the fit and feel of your new glasses. We can make several adjustments to tune them to sit well on your face. We’ll check your vision to make sure it’s as expected.
Discount Optical
You’ll recognize a discount optical by their marketing – a free eye exam when you buy 2 pairs of glasses, two for $99, etc.
And there is nothing inherently wrong with a discount optical. You’ll still have someone with some optician training working with you. You’ll still be using a glasses prescription given by your doctor.
Things to be aware of are the quality of the lens and frame material. Expect them to be less durable and for your vision to not be quite as crisp as through higher quality lenses. The coatings may peel or scratch more easily.
We recommend you check on what kind of warranty is being offered so you can go back if you do have any issues within that time.
Online
Just like with a discount optical, there is nothing inherently wrong with ordering online. We get it, the price is very attractive! Just as with going to a discount optical, be aware of the lens and frame material quality.
People often use online opticals for their kids. Just like kids go through shoe sizes like crazy, so too can their glasses prescription change. And let’s face it, even with the highest quality materials, kids can be tough on glasses. If you do choose to order online for your kids, please make sure you’re following safety guidelines for them by ordering impact-resistant lens material.
When ordering online, don’t expect a lot of support through the frame selection or face measurement process. You’ll have to do your own research on what coatings and upgrades actually accomplish your goal and you’ll be on your own for troubleshooting if the glasses aren’t working well for you.
Value
As we led off with, the price is what you pay, but the value is what you get. We offer our optical here as a service for our patients and as our doctors always say, “Here is your prescription, you can fill it here or anywhere else you’d like.”
We’re not here to pressure you in to using our services. And we’re not here to shame you if your price-point is lower than what we offer. At the end of the day, we just want to help you accomplish your goals.