Quote:
Originally Posted by Hesla
A few things.
1) PD measurement is not a part of your routine eye examination. It is conducted by the place where you get your glasses. It is not something that is routinely measured and is also something that you are not entitled to. It is not something essential to your eye examination.
2) PD is no longer the gold standard for eye glass measurements. Electronic measurements of PD, vertex distance (distance between the glasses and the eye ball), frame curvature, face curvature and where a patient wears their glassss vary from person to person. This can only be done in an office setting.
3) I personally will give out the PD a along as the patient spends time with an Optician explaining the difference between lenses and measurements. Others refuse to give it, which IMO is the wrong way to go about it.
4) there is a certain amount of "you get what you pay for". Most people that buy online find a noticeable improvement if they buy from an Optometrist again.
5) Optometry has shifted focus from only glasses/contacts to an increased medical role.
6). The gravy train of the 80's and 90's is certainly over, but the consumer still gets the best bang for their buck from a good Optometry office.
7) Optometrists do not have Rediculous markups. Online you are largely getting overstock or house brand frames. You also get poorer quality lenses and less customer service in regards to warranty and adjustments.
Finally. Contact lens prices have come down in most Optometry offices. Price it out the next time you are in office.
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I didn't know about the electronic measuring. If it takes some specialized equipment to measure it, then I have no problem with paying for the measurement. However, when my PD hasn't changed in 20 years, I don't see why my optometrist has any right to deny me the knowledge because I'm buying $59 glasses online instead of $559 glasses from him. Even if I was told that it was an extra $20 to measure my PD, I'd be ok with it.
I am glad you are one of the ones who will provide the information. Providing it with an explanation is even better! I have ranted about my previous guy to everyone I know, so hopefully his attitude is hurting him.
I think switching to an increased medical role is really the only option for optometrists.