Even though more people today are covered by medical insurance than ever before, most policies still exclude vision care. This important category has traditionally been dominated by optometrists and ophthalmologists, who for many years managed the process from exam to final fitting. The explosion of Internet shopping has changed that dynamic, and buying online prescription glasses has become a popular alternative.
This explosion in consumer choice does not decrease the vital importance of regular eye exams. People with serious vision problems realize how vital regular checkups are in maintaining their eyesight. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious problems in addition to correcting common issues such as astigmatism or myopia.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
There have been immediate benefits for the nearly two million consumers who chose to order their lenses via the Internet during the past year. The selection is larger than that available in a brick-and-mortar store, with styles that accommodate nearly every taste, and prices that are usually discounted. The number of vision retailers on line has skyrocketed, making shopping simpler and faster than ever before.
Even though the Internet has brought optical marketing into the modern era, there are still some potentially serious problems to avoid, most having to do with product quality and design. Writing a prescription requires licensing and training, but selling frames and lenses is not as carefully controlled. For glasses to fit comfortably and ensure the sharpest vision, facial measurements must be taken carefully.
To avoid that issue, many sites now present virtual fitting rooms that help create the necessary measurements. While examinations are vital, they do not necessary provide customer information regarding eye spacing, variations in facial width, the optical center point of a face, and other important factors for a safe and comfortable fit. While some retailers allow returns, the process can be lengthy and frustrating.
The biggest caveat for consumers regards inferior materials and unsafe glass, especially in optical wear that is priced far below market values. There are few regulatory controls over manufacturers and sellers of glasses, which may not always meet all optical safety standards. Extras like lens coatings may be of substandard quality, and some features may be omitted altogether, with little consumer recourse.
Although the overall cost of buying on line are definitely lower, it may not be the best alternative for people living with complex visual issues. For those with easily corrected problems, purchases should be carefully considered, and final choices made based on personal measurements as well as stylish trends. Unlike an accessory hanging in the closet, corrective lenses affect every aspect of daily life.
This explosion in consumer choice does not decrease the vital importance of regular eye exams. People with serious vision problems realize how vital regular checkups are in maintaining their eyesight. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious problems in addition to correcting common issues such as astigmatism or myopia.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
There have been immediate benefits for the nearly two million consumers who chose to order their lenses via the Internet during the past year. The selection is larger than that available in a brick-and-mortar store, with styles that accommodate nearly every taste, and prices that are usually discounted. The number of vision retailers on line has skyrocketed, making shopping simpler and faster than ever before.
Even though the Internet has brought optical marketing into the modern era, there are still some potentially serious problems to avoid, most having to do with product quality and design. Writing a prescription requires licensing and training, but selling frames and lenses is not as carefully controlled. For glasses to fit comfortably and ensure the sharpest vision, facial measurements must be taken carefully.
To avoid that issue, many sites now present virtual fitting rooms that help create the necessary measurements. While examinations are vital, they do not necessary provide customer information regarding eye spacing, variations in facial width, the optical center point of a face, and other important factors for a safe and comfortable fit. While some retailers allow returns, the process can be lengthy and frustrating.
The biggest caveat for consumers regards inferior materials and unsafe glass, especially in optical wear that is priced far below market values. There are few regulatory controls over manufacturers and sellers of glasses, which may not always meet all optical safety standards. Extras like lens coatings may be of substandard quality, and some features may be omitted altogether, with little consumer recourse.
Although the overall cost of buying on line are definitely lower, it may not be the best alternative for people living with complex visual issues. For those with easily corrected problems, purchases should be carefully considered, and final choices made based on personal measurements as well as stylish trends. Unlike an accessory hanging in the closet, corrective lenses affect every aspect of daily life.
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