We've actually addressed this problem before, and it is a problem.
Welcome, MandiLee Gates, to the GlassyEyes list.
Years ago, I posted a question to the list, and it's still present in the
archives, AND featured on the blog, as to whether it is ethical to use the
local optometrist as nothing more than a fitting room. I raised many of
the same questions as you.
My conclusions are as follows:
1) Most optometrists are rip off artists, but it's not necessarily by
their own design. Luxottica, among others, acts as a middleman which
raises the prices to levels that simply can not compete with the online
offerings.
2) When you use the optometrist's services, always offer to pay them. I
do not work for free, why should you?!
3) Storefront, equipment, inventory, insurance, employees, etc all cost
money, and it's money which goes in to the local economy. Always shop
local when possible, and support your local optometrist. Give them a
chance to earn your business...if they fail to do so, it's their failing.
I have a very simple prescription. But that one was bifocal. Shopping
local, the prices I got at *three* different stores were all around
$400...this is in the Dallas, TX area. One was a WalMart, one was the
local optometrist, and the third was a high end boutique. All would have
cost the same. Instead, I went online and bought comparable (and they are
comparable...my ophthalmologist tested them in every way possible) glasses
online. Got 3 pairs, and paid less than the TAX would have been on a
single pair, locally.
Since then, WalMart has introduced a line of glasses for as little as $38,
out the door...and Sears runs a frequent special for $50. While not as
cheap as the online offerings, those prices are in the same family, in
terms of affordability, and are stores with local locations. I also posted
about this, when it eventually became available in my area.
It is not *my* responsibility to keep your store in business. It is your
responsibility to compete for my patronage. When I use your services, I
*always* pay the asking price, and if I ask you to adjust my online
eyeglasses, I *always* offer to pay for the service...after all, I bought
them elsewhere.
It is my belief that this is an appropriate and reasonable approach to the
problem.
What say you? I would welcome your input.
-- Chuck Knight
On Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 5:21 PM, mizz85 <[email protected]> wrote:
> Free advice? Bad advice.
>
> If you only wear glasses at night, if you only use glasses for a
> computer or you can buy your glasses from walgreens then by all means
> buy them online. But if it's a prescription, for the love of god,
> get it filled by someone who is knowledgeable about the trade. If you
> don't heed this advice also do us a favor and don't bother going to a
> local optician to have your frames fit or to trouble shoot your
> problems; you already had your hand in putting him out of business,
> don't also insult him by asking for his time and expertise for free.
>
> --
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