Thanks, Chuck. A good philosophy, I believe.
Chuck Knight <[email protected]> Jan 04 05:26PM -0600We'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
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