By Roseann Hudson


Even though more people are able to purchase medical insurance today, most health policies exclude coverage for vision. In past years eye-care was traditionally managed from start to finish by ophthalmologists or optometrists, many of whom still stock a wide range of frames and styles. The convenience and popularity of Internet shopping has dramatically upended that arrangement, and buying online prescription glasses and contact lenses is now big business.

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 a prescription has been written, federal laws enacted within the past forty years guarantee that patients have the right to choose their own lens provider, including those having a primary Internet presence. Regulations today have been updated to include contact lenses, especially daily wear varieties. While some customers still prefer to buy frames at the optician, others have taken advantage of online shopping opportunities.

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 assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.

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.

Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.




About the Author:



0 comments :