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 trend has not diminished the primary need for expert optical evaluation. Anyone who has struggled with a vision problem realizes the importance of having an eye exam performed regularly. Doctors and optometrists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious conditions, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct common vision problems.
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.
When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.
While the costs of buying eye-wear on line are definitely lower, the practice may not be a practical alternative for those with complex vision problems. For others, these purchases should be made carefully, and final decisions based on careful measurements as well as current fashion trends. Unlike an accessory taken from the closet, vision is important to everything, and corrective lenses are more than a casual purchase.
This trend has not diminished the primary need for expert optical evaluation. Anyone who has struggled with a vision problem realizes the importance of having an eye exam performed regularly. Doctors and optometrists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious conditions, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct common vision problems.
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.
When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.
While the costs of buying eye-wear on line are definitely lower, the practice may not be a practical alternative for those with complex vision problems. For others, these purchases should be made carefully, and final decisions based on careful measurements as well as current fashion trends. Unlike an accessory taken from the closet, vision is important to everything, and corrective lenses are more than a casual purchase.
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