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.
Over the past several decades federal laws have given consumers the right to fill their optical prescriptions wherever they choose. When an examiner writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to an identical copy, which can be legally filled by any reputable optical lens and frame provider. While some patients still prefer more traditional practices, many others have taken advantage of that wider selection.
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.
Although the new marketplace brings eyeglass and contact lens sales into the 21st century, there are some guidelines for consumers regarding potential problems with the quality and safety of materials. While writing a prescription usually requires authorization, grinding and fitting lenses does not. There are specific facial measurements for frames that must be followed to ensure comfortable wear, and consumers who disregard them may be disappointed.
Some sites now offer virtual fitting processes designed to produce the same results as an office visit. While the examination is essential for proper correction, it does not always provide customers with measurements detailing facial width, variations in spacing, optical centering and other factors important to a comfortable and safe fit. Some Internet sellers allow customers to return products that fit poorly, but that can be time consuming and annoying.
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.
Over the past several decades federal laws have given consumers the right to fill their optical prescriptions wherever they choose. When an examiner writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to an identical copy, which can be legally filled by any reputable optical lens and frame provider. While some patients still prefer more traditional practices, many others have taken advantage of that wider selection.
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.
Although the new marketplace brings eyeglass and contact lens sales into the 21st century, there are some guidelines for consumers regarding potential problems with the quality and safety of materials. While writing a prescription usually requires authorization, grinding and fitting lenses does not. There are specific facial measurements for frames that must be followed to ensure comfortable wear, and consumers who disregard them may be disappointed.
Some sites now offer virtual fitting processes designed to produce the same results as an office visit. While the examination is essential for proper correction, it does not always provide customers with measurements detailing facial width, variations in spacing, optical centering and other factors important to a comfortable and safe fit. Some Internet sellers allow customers to return products that fit poorly, but that can be time consuming and annoying.
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.
About the Author:
If you are wondering how to get your online prescription glasses, consider using search engines for desired results. Get all the facts by going to http://www.warnercooper.com.
No comments :
Post a Comment