Contact lense rx

[alicja]

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Sorry in advance, but I need to know: I started ordering my contact lenses online a few years ago, always with a straightforward rx from my optometrist. This time, however, I`m confused..

Sph
-1.75
-0.75

Cyl
-0.25
-1.00

Axs
150
10

Those are all columns lined up next to one another, followed by Add; Prism; Prism with nothing underneath those headings !?

 

[hawkster]

This is an eyeglass Rx. You need to get a contact lens Rx from your optometrist. It should be clearly written for right and left eyes (O.D. and O.S.) and show the brand, base curve and diameter.

 

[alicja]

thanks so much, I already know my diameter & base curve but I wasn`t sure what to do with the numbers, thought maybe I should add them together but didn`t want to risk it. Thanks again !

 

[IndianaOD]

Show your eye doctor some respect and order your contact lenses from him/her.

 

[blazenmadison]

thanks so much, I already know my diameter & base curve but I wasn`t sure what to do with the numbers, thought maybe I should add them together but didn`t want to risk it. Thanks again !

Are you sure you don't want to add them together? What do you have to lose?

See your optometrist and don't seek medical advice on these forums.

 

[hawkster]

It is not disrespectful to get your contact lenses from someplace else. Wear your lenses as prescribed, adhere to the care regimen and see your optometrist as recommended. Simple. Where you get your replacement lenses is up to you! I don't understand why our profession is sometimes so hung up on the sale of the product.

 

[IndianaOD]

It is not disrespectful to get your contact lenses from someplace else. Wear your lenses as prescribed, adhere to the care regimen and see your optometrist as recommended. Simple. Where you get your replacement lenses is up to you! I don't understand why our profession is sometimes so hung up on the sale of the product.

Its not a big deal to me either, if that is, the internet retailers followed the rules. They don't plain and simple and I can't support patients buying from them. Also did you see the study that internet patients have worse complications?

Did you price shop your filling for the last cavity you had filled?

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Did you price shop your filling for the last cavity you had filled?

Interesting observation. I do not, but that's because I have decent insurance towards dental care. However, this brings a question to mind - do patients with insurance that covers CLs buy from the prescribing doctor more than patients who would have to pay out of pocket for them?

 

[hawkster]

Its not a big deal to me either, if that is, the internet retailers followed the rules. They don't plain and simple and I can't support patients buying from them. Also did you see the study that internet patients have worse complications?

Did you price shop your filling for the last cavity you had filled?

A professional service (filling a cavity) is not the same as filling a Rx for replacement contact lenses. I see my dentist because I like the professional care that he provides but I do price shop for the toothpaste that he recommends that I use. It really is apples and oranges. I do agree that some online retailers do not "play by the rules" and I educate my patients regarding those concerns.

 

[cpw]

Interesting observation. I do not, but that's because I have decent insurance towards dental care. However, this brings a question to mind - do patients with insurance that covers CLs buy from the prescribing doctor more than patients who would have to pay out of pocket for them?

yes, if they're not getting glasses that year. Insurance almost always pays more towards glasses so we always let them know if they want to do both it's always better to get the glasses through insurance and pay the Cl out of pocket. However, if they opt to do contacts through insurance the almost always buy from the office.

 

[eyestrain]

yes, if they're not getting glasses that year. Insurance almost always pays more towards glasses so we always let them know if they want to do both it's always better to get the glasses through insurance and pay the Cl out of pocket. However, if they opt to do contacts through insurance the almost always buy from the office.

The problem is getting them to buy more than their insurance covers, which isn't much if you have appropriate CL fees.

 

[cpw]

The problem is getting them to buy more than their insurance covers, which isn't much if you have appropriate CL fees.

True. I made a pretty color book for the techs to make it easier to up-sell. Show them how much they get off with the insurance and then if you do the full year, instead of just the 6 months your insurance covers, you get this $___ rebate. That brings your total from this $____ to $____. Patients love that stuff.

 

[eyestrain]

True. I made a pretty color book for the techs to make it easier to up-sell. Show them how much they get off with the insurance and then if you do the full year, instead of just the 6 months your insurance covers, you get this $___ rebate. That brings your total from this $____ to $____. Patients love that stuff.

We essentially do the same thing and it works with most patients. No pretty colors, though.

 

[Ben Chudner]

Just out of curiosity, those of you that complain about patients not purchasing from your office, what lenses are you fitting?

 

[eyestrain]

Well, I'm not really complaining because I don't care that much where they get their lenses. It's not worth my time to try to squeeze a box or two out of people who are going to walk with their Rx no matter what.

FWIW, I fit mostly Oasys and Proclear spheres, and Proclear Torics and AV Adv. for Astig for toric lenses. No B&L because of fitting set issues (I can't get any).

 

[cpw]

Well, I'm not really complaining because I don't care that much where they get their lenses. It's not worth my time to try to squeeze a box or two out of people who are going to walk with their Rx no matter what.

FWIW, I fit mostly Oasys and Proclear spheres, and Proclear Torics and AV Adv. for Astig for toric lenses. No B&L because of fitting set issues (I can't get any).

Really? I have a much harder time getting Vistakon trials than B&L. Mostly though, cuz ABB keeps backordering my lens bank. I'm with eyestrain on the non-forcing of the issue. If the patient mentions as soon as I walk in that they want the Rx to take to "that 1800 place" I know I'm not getting any boxes.

 

[eyestrain]

Really? I have a much harder time getting Vistakon trials than B&L. Mostly though, cuz ABB keeps backordering my lens bank. I'm with eyestrain on the non-forcing of the issue. If the patient mentions as soon as I walk in that they want the Rx to take to "that 1800 place" I know I'm not getting any boxes.

Are you talking about fitting sets or individual trial lenses? I've only had trouble with getting an AV Adv for Astig set (still don't have one), but they gave me everything else I wanted, and some stuff I didn't want (AV Bifocals).

I have no trouble getting individual trial lenses from B&L through my buying group, but they refuse to give me a fitting set unless I buy like $900 worth of Purevision boxes. Not going to happen. B&L can kiss my a$$.

 

[Ben Chudner]

Well, I'm not really complaining because I don't care that much where they get their lenses. It's not worth my time to try to squeeze a box or two out of people who are going to walk with their Rx no matter what.

FWIW, I fit mostly Oasys and Proclear spheres, and Proclear Torics and AV Adv. for Astig for toric lenses. No B&L because of fitting set issues (I can't get any).

I didn't mean to imply complaining was a bad thing.😉 In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I lecture for Bausch & Lomb. That being said, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the country lecturing on contact lenses and I have learned a few things in talking to all those OD's. The doctors that have the hardest time selling contact lenses are the ones that fit the most 2 week products, especially Acuvue. It's not that they are not good lenses however, not only are there better lenses out there (with maybe the exception of comfort for the 1st 4 days), but those lenses are priced in such a way that private practice can compete wth the big boxes and internet retailers. That's a win-win; healthy lens, excellent vision, match patients' actual wearing schedule, and our prices are essentially the same as everyone else.

 

[cpw]

I have no trouble getting individual trial lenses from B&L through my buying group, but they refuse to give me a fitting set unless I buy like $900 worth of Purevision boxes. Not going to happen. B&L can kiss my a$$.

I haven't had this problem at all. But, my B&L rep (up til recently, he just left) was amazing. The only rep I have issues getting fit sets with is Cooper. I just got the Biofinity set a month ago. I did stock some PV and N&D boxes, but not cuz they made me.. they just gave us a great deal on them so we bought some.

 

[eyestrain]

But, my B&L rep (up til recently, he just left) was amazing. The only rep I have issues getting fit sets with is Cooper.

My experience has been the opposite of yours. I guess it just depends on which reps you get.

 

[cpw]

I didn't mean to imply complaining was a bad thing.😉 In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I lecture for Bausch & Lomb.

I saw your name on a lecture list when I went 6-8 months ago, but you didn't come to my region. 🙁 It made me sad 🙁

 

[Ben Chudner]

I saw your name on a lecture list when I went 6-8 months ago, but you didn't come to my region. 🙁 It made me sad 🙁

Thanks, CPW. I will be in Destin, Florida on April 26th. I have no idea where that is, but if you are at that meeting, come up to the podium and say hello. Of course, if you are going to Vision Expo East, I will be lecturing there as well.

 

[EyeDocPlus]

Thanks, CPW. I will be in Destin, Florida on April 26th. I have no idea where that is, but if you are at that meeting, come up to the podium and say hello. Of course, if you are going to Vision Expo East, I will be lecturing there as well.

Destin? Man that is a nice spot! Enjoy the white sand and the blue water.

I tend to fit as little Vistakon products as humanly possible. When the big box can sell them cheaper than I can buy them, I don't want them. It's too bad because the Adv Toric is a decent lens. My top fits are Biofinity, PV Toric, PV Multi and PC Multi. I like the Proclear lens, but they tear too dang easy.

I'd say 95% of our CL pts buy their lenses from us. We focus on quick service, direct shipping, and rebate packages.

 

[Ben Chudner]

I'd say 95% of our CL pts buy their lenses from us. We focus on quick service, direct shipping, and rebate packages.

This is exactly what I am talking about. You can be successful selling contact lenses. You won't make millions doing it, but it can be profitable if you approach it correctly. It sounds like your office "gets it".

 

[cpw]

Thanks, CPW. I will be in Destin, Florida on April 26th. I have no idea where that is, but if you are at that meeting, come up to the podium and say hello. Of course, if you are going to Vision Expo East, I will be lecturing there as well.

Destin is about 5-6 hours from me. West Florida panhandle. I won't be at that meeting. My next CE is probably going to be SWFOA on Captiva in August. Gotta get those FL specific requirements. 🙄

 

[IndianaOD]

I haven't had this problem at all. But, my B&L rep (up til recently, he just left) was amazing. The only rep I have issues getting fit sets with is Cooper. I just got the Biofinity set a month ago. I did stock some PV and N&D boxes, but not cuz they made me.. they just gave us a great deal on them so we bought some.

Ugh, B&L. Middling lenses and poor OD support.

 

[spanisheyes]

Sorry in advance, but I need to know: I started ordering my contact lenses online a few years ago, always with a straightforward rx from my optometrist. This time, however, I`m confused..

Sph
-1.75
-0.75

Cyl
-0.25
-1.00

Axs
150
10

Those are all columns lined up next to one another, followed by Add; Prism; Prism with nothing underneath those headings !?

right eye: -1.75 -0.25 x 150
left eye: -0.75 -1.00 x 10

 

[Ben Chudner]

Ugh, B&L. Middling lenses and poor OD support.

Only two contact lens companies gained market share last year, while all the rest lost. Vistakon, because OD's are sheep, and take a guess at the other one. Their lenses can't be that bad.

 

[eyestrain]

Only two contact lens companies gained market share last year, while all the rest lost. Vistakon, because OD's are sheep, and take a guess at the other one. Their lenses can't be that bad.

I don't have any problem with their lenses, but if they aren't going to give me a fitting set, I won't fit their lenses. It's that simple. Why would I make a patient wait several days while I order a purevision trial when I can wander to the contact lens room and grab a Night & Day?

 

[stevemc1]

Thanks, CPW. I will be in Destin, Florida on April 26th. I have no idea where that is, but if you are at that meeting, come up to the podium and say hello. Of course, if you are going to Vision Expo East, I will be lecturing there as well.

Sweet. Wasn't going to attend any lectures, but I'll make sure to go to your's.

 

[stevemc1]

Only two contact lens companies gained market share last year, while all the rest lost. Vistakon, because OD's are sheep, and take a guess at the other one. Their lenses can't be that bad.

Ben....they're that bad. If B&L gained market share, it's because there's only one way to go for them....up. By the way, I do agree with your Vistakon-ODs are sheep analogy, but if you think about it, we're sheep in many more ways than that.

What is your topic of lecture at VEE?

 

[IndianaOD]

Ben....they're that bad. If B&L gained market share, it's because there's only one way to go for them....up. By the way, I do agree with your Vistakon-ODs are sheep analogy, but if you think about it, we're sheep in many more ways than that.

What is your topic of lecture at VEE?

It took me 6 months to get some BL fitting sets. Then they sent out a letter saying they would limit trials.

Oasys and Biofinity are MUCH better than PV sphere.
PV toric is OK because there isn't another SiHy 1 month toric, YET. Still have a lot of comfort drop outs. Plus my AvAdvAstig fitting set is enormous and even has oblique.
I find the ProClear and CVUE MF to be better than PV MF.

 

[cpw]

Plus my AvAdvAstig fitting set is enormous and even has oblique.

It doesn't have oblique in all parameters, just -0.75 and -1.25. I do get a lot of PV Toric drop outs because of the higher modulus. I wear them now and love them, but the first three days I wanted to rip them out of my eyes they were so irritating. Most patients aren't going to be as tolerant of the time/comfort issue as we are and come back after two days saying they can't wear the lenses and want their other torics back.

 

[EyeDocPlus]

Another infuriating thing is how OD's continue to shoot themselves in the foot by selling 2-week CL's as monthly lenses. I am tired of explaining to people that their AV lenses or their Soflens 38's or their O2-optix are 2-week disposables. They frequently tell me that their other doctor told them they were monthly. Come on people! I have little posters in each exam room and in the waiting area that list the actual disposal period for each lens. I actually get a lot of patients that own up to wearing them improperly. If you tell them the proper wearing time AND sell them a year supply, compliance goes way up. If you tell them their AV Adv. lenses are 2 week lenses and sell them 2 boxes, they'll call you in 6 months for more. [/soapbox]

 

[Ben Chudner]

What is your topic of lecture at VEE?

I am doing 3 hours on contact lenses. One hour will focus on spherical abberation correction, and the other 2 will be about how to choose your "go to" lens.

 

[Ben Chudner]

It took me 6 months to get some BL fitting sets. Then they sent out a letter saying they would limit trials.

Oasys and Biofinity are MUCH better than PV sphere.
PV toric is OK because there isn't another SiHy 1 month toric, YET. Still have a lot of comfort drop outs. Plus my AvAdvAstig fitting set is enormous and even has oblique.
I find the ProClear and CVUE MF to be better than PV MF.

I have never had a problem getting trials, but I have heard others complain about it.

The Oasys lens is a great lens initially, but after 2 weeks it has serious comfort issues. If you know your patients will throw away when they should, then it works well. Unfortunately, only 30% of 2-week wearers are compliant. I don't have any experience with the Biofinity, but I have heard good things.

PV toric is a fantastic lens. I have been involved with 2 studies comparing it to other torics, and the results have been great. Comfort has not been an issue since the new modulus for me.

The PV MF has been the most successful MF lens in my office, next to the SL MF. By the way, the CVue MF is the same as the SL MF, which is very similar to the PV MF. You have to make a little adjustment with the Hi add on the PV. The Proclear MF is also a great lens.

 

[IndianaOD]

I have never had a problem getting trials, but I have heard others complain about it.

The Oasys lens is a great lens initially, but after 2 weeks it has serious comfort issues. If you know your patients will throw away when they should, then it works well. Unfortunately, only 30% of 2-week wearers are compliant. I don't have any experience with the Biofinity, but I have heard good things.

PV toric is a fantastic lens. I have been involved with 2 studies comparing it to other torics, and the results have been great. Comfort has not been an issue since the new modulus for me.

The PV MF has been the most successful MF lens in my office, next to the SL MF. By the way, the CVue MF is the same as the SL MF, which is very similar to the PV MF. You have to make a little adjustment with the Hi add on the PV. The Proclear MF is also a great lens.

Do a monocular trail of Oasys vs PV, see how many pick Oasys. Yes, I wish Oasys was 1 month but since comfort is king it does very well. Plus I don't know why others don't include UV blocking. The stuff is bad for everything.

Sorry, but it bit the cake when the BL rep wouldn't give me a fitting set because we didn't fit enough of their lenses. HELLO? I'm not going to make my patient wait a week and pay shipping on all the trials when I can go grab something else.

 

[eyepoker]

The Proclear MF is also a great lens.

Do Proclear lens give allergy trouble in areas with lots of flower pollens or pollutants like in D.C.??

 

[Ben Chudner]

Do a monocular trail of Oasys vs PV, see how many pick Oasys. Yes, I wish Oasys was 1 month but since comfort is king it does very well. Plus I don't know why others don't include UV blocking. The stuff is bad for everything.

Please tell me you do not do this. Doing the "Pepsi Challenge" with lenses is a horrible way to build your contact lens practice. Furthermore, I agree that Oasys is more comfortable initially, but if you did that same monocular challenge and let the patient go one month, which the majority of your patients will, see how many still choose the Oasys lens. On top of that, you cannot be profitable selling 2-week lenses. My advice to any doctor fitting 2-week lenses is to let the patients buy them elsewhere and save the cost of having a tech order them.

Sorry, but it bit the cake when the BL rep wouldn't give me a fitting set because we didn't fit enough of their lenses. HELLO? I'm not going to make my patient wait a week and pay shipping on all the trials when I can go grab something else.

I agree completely. If a company doesn't support you, then you shouldn't support them. If you ever want help with getting support from B&L, PM me and I might be able to help.

 

[IndianaOD]

Please tell me you do not do this. Doing the "Pepsi Challenge" with lenses is a horrible way to build your contact lens practice. Furthermore, I agree that Oasys is more comfortable initially, but if you did that same monocular challenge and let the patient go one month, which the majority of your patients will, see how many still choose the Oasys lens. On top of that, you cannot be profitable selling 2-week lenses. My advice to any doctor fitting 2-week lenses is to let the patients buy them elsewhere and save the cost of having a tech order them.I agree completely. If a company doesn't support you, then you shouldn't support them. If you ever want help with getting support from B&L, PM me and I might be able to help.

I never did the pepsi challenge so to speak 😀, but I've had a lot of drop outs love the Oasys.

I have fitting sets now, (after the rep said he took it away from another office 😱)