Recently CBC has been covering the eye ware industry. Looking specifically at the issue of cost difference between retail chains such as Lenscrafters vs online eyeglass from Clearly Contacts. Here is the 20min episode
http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2012/framed/#idc-cover
Main points from the episode if you don't want to watch the episode:
1. Huge price difference between retail glasses vs online glasses
2. PD (distance between eyes) is removed from the prescription by lenscrafters so that patient cannot go online for eye glasses
3. Optometrist from University of Waterloo concludes that quality of cheap glasses from clearly contacts and expensive glasses from lenscrafters is the same
4. Opticians should be allowed to do basic eye exam since it is cheaper alternative than seeing an optometrist. Since they can give cheaper and even free exams with glasses purchases.
5. It documents the case of ex-optician Bruce Bergez, convicted felon, who was sentenced to jail and sued for millions of dollars for illegally doing eye exams in Ontario. He was made a hero in this video and plans on moving to British Columbia to start doing eye exams.
here is the link to the article
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2012/02/should-opticians-be-allowed-to-prescribe-glasses.html
Overall, the coverage promotes online purchase of eyeglasses and opticians given the right to do eye exams.
If the quality between online and store glasses is virtually same why buy glasses from optometrist or retail stores?
Should PD be hidden from patient to prevent them going online? Don't they have the right to shop where ever they want?
If someone prefers to see an optician for cheaper or free eye exam should regulations prevent them to do so?
What are your thoughts?
http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2012/framed/#idc-cover
Main points from the episode if you don't want to watch the episode:
1. Huge price difference between retail glasses vs online glasses
2. PD (distance between eyes) is removed from the prescription by lenscrafters so that patient cannot go online for eye glasses
3. Optometrist from University of Waterloo concludes that quality of cheap glasses from clearly contacts and expensive glasses from lenscrafters is the same
4. Opticians should be allowed to do basic eye exam since it is cheaper alternative than seeing an optometrist. Since they can give cheaper and even free exams with glasses purchases.
5. It documents the case of ex-optician Bruce Bergez, convicted felon, who was sentenced to jail and sued for millions of dollars for illegally doing eye exams in Ontario. He was made a hero in this video and plans on moving to British Columbia to start doing eye exams.
here is the link to the article
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2012/02/should-opticians-be-allowed-to-prescribe-glasses.html
Overall, the coverage promotes online purchase of eyeglasses and opticians given the right to do eye exams.
If the quality between online and store glasses is virtually same why buy glasses from optometrist or retail stores?
Should PD be hidden from patient to prevent them going online? Don't they have the right to shop where ever they want?
If someone prefers to see an optician for cheaper or free eye exam should regulations prevent them to do so?
What are your thoughts?
