By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:03:38 +0000

What do I think about retail vs. private practice?I ponder this question more regarding the eyewear than the exam. The exam pricing in the WSJ article seemed to be a fairly tight range, relative to the differences one could expect between private practice and retail when purchasing the frames and lenses.A private practice price of $300+ for basic rimless frames almost indistinguishable (I’m not even talking designers like Polo here) from those that can be purchased online or at Walmart or Costco for $125 seems excessive. Added charges for drilling the lenses, which is not extra at Walmart or Costco, adds to my impression that the exam is akin to a loss leader intended capture the customer for an eyewear sales pitch. For someone needing simple single vision lenses, I don’t see the benefit to a private practitioner with a limited selection of frames that seem overpriced, versus online or discount retailers’ typically larger selections and MUCH lower prices (LensCrafters and such nondiscount retailers excepted, as prices are just as high).I have experienced (more than once) the purposeful inattention and even hostility that comes from a private practitioner in trying to fill a lens prescription in a frame I purchased elsewhere. I’ve read somewhere that optometrists are the only medical practitioners that profit from the treatments they’re prescribing. While there are probably exceptions to that blanket statement, it certainly gives one pause in light of my experiences above, regarding the potential conflict of interest (particularly on price competition). And if I recall correctly, the retail examiners are typically independent of the eyewear (optician?) portion of the retail location. My medical doctor is more than happy to educate me in the ways of the marketplace so that I can find a more cost-effective source for drugs she has prescribed, or even to refer me directly to multiple sources she is aware of for me to compare. There’s nothing in it for her except service to the patient.I don’t want to make this post sound like a rant, but it seems ironic to me that the professional exam, with it’s exquisite importance, and backed by the years of training, seems to be discounted, in favor of high profit margins in the fashion aspect of eyewear. Speaking of irony, it’s the private practitioner where I have experienced the well-dressed, silver-tongued salespeople disparaged in the July 27 comments by Matt H., while the discount retailers tend toward the casually dressed, low-pressure staffers.OK. Soapbox dismounted.What am I missing? Can you point us to a WSJ-like review for the eyewear end of the transaction?

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:58:24 +0000

I believe that in modern day United States (U.S.) Society, most consumers who are not aware of the care that can be obtained at a private practice doctor, have a naive belief that the retail chains have more to offer. Larger IS Better is the message that's being portrayed thoughout most of today's world markets in the U.S.; the bigger the home, the more successful the owner, the better the car they drive, the bigger pay check they take home. It is teetering on more than a phrase, but possibly becoming a reality, in the U.S..Here's an analogy that may be applicable:The Roseville Automall hosts serveral different types of cars of all makers, new and used. Armed with nice slacks, a tie, and a silver-tounge, sales associates are is willing to persude you into anything (you think) you need in automotive necessities with a firm hand shake and a smile.Hayes Autos, a used car dealership located in Roseville, offers used cars at fair prices. Casually dressed salesmen can be found here and there; who allow you to browse the lot as you wish. Their cars are clean and presentable, but not really anything special when compared to the brand new Chrysler 300C Hemi STR-8 you had previously seen at the Roseville Automall. It is understood that cars are a separate business all together, and VSP providers do not sell used glasses: but it is the same view that unknown and some uneducated consumers have on the private practices. Because our doctors don't have a 4-5 acre lot to conjure up the metro-ultimate sales floor, complete with golden pillar displays and snazzy dressed sales associates--because the private practice is smaller, they are viewed upon as the "used car salesmen" of the eyewear industry.

Comments on: Shopping around for the best eyecare?

By: Steve

By: Matt H.