Even as the number of people with medical coverage rises, most policies still exclude the cost of visual care. For years this branch of medical care was dominated by ophthalmologists or optometrists, who also provided a limited selection of frames and lenses. Today, Internet shopping has completely altered that dynamic. Buying online prescription glasses has become an increasingly accepted and popular practice.
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 a prescription has been written, federal laws enacted within the past forty years guarantee that patients have the right to choose their own lens provider, including those having a primary Internet presence. Regulations today have been updated to include contact lenses, especially daily wear varieties. While some customers still prefer to buy frames at the optician, others have taken advantage of online shopping opportunities.
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.
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.
The biggest caveat for consumers regards inferior materials and unsafe glass, especially in optical wear that is priced far below market values. There are few regulatory controls over manufacturers and sellers of glasses, which may not always meet all optical safety standards. Extras like lens coatings may be of substandard quality, and some features may be omitted altogether, with little consumer recourse.
Although the overall cost of buying on line are definitely lower, it may not be the best alternative for people living with complex visual issues. For those with easily corrected problems, purchases should be carefully considered, and final choices made based on personal measurements as well as stylish trends. Unlike an accessory hanging in the closet, corrective lenses affect every aspect of daily life.
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 a prescription has been written, federal laws enacted within the past forty years guarantee that patients have the right to choose their own lens provider, including those having a primary Internet presence. Regulations today have been updated to include contact lenses, especially daily wear varieties. While some customers still prefer to buy frames at the optician, others have taken advantage of online shopping opportunities.
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.
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.
The biggest caveat for consumers regards inferior materials and unsafe glass, especially in optical wear that is priced far below market values. There are few regulatory controls over manufacturers and sellers of glasses, which may not always meet all optical safety standards. Extras like lens coatings may be of substandard quality, and some features may be omitted altogether, with little consumer recourse.
Although the overall cost of buying on line are definitely lower, it may not be the best alternative for people living with complex visual issues. For those with easily corrected problems, purchases should be carefully considered, and final choices made based on personal measurements as well as stylish trends. Unlike an accessory hanging in the closet, corrective lenses affect every aspect of daily life.
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.
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