Regular eye care is as important to overall good health as a yearly physical. In the past, people visited eye doctors only when their vision started to affect their ability to read, or when school nurses suggested Mom and Dad take Junior in to get glasses. Today, eye care specialists are responsible for far more than just prescribing reading glasses. A typical eye doctor in Austin, TX for example, might offer services like glaucoma checks, full retinal scans, and routine checks for problems such as macular degeneration and torn retinas.
If a person is having vision problems, but is opposed to wearing glasses, they can ask their eye care specialist about contact lenses. Contact lens examsare a little more involved than a basic eye exam, and may take a little longer to conduct because the doctor does the actual fitting for the lenses.
Another service that is really gaining popularity is LASIK surgery. In this relatively new procedure, the eye surgeon shaves and reshapes the eye itself using a laser as a scalpel. The procedure is conducted in the office, recovery is exceptionally fast, and patients usually see a dramatic change in their vision within 24 hours.
Many eye care specialists now staff small frame boutiques right in their offices. This trend toward “full service” eye care allows clients the opportunity to take care of all their eye care needs with one stop. Attendants help the clients select frames that meet their specific needs, budget, and tastes. Most offices carry a full range of frames from the most basic to top designer frames. They usually have a full array of children’s frames and sunglasses as well.
Many clients like getting everything done in one place, and they have established a level of trust with their eye care specialist that makes them confident the fit and the lenses will be exactly right before the client takes them home. There are also, however, many clients that like the larger variety of options offered by big box vision stores. These facilities are geared to working people—offering later hours and weekend appointments. Because they sell in higher volumes, these stores are usually able to sell their frames for less and offer promotions such as 2 pairs of glasses for the price of one, or coupons with extravagant percentages off the price of the glasses. The wearer’s personal needs, recommendations from friends and relatives, and/or past experience can help a client decide where to shop for new glasses. A little homework on the internet can also show the options available and price points to help the client determine the best place to shop for frames and lenses.
About the Author: Larry Milton has written extensively about the optometry profession and enjoys informing individuals about latest developments in this field
