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 is a result of lower costs and better selection, but does not eliminate the need for professional screening. People who have struggled against visual impairment realize that exams should be performed regularly to ensure continuing good eyesight. Optometrists and other professionals are trained to recognize potentially serious conditions, and prescribe contact lenses or glasses to correct common problems.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
For the nearly two million customers who purchased glasses online during the past year, there have been immediate and obvious benefits. Brick-and-mortar businesses have limited space for displaying available choices, but an Internet seller can feature something for nearly every taste, at a price that is hard to match. The number of glasses retailers has jumped significantly, and shopping is fast and secure.
Although the new marketplace brings eyeglass and contact lens sales into the 21st century, there are some guidelines for consumers regarding potential problems with the quality and safety of materials. While writing a prescription usually requires authorization, grinding and fitting lenses does not. There are specific facial measurements for frames that must be followed to ensure comfortable wear, and consumers who disregard them may be disappointed.
To assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.
When considering optical hardware that is priced far lower than the competition, consumers should be wary of manufacturers using breakable glass or inferior plastics. Because there are few regulations governing production in some other countries, local standards may not be met. Lens coatings to cut the glare from computer screens may scratch or become cloudy, or featured selling points may be omitted.
Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.
This trend is a result of lower costs and better selection, but does not eliminate the need for professional screening. People who have struggled against visual impairment realize that exams should be performed regularly to ensure continuing good eyesight. Optometrists and other professionals are trained to recognize potentially serious conditions, and prescribe contact lenses or glasses to correct common problems.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
For the nearly two million customers who purchased glasses online during the past year, there have been immediate and obvious benefits. Brick-and-mortar businesses have limited space for displaying available choices, but an Internet seller can feature something for nearly every taste, at a price that is hard to match. The number of glasses retailers has jumped significantly, and shopping is fast and secure.
Although the new marketplace brings eyeglass and contact lens sales into the 21st century, there are some guidelines for consumers regarding potential problems with the quality and safety of materials. While writing a prescription usually requires authorization, grinding and fitting lenses does not. There are specific facial measurements for frames that must be followed to ensure comfortable wear, and consumers who disregard them may be disappointed.
To assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.
When considering optical hardware that is priced far lower than the competition, consumers should be wary of manufacturers using breakable glass or inferior plastics. Because there are few regulations governing production in some other countries, local standards may not be met. Lens coatings to cut the glare from computer screens may scratch or become cloudy, or featured selling points may be omitted.
Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.
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